DP 200: Taking Digital Photography to the Next Level by Dr. Nicholas Hellmuth.



DP 200: Taking Digital Photography to the Next Level by Dr. Nicholas Hellmuth. *Taking Digital Photography to the Next Level* is an innovative online course taught by Dr. Nicholas Hellmuth, a leading expert on cameras, lenses, lighting, and all the equipment needed for productive digital photography. It is the second of two sequential courses in Dr. Hellmuth's online digital photography learning series. To help you become better acquainted with the topics that you will learn, the following document provides a brief summary of each phase of the course . What makes this course unique, is its focus on digital photography as input for digital printing. This course covers printing with: Inkjet printers of all sizes (with an emphasis on wide format for giclee, décor, and fine art photos) Epson Encad Canon ColorSpan Hewlett-Packard Mimaki (for printing on silk, cotton and other fabrics) Mutoh Roland Solvent ink printers for signage UV-curable ink printers Laser printers for desktop publishing (toner-based) Color laser printing Black and white laser printing from 11 x 17 inches to 13 x 19 inches RGB laser light imagers (Durst Lambda, LightJet Chromira) Fuji Pictography Kodak dye sublimation (wax, resin ribbon heat transfer) Although the first course is not a required prerequisite for this DP 200 level, we strongly urge you to take the DP 100 level first. There is a substantial discount for taking both courses in sequence; first 100 then 200. Medium and Large Format Digital Photography Digital Image Resolution This chapter discusses the differences between dpi, ppi, and lpi in the context of how much resolution is necessary for various printers. Learn to optimize both the quality of the images you produce and the disk space required to work with digital images. Scanning Film vs. Direct Digital Photography Using flatbed and drum scanners can be very efficient; however, there are alternatives that you can consider. Learn the difference between scanning film and a “scanning back” in a large format camera. Pros and Cons of Digital vs Film Photography (Medium and Large Format) With medium and large format, the differences between digital and film photography change. Learn from the experiences of photographers who have worked with equipment of all sizes using both digital and film technologies. Digital Backs for Medium Format Cameras Considering all of the medium format cameras on the market, and considering their cost, learn all the ways that medium format is better than 35mm and even preferable than large format digital solutions. Hybrid Digital Cameras to Hold Medium Format Digital Backs Hybrid cameras, which allow you to use a 35mm lens with a medium format sensor, can achieve professional results. Find out whether your expensive 35mm lenses can still be useful to you. Large Format Cameras for Digital Photography Based on original research, learn about the pros and cons of using large format cameras for common situations including architectural and studio photography. Learn the differences between 35mm, medium format, and large format when it comes to digital capture. Lenses for Medium and Large Format Digital Photography Some top-dollar large format lenses are catastrophic when used on a large format scanning back while others work perfectly. Learn about the reality of lenses for professional digital cameras. Recommended Equipment for Creating a Digital Studio Based on his experience developing studios for museums and universities, Dr. Hellmuth presents tips to help you create an effective digital studio. Learn about what equipment can still be used from traditional studios, and what equipment needs to be replaced to meet the needs of digital systems. Lighting for Digital Photography Digital technology requires different lighting techniques and styles than traditional film lighting. Learn about what kinds of lights work best with digital cameras. (Special emphasis is placed on lighting specially made for digital cameras such as CD, HMI and HDI.) Applications of Professional Digital Cameras Rollout Photography for Cylindrical Objects This chapter features step by step instruction of how to accomplish circumferential photographs using a computerized turntable system resulting in an impressive rollout photograph. Learn how to create the turntable system and perform rollout photography in your home or studio. History of Rollout Photography Cameras Expanding upon the historical research of Andrew Davidhazy (Rochester Institute of Technology), learn about recent breakthroughs in rollout photography. Architectural Photography with Medium and Large Format Cameras Although Dr. Hellmuth has decades of experience in photography, he majored in architectural science at Harvard. Learn from first-hand experience about lenses, cameras, and equipment that you can use to capture impressive architectural images. Nature Photography with Medium Format Digital Cameras Nature photography can be challenging with any digital camera. Learn to distinguish the difference between nature photography and landscape photography , and learn why using a medium format system is better than a large format camera for photography of flowers and animals; but a large format is better for landscapes. Landscape Photography with Medium and Large Format Cameras In order to print large format images of cityscapes and wilderness, you need to use medium and large format systems. Learn how to apply professional techniques to capture beautiful landscapes and which system is best. Panoramic Photography with Digital Cameras Panoramic photography can be quite a challenge. Learn techniques, such as color management, to take high-quality panoramic photographs. The History of Panoramic Photography, 1840-1940 Based on the knowledge of panoramic photography you'll obtain in the previous