Lesson 1Creative/experimental shot: planning reflections, shadows, unusual angles, and stepwise setup for reproducible effectsPlan creative shots on purpose. Set reflections, shadows, motion, odd views, build steps to repeat, refine, recreate wins.
Scouting reflective and translucent surfacesPlanning with hard light and strong shadowsIntentional motion blur and light paintingExtreme perspectives and camera placementStepwise testing of experimental setupsDocumenting settings for repeatable effectsLesson 2Outdoor daytime scene: planning exposure, using polarizers or HDR, composition with leading lines and foreground interestPlan bright outdoor shots with good exposure, rich colour, depth. Use polariser or HDR, control range, compose with lines, layers, foreground.
Reading midday and golden hour lightBalancing shutter speed, aperture, and ISOWhen to use a polarizing filterHDR brackets for high-contrast scenesBuilding depth with foreground elementsUsing leading lines to guide the viewerLesson 3Portrait and self-portrait planning: distance, focal length, aperture for subject separation, focus point, and posing guidancePlan portraits and selfies that flatter and fit goals. Set distance, focal length, aperture, focus, posing, light, background, expression.
Choosing focal length for flattering facesWorking distance and perspective controlAperture for subject separation and groupsSelecting and placing the focus pointSimple, repeatable posing frameworksBackground and light for portraitsLesson 4Quick troubleshooting guide for common problems when executing each planned shotFix issues fast in plans. Check blur, exposure, colour, clutter, adjust simple to save session without losing vision.
Fixing motion blur and camera shakeRescuing underexposed or blown highlightsReducing noise and improving detailCorrecting color casts and white balanceSimplifying messy or distracting framesAdapting the plan when conditions changeLesson 5Indoor object still life: selecting subject, background, aperture and focus choices, and step-by-step shooting planBuild indoor still life with simple objects, controlled light. Pick subjects, backgrounds, props, camera height, aperture, focus for clean setups.
Selecting a clear subject and supporting propsChoosing background color and textureNatural window light versus artificial lampsCamera height and angle for still lifeAperture and focus stacking decisionsStep-by-step still life shooting workflowLesson 6Templates for writing the subject/place, goal, camera settings plan, composition, and light for each photoUse templates to plan shots. Define subject, spot, intent, map light, composition, settings for clear, repeatable plans.
Describing subject, place, and contextWriting a clear visual goal statementPreselecting exposure and focus strategyPlanning light direction and qualitySketching framing and composition notesReviewing and revising the written planLesson 7How to adapt each plan for smartphone-only setups vs. cameras with manual controlsAdapt plans to your gear. Phone alternatives to manual, apps, accessories, translate exposure, composition between phone and camera.
Matching phone modes to camera exposure modesUsing phone exposure and focus controlsLens choices versus phone focal length optionsStability solutions for phones and camerasRAW capture and editing on mobile devicesWhen to favor phone or dedicated cameraLesson 8Detail and close-up shots: macro approach with available gear, focusing techniques, aperture selection for sharpnessMacro mindset with any gear. Control focus distance, depth, movement, light, backgrounds for sharp small subjects.
Working distance and minimum focus limitsSingle-point autofocus and manual tweaksAperture choices for depth and sharpnessManaging motion blur at high magnificationBackground simplification and separationUsing reflectors and diffusers for macrosLesson 9Low-light evening scene: tripod/steady techniques, shutter speed choices, ISO management, and smartphone night modesMaster evenings by steadying, safe shutters, ISO noise. Compare long exposures, handheld, phone night modes for detail in low light.
Choosing tripod or improvised supportsSafe handheld shutter speed guidelinesISO trade-offs and acceptable noiseLong exposure techniques for light trailsUsing smartphone night and astro modesColor balance and mixed light at nightLesson 10Shot lists and pre-shoot checklist items to ensure consistent planning (materials, timing, camera settings)Make shot lists, checklists for smooth sessions. Plan spots, times, backups, check batteries, cards, lenses, settings to focus on creativity.
Defining the session goal and constraintsBuilding a prioritized shot listTiming and light planning for each shotGear checklist and backup optionsCamera settings and format checksOn-location review and adjustments
