Photography is an art form that uses light to produce amazing images. Your camera collects light in various ways that you, the photographer, can control to produce your creative vision.
In this video class, you’ll learn how to use your camera settings in manual mode to balance light in difficult lighting situations. In the Beginners Guide to Manual Mode, you’ll learn about:
How to collect light
How to use shutter, aperture, and ISO together
Metering
An easy way to use manual mode for large scenes
A manual mode workflow
A creative way to think about your ISO
Reducing image noise
CHASE GREAT LIGHT
Storm chasers put themselves in situations where they’ll encounter great storms. Photographers chase light just as storm chasers chase after a storm. However, when you encounter great light you need to have the knowledge of your camera’s tools to collect the light and produce an amazing photograph. In this class, you’ll learn the steps you need to take to use manual mode all the time.
MANUAL MODE
You can achieve GOOD photographs using aperture priority and shutter priority modes, but using manual mode gives you the ability to be in full control of your camera so you can take GREAT photographs. This class will help you do just that!
In addition to the detailed video help you’ll receive, this class provides you with a downloadable class guide that was designed to complement the instruction you’ll see, so you can take notes as we examine your camera’s settings.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Shutter and Aperture
15:18
What is the shutter and what speed should I shoot with? How will it impact the lighting in my image? Are there specific situations for specific shutter speeds? These are all questions we will tackle in this session. The aperture you use can have huge impacts on the way your outdoor scene looks. You can adjust the aperture to achieve proper range of focus and light. This session will explain how you can do just that.
Session 2: ISO
12:38
Your ISO is a third way that you can use to balance light in your camera. However, your ISO needs to be thought of differently than your aperture and shutter. In this session, you’ll learn how to use your ISO effectively.
Session 3: Balancing Settings
10:29
In this session, you’ll learn different ways you can balance your shutter, aperture, and ISO to create great photos. You’ll also learn about the importance of workflows for your settings and how to decide which setting to use first.
Session 4: Metering
12:58
How do you know if your light is balanced properly? This session will teach you how to use metering to know just that. You’ll also learn an easy solution to shoot large landscape scenes and why you should even care to use manual mode.
Your Instructor
David Johnston
David Johnston is a professional outdoor photographer located in the beautiful state of Tennessee. He is most familiar with photographing older mountain landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains, and occasionally ventures into other locations around the world to capture amazing outdoor scenes. David began his passion of photography in high school where he learned to photograph with film cameras and develop his own prints in the darkroom. However, after college he switched to digital photography and began his business photographing the outdoors as well as teaching people how to improve their skills in outdoor photography. When David isn’t traveling and taking photos, he’s just like you! He enjoys lounging on the couch, watching sports, and spending time with his wife and friends.
Bonus Material
Class Supplement PDF
Download this Class Guide to complement the information you’ll see in the class.
Video: Meet Your Instruction
Download this short video to meet your Instruction, David Johnston.
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Outdoor Photography Guide to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on OPG Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great photography videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Outdoor Photography Guide. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on Outdoor Photography, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and OPG contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
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We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to outdoorphotographyguide.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from OPG from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact OPG Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at OPGsubscription@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-231-0652. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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