How to Teach a Photography Course

As you master the art of photography, sharing your expertise and know how by teaching a photography course is both rewarding and profitable. Taking on a teaching engagement will expand your network of contacts in the photography field. It is a great resume builder and it can be highlighted on your website or within your portfolio that you show to potential clients. Here is a step-by-step approach about teaching a photography course for beginners.

Materials You Will Need

  • Camera
  • Pen and paper
  • Tutorial materials
  • Handouts
  • Photo-editing software

Step 1 - Camera Basics

With your students, demonstrate digital camera basics. Provide them with an additional lesson about film cameras. Show the pros and cons to both types of equipment. Discuss the differences between the two technologies. Work through demonstrating each different component on a digital camera. Show them how to locate and replace batteries, how to insert and eject a memory card. Discuss the purpose of a viewfinder and preview screens. Go through each function button and component carefully. Discuss how each component helps you take a great photograph.

Have all of your students take notes. Provide them with great handouts and takeaway materials. Giving a small comprehension based quiz at the end of this section is great to keep your class on task.

Step 2 - Take Simple Photos

Using the basics your class has just learned in the first step, create a practical exercise for every one of your students to complete. During class hours, take your students on a field trip. Show them how to take exterior photos using the exterior settings on the digital camera. Discuss the different types of lenses that could be used to photograph the landscaping in different ways and highlighting different aspects. Head indoors, and show your students how to take a variety of photographs of objects, products and angles. Discuss and show the differences between photographing still, inanimate objects and moving subjects. Go through the usage of zoom and wide-angle functions as well.
 
Have the class practice their skills. Develop a mini project for the students, asking them to bring in the best sampling of their indoor and outdoor photo shoots. The sampling will be a great basis for the beginnings of your student's portfolio of work.

Step 3 - Review the Photographs

Collect the student's sampling of photographs. Review them first by yourself and then in front of your class. Use constructive criticism to point out and teach the basics of great photographs. This will also give you an opportunity to show your class how to view a photo, save it, delete it and change or improve the composition of lighting.

Step 4 - Print Your Photos

Demonstrate how to print your photos. Show the difference between home and professional printing. Show color correction and demonstrate how to size a photo and select the appropriate type of photograph.

Step 5 - Show Photo Editing

Demonstrate the basics of photo editing. Discuss the different types of software options and show how these types of software programs may be used to correct, manipulate and re-touch photos that have already been taken.

Popular Cameras for High Quality Photos: