Get off auto and learn about your camera with our Beginners Photography Courses
Are you used to using the ‘Auto’ button and seeing the flash pop up?
Our Beginners Photography Courses will quickly move you on from the Auto settings to Manual Control. You’ll see how easy it is & how it’ll transform your photography! Also if you’ve never used it. we’ll introduce you to shooting in RAW – you’ll see what a difference it makes!
What equipment will I need?
Any DSLR, or Compact / Bridge camera with settings that can be changed is best as you are able to control both the aperture and shutter speeds of your camera.
“Compact” cameras are a little more limited in terms of manual control; these are OK if your priority is composition but less so if you want to take control over your camera settings. If you have a compact Nigel will be happy to chat with you about this.
Wet weather clothing and a packed lunch is required for the outdoor part of the workshop – it rains occasionally in Wales!
What is the priority?
We teach students how their cameras work and how to get the best out of them. The workshops cover the use of the camera and its controls, how exposure and focussing works and other ket settings and controls
Who are the workshops for?
Anyone with an interest in photography irrespective of age or level of experience.
Will I be out of my depth?
No! These courses are aimed at those with no previous experience. The groupo may include others with limited previous experience but who usually use the auto settings & want to find out more.
One Day One-to-One course with Nigel Forster
My husband gave me a one day course with Nigel for my birthday. I am a beginner with a mirrorless camera, have only ever used it on its Auto settings and my photos also look very uninspiring.
What I wanted to achieve from the day was to learn about the manual settings on my camera, how to use them etc and get some tips about composition to improve the look of my photographs.
Nigel came to my home for a dawn start, a totally new experience for a non-morning person like me but, was so worth it.
We did a mix of walking around my local area taking photos and some theory back at the house. The day was tailored exactly to what I wanted to do and I feel I now understand my camera so much more and have lots of confidence to go out and practice with my newly acquired knowledge.
Nigel is a nice easy going guy and I felt in safe hands and thoroughly enjoyed my day. Thank you Nigel – it was great fun.
Annie, 1 Day 1-1 Beginners Course, January 2018
More Information
Our Beginners Photography Workshops and Courses – your choice
One to One / Individual Courses
In general, this is the best choice at beginner level. You’ll get dedicated time on your specific camera model, rather than the time split between different clients and camera models.
You’ll get a questionnaire in advance, detailing your requirements and the day will be designed around this and any other priorities you have.
Courses start from a half day (you’ll be surprised how much you can learn in a half day!). If booking more than one day, it’s advisable to split them to allow for practise in between.
BOOK a Beginners Photography Course
Group Workshops
These are run 2-3 times a year from our base in the Brecon Beacons and are for up to 6 people. You therefore have the opportunity to practise with other participants and learn from them.
The day will start with a presentation on the basics of camera settings and exposure, and an introduction to the image making process.
We’ll then go to nearby locations (usually including waterfalls which are excellent for practising shutter speed and light control).
Finally, we return to the studio, and you’ll learn how to upload images to your computer with an idea of how you process them.
What’s included?
Whether you choose a Personalised or Group option, the following are included:
- Tuition on your individual camera model
- Transport between locations
- Critique of your latest images at any time
- Course Notes and information including all updates
- All transportation to and from locations
- Coffee, tea and light refreshments.
What does it cost?
- Personalised Beginners Courses start from £149 for a Half day and £249 for a Full day for a 1-1 with large discounts for 2 Booking Together
- Spaces on Group Workshops are £99 for a full day or £185 fir 2 Booking Together
Links to Personalised and Group Options
- Personalised Beginners Courses
- Beginners Group Workshops