Most participants in my beginner photography course admit, "I have a good camera, but I’m not sure how to use it well." This is entirely understandable; people rarely lack skill; they simply haven’t learned how everything fits together.

That’s exactly where our course begins. Rather than relying on Auto mode, we'll focus on building your confidence in both technical and creative aspects, so you truly grasp what your camera does and why. Through 10 structured sessions, we’ll progress from mastering aperture and shutter priority to creating and presenting a polished digital portfolio.

Here’s what that journey involves.

Mastering Camera Control

We begin with core principles: Aperture, Shutter speed, ISO and Exposure. These foundational concepts are introduced through practical, hands-on instruction rather than by means of purely theoretical discussion.

Participants will learn to: utilise aperture settings to manage depth of field and overall image sharpness; adjust shutter speed to capture motion or freeze action effectively; comprehend the role of ISO in achieving correct exposure while controlling noise; and operate confidently in both Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes.

This program emphasises applied learning: participants photograph, review results, adjust settings, and refine their technique. Significant understanding develops when students directly observe how altering camera settings dramatically influences the look and quality of their imagery.

Depth of Field, Motion & Real-World Practice

After mastering the basics, we move on to photographing real subjects in a variety of conditions, such as shooting portraits with shallow depth of field, capturing landscapes with deep focus, experimenting with creative motion blur, and freezing movement. Students are encouraged to photograph the same subject using different settings, then compare the outcomes and analyse the differences. Through this method, students transition from making guesses to making informed choices and build confidence by understanding why each image succeeds.

Moving Beyond Snapshots: Composition & Storytelling

Mastering technical skills is only the first step. We will then focus on composition and how to thoughtfully compose your photography.

Key concepts we’ll explore include: Rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, light direction, and the use of texture, colour, and shape.

Students tackle practical challenges designed to help them create purposeful, considered images. The aim is not simply taking photos but making work that feels meaningful, personal and visually compelling.

Editing & Presenting Your Work

Photography extends beyond taking pictures. In the final sessions, students review and select their best images, apply basic editing (exposure, colour, cropping, sharpening), learn ethical practices, export files for digital use, and build a portfolio with at least six images. They present their work as a slideshow, PDF, or gallery, reflecting on technical and creative choices, which highlights their progress.

What Makes This Course Different?

This course goes beyond just teaching you how to adjust camera settings.

It focuses on:

Building authentic technical confidence
Nurturing creative awareness
Grasping the art of visual storytelling
Learning to critique and enhance your own photos
Creating a complete portfolio you can be proud of

You'll progress through structured lessons, receive hands-on guidance, benefit from constructive feedback, and gain access to additional resources to support your learning outside of class.

By the end of the course, you won’t just be responding to your camera, you’ll be taking charge of it.

From Beginner to Confident Photographer

This course teaches camera control, composition, subject variety, and digital presentation to build your confidence. The skills apply to any type of photography, from family and travel to food and wildlife. If you want to leave Auto mode behind and learn your camera, contact me about upcoming beginner courses or visit www.wellypictures.com for tuition options.

From Camera Settings to Confident Storytelling: Inside My Beginner Photography Course