Fundamentals of Photography II

Producing a true photographic masterpiece involves principles that extend far beyond simply clicking the shutter on your camera. Fundamentals of Photography II, a part of The Great Courses Signature Collection, delves deeper into these very principles. This top-quality educational series amplifies the abilities of photographers from all walks of life, ensuring that passion meets equal parts of professionalism in the art of photography.

Fundamentals of Photography II is a comprehensive course with an immersive curriculum that caters to both budding photographers seeking to nurture their talent, and professional lens wielders wanting to polish their skills even more. Whether you're just starting off with your first camera or are an experienced photographer exploring additional dimensions of this magnificent art form, this course equips you with invaluable skills and knowledge.

The course, comprising 24 lectures of approximately half an hour each, is led by professional photographer Joel Sartore, a celebrated National Geographic fellow known for his commendable work in nature photography and his unique, intimate style. Over the years of his illustrious career, Sartore has perfected the art of communicating stories through his lens. Now he seeks to share this wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion with the world.

Created as an extension of Fundamentals of Photography I (also from The Great Courses Collection), this course intensifies the learning process to redefine and enhance your understanding of photography. From lessons built around refining the way you see and capture the world on your camera to giving you robust yet easy-to-follow technical guides on everything from studio lighting to innovative composition techniques -- the course has it all.

Sartore isn't just teaching you to take snapshots, he's coaching you to create visual narratives. The course's lessons often go beyond teaching the mere mechanics of a camera, pushing students to explore the stories that they can weave with every picture they take. In fact, the course often emphasizes that while photography relies heavily on the photographer’s technical skills, it is the emotional and aesthetic aspects of the craft that truly make a good snap, a great one.

Fundamentals of Photography II explores a myriad of photography genres, offering tips and tricks on a variety of subjects like landscape, architecture, travel, portraits, nature, sports, and even events like weddings. It attempts to get viewers out of their comfort zones, urging them to attempt various genres to hone their skills and broaden their horizons as photographers.

The course covers the more intricate facets of photography such as understanding light sources, camera settings, lenses, and the specific reaction of cameras to different environmental conditions. The importance of aspects such as framing, angles, and perspective when capturing a photograph are also detailed upon.

Furthermore, the sensible sequence of module presentations is geared towards making photography a natural process for learners. Linking logic and creativity, the course gradually introduces you to fundamental techniques and then expands towards more advanced ones, bolstering your skill set at every step. The uniquely designed curriculum ensures that the intricacies of photography are communicated in a simple, comprehensible manner.

Throughout the course, Sartore uses a wealth of real-world examples, telling stories about his experiences at different locations and offering insights into how he's faced and overcome particular challenges. This relatable, real-world approach ensures that learners don't just remember the principles but also understand their application.

Fundamentals of Photography II also helps to recognize and develop your photography style. Sartore encourages you to understand what kind of photography truly speaks to your soul and how best to build upon that. This course attempts to mold photographers who are not just technically sound but are emotionally connected to their craft, making it more of an intuitive journey rather than strictly adhering to day-to-day techniques.

In conclusion, Fundamentals of Photography II serves as a comprehensive guide on the vast world of photography, aiming to equip individuals with unparalleled insights into capturing the best shots. Whether you're chasing sunsets, framing towering architectures, or telling stories with your photographs, this course stands as a robust stepping stone in your journey in photography, making it a truly indispensable part of The Great Courses Signature Collection. Each lesson, complemented by the passion and individualism poured into it, promises to take your photography to new heights.