Lesson 1Creative/experimental shot: planning reflections, shadows, unusual angles, and stepwise setup for reproducible effectsDesign creative images on purpose, not chance. Plan reflections, shadows, motion, odd views, build repeatable setups to refine, fix, recreate effects later in fun experiments.
Scouting reflective surfacesPlanning hard light shadowsIntentional motion blur paintingExtreme perspectives placementStepwise testing setupsDocumenting for repeatable effectsLesson 2Outdoor daytime scene: planning exposure, using polarizers or HDR, composition with leading lines and foreground interestPlan bright outdoor photos with good exposure, rich color, depth. Compare polarizer HDR, control range, design compositions guiding eye with lines, layers, front interest in sunny days.
Reading midday golden lightBalancing shutter aperture ISOWhen to use polarizerHDR for contrast scenesBuilding depth with frontLeading lines to guide viewerLesson 3Portrait and self-portrait planning: distance, focal length, aperture for subject separation, focus point, and posing guidancePrepare portraits, self-portraits that flatter, fit goal. Plan distance, focal, aperture, focus, posing, coordinate light, back, expression for natural results in personal shots.
Focal length for flattering facesWorking distance perspectiveAperture for separation groupsSelecting focus pointSimple posing frameworksBack light for portraitsLesson 4Quick troubleshooting guide for common problems when executing each planned shotQuickly fix issues in plans. Learn checks for blur, exposure, color, clutter, simple adjustments to save session without losing creative intent in the field.
Fixing motion blur shakeRescuing under blown highlightsReducing noise detailCorrecting color white balanceSimplifying messy framesAdapting when conditions changeLesson 5Indoor object still life: selecting subject, background, aperture and focus choices, and step-by-step shooting planBuild still life inside with simple objects, controlled light. Choose subjects, backs, props, refine height, aperture, focus for clean arrangements with steady results.
Selecting subject propsChoosing back color textureWindow vs lamp lightCamera height angle still lifeAperture focus stackingStep-by-step workflowLesson 6Templates for writing the subject/place, goal, camera settings plan, composition, and light for each photoUse templates to plan each photo before shooting. Define subject, place, intent, map light, composition, settings so ideas become clear, repeatable plans not vague thoughts.
Describing subject place contextWriting visual goal statementPreselecting exposure focusPlanning light direction qualitySketching framing notesReviewing revising planLesson 7How to adapt each plan for smartphone-only setups vs. cameras with manual controlsAdapt plans to your gear. Learn phone alternatives to manual, use apps accessories, translate exposure composition between phones and cameras for flexible shooting.
Matching phone to camera modesUsing phone exposure focusLens vs phone focal optionsStability for phones camerasRAW editing on mobileWhen to use phone or cameraLesson 8Detail and close-up shots: macro approach with available gear, focusing techniques, aperture selection for sharpnessDevelop macro mindset with any gear or phone. Control focus distance, depth, movement, shape light backs to make small subjects sharp, clean, strong visually.
Working distance focus limitsSingle-point auto manual tweaksAperture for depth sharpnessManaging blur at magnificationBack simplification separationReflectors diffusers for macrosLesson 9Low-light evening scene: tripod/steady techniques, shutter speed choices, ISO management, and smartphone night modesMaster evening night by steadying camera, safe shutters, ISO noise. Compare long exposures, handheld, phone night modes to keep detail color in dim light.
Choosing tripod supportsSafe handheld shutter guidelinesISO trade-offs noiseLong exposure light trailsSmartphone night astro modesColor balance mixed night lightLesson 10Shot lists and pre-shoot checklist items to ensure consistent planning (materials, timing, camera settings)Create shot lists checklists for smooth sessions. Plan places, timing, backups, confirm batteries, cards, lenses, settings to cut mistakes, focus on creativity.
Defining session goal constraintsBuilding prioritized shot listTiming light planningGear checklist backupsCamera settings checksOn-location review adjustments
