Photography: focus on colour and composition

About this course

This course examines how framing, cropping, shapes, lines, patterns, textures, juxtaposition and the rule of thirds can be used to construct photographs. It also considers colour, black and white, shadows, light direction and light quality, alongside semi-automatic and manual exposure controls. Teaching combines short presentations, demonstrations, practical exercises and group discussions. Learners reflect on their own images and progress, with downloadable handouts supporting the sessions.

What you'll learn

• Apply framing and cropping techniques to photographic compositions
• Use the rule of thirds to create balanced images
• Assess how light direction and quality affect a scene
• Compose photographs using shapes, lines, patterns, textures and juxtaposition
• Experiment with colour, black and white and shadows
• Control semi-automatic and manual exposure settings

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for intermediate photographers, with some prior experience or basic photographic knowledge useful but not essential. Participants should be comfortable following written and verbal guidance, taking part in group discussions, using numbers and completing simple calculations. Images are taken between lessons for upload and discussion.

• Some photography experience is useful, but basic technique is not essential
• Requires participation in group discussions
• Includes image-making and uploading work between lessons
• Involves simple measurements and calculations

Before you go

• Learners may bring their own camera if they have one.
• Digital SLR cameras, tripods and lenses are available to use during class, but cannot be borrowed between taught sessions.
• A notebook and pen may be brought.
• Learners are expected to take images between lessons and upload them to Google Classroom for group discussion.