Fundamentals of Photography II

Think of photography as visual problem solving. How do you find perfect shots in the midst of crowded “problem areas” like an historic mansion? How about in sparse environments like an abandoned farmhouse? Here, learn savvier ways to find the pictures you want—or may not have known you wanted.

Light, according to Professor Sartore, is what great photography is all about. In this lesson, he shows you how to take a more measured, thoughtful approach to various light sources, techniques, and effects—including back lighting, side lighting, floor lighting (also known as ghost lighting), and colored lighting.

Landscape photography may seem easy—just a matter of going outside and snapping away—but there’s an art to excellent landscape photographs. And most times, it doesn’t require fancy diffusers and flashes. Discover the secrets of expert landscape photographers, including when to shoot and how to frame your foreground.

Underwater photography is tricky, expensive, and often requires bulky special equipment. But there are certain strategies anyone can use to capture great photographs in aquatic environments. In this lesson, experiment with underwater shots (and have some fun!) using everyday tools like smartphones and a 10-gallon aquarium.

Reflectivity in photography, when used the right way, can transform the annoyances of reflections and glares into powerful ways to add a splash of brilliance to dark scenes and create layered images. What are the ways you can make reflections work for you instead of against you? Find out here.

Any good photographer, whether professional or amateur, should know how to handle shadows. Here, turn off your camera’s flash and learn how to find (or create) elegant lighting in shadowy scenes—whether it’s diffusing light or highlighting shadows to create dramatic, memorable backdrops.

Professor Sartore shows you how to effectively wield the small lights that come with basic cameras. What happens when you take the flash off your camera? Diffuse it with a tissue? Play around with shutter speeds? As you’ll discover, you can get big photographic results from these little lights.

The big lights of studio-lit photography, and the setups involved, don’t have to be so intimidating. First, explore the two basic types of light that studio photographers use. Then, take the studio lights outside and experiment with studio lights plus ambient light—and even turn daytime into night.

There are average, everyday portraits—and then there are unforgettable portraits. Focus here on candid, environmental portrait photographs outside the studio. You’ll learn professional tips that can allow you to create deeper connections between the portrait’s viewer and its subject.

From dogs and snakes to ducks and zoo animals, discover the secrets of interesting animal photography—the kind that stands out from the boring pet pictures we’ve all seen before. As you’ll learn, the most important aspects of great animal photography are repeated access and plenty of time and patience.

Great photography doesn’t have to end when the sun sets. Overcome your worries about night photography and sharpen your skills at working with (and capturing) moonlight, starlight, and even urban lights. Professor Sartore walks you through some night scenarios you may never have thought could yield such compelling photographs.

Art photography can be lyrical, fun, dark, or surprising—but it’s always about going beyond the obvious. Follow Professor Sartore on several shoots and discover how to take photos with a more artistic eye, how to playfully deceive viewers—and how to do it all without the aid of digital post production.

Continue your exploration of more artful photography with a lesson on setting up and shooting funny, bizarre, and outrageous scenes and subjects. How can you use the knowledge and techniques of professional photographers to do something different with these out-of-the-ordinary scenarios? Prepare to think (and shoot) outside the box.

Still lifes don’t have to be boring. Here, learn how to add layers of intrigue and dynamism to indoor and outdoor still lifes by changing your perspective, shooting through objects, adjusting your depth of field, and other old-fashioned photography principles.

Fall in love all over again with black-and-white photography, which looks great in just about any light and allows you to create compositions and moods you could never achieve with color photography. As Professor Sartore demonstrates, it’s a powerful way of getting to the essence of your subject.

For a unique, cleaned-up view of the world, nothing beats an aerial shot. Whether you’re planning on photographing large crowds or vast landscapes, learn some tips for getting yourself up off the ground on the cheap (even a roof balcony provides a new view) and capturing fresh perspectives.

Just because you’re using a smartphone to take photos doesn’t mean you should be satisfied with lackluster shots. Transform how you use your smartphone’s camera and work smarter with panoramic shots, different filters, and much more. The end result: photos that stand out from the millions posted online every day.

How do professional photographers capture the “decisive moment” in their work? Find out for yourself in this insightful lesson on how photographers anticipate great compositions, how they know when they’ve captured that perfect fleeting moment, and tips for reaching this pinnacle in your own shots.

Everyone loves to take photographs of farmers’ markets, with all their colorful bounty of fruits, vegetables, and other tasty treats. But they can actually be quite challenging if you want to go beyond the obvious. Visit a Nebraska market on a summer day and learn how to deal with a variety of obstacles, from crowds to high contrasts between light and shade.

Visit a t-ball game to ease into shooting sporting events. Along the way, learn how to use motor drives, fast shutter speeds, and autofocus; how to set up angles; and how to approach action scenes with a keen eye for the story unfolding right in front of you.

If you’re a recreational photographer, chances are you’ll be called upon to shoot a family social event or get-together. By photographing the goings-on at a summer solstice party, you’ll cultivate the skills you need to record special days and capture delightful memories—all while enjoying the party as well.

Take a trip to a beautiful Nebraska Sandhills ranch and watch Professor Sartore overcome visual chaos to capture the drama and action of a day of cattle round ups and branding. Harsh light and fast-moving action challenge you to be at the top of your game.

Continue your study of live-event photography with this lesson that takes you to a family fishing trip in Nebraska’s Bohemian Alps. How does an expert photojournalist use establishing shots, detail shots, and interesting lighting effects to tell the (sometimes hidden) stories behind all the fishing, cookouts, and family fun?

Once you’re done shooting, it’s time to sit down and edit. But this final lesson isn’t about post-production on your computer. Instead, it’s about visually critiquing your photographs—their backgrounds, lighting, focus, sense of place—and culling them to find the few that truly capture what you want to say.