Photography for beginners

What is the course about?

Getting to know your camera and using 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?

The basic mechanics of photography, including but not limited to:
- choice of camera
- exposure and taking light readings
- shutter speed settings
- apertures (f-stops) and depth of field
- lenses
- composition and light
- creative approaches to photographing different subjects.

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 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, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be happy using numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

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

A mixture of talks, demonstrations, group and individual practical exercises, discussions and project work, involving some individual tutoring. 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.
The course also uses Google Classroom (an online teaching resource) for you to share comments with your class, download course material and upload images for group crits. Google classroom login help.

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

Please bring a working camera (either digital or film) which has manual settings for aperture and shutter speed. If you have not yet purchased a camera you will be supplied with a digital SLR for use during the taught hours of the class. We do not have sufficient cameras for you to borrow a camera between classes.
If you are using a film camera you will need to pay for up to seven rolls of film, together with processing and printing - you can use colour or black and white. (Please note we do not sell or process film at City Lit). The City Lit has a selection of tripods and lenses (Nikon and Canon) which may be used during the hours of the class.

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

If you've been inspired why not take the next step up to our Developing photography skills: intermediate course, select a London photography walk or choose a specialism (people, landscape, wildlife, street, documentary etc) or enrol on the intensive 'City Lit photography projects' long course.
The photography department also runs software courses in Lightroom, Photoshop, Affinity photo, Capture One and courses in digital and traditional darkroom printing.