Cameras, Exposure, and Photography

Overview

The opening course in Michigan State's Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR series, this one covers the fundamentals of exposure and camera mechanics — the technical groundwork that applies whether you're shooting on a phone or a full DSLR.

Who it's for

Built as a first step, it works for complete beginners as well as hobbyists who've been shooting on auto mode and want to understand what their camera is actually doing. With over 307,000 students enrolled, it's clearly resonated as an accessible starting point.

Key skills

• Understanding exposure and how cameras capture light
• Evaluating and improving image quality
• Peer review and critique as a way to build a photographic eye

A practical foundation before moving on to composition and more advanced technique.