Michael Freeman's Photo School: Fundamentals

Book excerpt: Designed by expert professional Michael Freeman, this complete course will let you take exceptional photos and develop a deeper understanding of what makes a great photo work. Inspired by the structure of a college course and the benefits of collective learning, in-depth lessons are punctuated by shooting challenges, encouraging you to get out and practice your new skills. Start by taking creative control of your images, learning the science behind exposure, getting comfortable with the full range of camera controls, and leaving Auto mode behind. Next, learn to read the light itself and capture consistently high-quality images even in the most difficult lighting conditions. Then take a step back and develop your photographic eye to recognize potential design and compositional choices, making the most of stunning scenes as they occur. Once you get back to your computer, wrap it up with a complete overview of the most important digital-editing techniques, cutting through the clutter and honing in on the tools and workflows that are relevant to your own photographic style. By the end of this course you will understand the principles of photography, you'll know what makes a successful photograph, and you'll have the skills to take excellent photos yourself.