Online Class: Photography 101 — Beginner to Intermediate

Learn all the photography techniques used by professionals in this easy-to-follow, self-paced course.

$95.00
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$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 16
    Lessons
  • 21
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 5,942
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 17
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.7
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Ready to capture the world through your lens and tell your story through breathtaking images? Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your photography skills, "Photography 101: Beginner to Intermediate" is the perfect self-paced, online course to help you on your journey. In this comprehensive, engaging course, you'll explore the essential techniques and strategies used by professional photographers—all presented in an easy-to-understand format designed to help you achieve remarkable results right away.

This course is all about helping you master the camera you already own, whether it’s a smartphone, a compact digital camera, or a high-end DSLR. You don’t need to have the fanciest gear to take stunning photos, and with the knowledge you’ll gain here, you’ll soon be able to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary images. This course goes beyond just teaching you how to point and click—it's designed to give you the skills and confidence you need to make every shot count.

Why Photography 101?

Photography is more than just capturing a moment. It’s about telling a story, evoking emotion, and creating a visual masterpiece that can last a lifetime. But to achieve that level of artistry, it’s essential to understand the fundamental principles behind photography. In "Photography 101: Beginner to Intermediate," you’ll get a solid foundation in the basics and beyond, with expert guidance every step of the way.

One of the best features of this course is that it's completely self-paced. You can fit it into your busy life, progressing through the material at your own speed. There’s no pressure, no deadlines—just you, your camera, and a wealth of knowledge that’s waiting to be unlocked. Whether you have 10 minutes a day or a couple of hours to dedicate, this course adapts to your schedule.

What Will You Learn?

By the end of this course, you’ll have the technical know-how and creative confidence to take pictures that truly stand out. You’ll start with the fundamentals of camera operation and progress to more advanced techniques like managing exposure, understanding lighting, and composing your shots for maximum impact.

  • Master Your Camera: You’ll learn everything about the type of camera you own, from smartphone cameras to advanced DSLRs, and how to get the most out of them. The course covers camera settings, modes, and functions, allowing you to feel fully in control no matter the model you use.

  • Camera Buying Guide: Thinking about upgrading your camera or getting your first "serious" camera? The course provides a detailed guide on what to look for when purchasing a new camera, taking the guesswork out of finding the right model for your needs.

  • Aperture and Shutter Speed: Dive into the art and science of aperture and shutter speed. These two essential elements control the amount of light entering your camera and how your camera captures motion. With this knowledge, you'll be able to shoot in a variety of conditions and make creative decisions that enhance your photos.

  • The Power of Exposure: Discover the critical relationship between ISO, aperture, and shutter speed—commonly known as the "exposure triangle." Learn how to manipulate these settings to achieve properly exposed photos in any lighting condition. Whether you're shooting in bright sunlight or low light, you'll know how to make your camera work for you.

  • Depth of Field: Learn how to use depth of field to your advantage, blurring backgrounds or keeping everything in focus to highlight exactly what you want. This lesson is perfect for those wanting to master portraits, macro photography, or scenic landscapes.

  • Lighting Techniques: Lighting is the heart and soul of photography. This course will demystify how light affects your images and how you can manipulate both natural and artificial light to achieve the desired mood and tone. You’ll explore different times of day, weather conditions, and how to use tools like reflectors and diffusers to control your lighting environment.

  • Flash Photography: Not all lighting situations are ideal, and sometimes, you need a little help. Learn how to use your camera's flash effectively, whether it’s built-in or external. Understand when to use flash to avoid harsh shadows, or create dramatic effects in your images.

  • Choosing the Right Lens: Your lens choice can make a world of difference in your photography. In this course, you'll learn how different lenses affect the look and feel of your photos, from wide-angle to telephoto lenses. Even if you’re shooting on a smartphone, you’ll learn about the benefits of add-on lenses.

  • Steady Shooting: A steady hand is crucial for getting sharp images. We’ll cover techniques for keeping your camera steady—whether you’re using your body, a tripod, or other equipment—so you can avoid blurry shots and capture clear, crisp photos every time.

  • Creative Composition: Great photos don’t just happen—they’re designed. This course will teach you how to arrange the elements in your photos for maximum impact. You’ll explore the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, and other compositional techniques that will help you transform ordinary shots into visually stunning images.

  • Digital vs. Film: While digital photography dominates today, this course also touches on the advantages and nuances of film photography for those who are interested. You'll learn the differences between these two mediums and how to choose the right one for your creative goals.

Real-World Learning

One of the most exciting aspects of this course is that it's filled with real-life examples from amateur photographers just like you. These case studies offer insights into the journey of learning photography, providing tips and tricks that are practical and easy to implement. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how these photographers overcame challenges, made creative breakthroughs, and continue to improve their skills.

This course doesn’t just stop at teaching you how to operate your camera; it’s designed to inspire you. You’ll have access to stunning visual comparisons that illustrate how small adjustments in settings can make a world of difference in your photos. As you progress, you’ll find yourself more confident and creative, with the ability to experiment with new techniques and settings.

