Discover the basics of photography to improve your photographs and impress your friends. Learn about shutter speed, aperture, composition, light and taking pictures in different environments. This course is perfect for complete beginners or for adding new skills. Please take this course before enrolling on our intermediate courses.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
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.
What will we cover?
Each session we will cover both technical and creative aspects of photography. There will be feedback on images taken between sessions and practical ways to improve.
Session 1: ISO, exposure and colour basics, image size/file types (JPEG or RAW). Upload to and share images on Google Classroom, 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 and movement. Taking photographs at night or in low light. Street photography.
Session 4: Composition, colour and 'picture styles'. Fill-in flash and using ambient light. Photographing objects and food.
Session 5: Using your camera in manual mode. Using different lenses or the zoom on your camera. Nature and urban environment.
Session 6: Revision of 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, handouts 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 (ie, where you 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. You will receive a joining links by email on each day of the class.
There will be a mixture of 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.
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 point and shoot cameras.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
If you've been inspired why not take one of our wide range of in person courses, such as Developing Your Photography Skills, Flash with Speedlight, People and Portrait Photography or a software course in Lightroom or Photoshop.
Dominic Harris's studio is based in South East London. In 2004 he won the British Journal of Photography portfolio award and in 2011 won the London Photography Association bronze prize for portraiture in the show 'Let's Face It' and the SPS Prize award for most innovative print at the Royal Western Academy 'Open Photography' show. He has exhibited widely and has work in collections in Europe and America as well as a body of work in the National Media Museum collection. He has been teaching photography at City Lit for 20 years, and has previously been Head of Department for Photography and Digital Arts, and Head of School for Visual Arts at City Lit. He was also a trustee of Tate Members from 2007-2016.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/introduction-to-photography315140Introduction to photographyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/n/introduction_to_photography.jpg229229GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Photography/Courses/Art & design/Photography/Photography skills & workshops/Courses/vm/Creative courses/Courses/vm/Beginners courses in art & design/Courses/Online courses/Courses/vm/Make Art You're Proud Of228511321702175686731360817311374412285113217021653<p>Discover the basics of photography to improve your photographs and impress your friends. Learn about shutter speed, aperture, composition, light and taking pictures in different environments. This course is perfect for complete beginners or for adding new skills. Please take this course before enrolling on our intermediate courses.</p>003030595Introduction to photography229229https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/n/introduction_to_photography_10.jpgInStockEveningWedOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-14T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersOct 2026Art & designVO309229229Introduction to photography183149229Dominic Harrisintroduction-to-photography/vo309-2627<p>Discover the basics of photography to improve your photographs and impress your friends. Learn about shutter speed, aperture, composition, light and taking pictures in different environments. This course is perfect for complete beginners or for adding new skills. Please take this course before enrolling on our intermediate courses.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-14 00:00:00<p>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.</p><p>Discover the basics of photography to improve your photographs and impress your friends. Learn about shutter speed, aperture, composition, light and taking pictures in different environments. This course is perfect for complete beginners or for adding new skills. Please take this course before enrolling on our intermediate courses.</p><p>Each session we will cover both technical and creative aspects of photography. There will be feedback on images taken between sessions and practical ways to improve.</p><p><br><strong>Session 1:</strong> ISO, exposure and colour basics, image size/file types (JPEG or RAW). Upload to and share images on Google Classroom, how to get the best results from this online course.</p><p><br><strong>Session 2:</strong> Apertures (f stops), focus and depth of field. The basics of taking a good portrait.</p><p><br><strong>Session 3:</strong> Shutter speed and movement. Taking photographs at night or in low light. Street photography.</p><p><br><strong>Session 4:</strong> Composition, colour and 'picture styles'. Fill-in flash and using ambient light. Photographing objects and food.</p><p><br><strong>Session 5:</strong> Using your camera in manual mode. Using different lenses or the zoom on your camera. Nature and urban environment.</p><p><br><strong>Session 6:</strong> Revision of topics. Group session looking at a selection of images taken on the course with individual feedback. Advice on what to do next.</p><ul><li>Use the manual functions of your camera</li><li>Understand the terminology surrounding photography</li><li>Identify and use different sources of light, eg. daylight and artificial light</li><li>Create visually interesting photographs</li></ul><p>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.</p><p><br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts 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.</p><p>This is an online course you will need your own camera with manual settings (ie, where you 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.