Discover the professional secrets of National Geographic photographer Jad Davenport and start taking captivating photos that tell the story of your travels! Set yourself up for success with Jad’s tips for travel gear, planning a shot list, and overcoming bad weather. Learn to create high-quality images anywhere with four key elements of design, and discover the most magical time of day to take your shots. Jad shares composition techniques for everything from iconic landscapes to small details and reveals his tips for approaching and photographing locals with ease. Plus, you’ll learn how to curate your images, creating a memorable narrative you can’t wait to show off!
Class Sessions
Session 1: Getting Ready
21:35
Meet your instructor, National Geographic Creative photographer Jad Davenport, and discover what goes into planning and preparing for a successful travel shoot. Jad shares how he makes the switch from tourist to photographer as he creates his own travel assignments: researching his destination, creating a theme and making a shot list and schedule. Then, take a peek into his pared-down gear bag as he shows you what lenses and equipment are must-haves and which pieces you can leave at home.
Session 2: Making Pictures with Intention
26:48
Discover the difference between taking and making pictures. Jad will show you how to recognize the four elements that create dramatic images: composition, light, color and moments. He'll preview each element and show you how to incorporate each one to build up a photograph.
Session 3: Composition: The Artistic Eye
17:47
Delve deeper into composition as you see how Jad implements the rule of thirds to create artful and impactful images. Learn to utilize leading lines and color to create entry and exit points in your photographs and discover how to separate your subjects from their background as you adjust focal lengths. Play around with repeating patterns and learn the best way to capture cities and buildings. Also, learn how to "crop with your feet" to refine your focus and edit out compositional noise.
Session 4: Unique Perspective
21:02
Discover the art of the "CAT scan" as Jad shows you how to take portraits quickly, and from every angle. Break from the mindset that every photo needs to be a keeper as you learn how to take multiple shots of the same thing from a variety of perspectives and with a variety of compositions. Learn how to use panning to create vibrant and active images and discover the creative shots that showcase your personal point of view.
Session 5: Using Available Light
32:41
Learn how to assess light and how to play with it throughout the day. Forget about fumbling around with flash photography and make the most out of available light in any locale. Garner advice for scheduling your shot list based on the available light and discover the best options for shooting during harsh midday light. Finally, Jad offers a master course on the best techniques for capturing dramatic photos during the magical blue hour, just after sunset.
Session 6: Capturing Moments
33:24
Turn a beautiful scene into an poignant image by making sure you also capture the moment. Whether it's a hummingbird looking for nectar or a couple holding hands as they walk down the beach, including subjects in your photos will add intimacy and impact. First, discover how to find and compose interesting backgrounds. Then, learn how to anticipate action and how to find target-rich environments as Jad offers tips for approaching people and creating instant relationships.
Session 7: Artful Presentation
31:12
Now that you've returned from your trip, it's time to edit and organize your photos. Explore what makes one photograph compositionally stronger than another as you edit for variety and range. Once you've decided what stays and what goes, learn to create a slide show that will engage and inspire its viewers. Jad's design perspective from the magazine world will help you to pick an opening and closing shot as he offers tips on how to pace your presentation as you flow from one photo from the next, adding action and quiet moments along the way.
Your Instructor
Jad Davenport
Jad Davenport is a photographer, author, and filmmaker with National Geographic Creative. His cover and inside story for National Geographic Adventure in 2004 were the magazine's first shot with a digital camera. Jad's 30-year career as a travel photographer has taken him to all seven continents and more than 150 countries, and his images have appeared in publications from Islands and Outside and to Audubon and Coastal Living. Jad strives to create images that celebrate the beauty of the world, and he's thrilled to share his experiences and expertise with the photography community.
Bonus Material
Travel Photography: The Essential Guide - Resources
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Outdoor Photography Guide to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on OPG Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great photography videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Outdoor Photography Guide. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on Outdoor Photography, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and OPG contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to outdoorphotographyguide.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from OPG from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact OPG Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at OPGsubscription@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-231-0652. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
Explore Classes by Jad Davenport
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You may be interested in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This site uses cookies and other technologies to track your use of the site that will allow us and our service providers and partners to enhance your experience and deliver relevant content to you. By agreeing to or closing this notice, you understand and agree to such use and data collection. For more information about our privacy practices and your choices, please visit our privacy policy and cookie notice.