Digital Photography I

Credits: 0.5

Course Length

1 Semester

Learn to see God’s world through a new lens—both creatively and spiritually.

Available August 2025

In this foundational course, you’ll explore how professional photographers use camera settings, lighting, and composition to capture meaningful images. As you develop technical skills and practice taking your own photos, you’ll also reflect on how visual storytelling can honor God, communicate truth, and inspire others. You’ll learn how to prepare your work for exhibitions and consider how photography can be a redemptive voice in today’s media-saturated culture.

Required Materials

• A digital camera that offers both automatic and manual control

Note: Many activities require a digital camera though some tasks can be achieved with the use of a smartphone. The camera features explained in the course are done so regarding digital cameras only and some assignments may be difficult to complete without one.
Any students choosing to use a smartphone will need to make arrangements with their teacher on how to accomplish specific tasks. Students are also encouraged to consult their user manual and download appropriate applications to allow for more advanced controls.

• Appropriate camera cables
• Two friends or family members to volunteer as subjects/photo assistants
• Miscellaneous objects to use for photography subjects (ex: soccer cleat, baseball hat, or a piece of jewelry)
• Various lighting (overhead lights, table lamps, clamp lights)
• A complete, plated meal to photograph
• A tripod or household items to use as a stable tripod-like support for camera
• An image editing program (GIMP or something similar)
• Blank paper
• Colored pencils or markers
• A camera with video recording abilities (camera phone, digital camera, or computer camera)
• Props and equipment that can serve as darkroom equipment (boxes, crates, tubs, etc.)
• Various art supplies (paint, scissors, glue, posters, paper, magazines, etc.) to create original works of art
• Audio recording device (smartphone, computer program, digital voice recorder)

Ready to Get Started with Our Online Academy?

Ignite Christian Academy has year-long open enrollment, so you can start this course at any time! Visit the tuition page of our online academy to learn more about pricing or click the button below to get started with enrollment today. Have questions first? Call us at 800.682.7396.

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Overview of Concepts

• Unit 1: Taking the First Shot
• Unit 2: Moving into Manual
• Unit 3: The Nature of Light
• Unit 4: Creative Composition
• Unit 5: Producing Great Images
• Unit 6: Manipulation and Management
• Unit 7: Photojournalism: Real Life in Pictures
• Unit 8: Context is Everything: Style and Genre
• Unit 9: Words and Pictures: Composing Meaning
• Unit 10: Presenting Your Work