Photo 155 - Digital Photography 1 - Clover Leary

Introduction

Welcome to Photo 155 – Digital Photography

Hello and welcome!

My name is Clover Leary, and I will be your instructor for Photo 155 – Digital Photography. I have been teaching photography for many years and truly enjoy helping students discover both the technical and creative sides of photography. Whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or already have some experience, I'm looking forward to working with you this semester.

This is a fully online asynchronous course, which means there are no required classroom meetings or scheduled Zoom sessions. You will complete the coursework on your own schedule each week, provided that assignments are submitted by their deadlines. One of the greatest advantages of an asynchronous course is its flexibility, but it also requires good time management and consistent participation.

Although we won't be meeting in person, I want this course to feel engaging, supportive, and interactive. Please don't hesitate to contact me whenever you have questions. Helping students succeed is one of my favorite parts of teaching.

My Teaching Philosophy

My goal is to create a learning environment where every student feels welcome, supported, and encouraged to grow as a photographer. I believe that photography is both a technical skill and a creative form of expression, and that every student can improve through practice, curiosity, and constructive feedback.

This course is designed to help you develop confidence with your camera while encouraging you to experiment, solve problems, and discover your own creative vision. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, and some of the most valuable lessons come from photographs that don't turn out exactly as planned.

I value the diversity of experiences and perspectives that each student brings to the class. I strive to create an inclusive learning environment where everyone is treated with respect and has the opportunity to succeed. If you encounter academic, technical, or personal challenges during the semester, please let me know. I'm happy to help you find resources or work with you whenever possible.

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching is seeing students gain confidence and discover new ways of thinking about photography. By the end of Photo 155, I hope you'll have a solid understanding of your camera and the digital photography workflow, while also developing a deeper appreciation for photography as a powerful form of visual communication. My goal is for you to leave the course with new ways of evaluating photographs and a greater understanding of the role photography plays in our culture and everyday lives.

Course Description

About This Course

Photo 155 introduces the fundamental concepts and techniques of digital photography while emphasizing both camera skills and digital image editing. Throughout the semester you will learn how to create stronger photographs by understanding both the technical and creative decisions photographers make every time they press the shutter.

During the course you will learn to:

• Operate your camera using full manual controls.
• Understand exposure, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance.
• Create stronger photographic compositions.
• Photograph in RAW format.
• Process and improve images using professional editing software.
• Prepare photographs for print and digital presentation.
• Analyze and critique photographs using photographic terminology.

No previous photography experience is required. However, you should be comfortable performing basic computer tasks such as creating folders, managing files, downloading documents, and uploading assignments. If you're new to digital photography or image editing, don't worry—we will build your skills step by step throughout the semester.

How the Course Works

This is an accelerated eight-week course, so we will be covering a full semester of material in half the time. Staying current each week is one of the most important keys to success.

Each weekly module typically includes:

• Readings
• Illustrated lectures
• Demonstration videos
• Photography assignments
• Image critiques and discussions
• Occasional quizzes or exams

The course is organized into weekly Canvas modules that should be completed in order. Each week's material builds on concepts introduced earlier in the semester, so I strongly recommend reviewing each module as soon as it becomes available and beginning your assignments well before the due dates.

Many students assume online classes require less time than traditional classroom courses. In reality, most successful online students spend at least the same amount of time learning the material, photographing assignments, editing images, participating in critiques, and completing coursework. The flexibility of an online class allows you to work when it fits your schedule, but it also requires self-discipline and careful planning.

As you begin the course, you may wonder how Photo 155 differs from Photo 150. Students ask this question every semester because both courses introduce the fundamentals of photography. While the courses share many of the same foundational camera skills, each has a different emphasis.

Photo 150 and Photo 155

Photo 150 introduces the history, theory, technology, and creative principles of photography. Students learn camera operation, manual exposure, composition, and visual analysis while developing an understanding of photography as both a technical skill and an art form. The course emphasizes creating strong photographs through camera technique and thoughtful image-making.

Photo 155 covers those same photographic fundamentals while placing a greater emphasis on the complete digital photography workflow. In addition to learning manual camera operation, exposure, and composition, students photograph in RAW format, process images using professional editing software, and learn techniques for image correction, color management, and print preparation.

Because of this emphasis, Photo 155 requires a DSLR or mirrorless camera capable of full manual exposure and RAW image capture, along with software capable of editing RAW camera files.

What to Expect in this Course

What You'll Need

Before we begin, there are a few things you'll need to successfully complete the course.

