Introduction to photography

What is the course about?

Get to know your camera and use it in a technically competent and visually interesting way, from knowing the right buttons to press, to composing a photograph creatively. Learn about shutter speed, aperture, composition, light and indoor/outdoor photography. An inspiring introduction to photography as a form of creative self-expression anyone can learn.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

On each session we will cover both technical and creative aspects of photography. From session 2, there will be feedback on images taken between sessions and practical ways to improve.
Session 1: ISO, exposure and colour basics, image size and file types (JPEG or RAW). How to upload to and share images on Google Classroom, and how to get the best results from this online course.
Session 2: Apertures (f stops), focus and depth of field. The basics of taking a good portrait.
Session 3: Shutter speed settings and movement. Taking photographs at night or in low light. Street photography.
Session 4: Photo composition, Colour settings and Picture styles. Fill-in flash and using ambient light. Photographing objects and food.
Session 5: Using your camera in fully manual mode. Using different lenses or the zoom on your camera. Nature and urban environment.
Session 6: Revision of key topics. Group session looking at a selection of images taken on the course with individual feedback. Advice on what to do next.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Use the manual functions of your camera
- Understand the terminology surrounding photography
- Identify and use different sources of light, eg. daylight and artificial light.
- Create visually interesting photographs.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You don't need any previous knowledge to join this course; it's for complete beginners, for learning new skills, or anyone needing a technical refresher.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be invited to take part in group discussion on Zoom and upload images onto Google Classroom . You should be happy using numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations. All handouts and assignments will be posted on Google Classroom.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

This is an online course you will need your own camera with manual settings (eg. where your can change the aperture and shutter speeds), as well as a computer or tablet with a webcam, microphone and reliable internet connection to take this class.
We use Google Classroom to share messages, documents, and for you to submit any homework tasks. We use video software to meet for classes via webcam on Zoom.

There will be a mixture demonstrations, individual practical exercises, discussions and project work to be done between classes. You will receive and be invited to contribute to positive critical feedback on your own and each other's photographs. To get the most from this course, you should take time to practice between lessons.
Google classroom login help.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need to have a digital camera which has manual settings for aperture and shutter speed. A tripod will be useful but not essential for this class. Please note: This course is not suitable for photography on smart phones or fully automatic cameras.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

If you've been inspired why not take the next step up to one of our wide range of intermediate courses, either online or face to face.
The photography department also runs software courses in Lightroom, Photoshop, Affinity photo, Capture One and courses in digital printing and scanning.