DSLR Beginners Course
Have you owned your DSLR for some time but never taken it off the Auto settings? Confused by all the options? This DSLR Beginners Course will help you take control of your camera.
Our aim is to get you taking pictures which delight you and of which you can be proud. Taking in 4 beautiful locations in and around Southend your camera will be demystified and you will come away knowing how to utilize your camera fully. The weekend also includes an introduction to digital imaging using a laptop, projector and various editing software.
We are right by the beach and close to some amazing photo locations that we will take full advantage of over the two day course. Southend-on-Sea is located in a beautiful part of essex with many opportunities to take some great photographs. Be it the archetypal beach huts at Thorpe Bay or our famous and iconic pier - Southend has it all. The course will take in both these locations along with others and explore the many photographic gems that of a town has to offer.
Paul Tait, Course Tutor
Being a professional photographer and working in all areas of photography I have a broad and enthusiastic love for the medium. Having persued my career in photography along the usual route (assisting for three years for advertising, corporate and fashion photographers) my commissions have seen me produce images for DK Eyewitness Travel Guides and sell my landscape greetings cards as far afield as Australia as well as having collections in two image libraries.
My experience of digital cameras covers compact, advanced compact cameras, entry level "prosumer" and professional DSLR's. I have a passion for photography and enjoy communicating all of the techniques and approaches I have learnt over the years to a new generation of photographers.
Course details
Duration:
2 days
Cost:
£150
Level:
This course is aimed at the beginner, (for example, someone who has been given a digital SLR for their birthday) someone who wishes to learn what all the twiddly knobs do as well as have a pleasant two days out and about in Southend, learning how to take great pictures.
If you find yourself:
- disappointed with your pictures and think they aren't any better than you got with point & shoot camera
- wondering what all the buttons on your DSLR do but don't feel confident enough to tackle them o
- having been given a DSLR and are wondering where to start then this course is for you.
Equipment needed:
Digital SLR Memory Cards An enthusiastic approach to getting the most out of your camera!
Topics covered
- Photography - the basics - camera modes - auto, aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, sports, landscape, close up, portrait
- Everyday shooting - What to look for and how to shoot it
- Composition - Don't just stand there! Learn how to "see" a photo just about anywhere!
- Digital camera functions and their uses Macro Photography - getting in close
- Landscape Photography - the bigger picture
- Abstract - arty photos made simple
- At home - Learn some simple photo editing tricks to make your pictures stand out
Although delegates will be encouraged to use their own creative skills projects will be set to focus the mind. The emphasis of the course is on providing sufficient technical information to help you use your camera more effectively without getting too technical.
NB. Should the weather be dark, rainy or just plain awful we have options for indoor photography as well
Itinerary
Day 1
9.30am - Course Introduction - a chance for you to get to know myself and each other over cup of tea or coffee at the B&B
10:00am - Getting to Know Your Camera - an introduction with a projector on the various buttons and features of a camera
11.30am - Location 1 - Southend Pier - Underneath the pier there are untold opportunities to take some great and interesting photos of the rust, wildlife and ruins.
1.30pm - Lunch - A chance to have a friendly discussion on the mornings photography and more importantly to re-fuel!!!
2.30pm - Location 2 -The stunning beach huts one mile away at Thorpe Bay are famous all over the UK and provide a great opportunity for photographers to take some very professional looking photos.
4.30pm - Recharge, Download and De-brief - Now you have had a fun day taking photos you will be itching to see the results. This is a chance to learn how to download, organise and vitally, learn some tips and tricks for turning a good photo into a great photo using editing software!
7:00pm - Dinner - a well earnt dinner at the B&B and a chance to discuss the days photography.
Day 2
8.30am - Breakfast
9.30am - Location 3 - Hadleigh Castle is a 10 minute drive away and a photographers heaven. We will take in the ruins and surrounding countryside where you will be encouraged to exercise your creative muscles and put into practice what you learnt on day one!
1.30pm - Lunch - A chance for a Q&A session on all things photography
2.30pm - Location 4 - Old Leigh. Discover the hidden gems of this ancient fishing village.
4:00pm. - Back to the B&B to download and learn more photo editing tips and tricks plus how to get the best out of your printer.
5.30pm Course Ends
