Join us and explore the world of digital photography! Discover Digital Photography provides an introduction to the fascinating technology that has catapulted the photographic world into the 21st century. You'll explore a broad overview of the basics of digital photography, equipment, software, the digital darkroom, printing, using photos on the Internet and with e-mail, along with commercial and personal applications. You'll learn how to decide what equipment and software is best for your personal digital photography needs, what you can do with digital photography after you've taken the pictures, and what you can expect to invest. Whether you're new to photography or a long-time photographer looking for a complement to traditional photography, this class will provide an introduction to new opportunities for putting digital photography to use.  This course serves as an excellent introduction before taking Secrets of Better Photography where we focus our time on camera settings, features, and the mechanics of taking better pictures.

A new section of each course starts monthly. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

The final exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the final exam has been released, you will have two weeks to complete all of your course work, including the final exam.

Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

A few computer-specific examples are included, which are based on Windows. Mac students are welcome, but may not be able to duplicate all examples.

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Beverly Schulz.

Beverly Schulz is a freelance photographer and a graduate of the New York Institute of Photography's Professional Photographer's program. She teaches a number of classes in digital photography and has more than 25 years of classroom instruction experience. Her writing and photography have been published in a number of magazines. She has traveled extensively and participated in onsite photography workshops as well as independent photo quests. In addition to teaching and photographic work, she provides consulting services for digital photographers and clients.

“ "I knew nothing, really, about digital photography or cameras when I started. My knowledge was so limited I couldn't even ask questions. Now I feel competent to choose a camera and discuss the subject intelligently with people already using the technology. With the lessons, links, recommended books and other resources gleaned from this course I will practice all of the methods and techniques at my leisure. Many thanks." ”

“ "At first, I was leery about taking an online course and even felt that I would have done better in a classroom; however, after two lessons I quickly changed my mind. I liked being able to print the lessons and study at my convenience. I really enjoyed the course." ”

“ "Awesome course! Helped me with the purchase of my new camera and the overall functionality of it from the start. Made the purchase exciting not overwhelming or frustrating. THANK YOU!" ”

“ "Beverly, I've enjoyed this course because it seemed that the lessons were written just for me and the questions of the other students supplemented the information. Also, no matter how trivial or complicated the students' questions were, you and Eric somehow managed to keep your answers simple and to the point. Thank you. " ”

“ "I can't remember when I have been so delighted with a class. The supplemental material alone could keep me busy for several lifetimes. It goes on and on - a wealth of information. Beverly kept it fascinating every inch of the way. This class is the school's best kept secret - and what a bargain! If Beverly teaches it, I'll sign up for it no matter the cost. I can't think of one suggestion to improve this class. How do you improve on perfection?" ”

“ "I had no knowledge of digital photography prior to taking this course, and feel I gained a good beginning foundation in this area. Beverly Schulz is extremely knowledgeable, displays warm interpersonal skills in her interaction with those taking this course, and presents the course material in an interesting and lively manner. I appreciate all of the great references she provided." ”

“ "I was already familiar with scanning, shooting digital, and editing with software. I learned more technical details in these areas. What I really needed to learn this course taught very well: printing, inks, paper and permanency of photos for the future. I was pleasantly surprised by the historical aspects of photography presented here, giving an excellent context for the extreme changes in photography we are experiencing today. Well worth the time and money. Thank you, Beverly and TA's!" ”

“ "Thanks Beverly....This course has helped me to expand my knowledge about photography and has stirred up my interest again in this art form........I'm very excited to have taken your course and to pick up my hobby again." ”

“ "This course far exceeded my expectations in information. I had stated many times that I would not change to digital photography. After this course I now am excited about entering the digital world. The course has helped me decide on the camera I want to purchase as well as other equipment I didn't realize I needed. It also gave me wonderful hints and suggestions for photography in general. I now also feel more confident in using the internet. Thank you so much." ”

“ "This course has given me the skills I need to continue exploring photography. I have enjoyed this experience completely. My job has hindered me from pursuing additional learning opportunities, but this class’s timeline allowed me to balance a very demanding job with my desire to continue my education. Thank you!" ”