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| Compelling Photographs
- "Must Know" Fundamentals of Composition |
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| Instructors: Robert
LaFollette Duration: 8
Weeks Cost:USD395 |
All of us have known the frustration of seeing that incredible image in our minds eye, and yet we were never quite able to execute it in camera. For many this frustration is an on-going theme.
As successful painters and photographers know effective composition is at the heart of every compelling image and what they have learned is what you will also learn. In many respects, putting together a successful image is much like assembling puzzles. Some puzzles have more pieces than others of course, but by the end of this course, you will be placing all of necessary pieces of each compositional puzzle exactly where they belong.
From the simple to the most puzzling and complex compositions, Robert will help you "see" the compositions that lie before you, as you look through your viewfinder each and every time. No matter if it is a beautiful landscape, cityscape, close-up, motion, wide angle or macro, all of the tools you will need to reveal that puzzle as a complete image will be revealed to you in this 8 week course.
Over the next eight weeks, Robert will take you through a journey that will include the foundation of composition and a thorough exploration of the so-called Rule of Thirds. We will also cover the five elements of design and how they each have such an impact on our mind and emotions. Plus he covers: filling the frame, backgrounds, how light, color and contrast impact your compositions, lens choice from the wide to telephoto, framing your subjects, and picture in picture. The numerous visual exercises, as well as Robert's stimulating and thought provoking lessons, will allow you to create compelling images, regardless of subject matter. When this course is over you will be amazed at how quickly you are now able to transfer that amazing image in your mind into the camera.
Course Outline:
Week 1 - Filling the Frame: Learn how to fill the frame and not leave the cup "half-full". Overcoming your built in psychology of 'blowing things out of proportion!'
Week 2 - Creative Backgrounds: paying attention to what's NOT in focus is often times more important to what it is in focus and a look at those pesky and sometimes humorous mergers.
Week 3 - Lens Choice and Point of View: Do you ever second guess yourself on what is the right lens for the job? Wonder no more as we find out how the right lens choice combined with a 'fresh' point of view is often times behind those compelling compositions we have all seen and loved.
Week 4 - The Five Elements of Design: We are surrounded by 'them', yet, only a few can see them. 'Them' are the five elements of design, line, shape, pattern, texture and color. Learning to see 'them' and understanding how they not only impact our emotions but also how our choice in using them says a great deal about our inner psyche is worth the price of admission alone.
Week 5 - Thorough Exploration of the Greek Mean, the so-called Rule of Thirds: We explore the foundation of many a successful artist where at his/her roots lies the use of the "Rule of Thirds" and how you can use it to your advantage to create truly compelling 'OMG'S', (Oh My God!). Additionally we will discuss the Power of Three's in our everyday language and life and discuss even further, WHY, it's a good idea to sometimes 'throw away the rules!'
Week 6 - Framing with a frame and Picture in Picture: Often overlooked, but truly one of the more interesting aspects is framing your subjects as well as getting the most out of your photos with a 2-for-1 secret.
Week 7 - Chasing The Light: One of the most important ingredients that can make or break a photo is fully revealed and some simple tricks on how to get the most out of your compositions using light, as well as the best times to exploit it to it's fullest
potential.
Week 8 - The Power of Expression: They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words, and in our final exercise, we will express our feelings through the power of all that we have learned and it is here where you make your mark in a truly defined style that is uniquely yours.
Course Requirement:
A digital (or film camera) and a thorough knowledge of aperture, shutter speed and exposure.
Click Here to View Recommended Photo Gears for This Class.
Instructor: Robert LaFollette
 Since 1989, Robert La Follette has been working as a graphic designer and photographer. His photos have won numerous awards and have appeared in Shutterbug Magazine, Informant Guest and Creation Magazine. La Follette is also a contributing writer and photographer for Florida Wildlife Magazine.
Author and photographer of “Tampa Bay: A Photographic Portrait”, this coffee-table style book is one of the best selling books in the Tampa Bay area that showcases the regions beauty though photography. Robert was also awarded “Best of Show” at the Boyd Hill Nature Photography Contest in St. Petersburg, Florida. He has also been featured on “i On Tampa Bay” for PAX TV.
Robert’s photography also appears around Tampa Bay, most notably with the Tampa Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, where his images showcases the beauty and attractions that make Tampa Bay a world-renowned vacation destination. Robert also teaches creative photography online and personal workshops around Tampa Bay.
Robert lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife, Dawn, whom he has been happily married for over 18 years. To view more of Robert's award-winning photography, please visit: http://www.robertlafollette.com.
What students are saying about Robert LaFollette
and his courses?
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