</p><p>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. You will receive a joining links by email on each day of the class.</p><p>There will be a mixture of 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.</p><p><a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/26530977914525-FAQ-Student-IT-Account" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Access from outside the UK and IT Support</a></p><p><a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/11273523970845-What-is-your-City-Lit-student-IT-account" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Google Classroom Support</a></p><p> </p><p>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 point and shoot cameras.</p><p>If you've been inspired why not take one of our wide range of in person courses, such as Developing Your Photography Skills, Flash with Speedlight, People and Portrait Photography or a software course in Lightroom or Photoshop.</p>PhotographyPhotography skills & workshopsvirtual3068245Introduction to photography229229https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/n/introduction_to_photography_12.jpgInStockEveningWedOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-05-05T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersMay 2027Art & designVO308229229Introduction to photography183149229Dominic Harrisintroduction-to-photography/vo308-2627<p>Discover the basics of photography to improve your photographs and impress your friends. Learn about shutter speed, aperture, composition, light and taking pictures in different environments. This course is perfect for complete beginners or for adding new skills. Please take this course before enrolling on our intermediate courses.</p>0000-Available|2027-05-05 00:00:00<p>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.</p><p>Discover the basics of photography to improve your photographs and impress your friends. Learn about shutter speed, aperture, composition, light and taking pictures in different environments. This course is perfect for complete beginners or for adding new skills. Please take this course before enrolling on our intermediate courses.</p><p>Each session we will cover both technical and creative aspects of photography. There will be feedback on images taken between sessions and practical ways to improve.</p><p><br><strong>Session 1:</strong> ISO, exposure and colour basics, image size/file types (JPEG or RAW). Upload to and share images on Google Classroom, how to get the best results from this online course.</p><p><br><strong>Session 2:</strong> Apertures (f stops), focus and depth of field. The basics of taking a good portrait.</p><p><br><strong>Session 3:</strong> Shutter speed and movement. Taking photographs at night or in low light. Street photography.</p><p><br><strong>Session 4:</strong> Composition, colour and 'picture styles'. Fill-in flash and using ambient light. Photographing objects and food.</p><p><br><strong>Session 5:</strong> Using your camera in manual mode. Using different lenses or the zoom on your camera. Nature and urban environment.</p><p><br><strong>Session 6:</strong> Revision of topics. Group session looking at a selection of images taken on the course with individual feedback. Advice on what to do next.</p><ul><li>Use the manual functions of your camera</li><li>Understand the terminology surrounding photography</li><li>Identify and use different sources of light, eg. daylight and artificial light</li><li>Create visually interesting photographs</li></ul><p>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.</p><p><br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts 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.</p><p>This is an online course you will need your own camera with manual settings (ie, where you 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.</p><p>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. You will receive a joining links by email on each day of the class.</p><p>There will be a mixture of 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.</p><p><a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/26530977914525-FAQ-Student-IT-Account" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Access from outside the UK and IT Support</a></p><p><a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/11273523970845-What-is-your-City-Lit-student-IT-account" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Google Classroom Support</a></p><p> </p><p>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 point and shoot cameras.</p><p>If you've been inspired why not take one of our wide range of in person courses, such as Developing Your Photography Skills, Flash with Speedlight, People and Portrait Photography or a software course in Lightroom or Photoshop.</p>PhotographyPhotography skills & workshopsvirtual3068254Introduction to photography229229https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/n/introduction_to_photography_11.jpgInStockEveningWedOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-27T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2027Art & designVO559229229Introduction to photography183149229Dominic Harrisintroduction-to-photography/vo559-2627<p>Discover the basics of photography to improve your photographs and impress your friends. Learn about shutter speed, aperture, composition, light and taking pictures in different environments. This course is perfect for complete beginners or for adding new skills. Please take this course before enrolling on our intermediate courses.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-27 00:00:00<p>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.</p><p>Discover the basics of photography to improve your photographs and impress your friends. Learn about shutter speed, aperture, composition, light and taking pictures in different environments. This course is perfect for complete beginners or for adding new skills. Please take this course before enrolling on our intermediate courses.</p><p>Each session we will cover both technical and creative aspects of photography. There will be feedback on images taken between sessions and practical ways to improve.</p><p><br><strong>Session 1:</strong> ISO, exposure and colour basics, image size/file types (JPEG or RAW). Upload to and share images on Google Classroom, how to get the best results from this online course.