chapter, get a historic perspective of panoramic cameras long before computerized turntable technology became available. Survey of Panoramic Cameras This chapter discusses ultra-wide angle cameras and reviews cameras of many sizes and shapes from the past several decades. In addition, learn about digital and film panoramic cameras with motors. Product Photography with Professional Digital Cameras Photography for catalogues helped digital cameras break into the professional arena because product photography requires large quantities and high-quality. Learn about the tilt-and-swing features of many large format cameras as well as medium format systems that offer traditional movements combined with a digital back. Taking Photographs with a Reprographic Copy Stand This chapter focuses on using a tri-linear scanning back on a Kaiser copy stand. Learn the pros and cons of working with a repro stand system in your studio or home. Fine Art Giclèe Photography Some cameras are optically and physically incapable of photographing paintings. Learn the techniques of photographing fine art for giclèe printing. Achieving Top-Quality Results Gray Balance for Professional Digital Photography Point and shoot cameras perform an automatic white balance and 35mm SLR cameras allow you to perform a manual white balance for added precision; however, professional cameras offer automatic and manual gray balance options. Learn to take perfect photographs that require no touch-up in Photoshop. Adobe Photoshop for Professional Digital Photography Although one of the goals of this course is to help you utilize the software inside your camera, Photoshop continues to be an indispensable tool for professional digital photographers. Learn the most critical aspects of Photoshop for photographers to help you improve your results. Professional Software for Working with RAW File Formats Recently, several software packages were developed for working with RAW file formats including CaptureOne from PhaseOne, a Camera RAW from Adobe. Kodak also has its own RAW file software. Learn about the pros and cons of each package. Computer Workstations for Serious Digital Photography Digital environments require powerful computers to manage the large file sizes that cameras and scanners produce. Learn about the best computer workstations available to direct your digital environment. Nicholas uses both Mac and PCs and knows their pros and cons from years of experience . Explains difference between single processor and dual processor computers, G4, G5, Dell, HP, and others. Color Management for Digital Photography This chapter provides an introductory analysis on color management to guide you through the massive amounts of literature and web pages on the topic while introducing you to the jargon. Learn invaluable tips to help you make decisions about color management tools and software. Bit Depth and Dynamic Range This chapter will help you understand the jargon of digital imaging. Learn the terms and techniques that are the foundation of digital technology. Comparing a $1,099 Digital Camera to a $14,000 Tri-linear Scanning Back This chapter will help you consider what you really need out of digital imaging technology. Learn the benefits and advantages of each price-level of digital technology. Workflow Summary for Medium and Large Format Digital Photography “Workflow” literally means, “the sequence of flow of your image file from the moment of capture, through digital imaging and color management, to the printer.” Learn the most important steps in digital workflow and re-examine your existing workflow. Assuring That Your Results Are Top-Quality Trade Shows for New Camera and Printing Technologies Attending annual tradeshows is one of the best ways to ensure that you keep up with rapidly-changing technology. Learn about Graphics of the Americas, ISA, SGIA IPEX, DRUPA, and other tradeshows relative to wide format inkjet printers and digital cameras Comprehensive Glossary of Digital Photography Terms Although dozens of glossaries exist on the Internet, likely none are as comprehensive as this glossary from Dr. Hellmuth. Created and edited by technicians, students, and teachers, Dr. Hellmuth's glossary is only available to participants in this digital photography course. Learn the jargon that is essential to digital imaging. FLAAR Reviews: Photo & Camera Magazines This chapter includes a comprehensive review of nearly every camera and photography magazine available for both traditional photography and for digital photography. Find out which magazines are essential for you to read and which are a waste of time (and why). FLAAR Book Reviews: Medium and Large Format Cameras Although few books exist on medium and large format digital cameras, there are several excellent books on traditional medium and large format cameras and lenses. Read the reviews to help you find the books that are most suitable to your needs. FLAAR Book Reviews: Basics of Photography Whether you use digital or film photography, the basic principals of photography never change. Find out what books are the best for explaining the fundamentals of exceptional photography. FLAAR Book Reviews: Digital Photography Few books discuss professional digital photography with professionals in mind. Nonetheless, based on Dr. Hellmuth's research, find out what books are worth you while. FLAAR Book Reviews: Color Management These reviews help you through the first step of color management – finding the best books. Learn which books you can skip, and which are essential for serious digital photographers. FLAAR Book Reviews: Adobe Photoshop Dozens of books on Adobe Photoshop have been published. While most are excellent, some are poorly organized and edited. Learn about the titles that are most appropriate for photographers working with digital cameras who need to work with their images in Adobe Photoshop.