A Fun and Engaging Learning Experience

Forget about being overwhelmed by confusing technical terms. This course is all about making photography approachable, fun, and rewarding. You’ll learn at your own pace, with engaging lessons that explain photography concepts in a way that anyone can understand. The hands-on approach means you’ll be practicing what you learn right away, reinforcing your skills as you go.

Whether you want to capture stunning landscapes, document family moments, or start building a photography portfolio, this course provides you with the skills and knowledge to make it happen.

Perfect for Everyone

Photography 101 is designed for photographers of all levels. If you’re a beginner, this course will give you the foundation you need to feel comfortable with your camera. If you’re more experienced, you’ll pick up advanced techniques that will take your skills to the next level. The course is also perfect for anyone looking to turn their passion for photography into a professional endeavor or a rewarding hobby.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.31 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(2,520 votes)

Lesson 1 - Camera Basics

26 Points
In this first lesson, we will go over how all cameras work, and the parts of the camera that you need to know about.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment: Introductory Questions
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Quiz

Lesson 2 - Operating a Camera

20 Points
This lesson will show that more than just pointing and clicking is required to take great pictures.
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Quiz

Lesson 3 - Types of Film

40 Points
This lesson will not only examine the different film types, and the type you should use, but it also will explain the differences between digital cameras and film cameras -- and reveal which one is actually better!
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment: Testing Types of Film
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Quiz

Lesson 4 - Aperture and Shutter Speeds

6 Points
In this lesson, we will take a more in-depth look at aperture and shutter speed, and their relationship to film exposure.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Quiz

Lesson 5 - TTL Light Meter

26 Points
In this lesson, we will take exposure one step further by looking more intently at metering.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment: Practice Using a Light Meter and/or Gray Card
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Quiz

Lesson 6 - Depth of Field

27 Points
In this lesson, we will explore depth of field. Every exposure setting has its own unique side effect, which can be used by the photographer to achieve specific creative goals.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment: Depth of Field Pictures
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Quiz

Lesson 7 - Choosing Lenses

0 Points
Types of lenses and their impact on pictures, whether film or digital, are explained.
  • Lesson 7 Video

Lesson 8 - Lenses Continued

9 Points
In this lesson, we will examine further the different types of lenses common to most professional cameras, and the lengths and angles that affect your image the most.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Quiz

Lesson 9 - Lighting

20 Points
The importance of lighting for great picture-taking is discussed.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Quiz

Lesson 10 - Lighting Continued

28 Points
In this lesson, we will learn more about the different uses of daylight for your photography, the use of timing with daylight, and the various elements of natural light photography.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment: Practice These Lighting Conditions
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Quiz

Lesson 11 - Flash Photography

9 Points
In this lesson, we will learn the types of flashes, various flash facts, and details concerning the effective use of your camera's flash.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Quiz

Lesson 12 - Filters

8 Points
In this lesson, we will cover the various filters used in photography, including lens filters, color filters, skylight and UV filters, polarizing filters, and special effects filters.
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Quiz

Lesson 13 - Steady Shooting

7 Points
In this lesson, we will cover key features to steady shooting, namely how to hold the camera; shutter speeds and lenses; and how to use a tripod and cable releases.
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Quiz

Lesson 14 - Digital vs. Film

9 Points
This lesson will focus on digital and film images, and the differences between them.
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Quiz

Lesson 15 - Enhancing Photographs

15 Points
This lesson will reveal when, and how, to enhance your picture in some easy ways.
  • Lesson 15 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Quiz

Lesson 16 - Organizing the Picture

32 Points
How to arrange your picture so that the image in your mind will turn out to be the photograph that comes out of your camera.
  • Lesson 16 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Final Course Poll - Your Opinion; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments; Course Comments
  • Complete: Final Assignment: Show Us a Good Picture Now!
  • Assessment: Lesson 16 Quiz
282
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Understand basic camera operations.
  • Summarize operating a camera.
  • Summarize types of film.
  • Demonstrate aperture and shutter speeds.
  • Identify TTL light meter.
  • Demonstrate depth of field.
  • Determine how to choose appropriate lenses.
  • Demonstrate lighting techniques.
  • Demonstrate flash photography.
  • Determine filter use with your camera.
  • Summarize steady shooting techniques.
  • Describe film and its use in the today's world.
  • Determine enhancing photograph techniques.
  • Demonstrate organizing picture techniques.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Photography 101: Beginner to Intermediate
Course Number: 7550459
Lessons Rating: 4.31 / 5 Stars (2,520 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is offered online and is accessible in every state across the U.S., including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Learners in English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa can also enroll.
Last Updated: April 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.7 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "My instructor was very helpful and made me now feel that I can operate my camera and shot a better photo." -- Ruth W.
  • "The instructor gave helpful feedback." -- Josie B.
  • "The assignments were the most helpful, as I had to go out and practice what I learn in the lesson. " -- Charles W.
  • "Instructor was very good and helpful. I found every lesson very interesting, and very helpful. I feel I could go over it again and learn more which I intend to do. Enjoyed it very much." -- Dorothy M.
  • "Enjoyed this course. The last few chapters were the best." -- Nancy V.