</p><p><br><strong>Session 2:</strong> Apertures (f stops), focus and depth of field. The basics of taking a good portrait.</p><p><br><strong>Session 3:</strong> Shutter speed and movement. Taking photographs at night or in low light. Street photography.</p><p><br><strong>Session 4:</strong> Composition, colour and 'picture styles'. Fill-in flash and using ambient light. Photographing objects and food.</p><p><br><strong>Session 5:</strong> Using your camera in manual mode. Using different lenses or the zoom on your camera. Nature and urban environment.</p><p><br><strong>Session 6:</strong> Revision of topics. Group session looking at a selection of images taken on the course with individual feedback. Advice on what to do next.</p><ul><li>Use the manual functions of your camera</li><li>Understand the terminology surrounding photography</li><li>Identify and use different sources of light, eg. daylight and artificial light</li><li>Create visually interesting photographs</li></ul><p>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.</p><p><br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts 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.</p><p>This is an online course you will need your own camera with manual settings (ie, where you 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.</p><p>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. You will receive a joining links by email on each day of the class.</p><p>There will be a mixture of 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.</p><p><a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/26530977914525-FAQ-Student-IT-Account" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Access from outside the UK and IT Support</a></p><p><a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/11273523970845-What-is-your-City-Lit-student-IT-account" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Google Classroom Support</a></p><p> </p><p>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 point and shoot cameras.</p><p>If you've been inspired why not take one of our wide range of in person courses, such as Developing Your Photography Skills, Flash with Speedlight, People and Portrait Photography or a software course in Lightroom or Photoshop.</p>PhotographyPhotography skills & workshopsvirtual183229149VO309,VO308,VO559NONEWed14/10/26 - 11/11/2618:30 - 21:0018:3021:005 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksWeekdayOnlineOnlineDominic HarrisBeginnersAvailable courses2026-10-14T00:00:00+00:00,2027-05-05T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-27T00:00:00+00:00EveningOct 2026,May 2027,Jan 2027Art & design229229Introduction to photographyintroduction-to-photography/vo309-2627,introduction-to-photography/vo308-2627,introduction-to-photography/vo559-2627<p>Discover the basics of photography to improve your photographs and impress your friends. Learn about shutter speed, aperture, composition, light and taking pictures in different environments. This course is perfect for complete beginners or for adding new skills. Please take this course before enrolling on our intermediate courses.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-14 00:00:00<p>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.</p><p>Discover the basics of photography to improve your photographs and impress your friends. Learn about shutter speed, aperture, composition, light and taking pictures in different environments. This course is perfect for complete beginners or for adding new skills. Please take this course before enrolling on our intermediate courses.</p><p>Each session we will cover both technical and creative aspects of photography. There will be feedback on images taken between sessions and practical ways to improve.</p><p><br><strong>Session 1:</strong> ISO, exposure and colour basics, image size/file types (JPEG or RAW). Upload to and share images on Google Classroom, how to get the best results from this online course.</p><p><br><strong>Session 2:</strong> Apertures (f stops), focus and depth of field. The basics of taking a good portrait.</p><p><br><strong>Session 3:</strong> Shutter speed and movement. Taking photographs at night or in low light. Street photography.</p><p><br><strong>Session 4:</strong>&nbsp;Composition, colour and 'picture styles'. Fill-in flash and using ambient light. Photographing objects and food.</p><p><br><strong>Session 5:</strong> Using your camera in manual mode. Using different lenses or the zoom on your camera. Nature and urban environment.</p><p><br><strong>Session 6:</strong> Revision of topics. Group session looking at a selection of images taken on the course with individual feedback. Advice on what to do next.</p><ul><li>Use the manual functions of your camera</li><li>Understand the terminology surrounding photography</li><li>Identify and use different sources of light, eg. daylight and artificial light</li><li>Create visually interesting photographs</li></ul><p>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.</p><p><br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts 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.</p><p>This is an online course you will need your own camera with manual settings (ie, where you 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.</p><p>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. You will receive a joining links by email on each day of the class.</p><p>There will be a mixture of 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.</p><p><a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/26530977914525-FAQ-Student-IT-Account" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Access from outside the UK and IT Support</a></p><p><a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/11273523970845-What-is-your-City-Lit-student-IT-account" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Google Classroom Support</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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 point and shoot cameras.</p><p>If you've been inspired why not take one of our wide range of in person courses, such as Developing Your Photography Skills, Flash with Speedlight, People and Portrait Photography or a software course in Lightroom or Photoshop.</p>PhotographyPhotography skills & workshopsconfigurable
