a) The aim of this course is:-  

To fully explore the use of digital imaging using modern digital cameras and scanners including the related areas of equipment selection and use, image editing, manipulation and file storage together with printing and integration within other electronic document formats. Please note that this not a photography course. Approximately one third of the course will be allocated to the topic of image editing.

b) Course Programme (this may be modified in the light of the interests of course members):- 

The course will be split into five key areas with sub topics as described below.  Each topic will be discussed with the group and supported, where possible, by practical demonstration.  Course members will be encouraged to try their hand at the various techniques and procedures either as a whole group or in smaller groups or at home.  The limited access to PCs during the course will be discussed and those with their own laptop computers will be encouraged to bring them to the applicable sessions.

1. The Modern Digital Camera:

a) Differences between digital and film cameras;
b) How a digital camera works;
c) Terminology and Jargon;
d) Important aspects of a digital camera;
e) Selecting and purchase.

2. Using a Digital Camera:
a) The Controls Explained;
b) The Settings Explained;
c) Using The Camera;
d) Using a Scanner.

3. The Camera PC Connection:

a) Transferring image files to a PC;
b) Camera Memory Card Types;
c) Image file types [jpeg, tiff, png etc];
d) Wires vs Card Readers;
e) Image file storage, naming, archiving and backup.

4. Image Processing:

a) The structure of a digital image files;
b) Manipulating pixels with software;
c) Basic ‘Quick Fix’ image editing;
d) More advanced image manipulation;
e) Image editing for aesthetic purposes.

5. Output - Publishing and Printing:

a) Media types – email, paper and web pages;
b) Printer types, connections and control;
c) Images within electronic documents [DTP, PDF];
d) Professional printing.

Following group discussion with previous members of this course the following topics are an example of other topics included, where possible, during the course.

i) Editing of video [.avi] files created with digital cameras and mobile phones;

ii) Scanning of existing slides and negatives to create a digital file of same;

iii) Recovery of deleted or corrupt image files on camera memory cards;

iv) Creation of various 'slide shows' with sound/narration for automated image display.

d) Teaching methods:

This will be a hands on course and those attending will be encouraged to participate and bring their own camera to the course. The tutor will use his own equipment to explain and demonstrate the settings and controls. Learners will be encouraged to work in small groups for certain activities, such as sharing a computer, as well as with the group as a whole. Each session will include practical demonstration of the various topics supported by actual demonstrations, diagrams on flip chart and projector. Software will be demonstrated by use of a projector. Learners, where possible, will be encouraged to try out certain activities/techniques at home and report on their successes and/or problems encountered. It is hoped that some individual help from the tutor will be possible. Due to the lack of access to PCs for this course learners are encouraged to bring their own laptop computers, where possible, to the appropriate session. This will be discussed during the first class. The tutor will provide two further laptops.

e) Entry Requirements (course level, prior experience, equipment, materials etc required):

This is an introductory [level 1] course for those new to the subject but who already own a digital camera or are considering purchasing one and assumes no previous knowledge. Access to a PC and scanner is desirable but not essential as the tutor will demonstrate the use of both. This course is suitable for all types of consumer digital cameras from cost effective compact automatic models up to the more advanced and expensive DSLR [digital single lens reflex] type. The tutor will describe and demonstrate both types. Course members are encouraged to bring their own cameras and when appropriate and possible a laptop computer.  For the image editing sessions [at least two will be allocated] those course members who may wish to replicate the editing examples, demonstrated by the tutor, either at home or within the sessions will need suitable image editing software that permits the use of 'selection' of image elements and use of 'layers'. See section g) below for further information.  Students will need to have basic computer literacy however the tutor will explain in detail how to use the software during the worked editing examples and will also supply detailed notes online or as handouts where necessary.

f) Further study and progression:  

The Tutor will discuss opportunities for further study etc during the course.

g) Additional essential costs to learners:  None, unless the student wishes to purchase editing software as an outcome of this course.  Free trial copies of suitable software are available on line for download and evaluation which can be used during the image editing section of this course. There is no requirement to purchase after the evaluation period, typically 1 month. The recommended image editing software, which will be demonstrated by the tutor, is Adobe Photoshop 'Elements'.  The current version is v6 [Sept 07], the tutor has v5, but should students already have earlier versions then this will be acceptable.  See the links page here for the clickable link to Adobe's download website.

h) Some information about your tutor:

Your tutor has been interested in photography from an early age and first got into photography in the 1960’s developing and printing B&W photos taken with a variety of cameras and using different film types and formats. The advent of affordable digital consumer cameras in the late 1980’s/early 1990’s allowed him to combine this ‘new’ photography with a parallel interest in computers. Your tutor regularly uses digital cameras of several types to obtain images of terrestrial/celestial subjects which he incorporates in both online and printed media.

i) Suggested further reading – to be discussed during the course:

j) Enrolling:

There are a few ways to enrol for this course, but by far the easiest way is to download the course enrolment form from here, print out, complete and return with course fee [£68.00] to the address shown on the form. Alternatively contact the Guildford WEA Enrolment Officer [Josephine McMullen Tel: 01483 836412] for a copy of their course details and enrolment form.