Basic Photography (Level 1)

Course Description

In Level 1, VNPS students will learn the fundamental photography skills: how to use and operate their camera properly, how to incorporate five photographic components (line, shape, form, light, and color) in composing an aesthetic image. In addition, they will also learn the rule of thirds in compositions. In the new era of digital photography, photo image post processing plays a major role in how good a photograph will turn out. The students will be learning the basics steps on how to edit the photo in Photoshop CC. To re-enforce the principles learned in the class room, the Level 1 students will have at least 15 photography field trips with hands-on guidance from the VNPS instructors. These field trips are designed to give the student opportunities to practice taking photograph on various subjects such as landscape photography, photo journalism, action photography, street photography, and night time photography.

Prerequisite

None.

Curriculum

  • Introduction to Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera
  • Triangle Exposure: Aperture, Shutter, and ISO
  • Introduction to Landscape and Journalism Photography
  • File/image management under Windows operating system
  • Introduction to photography composition
    • Line, shape, form and texture
    • Light and color
  • Motion in Photography
  • Introduction to RAW image and modern digital darkroom
  • Introduction to image editing using Photoshop

Instructors
  • Christine Nguyen

Intermediate Photography (Level 2)

Course Description

Level 2 focuses in intermediate photography lessons integrated with practice sessions and special topics in photography. The course is taught by Mr. Dinh Tran assisted with a teaching staff of experienced photographers and guest speakers. Hands-on practice session is either in class or  field trips to local parks or National Parks in and around the Washington Metropolitan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Field trip is normally organized on Saturday so that the normal course of classroom instruction will not be disrupted.

Prerequisite

Completion of Level 1 Basic Photography, or pass an evaluation test

Curriculum

Lighting in photography
  • Review Different types of lights in photography
  • Flash versus ambient light
  • Lighting in event photography
Special photography techniques
  • Intentional camera movement (ICM) (zooming, panning and shaking the camera)
  • Long exposure in photographing fireworks (Fourth of July fireworks on the Mall)
Introduction and Workshops on various photography genres
  • Landscape photography
  • Macro and close-up photography
  • Event photography with special practice workshop on Lunar New Year (“Tet”) festival at Lao and Cambodia Temples
  • Nature photography
  • Portrait photography
  • Night photography
Photoshop
  • Review Adobe Bridge and Camera Raw
  • Review Basic Photoshop editing for photographers
  • Non-destructive versus destructive Photoshop Adjustments
  • Layer, layer mask and basic Photoshop selection techniques
  • Introduction to Photoshop blending modes
Special Topics
  • Traditional compositions like the Rules of the Thirds versus contemporary trends in Beyond the Rule of the Thirds
  • Creativity process in Photography
  • Abstract Photography
Final Photographic Project: Each student has to work on a photo story project that consists of three images, each image is a message. And the thee images should support an overall interesting story. A panel of three judges will grade the projects on composition and technical photographic presentation as well as the intended photo story.

Instructors:
  • Dinh Tran, GM
  • Diana Nguyen, EPSA, AFIAP
  • Kieuhanh Vu

Advance Photography (Level 3)

Course Description

After gaining the solid basic understanding of photography and digital software from level 1 and level 2. The Level 3 program aims to push the students into much higher plane, both as a photographer and as an artist. With the idea that photographs could capture more than just surface appearances, the students will embrace both photography and digital software techniques, to complete their work of art portfolios, which are required for the final graduation exam. before becoming official VNPS members.

Prerequisite

Completion of the intermediate photography (Level 2). It is not recommended a prospective student enter this level without completion of Level 2. 

Curriculum

  • Review of basic photography techniques and manipulations
  • Different types of portfolio
  • Trend and concept in photography
  • Photoshop and post processing work flow
  • Nature Photography
  • Travel Photography
  • Other photography applications
  • Advanced topics in : Camera Raw, Composition, Macro, HDR, Long Exposure, High & Low Key
  • Basic Infrared photography
  • Conceptual Photography
  • Creative Photography 
  • Preparation for the final Photo Essay

Instructors
  • Minh-Tan Thai, MPSA

Special Photography Study for VNPS Members

Most of study sessions focus in photoshop technique and advanced topic in photography such as conceptual, abstract and infrared photography.