Basic Photography I: Film & Digital Camera Fundamentals

Hollywood, Freestyle Photographic Supplies
April 19, 2008 - May 31, 2008

In this six-week workshop students will learn all the gadgets on the camera, how to use them, and how to control the photograph's final look. Discussions include composition and light, how to get the background in or out of focus, how to stop or blur motion, why to use one ISO over another, and how to use the camera's light meter to provide the best exposure. Other topics covered include using the right lens for a specific effect and alternative approaches to photography. Further discussion will center on the similarities and differences between film and digital cameras. The basics that deal specifically with digital cameras will also be explored, such as how to adjust the camera's white balance, how to view and delete images, and how to transfer the image from the camera to a computer. The goal is to provide each participant all the technical information needed to operate his or her film or digital camera properly. Students will work in both black-and-white and color while learning how to "see" in the chosen medium. Weekly assignments will be given followed by critiques during the next class session. Digital shooters are encouraged to expand their understanding of the medium and enroll in Mark Berndt's "Basic Photography II: Diving into Digital" Joseph Michael Lopez (www.josephmlopez.com) is a photographer born in Washington Heights, New York. From 1998-2007 he lived and worked in New York City, studying with Danny Lyon and Bruce Weber. He was Cinematographer on Weber's Chop Suey Club, a documentary film that premiered to critical acclaim at the Toronto Film Festival and the Berlin Film Festival in 2001. In 2003, he interned with Magnum Photos New York. Lopez's photographs were recognized with two ASMP awards in 2004 and 2005. Furthermore, in 2004 he was named Top Photographer for the Golden Light Award Grant in the Personal Documentary category. Joseph also assisted Mitch Epstein on his American Power project from 2003-06. He currently lives and works in Los Angeles and New York City.