Lesson 1Creative/experimental shot: planning reflections, shadows, unusual angles, and stepwise setup for reproducible effectsDesign creative images on purpose instead of by accident. You will plan reflections, shadows, motion, and unusual viewpoints, then build repeatable setups so you can refine each idea, troubleshoot, and recreate successful effects later.
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 photos with confident exposure, rich color, and strong depth. You will compare polarizer and HDR use, control dynamic range, and design compositions that guide the eye using lines, layers, and foreground interest.
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 guidancePrepare portraits and self-portraits that flatter the subject and fit your goal. You will plan distance, focal length, aperture, focus point, and posing, while coordinating light, background, and expression for consistent, natural results.
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 shotQuickly diagnose and fix issues that appear while executing your plans. You will learn fast checks for blur, exposure, color, and clutter, plus simple adjustments that rescue a session without losing your original creative intent.
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 still life scenes indoors using simple objects and controlled light. You will choose subjects, backgrounds, and props, then refine camera height, aperture, and focus to create clean, intentional arrangements with consistent results.
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 structured templates to plan each photo before you shoot. You will define subject, location, and intent, then map out light, composition, and settings so your ideas become clear, repeatable shot plans instead of vague intentions.
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 every shooting plan to the gear you have. You will learn smartphone-friendly alternatives to manual controls, use apps and accessories wisely, and translate exposure and composition decisions between phones and dedicated cameras.
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 sharpnessDevelop a practical macro mindset using any camera or phone. You will learn how to control focus distance, depth of field, and camera movement, while shaping light and backgrounds to make small subjects sharp, clean, and visually strong.
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 evening and night scenes by stabilizing the camera, choosing safe shutter speeds, and managing ISO noise. You will compare long exposures, handheld options, and smartphone night modes to keep detail and color 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)Create reliable shot lists and checklists so sessions run smoothly. You will plan locations, timing, and backup ideas, then confirm batteries, cards, lenses, and settings to reduce mistakes and keep your attention 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
