Chris Bray's Photography Lecture

Introduction

• Speaker: Chris Bray
• Background: Australian Geographic photographer with work featured in National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and GoPro.
• Experience: Over seven years conducting photography courses in Australia, now available online.

Early Life and Inspiration

• Grew up sailing around the world on a homemade yacht for five years, which sparked an interest in photography.
• Early photo opportunities were abundant but faced challenges with early equipment and settings.

Adventures and Early Career

• Experienced frustration with litter in nature while hiking in Tasmania, inspiring a desire for wilderness exploration.
• Undertook a challenging hike through Tasmania’s wilderness which led to his first real camera and a connection to Australian Geographic.
• Awarded as Young Adventurer of the Year by Australian Geographic.
• Published articles and photos in outdoor magazines.

Transition to Professional Photography

• Graduated with an electrical engineering degree but pursued photography due to exciting adventures and prospects.
• Authored a book "The Thousand Hour Day" and a documentary "The Crossing" based on Arctic adventures.

Photography Successes

• Photography featured in major publications despite a lack of formal training.
• Became Australian ambassador for Canon and Lowepro.
• Assignments included international travel, such as photographing in Papua New Guinea for Australian Geographic.

Photography Courses and Tours

• Initiated photography courses after realizing the potential for improvement among cruise passengers to Antarctica.
• Courses emphasize practical and simple teaching methods, with supporting materials like course booklets and summary clip cards.
• Photography tours focus on small groups and unique experiences with professional guidance.

Course Structure Overview

1. Basic Photography: Setting up the camera, holding techniques.
2. Composition: Organizing elements in photos for aesthetic balance.
3. Exposure: Adjusting brightness/darkness, using histograms.
4. Aperture: Understanding depth of field.
5. Shutter Speed: Effects on motion.
6. ISO: Understanding its impact.
7. Lighting: Types and directions of lighting.
8. Lenses: Different types and their uses.
9. Practical Advice: Post-production tips, camera maintenance.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to use the online course for improving photography skills.
• Invitation to join photography tours for real-world experience.