Introduction to photography
Time: 18:30 - 20:30
Location: Online
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Choose a start date
- Course Code: VO559
- Dates: 22/01/25 - 26/02/25
- Time: 18:30 - 20:30
- Taught: Wed, Evening
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Dominic Harris
Course Code: VO559
Choose a start date
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
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.
What is the course about?
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.
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.