About the Developing a Visual Vocabulary series (Formerly Expanding your Vision)

Looking through your camera’s viewfinder and snapping what is in front of you is easy once you have mastered the technicalities of photography, but knowing how to see the image you are about to capture creatively is a skill that does not come naturally to all aspirant photographers. The good news is that while photographic vision may not be an inherent ability, it is a skill that can be developed through studying visual principles and developing a visual vocabulary.

During this 2-part series, Danie Bester covers the foundational aspects of vision, visual composition, and developing a visual vocabulary. In the process of dissecting a series of eye-opening photos created by some of the world’s most renowned photographers, he shows how we can dramatically improve our own photos by following similar principles and processes.

The series concludes with a practical exercise, that will solidify what you have learnt. You will also receive a complete set of notes and visual design cheat-sheet for self-study afterwards.

Interactive Online Sessions

The Developing a Visual Vocabulary series is presented online via Zoom, in real-time, and the classes are highly interactive. Students will also have access to a class recording, notes, and additional materials for self-study afterwards.

Presented by

The Developing a Visual Vocabulary series is presented by the founder of DPC, Danie Bester. He is a well-respected photography educator and accomplished fine art photographer who has been hailed by Photo World Magazine, as a “Knight of Photography as Art”. His philosophy about photography is that a camera is just a tool, and that true creativity comes from inside and through studying and applying visual tools and principles.

Thank you, Danie Bester, for an amazing presentation of the Expanding your Vision workshop! You made me realise just how much I can still improve my photography and this will certainly give me food for thought on how to up my game. This class is a must for any photographer that has lost inspiration and looking for that much-needed oomph. It should be a roadshow!

Trompie van der Berg

Key aspects

The most important aspects covered in the Developing a Visual Vocabulary series:

Inspiration from Master Photographers.

A discussion of some of the most powerful photos of our time.

Foundational Aspects of Vision.

The Camera as a Tool.

Key aspects of Photographic Vision.

Developing a Visual Vocabulary.

Visual Design Elements and Visual Composition.

Mood and Emotion in Visual Storytelling.

Tools over Rules (Breaking the Rules).

Photograph with the Heart.

Barriers of Vision.

Photo Analysis, how to “Read” a Photo.

Book for the complete Creative Photography Programme

The “Developing a Visual Vocabulary” series is one of four modules which can be completed separately or as part of the whole Creative Programme. Save 30% by registering for the complete programme in advance by following this link:

Click HERE to book for the full Creative Photography Programme

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone who is remotely interested in photography and visual design. It will benefit novice, experienced, and professional photographers alike. If you would like to step up your creativity, or rekindle your passion for photography, then this is for you!

Collaborative Zoom sessions

The online classes are presented via the Zoom platform. These classes are collaborative and allow our instructors to do real-time demos or jump between class presentations, videos, software apps, etc. for a more comprehensive experience. Attendees can participate in discussions, ask questions, complete polls or even share their work for immediate feedback. Students will get access to class notes and a video recording via our online platform

Course duration

2 Online evening Zoom classes (6 hours class time)

Requirements

Attendees should have access to the Internet and the Zoom App, using a computer or tablet with sound and a microphone to participate in classes. To enjoy the interactive experience fully we suggest you use a webcam as well.

Payment details

To book, complete the registration details below. Your registration will be secured only once payment has been received. Payment is to be made via EFT or direct bank deposit. You are welcome to call us at 079 520-4436 for payment arrangements. Payments are to be made out to:

  • DPC & Photo Tours, Standard Bank Current Account
  • Account no… 021 454 884
  • Branch Code 012645

Proof of payment to be emailed to info@dpc.co.za. Please use your name and the course name as the reference.

How to join the Zoom classes

We will send you a Zoom invitation link via email and WhatsApp at least one or two days before the course begins and your payment has been confirmed. Take note that if you have never used Zoom before, we will provide you with some basic training as soon as the class starts. Please download, install and test the Zoom app on your computer or tablet.

Classes will start strictly at the scheduled times, so please ensure that you join the class at least 15 minutes before to avoid missing out on any class time.