This is a preliminary schedule for the Fall 2009 version of the Digital Photography Decal.
- Week 1: Sensor model
Introduction of the image sensor (how cameras turn light -> image)
Exposure parameters (aperture, shutter speed, sensitivity)
Using the photodecal.org website
Assignment: Self-portrait.
- Week 2: Exposure parameter side-effects
Overview of exposure parameter side effects (aperture: depth of field, shutter speed: blur, sensitivity: noise)
Metering types
Exposure program types
Assignment: Experiment with aperture, shutter speed, or sensitivity in low-light situations, observing side-effects.
- Week 3: Blur
Blur types: camera shake, subject motion
Camera shake analysis
Camera stabilization techniques, technologies
Assignment: Testing of stabilization techniques and technology, measurement of shake rate
- Week 4: Noise
Definition of noise
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): light levels and Poisson probability
Megapixel Myth: pixels and SNR
Assignment: Test ISO at different sensitivities - at which point does noise become more problematic than blur?
- Week 5: Creative use of blur
Noise follow-up: noise reduction programs
Utilizing motion blur for effect: sense of activity/movement, panning
Long exposure applications: flowing water, star trails
Creative uses of camera shake
Painting with light
Assignment: Creative experimentation with motion blur, long exposures, camera shake, and light painting
- Week 6: Flash and lighting
Why direct flash is terrible
Different flash modes/programs
Advanced flash techniques (bouncing, diffusers) to produce better results
Discussion of sidelighting, frontlighting, backlighting
Flash stop-action demo
Assignment: Portrait session (in pairs?), compare direct flash to different techniques
- Week 7: Dynamic range
Dynamic range of physical scene
Dynamic range limitations of sensor
Balancing detail vs. contrast
Assignment: Shoot large dynamic range environments - observe how contrast enhances images, but how difficult it is to retain detail
- Week 8: Manipulating dynamic range (DR)
Methods to expand dynamic range: RAW capture, shadows/highlights, HDR blend
Methods to shrink dynamic range: levels, curves
Assignment: Shoot large DR scenes and restore DR, and shoot small DR scenes and shrink DR
- Week 9: White balance
White balance in the brain and in the camera
Utilizing correct white balance: Automatic WB, presets, greycards, software adjustment, RAW
Assignment: Shoot the same scene using different white balance
- Week 10: Lens basics, framing and perspective
Explanation of focusing
Basic properties: Focal length and aperture
Focal length and field of view
Subject distance and perspective
Assignment: Test different combinations of focal length and subject distance to achieve consistent framing while altering perspective.
- Week 11: Depth of field
Concept of focus and "depth of field"
Depth of field factors (aperture, focal length, subject distance)
Effect of sensor format on depth of field
Depth of field consistency in magnification (focal length + subject distance)
Assignment: Portrait project (2-week)
- Week 12: Lens characteristics
Lens "sharpness"
Diffraction
Chromatic aberration
Vignetting
Lens distortion
Perspective distortion
Bokeh quality
Autofocus systems
Assignment: Portrait project
