Photographic design uses the same rules of composition as art and graphics. These include the rule of thirds, the ideas of balance, proportion, sequence, and others. Photography has historically served as both an aesthetic and social medium. Invented in the 1830s by Louis Daguerre, photographic processes originally involved brittle glass plates and complicated chemicals, which meant it was usually limited to experts working in studios. But in the 1880s, the development of light, flexible celluloid film made photography accessible. In America, everyone could use a Kodak “Brownie” camera. In Europe, film companies like the Lumiere Brothers, Agfa and Ilford provided the same services.
What photographers learned then still applies today – that the best photos tell a story with strong elements and simple backgrounds.
Learning Outcomes:
After completing this unit, you will be able to:
- List design principles and apply them to photography.
- Summarize historical changes in photographic technique
- Learn how to create visually strong photographs.
- Use Photoshop and other photo applications to edit and optimize your own photos
Design Principles in Photography
- Rule of Thirds, Balance, Proportion, Sequence, and Others
- The Process of Taking Good Photos
- Technical Issues in Digital Photography
Technical issues in digital photography
- RGB “Additive” Systems in Film and Projected Media
- Shutter Speed, Aperture, and Depth of Field
- Lighting
Formats for Digital Photography
- Color Depth and Bit Depth
- Formats: gif, .jpg, .png, and Others
History of Photography
- Daguerre and the Invention of Photography
- Glass Plate Negatives: Crimean War and U.S. Civil War
- Celluloid Negatives: Kodak Brownie Camera
- Photography as Art: Stieglitz and Steichen
- Photography as Social Reform: Riis and Hine
- Photography as News: Bourke-White and Capa
- Photography and Fashion
- Photography and Environmental Conservation: National Geographic
Photo Editing Software
- Photoshop, Gimp, Paint.net, etc.
The visual language of photography