Wedding & Event Photography I - Syllabus
Below is the Syllabus for the course, which has been customized for University of California San Diego: Extended Studies.
Wedding & Event Photography
Wedding Photography Syllabus
Course Dates: 04/02/24 - 06/01/24
Instructor Information
Wedding Photography offers both a creative and commercial outlet for photographers. This course is intended for photographers who are interested in capturing engagements, weddings (big or small; various types of ceremonies), and other types of commercial events where a photographer may be required.
Through readings, educational videos, discussions, and shooting assignments, you'll learn how to capture all of the important aspects of a couple's wedding day. This course will allow you to acquire the basic knowledge of shooting, editing, and creating a portfolio for professional wedding and event photography. This course will also help you to improve your current workflow related to: planning a shoot, capture the shoot, and editing the images in a professional manner that will be enjoyed for a lifetime by couples. Studnets will also learn to take "marketing" into consideration when considering the style of editing. Students will also study the industries current trends and learn about some of the top wedding photographers in the world.
You may work on your own Mac or PC laptop or desktop computer. The computer should have a current version of Lightroom Classic CC and Photoshop CC already installed. It should also meet the minimum system requirements outlined by Adobe.
- Fully Adjustable DSLR Camera (or prosumer camera)
- Memory Card
- Off Camera Flash
- Batteries for Camera and Flash
- Lens with Lens Hood (example: 24-70mm, 18-55mm Lens, or similar)
- Creative Cloud Photography Plan required (or full Adobe CC plan) (Lightroom Classic not Lightroom CC)
Recommended Materials and Software:
- External HD
- Zoom Lens
- Tripod
- Photo Mechanic (Software)
- https://home.camerabits.com/get-photomechanic/
- Photo Mechanic Standard is Recommended; be sure to check out the discount for students if you opt to purchase
- Note: this software makes the culling (selecting) process go a lot faster. This software is recommended, but not required.
- Props - studnets are encouraged to source different props during the course that may enhance their overall portfolio. These props can be purchased, borrowed from friends/family, and/or students can use their own items from home. Students are encouraged to be creative when selecting props.
- Photo I: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO (ART-40629)
- Digital Photography Workflow (ART-40705)
- Please click "here" to find book on Amazon.
• Identify the different aspects of a wedding day couples opt to have photographed
• Learn how to prepare for these aspects of a wedding day while anticipating and capturing the emotions on your subjects' faces
• Be able to apply skills learned to other types of events that are photographed
• Enhance your knowledge of manual exposure
• Develop an understanding of how to manipulate both natural and strobe lighting
• Learn new culling and editing techniques
• Enhance communication skills with clients, vendors, and venues
• Create a professional portfolio
Course Feedback
Feedback is posted at least once a week depending on the course requirements. The Instructor will determine the type of feedback given to students; the feedback will be based on the goals of the assignments. The goal of the feedback is not only to assist students but to also create a "community feel" within the classroom. A variety of feedback throughout the course including but not limited to:
- Individual Written Critique - the written word directed to an individual student
- Group Written Critique - the written word direct to a group of students
- Individual Video Critique - a video critique created for an individual student and shared either through an unlisted link via YouTube or through Kaltura (Canva's media upload option).
- Group Video Critique - a video critique created for a group of students and shared either through an unlisted link via YouTube or through Kaltura (Canva's media upload option); this method is intended to simulate a "real" classroom-like experience.
| Session/Week/Module | Topic |
| Week 1 |
Introduction to Course / Gear & Getting Started / Models & Subjects / Location Scouting for Week 2 |
| Week 2 |
Posing & Engagement Sessions |
| Week 3 |
Flat Lays & Wedding Outfit Deatils |
| Week 4 |
Venue Scouting & Getting Ready / Preparation for Week 5 |
| Week 5 |
Ceremony & Group Photos |
| Week 6 |
Bridal Portraits |
| Week 7 |
Cocktail Hour, Second Shooters, Reception Table Decor |
| Week 8 |
Reception |
| Week 9 |
Portfolio & Wedding Albums |
Week 1:
Topic: Gear & Getting Started- Ch. 1 - First Things; pages 1-17
- Ch. 2 - Posing; pgs. 18-35
- W1A1: Subjects & Scouting
Week 2:
Topic: Posing & Engagement Session- Ch. 3 - Managing the Shoot; pages 53-56
- W2A1: Engagement Session
Week 3:
Topic: Flat Lays & Getting Ready- Ch. 3 - Managing the Shoot; pages 47-50
- W3A1: Flat Lays & Wedding Outfit Details
Week 4:
Topic: Venue Scouting & Getting Ready- Ch. 4: Second Shooter – pgs. 57 – 61
- Ch. 5: Strategies of Wedding Photography - pgs. 62-66; pgs. 71-74
- W4A1: Venue Scouting & Getting Ready
Week 5:
Topic: Ceremony & Group Photos- Ch. 3: Managing the Shoot – pgs. 43-46
- Ch. 5: Strategies of Wedding Photography – pgs. 67-70
- W5A1: Ceremony & Group Photos
Week 6:
Topic: Bridal Portraits- Ch. 2: Posing - pgs. 20-35
- Ch. 5: Strategies of Wedding Photography – pgs. 63-66
- Ch. 6: Lighting - pgs. 80-99
- W6A1: Bridal Portraits
Week 7:
Topic: Cocktail Hour, Second Shooter, Reception Table Decor- Ch. 3: Managing the Shoot – pgs. 47-52
- Ch. 4: The Second Shooter– pgs. 57-61
- W7A1: Cocktail Hour, Second Shooter, Reception Table Decor
Week 8:
Topic: Reception
- Ch. 5: Strategies of Wedding Photography – pgs. 75-78
- Ch. 8: Equipment for the Wedding Photographer– pgs. 117-122
- Ch. 9: Expanding your Horizons – pgs. 127-135
- W8A1: Reception
Week 9:
Topic: Portfolio & Wedding Albums- Ch. 7: Editing and Production– pgs. 106-108
- Ch. 9: Expanding your Horizons – pgs. 143-147
- W9A1: Portfolio & Wedding Albums
Grading and Assignment Information
Letter grades are based on the UC San Diego Extension Grading Scale. Your final course grade is based on the percentage of points you have earned.
| Weighted Grading Criteria | ||
| Discussion Board participation: | 20% | |
| Assignments | 60% | |
| Final project | 20% | |
| TOTAL | 100% | |
You can check your point total through the Course Menu in Blackboard at any time by clicking Tools > My Grades.
Grading Policies
This course can be taken as part of the Professional Certificate in Photography. In order for the class to count towards your certificate, it must be taken for a letter grade or as pass/no pass. Classes that are taken as NFC cannot count toward a certificate.
You can change your grading option any time BEFORE the last day of class through My Extension.
Late Policy:
An assignment is considered late if it is posted or sent after the due date/time. Late submissions will be deducted 10% each day an assignment is due.
No final projects will be accepted after the final day of class.
Expect and plan for contingencies and technical problems (they WILL happen!).