Welcome to the specialization, Photography and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR. I'm Christopher Long, Dean of the College of Arts and Letters at Michigan State University. Thank you for choosing to become part of the extended Michigan State University community. As the nation's pioneer land grant university, MSU has been educating citizen leaders since 1855. And we're very happy to be able to continue that tradition of outreach and impact through this online specialization in photography. In collaboration with the College of Music and the College of Communication, Arts, and Sciences, these courses draw from a diversity of disciplinary perspectives to enrich your understanding of the theory and practices of photography. I've always been passionate about photography, because it gives me an opportunity to slow down and recognize the beauty that surrounds us every day. Part of our mission in the College of Arts and Letters is to celebrate and highlight the way the arts and humanities are woven through every aspect of our lives. Taking pictures reminds us of that. And connects our lives to the lives of others. Photography has always been an important part of my life. Growing up, my father, brother, and I had a darkroom in the basement. There, I learned to burn and dodge images, to draw up the contours of a scene. In college, although I majored in philosophy and political science, my photography courses enabled me to see the world differently. And it has been an important part of my daily practice and has helped me more effectively communicate with others. As Dean, I try to cultivate a habit of capturing beauty as it presents itself in my daily life, whether I'm taking a photo I can share via social media like Twitter, you can follow me @deancplong, or creating an album of family memories that can be shared as my daughters grow into a world of their own. I practice the art of photography everyday. If you're like me, you want to take photographs that you're proud to share. And this specialization will enhance your ability to take great photos. Whether you're using an advanced DSLR, or the smartphone you carry with you all the time, these courses will teach you the fundamental skills of photography that will give you control of your camera and enable you to create pictures that reflect your values and perspective on the world. You'll study the foundational principles of photography technique, digital imaging, from camera exposure to print, the organization of pictures, according to principles of design, and how to compose compelling images. We are extremely fortunate to have at MSU one of the best photographers in the world. Peter Glendinning is a renowned educator and has won numerous international awards for his photography. You're learning from one of the leaders in the field. His colleague, Mark Sullivan, is a professor of music composition, and he brings another dimension of creativity to the specialization. Mark's work has been featured and showcased in hundreds of magazines, books, and major exhibitions nationwide. Together, Peter and Mark compliment on another and make a unique team to help you grow as a photographer. The opportunity to have Peter and Mark share their expertise and engage learners from all over the world is something very special, and we hope this is a transformative, educational experience for each of you. Extending the boundaries of knowledge and enriching communities within and beyond the university have been hallmarks of Michigan State since its founding in 1855. And the College of Arts and Letters is the heart of that mission. On behalf of Michigan State University, thank you for joining us, and I hope you enjoyed the specialization, Photography and Beyond.