Photography is more popular today than ever before. Almost everyone has access to a smart phone camera that is easy to use. Yet, on social media the sheer number of photographs being consumed is ordinary and largely uninspiring. Exceptional photographs become even more important today because they stand out amongst all the ordinary images that are viewed on a daily basis. People are still drawn to good, exceptional photographs because they stand out amongst all the visual noise.

This six-week course will teach you how to achieve exceptional photographs. It goes beyond the pure technical knowledge of how to make an adequate photograph and concentrates on putting emotion and impact in your images. Techniques such as the study of successful images, developing projects, persistence, and techniques of editing amongst others will be discussed to elevate the photographer’s abilities. It is aimed at photographers who want to seriously work towards creating exceptional photographs and goes beyond basic skills.

As your instructor, I bring 40 years’ experience in photography, having worked for a variety of commercial and editorial clients. Photography is a craft consisting of a variety of different genres to be explored and potentially facilitate a lifetime of learning. In this light I have recently been engaged in the genre of documentary street photography. Street Photography will be discussed in this course in relation to its importance in the history of photography. However, Creating Meaningful Photographs is relevant for photographers engaged in all genres of photography.

Randall Romano

www.randallromano.com

Course Outline (subject to change)

Class 1 (Technical Foundations)

Introductions

House Rules

Outline: Pyramid of Photo Knowledge.

Technical Review

• Exposure Triangle

• Depth of Field

• Camera types and equipment

Why Photography is Still Important

Roadblocks to Creating Meaningful Photographs

Class 2 (Making Meaningful Photographs)

Importance of Positioning and Timing Self-Direction

Persistence and Practice

Importance of Seeing Light

How to Create a Photographic Series

Beyond Perfection, Emotions and Gestures

Constructive Criticism

Critiquing a Photograph

Class 3 (Studying Photographs)

A Brief history of Photography

Work of the Master Photographers

Importance of Editing and Editing Techniques

Critiques of Photographs

Class 4 (Creativity and Composition)

Visual Design Concepts

Simplifications and Constraints

Layers and Ambiguity

Genres: Documentary Street Photography Essential Techniques

Class 5 (Creativity and Genres)

In the Field with our Cameras

Genres and Lifelong Photography

Abstract Photography Techniques

Genres: Landscape/ Architectural /Sports and Wildlife

Current issues with modern day photography

Class 6 (Sharing and Portfolio Reviews)

Student Photo Review

• Each participant shares three images with the class

Ways to Share Your Photography

• Printing

• Exhibitions

• Photo Contests/Judging

• Online Magazines

Final Rant and parting advice