A classroom-based course without the classroom.
Not your ordinary online course.

Introductory Photography is a course for beginners
who want to finally learn to control their camera to create the images they imagine.
Two options are available, depending on the amount of support you need. 

Two Ways to Learn:

Introductory Photography: Self-Guided

Four comprehensive modules available now for learning on your own, when you’re ready, at your pace. Learn to take control of your camera so that you use it to fulfill your vision.

• 4 instructional modules sent to you when you register.
• The tutorials consist of detailed written explanations, examples and videos. Multiple examples and demonstrations are included. The tutorials are yours for future reference.
• You will learn when, why and how to use the buttons and controls on your camera. Assignments to practice the concepts are included.
• This course is for people who ‘have a good eye’ and want to skip the lessons on composing an impactful image but want to take charge of their camera and learn on their own.
• Email support if you get stuck.

Topics

Get ready to learn about all the buttons and dials on your camera, what they do and when to use them. The major topics are listed below, many more are included.

• 1. Aperture, depth of field, autofocus settings
• 2. Shutter speed and how to freeze action or imply motion to tell your story, where to focus, panning with the camera, painting with light
• 3. ISO, balancing aperture, shutter speed and ISO, digital noise, exposure compensation, histograms and metering modes.
• 4. Photo gear: about cameras, lenses and other things for your bag. Photo editing software.
• Bonus: Put Introductory Photography all together with a self-guided video that reviews, demonstrates and leads you through the ten foundational concepts taught in the lessons.

Important to Know

• $129 + GST
• This class is intended for beginners to photography and people who prefer to learn on their own.
• Students should have a basic knowledge of downloading images to their computer.
• Starts whenever you are ready. Work at your pace.

Introductory Photography: Fully-Guided

An 8-week course beginning in January 2024 (offered in Fall & Winter each year).
Learn to take control of your camera. Then learn compositional principles so you can truly create images you love. All in a learning environment that guides you every step of the way.

Introductory Photography (Fully Guided) has three main teaching components:
1. Receive a detailed lesson once per week for 8 weeks. The lessons consist of explanations, examples and comprehensive videos. They are yours to keep for future reference.

2. Assignments to work on each week and share in our 100% private Facebook group. This is the place where you connect, ask questions, get answers and receive feedback on your images.

3. A Zoom session each Thursday evening (7 – 9:30 pm) to follow up on the lesson and assignment for that week. This is the place for more information, questions and discussion of class photos. These will be recorded so you can tune in later if you can’t be with us live.

These three components repeat for each of the 8 weeks. We all progress together. Your job is to complete the assignments, practice with your camera and ask for help if needed.

Bonus: Two Saturday outings in the Langley / Surrey area. Dates are below. Assistants are included so everyone gets help

Topics

In the first four weeks, you learn about all the buttons and dials on your camera, what they do and when to use them. In the second four weeks, you will enter into the art of photography and learn how to create compelling compositions of landscapes and people.

• Week 1: Aperture, depth of field, autofocus settings
• Week 2: Shutter speed and how to freeze action or imply motion to tell your story, where to focus, panning with the camera, painting with light
• Week 3: ISO, balancing aperture, shutter speed and ISO, digital noise, exposure compensation, histograms and metering modes
• Week 3A: Saturday outing 1: putting it all together.
• Week 4: Photo gear: about cameras, lenses and other things for your bag. Photo editing software.
• Week 5: Composition: Landscapes, part 1
• Week 6: Composition: Landscapes, part 2
• Week 7: Composition: Photographing people, part 1
• Week 7A: Saturday outing 2: practicing everything covered so far
• Week 8: Composition: Photographing people, part 2

Important to Know

• $379 + GST
• Important Dates:
  First lesson available on January 12, 2024.
  First Zoom class is Thursday, January 18 from 7:00 to 9:30 pm.
  Final Zoom class is Thursday, March 7, 2024.
  Outings: February 3, 2024 (Fort Langley) and March 2 (also Fort Langley), 10 am – 12:00 noon. Options available for people who cannot attend the outings.

• Introductory Photography is intended for beginners to photography. If you have no knowledge or a little, this is where it all starts. Many more experienced photographers have found it a great place to fill in gaps in their knowledge. If you’ve been learning from YouTube, you’re welcome here. We’ll put it all together.
• The course uses Facebook as a valuable tool to create a private community for sharing our work, getting feedback on images, asking questions, receiving weekly notes, announcements and more. It allows you to keep in touch with the entire class during the week to get quick answers to questions. If you don’t know Facebook, a tutorial is available to get you started.
• Students are expected to have enough basic computer knowledge to download their images and share them with the group. You do not need to know how to edit your images or have fancy software. During the course, options for image editing software will be discussed.

Try Out a Sample Lesson

Student Reviews

Let Kim tell you how her life was transformed.

• I have to thank you. This course has woken me and sparked a fire I thought I lost a while ago. Hearing the way you speak of art and the amount of work and content you put together in this course blows me away. There’s more passion and life in this than my years in classes at UBC.  Edith
• I just completed the introductory photography course with Dennis. I loved this course. I overcame so many obstacles. Dennis has a gentle way about him. He takes the time to answer your questions. His weekly assignments were very informative with easy to read instructions. Dennis and his wonderful assistants Randy & Mel were with us every step of the way. Dennis is a wonderful instructor, he puts you at ease and has a great sense of humor.
• My humble thanks for all you taught me and for your patience and enthusiasm and inspiration. You’re the most encouraging teacher anyone could ask for and a shining example to me of what a teacher can be. Thank you seems so little for the gift you’ve given me; nevertheless, thank you, Dennis. Kathy
• I said it before but it is all you, Dennis. I had no clue what aperture mode was, second curtain, ICM, etc., last October when I took your first class. You’re a great teacher and it totally exceeded my expectations with online learning. Hope to keep in touch. Thank you for helping me reconnect with a part of myself that I didn’t make time for in the past. Scott

Register for Introductory Photography

Refund Policy

This course is guaranteed to take you from beginner to confident. If at any time during the course you are less than satisfied, contact Dennis for a refund. A full refund is available within the first 14 days.

Help!

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