Free online photography course

[Tringa]

I have just seen this on another forum.

http://www.diyphotography.net/stanfo...e-online-free/

I have not looked at any of it yet, but it is free and might be useful.

Dave

[chauncey]

This would be a good course for a neophyte.

[russellsnr]

This would be a good course for a neophyte.

For those who don't no. 'Neophyte definition, a beginner or novice.

[Tronhard]

Well, I have been almost all the way through the course and, with some reservations, enjoyed the course. I would say that parts of this would be difficult for a beginner, as they deal in the science and maths of optics, light science, and other aspects that would be well beyond the scope of a starter. I was educated as an engineer, but the last time I did calculus was about 45 years ago, so I had to take some of the equations "as read" myself! That said, if they were to skip the heavier theory lectures and go for the lectures that deal with the applications of the theory, and the history lectures, they will learn a lot.

Other nice features of the course are the availability of PDFs of the notes to download, and the sometimes quite cool mini apps that show the principles of DOF, Hyperfocal distance, and telephoto characteristics. Great if you wanted to refer to them in your own courses.

Just to give a couple of examples of a fun app:
DOF: https://sites.google.com/site/marcle...depth-of-field
Telephoto lenses: https://sites.google.com/site/marcle...hoto-zoom-lens


One frustrating aspect, common to many university lecturers, is poor technique with the technology of the presentation room (I say that with the experience of supporting them in NZ and Canada.) The first lecture is marred by the lecturer having his mic on his shirt lapel, which swings away often during the presentation, so his voice comes and goes in volume dramatically. He improved through the following lessons, and obviously had frustrations with a low-res data-show.

I really enjoyed the history lessons as well as they often give a connection to the historical and cultural context.