Beginner course
Price: € 420.00 per person, maximum 3 participants.
Scope: up to approx. 20 hours in four consecutive days
In this course you will learn how to take better photos in the future by consciously controlling the most important camera settings.
With a little self-discipline and commitment, you can grow and improve after the course in your practical and own future experience.
Content
Basic knowledge about cameras
As an introduction, we deal with the most important tool of the photographer: the camera. Using an SLR camera as an example, we will look at its basic operation and learn how the image (light) is transferred to the sensor.
Basic lens studies
We cover the general properties of lenses, such as the different perspectives and how they relate to the focal length. What types of lenses are there? What part does the lens play in the quality of the photo, how do the enormous price differences for different lens types come about and how do you clean and care for a lens?
Understanding camera settings
Aperture, ISO and shutter speed are our most important parameters for the correct exposure of a photo and for artistic image composition. In theory and practice you will learn the connection between these parameters and how they influence the photo.
Composition of the image
The design and effect of an image is based on a number of rules and tools, such as image composition, motion blur and depth of field. In this unit you will learn the most important basics to build up your photo in a targeted way.
What you need for the course
Camera
You need a DSLR or mirrorless camera (and at least one lens) regardless of the make. You will be able to participate on the course with your bridge or system camera but be aware of its possible technical limitations.
Clothing
For our practical exercises, please wear appropriate clothes. Clothing should be comfortable and not matter if you get a bit dirty. Comfortable and light shoes are also important.
Lenses
Bring all the lenses you own to the course. If you only have one lens, but you can borrow any from friends or family for the duration for the course and perhaps also for your later practice, that would be an advantage.
Writing material
Please take notes! My many years of experience have shown that taking notes is much more effective in the learning process than simply reading along. So don't forget your pens and paper!
Tripod (only beginner course)
From day 2 onwards, we each need our own tripod. It should be stable and designed for the weight of the camera. If you do not have the possibility to bring a tripod, it is possible to organise one on site.
Other
Please bring the instruction manual of your camera, a microfibre cloth, empty and sufficiently large memory cards, the charger and the batteries. As the mornings are a bit longer, maybe bring something to eat.
schedule
The timings of the beginner course at a glance
Day 1
Planned time frame: 9.00 – 14.30 including break.
On the first day we meet at 8.30 am. That means half an hour before we start with the lessons, so that we can get to know each other a bit over a coffee or tea.
This day consists mainly of theory, but is very practice-oriented.
Day 2
Planned time frame: 9.00 – 14.30 including break.
Theory and short practical exercises for better understanding.
Day 3
Planned time frame: 9.00 – 14.30 including break.
Theory and short practical exercises for better understanding.
Day 4
The fourth day is mainly dedicated to practice. The exact starting time is subject to the season and weather forecast and will be decided together during the first 2 days of the photo course. In any case, it is always most adventurous at sunrise.
Please note
of the school and rush hour traffic. Always plan some buffer time so that we can start on time. Do not schedule important appointments on your course days. On the one hand, this appointment waits in the back of your mind all day and distracts you and on the other hand, sometimes the lessons take a little longer and you don’t want to miss anything.
We care about quality not quantity
so we will concentrate on every single photo. Our aim is to put theory into practice and to experience joy when doing so. You will see that it is not as difficult as you think to implement these new skills and that from now on, you will be taking good pictures not just snapshots.
To practise means using what we have learned: without competition and without pressure to perform vis a vis the results. We will evaluate the pictures but we will not compare them. All participants are here to learn and to improve. It’s more about diligence, dedication and a little courage to try something new.
Important
Please remember that these are intensive courses with a fixed programme in which you will learn the basics of photography in a relatively short time.
If you prefer your own pace, the private course might be the right choice.
You are welcome to book the basics of image editing with Adobe Lightroom as part of the private lessons with me. If you can learn well with Youtube tutorials and you have a lot of time, you will certainly find free alternatives.