Elements of Design covers the major components of artistic composition and discusses how photographers can use these elements to maximize an image’s aesthetic appeal and influence its psychological significance. This course focuses on using distinct compositional elements to help you define your vision before you press the shutter, to increase the energy and interestingness of your images, and to ultimately broaden and improve your overall portfolio. We’ll discuss the elements of design, undertake a personal portfolio evaluation, and engage in upper-level analysis of several of the most critical aesthetic components used in composition. The instructor will remain available to you for all five weeks and will hold a webcam based “office hour” for live Q&A, demonstrations, and discussions during break week.
“I would recommend this course to anyone who is ready to explore the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of making images work.”
Prerequisites
All participants must have a mastery of technical basics (exposure, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc.) and proficiency with their preferred processing software. Participants need not shoot in manual regularly but must be comfortable doing so. We will not be covering or critiquing technical basics in this course.
A 30-image portfolio (minimum) must be assembled prior to the commencement of the workshop.
What’s Included
• 4 Weekly Printable Lesson Downloads with Assignments (outlined in syllabus)
• Instructor-Led Online Q&A for Each Lesson
• Personal Critiques of Weekly Assignments by Instructor & TAs
• 90-Minute Live Office Hours and Workflow Walkthrough (plus recording)
• Color Editing for Impact & Intent: Photoshop and Lightroom videos
• Introductory and Wrap-Up PDFs with introspective bonus exercises
Welcome & Preassignment
Reading: The importance of practice and upper-level critique; introduction to design elements
Preassignment (optional): Portfolio self-assessment
Lesson One: Lines
Reading: The art and psychology of lines; linear form, function, and type
Assignment: Theme selection and lines
Lesson Two: Space and Shape
Reading: Visual deconstruction; subject placement for story and mood; shapes
Assignment: Creative subject placement within the frame
Break Week
Live Office Hours
Discussion (optional): The Elusive Muse
Lesson Three: Color
Reading: Color theory; color palettes; chromatic association; color manipulation
Assignment: Color focus
Lesson Four: Transformative Photography
Reading: Limitations of human vision; processing for transformation and optic simulation; black and white
Assignment: Producing a transformative image