Camera

Photo 155 requires a digital camera capable of full manual exposure control and RAW image capture. We do provide free camera kits for student checkout, take a look at the Camera Checkout page in the Syllabus Module for instructions. Many students find it helpful to learn these techniques on their own camera kit, so if you don not want to check out a camera from the Photography Department please note that your camera should include:

• Manual (M) exposure mode
• Independent control of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
• RAW image capture
• RAW + JPEG recording capability

Most modern DSLR and mirrorless cameras meet these requirements. Smartphones and most compact point-and-shoot cameras do not provide the manual controls or RAW workflow needed for this course.

If you are unsure whether your camera is suitable, please contact me before purchasing additional equipment.

Software

Beginning early in the semester, we will begin editing RAW camera files. During the course I will demonstrate editing techniques using Adobe Bridge, Adobe Camera Raw, and Adobe Photoshop.

You are welcome to use other professional RAW editing software, such as Adobe Lightroom Classic, Capture One, DxO PhotoLab, or ON1 Photo RAW, provided it supports a non-destructive RAW editing workflow.

Computer Access

Whenever possible, complete coursework using a desktop or laptop computer rather than a mobile device. While the Canvas mobile app is useful for checking announcements and due dates, many course features—including lectures, grading comments, file management, and some discussion tools—are easier to access from a computer.

A reliable internet connection and regular access to Canvas are essential for success in this course.

If you do not have access to a desktop or laptop computer and reliable internet connection you can chat out a computer from the college or come to campus and use our Photography Lab computers.

Course Expectations

Photography is a skill that develops through practice. Every assignment is an opportunity to experiment, solve problems, and improve your understanding of the camera. Don't worry if your first attempts aren't perfect, that's part of the learning process.

To help you get the most from the course, please keep the following expectations in mind:

• Complete each week's module in order, as the course builds on concepts introduced earlier in the semester.
• Begin photography assignments several days before the deadline so you have time to photograph, review your work, and make improvements if needed.
• All photographs submitted for assignments must be new images created specifically for this course. Assignments are designed to help you practice the techniques covered during the semester, so photographs taken before the class began may not be submitted.
• Beginning with the second photography assignment, you will submit both the original RAW camera files and full-resolution JPEG versions. This allows me to evaluate both your camera technique and your editing process.
• Review your photographs before submitting them. Make sure your files uploaded correctly and that they are the versions you intended to submit.

One of the best ways to improve as a photographer is to learn from feedback. Read my comments carefully after each assignment and apply those suggestions to your next project. You'll be surprised how quickly your photography develops over the course of the semester.

Types of Assessments

Getting Started

You're about to begin a course that combines technical skills with creativity, observation, and problem-solving. Like learning any new skill, photography takes practice, but every assignment is designed to help you become a more confident and capable photographer.

Before beginning your first assignment, please take a few minutes to:

• Complete the Course Syllabus Module.
• Complete the Canvas Orientation Module.
• Review the Week 1 Module.
• Confirm that your camera and software meet the course requirements.
• Check that you can access Canvas and your COC student email.

If you have questions at any point during the semester, please don't hesitate to contact me. It's much easier to solve a problem early than after an assignment deadline has passed, and I'm always happy to help.

I'm excited to work with you this semester and look forward to helping you develop your photographic skills. I hope you'll challenge yourself, experiment with new ideas, and enjoy the process of learning photography.

Welcome to Photo 155. I wish you a successful and enjoyable semester, and I look forward to working with you.

Clover Leary

Instructor, Photo 155 – Digital Photography

Other Relevant Course Information

Getting Started

You're about to begin a course that combines technical skills with creativity, observation, and problem-solving. Like learning any new skill, photography takes practice, but every assignment is designed to help you become a more confident and capable photographer.

Before beginning your first assignment, please take a few minutes to:

• Complete the Course Syllabus Module.
• Complete the Canvas Orientation Module.
• Review the Week 1 Module.
• Confirm that your camera and software meet the course requirements.
• Check that you can access Canvas and your COC student email.

If you have questions at any point during the semester, please don't hesitate to contact me. It's much easier to solve a problem early than after an assignment deadline has passed, and I'm always happy to help.

I'm excited to work with you this semester and look forward to helping you develop your photographic skills. I hope you'll challenge yourself, experiment with new ideas, and enjoy the process of learning photography.

Welcome to Photo 155. I wish you a successful and enjoyable semester, and I look forward to working with you.

Clover Leary

Instructor, Photo 155 – Digital Photography

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/17/2026 Sub#: 2074 Sub ID: 218815