Introduction to Photography

Have you ever wondered how photography began?

How we went from giant cameras that only take one photograph at a time to cell phones that can record endless images? Have you wondered how the elements & principles you learned about in Visual Art Comp I relate to taking a good photo? This module gives you a chance to explore the history of photography and to begin creating strong photographic compositions.

Video Information:

Photography is more than a selfie - it can capture emotion; it can preserve time and call others to act or show others the beauty of the world around us.

What Kind of Photographer are You?

Take the quiz below to see what kind of photographer you are! (Don't worry - It's just for fun!)

Whether you're a Professional Pete or a Wanna Be Wendi, this course will help you hone your composition skills, explore your personal voice as an artist, and make you a better photographer all around.

Module Lessons Preview

In this module, we will study the following topics:

Photo Olympics

Learn how to use the elements & principles of art to create strong photographic compositions.

History of Photography

Learn how photography began and where it is now.

Creating a Photogram

Learn how to use a historical process to create a permanent image on paper.

The term "photography" is often attributed to Sir John Herschel and means drawing with light.

Photography is a medium born out of science and bent to the will of art. Photography as we know it would not exist without both aspects - an aesthetic desire to create and capture beauty as we see it and the scientific exploration of light.

Key Terms

Elements: Line, shape, color, form, value, texture, space
Principles: Balance, Emphasis, Variety, Unity, Movement, Proportion
Basic Compositional Techniques: Rule of thirds, Zooming in, Cropping, Point of View

IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS