DSLR Photography Beginner Course UK?

[Orangediva]

To change the image format to raw, press the menu button, and in the first menu tab, there should be an item called Quality. Select it, and you should see an option for RAW and various JPEG settings. You'll need to "develop" those RAW files using Photos, Aperture, Lightroom, Digital Photo Professional, etc.

Yep, found that many thanks

I have found an online course that potentially could be what I'm looking for, it's not too expensive (£79) to access to course materials for one year and it's specific to Canon cameras which is what I have:

https://moodle.eostrainingacademy.co.uk/course/index.php?categoryid=17

You obviously can't access the modules themselves from that link as you need a subscription but there is a summary of each module there and, if you go back to "Courses" there are several free taster modules.

What do people think? I think I need some direction as I've picked up more from this thread in just a couple of days than in a year of muddling by on my own.

 

[telecomm]

I have found an online course that potentially could be what I'm looking for, it's not too expensive (£79) to access to course materials for one year and it's specific to Canon cameras which is what I have:

https://moodle.eostrainingacademy.co.uk/course/index.php?categoryid=17

What do people think?

This doesn't seem like it would be quite the right fit for you, as it sounds like some of the modules will concern things that you're actually now trying to move away from ('Zone modes'), and doesn't seem to provide any modules directly concerned with manual controls and the fundamentals (aperture, shutter speed, ISO).

I think I need some direction as I've picked up more from this thread in just a couple of days than in a year of muddling by on my own.

This, I think, echoes what many have already said: if you're motivated to learn you'll find an incredible wealth of free information online, and so there really isn't a need to take a course or spend any money at all. I suggest watching some videos online, taking some photos, then posting photos/questions here!

When I first dove into digital photography a few years ago I found Mark Wallace's videos very handy. Check out his recent series of (6, I think) videos on the exposure triangle to get a sense of his approach.

In general his Digital Photography 1 on 1 series (which I think is being rebranded/updated as Exploring Photography) is pretty good.

I also found videos by Mike Browne (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs4S07E5NC0R7pVuzBJ0e8Q) and Gordon Laing (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmjNQjjxPOP9jMTQAqaP1PQ) helpful, and I'm sure others will be able to offer more suggestions.

 

[HDFan]

I have recently been watching a lot of videos from Tony Northrup on YouTube. A number of his Photography books are the best selling books on Amazon in their category:

http://www.amazon.com/Tony-Northrup/e/B000APJX62/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1468135614&sr=1-2-ent

Two need special mention:
Tony Northrup's DSLR Book: How to Create Stunning Digital Photography
Adobe Lightroom 6 / CC Video Book: Training for Photographers
Both the iBook and Kindle editions of these are $9.99. They also have up to 14 hours of attached video training.

In his "Stunning Digital Photography" book there is an entire chapter devoted to animal photography, including several pages on pet photography. One quote from the book "Capture animals at play to show their personality".

 

[kenoh]

I think the main thing here is that you need to give up auto. The exposure triangle is not something that gels in the head easily at first but the easiest way to get it to sink in is to start applying it. It will stick eventually but remember, we as digital shooters dont need to be as proficient as a film shooter as we get multiple bites of the cherry. No take the shot and hope it works (unless we want to of course)

Point is to start playing. On auto focus, remember the camera is trying to guess what you are taking a picture of. It will however typically focus on the nearest thing you are pointing at so if you get missed focus a lot then google focus and recompose technique.

Aperture priority is normally the mode i shoot in as I tend to want more control over the depth of field rather than anything else. I use manual typically when I am after a particular look that the camera refuses to give me in any auto mode.

The exposure triangle is a good place to start if you want to explore the balance and compromise between iso, aperture and shutter speed.

 

[Moakesy]

I found the chart below really useful when moving away from auto settings.

I printed it off and kept a copy in my camera bag, then would experiment with the settings whilst looking at the chart to understand what impact a particular change would do....



For me, it's a simple way to remember the key aspects

 

[Orangediva]

You lot are amazing! I'm saving my £79 and working through your suggestions - I've started with the Mark Wallace Exposure videos (I had never heard of the exposure triangle and have been trying to get my head around aperture, shutter and ISO and this explains it so clearly) and will work through everyone else's link too. I'm a note taking learner so have started a new folder and am making notes on the videos.
Thank you so much for taking the time to help me

 

[kenoh]

You lot are amazing! I'm saving my £79 and working through your suggestions - I've started with the Mark Wallace Exposure videos (I had never heard of the exposure triangle and have been trying to get my head around aperture, shutter and ISO and this explains it so clearly) and will work through everyone else's link too. I'm a note taking learner so have started a new folder and am making notes on the videos.
Thank you so much for taking the time to help me

No problemo... you know where we are when you have questions... feel free to ping us as you have questions... there is not likely much that at least one of us cannot answer...

 

[someoldguy]

Got a library nearby? See if they have copies of Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson and The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos by Michael Freeman . Or buy them . They're not real expensive . The first deals with , well , exposure and the variables involved in getting it right ; and has seemingly been around forever , Fourth Edition is the current one ; nicely , clearly written; and the other , obviously , composition . It's not an 'easy reader' book , at least I didn't find it so . You have to look at the images , check out the text , chew on it in your head some . Both helped me out .

 

[kenoh]

Got a library nearby? See if they have copies of Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson and The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos by Michael Freeman . Or buy them . They're not real expensive . The first deals with , well , exposure and the variables involved in getting it right ; and has seemingly been around forever , Fourth Edition is the current one ; nicely , clearly written; and the other , obviously , composition . It's not an 'easy reader' book , at least I didn't find it so . You have to look at the images , check out the text , chew on it in your head some . Both helped me out .

+1 i was off trying to remember the names of these exact books...

 

[seggy]

I personally wouldn't bother with online courses in the traditional 'look at video', ask questions vein: There's a lot to be said for one to one instruction when you're starting out.

Looking at a bunch of theory can get boring pretty fast, and someone who's been doing it for years can teach you stuff in seconds that you'll never find in a year of talking to often barely less clueless people on the Internet (no offence).

Going to a meetup or something straight away might also be a bit off-putting depending on your skills - I'd say while practicing look for a well received instructor who's either local or you can travel to. Also a lot of art colleges do half term or short-duration photography courses that anyone can apply for, again might be worth a look.

When practicing, set yourself challenges to 'see' a scene. A shape a day, a colour a day, etc. And it goes without saying of course, follow people you like the look of on Flickr/IG.

 

[kenoh]

I personally wouldn't bother with online courses in the traditional 'look at video', ask questions vein: There's a lot to be said for one to one instruction when you're starting out.

Looking at a bunch of theory can get boring pretty fast, and someone who's been doing it for years can teach you stuff in seconds that you'll never find in a year of talking to often barely less clueless people on the Internet (no offence).

Going to a meetup or something straight away might also be a bit off-putting depending on your skills - I'd say while practicing look for a well received instructor who's either local or you can travel to. Also a lot of art colleges do half term or short-duration photography courses that anyone can apply for, again might be worth a look.

When practicing, set yourself challenges to 'see' a scene. A shape a day, a colour a day, etc. And it goes without saying of course, follow people you like the look of on Flickr/IG.

Hmm, yeah I get what you are saying but there are a lot of experts on here with a LOT of experience. What you are saying is true about not taking advice from someone only one step ahead of you but don't be fooled by our relaxed demeanour on here.

You can go to a course but be careful it isnt a course on how to use a digital camera i.e. what the buttons do, vs a course on photography. A course on the art of photography is the one you need. The bit about the buttons is in the manual.

 

[seggy]

Hmm, yeah I get what you are saying but there are a lot of experts on here with a LOT of experience. What you are saying is true about not taking advice from someone only one step ahead of you but don't be fooled by our relaxed demeanour on here.

What other demeanour would there be on a casual forum? :d

You make a point I could have raised though, that obviously there are different levels of experience in your skills but there's also different levels of being able to relay experience in a relevant way to someone who's just starting out.

You can go to a course but be careful it isnt a course on how to use a digital camera i.e. what the buttons do, vs a course on photography. A course on the art of photography is the one you need. The bit about the buttons is in the manual.

I would disagree and say that isn't a bad thing to do either, in terms of how you can use the camera quickly to get it to do what you want it to do. Going to a camera-shop workshop to work through the basics of *that* may not be a bad idea as well.

I went to a Leica user's meet not so long ago and I was surprised by how many people were fumbling with their cameras while apparently being pros (i.e. they don't make a living from their Leicas, but their workhorses), and qualifying this under the umbrella of 'Leicas force me to slow down and think about the shot'.

If you're a beginner you have less chance of ego overriding ignorance like that, and you might pick up some good usage tips at the same time.

 

[kenoh]

What other demeanour would there be on a casual forum? :d

You make a point I could have raised though, that obviously there are different levels of experience in your skills but there's also different levels of being able to relay experience in a relevant way to someone who's just starting out.



I would disagree and say that isn't a bad thing to do either, in terms of how you can use the camera quickly to get it to do what you want it to do. Going to a camera-shop workshop to work through the basics of *that* may not be a bad idea as well.

I went to a Leica user's meet not so long ago and I was surprised by how many people were fumbling with their cameras while apparently being pros (i.e. they don't make a living from their Leicas, but their workhorses), and qualifying this under the umbrella of 'Leicas force me to slow down and think about the shot'.

If you're a beginner you have less chance of ego overriding ignorance like that, and you might pick up some good usage tips at the same time.

Lol.. i give in you win

 

[Kebabselector]

http://photo-school.co.uk/beginners-photography/ - They are based in Birmingham if you fancy having some instructor led photography (or just go on one of their Photowalks)

 

[HDFan]

I have taken a lot of Canon photography courses given in various U.S. locations (Yosemite, Monterey, Arches National Park, Death Valley, Canyon De Chelly, etc.) I didn't find any similar European equivalents, but you might check. They are expensive and extremely grueling. You start before dawn to get sunrises, stop for lunch when the sun is overhead and not so useful, resume for sunset shots, have dinner, and then go to midnight getting your star shots. I find that I learn faster when I'm actually shooting something that I'm interested in. Luckily there is a Canon guy who offers these classes for local stores for much less than the canon prices at their national website. Once you get your skills developed and if you like travel photography this might be something to save your pennies for.

Courses are really dependent upon the photographer. The instructor I have used worked for a newspaper before coming to Canon. He started with the first Canon Digital DSLR and now tests the new cameras before they are released. He isn't a Canon "Explorer of Light", but I've taken one short course from an explorer and it wasn't that great. I would certainly start with your local camera shop since they have a vested interest in keeping you happy.

That's one of the reasons I like Tony Northrup's videos. I'm into travel photography and he goes on location a lot creating teaching videos. Even if I already know the points he's making, I just love watching the video as he takes, say, a helicopter over Glacier National Park and gives you photography tips.

Here's Tony Northrup's

Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, & Light Explained-Understanding Exposure & Camera Settings

it's fairly long, but I like the way he uses a fan and objects on a table to illustrate what happens as you change the various camera parameters.

 

[seggy]

Workshops needn't be gruelling - I guess you picked the 'I'm really going to get my money's worth' courses lol. Good advice tho.

 

[Orangediva]

Got a library nearby? See if they have copies of Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson and The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos by Michael Freeman . Or buy them . They're not real expensive . The first deals with , well , exposure and the variables involved in getting it right ; and has seemingly been around forever , Fourth Edition is the current one ; nicely , clearly written; and the other , obviously , composition . It's not an 'easy reader' book , at least I didn't find it so . You have to look at the images , check out the text , chew on it in your head some . Both helped me out .

+1 i was off trying to remember the names of these exact books...

Thank you for the recommendations - the first one is in my Amazon basket already, the second one looks great too. I've bought several books that aren't really what I'm looking for so I've been reluctant to buy any more - which makes the library something to think about. Having moved house last year, I'm not a library member but am now thinking I will join!

I would disagree and say that isn't a bad thing to do either, in terms of how you can use the camera quickly to get it to do what you want it to do. Going to a camera-shop workshop to work through the basics of *that* may not be a bad idea as well.

I went to a Leica user's meet not so long ago and I was surprised by how many people were fumbling with their cameras while apparently being pros (i.e. they don't make a living from their Leicas, but their workhorses), and qualifying this under the umbrella of 'Leicas force me to slow down and think about the shot'.

If you're a beginner you have less chance of ego overriding ignorance like that, and you might pick up some good usage tips at the same time.

I'm going to try to use both methods - I'm currently working my way through the Mark Wallace videos which are very informative and clear its lots of repetition (to drum the concepts into my brain!) and I'm planning on attending some local camera club meetings - their first three Monday workshops in September are geared up to beginners and new members so I'm hoping to pick up some useful tips there.

http://photo-school.co.uk/beginners-photography/ - They are based in Birmingham if you fancy having some instructor led photography (or just go on one of their Photowalks)

This looks like just what I was looking for when I first posted this thread - thanks for the recommendation (really inexpensive as well).

I have taken a lot of Canon photography courses given in various U.S. locations (Yosemite, Monterey, Arches National Park, Death Valley, Canyon De Chelly, etc.) I didn't find any similar European equivalents, but you might check. They are expensive and extremely grueling. You start before dawn to get sunrises, stop for lunch when the sun is overhead and not so useful, resume for sunset shots, have dinner, and then go to midnight getting your star shots. I find that I learn faster when I'm actually shooting something that I'm interested in. Luckily there is a Canon guy who offers these classes for local stores for much less than the canon prices at their national website. Once you get your skills developed and if you like travel photography this might be something to save your pennies for.

There's a similar but less intense course that runs near me (about 10 minutes drive away in a local deer park) that I'd like to do in the future. I need to be more familiar with using the camera out of auto mode first though - plus I can't walk very far atm as I have injured my knee and am awaiting MRI results and, potentially, surgery - hence why I have so much time on hands right now.

 

[seggy]

Good luck

 

[Kebabselector]

This looks like just what I was looking for when I first posted this thread - thanks for the recommendation (really inexpensive as well).

Happy to help out.

 

[Crazy Badger]

https://www.creativelive.com/course...utm_campaign=20160711_Photo_KharaPlicanicLive

 

[Orangediva]

I have some more cat shots (this time George is the semi-willing model) that I'd like a little advice on if anyone can help? I'm still in AV mode on these trying to get a nice background blur and a cat in focus (but I have finished the 6 Understanding Exposure videos and will be expanding my repertoire as soon as the weather - and my knee - oblige)

I have tried to focus on the eyes and get them nice and bright - not sure if the flash went off in this first one? Is there a way to tell from the info when you right click or in camera? To me the light looks unnatural?



This one is darker - too dark?



This one, I think, looks about right exposure wise (am I wrong?) but the composition is off?




Hope I'm not boring you with all cat pics, I shall find some other subjects very soon!

 

[Apple fanboy]

I have some more cat shots (this time George is the semi-willing model) that I'd like a little advice on if anyone can help? I'm still in AV mode on these trying to get a nice background blur and a cat in focus (but I have finished the 6 Understanding Exposure videos and will be expanding my repertoire as soon as the weather - and my knee - oblige)

I have tried to focus on the eyes and get them nice and bright - not sure if the flash went off in this first one? Is there a way to tell from the info when you right click or in camera? To me the light looks unnatural?



This one is darker - too dark?



This one, I think, looks about right exposure wise (am I wrong?) but the composition is off?




Hope I'm not boring you with all cat pics, I shall find some other subjects very soon!

If you right click and one of the options is to show the excif data. That will tell you if the flash fired (in your example it didn't).
Yes the exposure looks about right in example number three, but (and here comes the caveat) it depends on how you edit the image and how you want it to look as to what is 'right'. Yes there are rules in photography, but there are also choices.

 

[Orangediva]

If you right click and one of the options is to show the excif data. That will tell you if the flash fired (in your example it didn't).

Interesting - it didn't flash then. All three pics were taken within a few minutes of each other in my garden - does the first one look brighter/lighter because it was lighter in that area of the garden OR did the camera change the auto ISO and/or shutter speed? Or both? I think I'm right in saying that's what happens in AV mode if the light changes? Or am I totally wrong (apologies, trying to get this straight in my mind).

I haven't started doing any post production editing or shooting RAW yet (though I do understand a bit about RAW now thanks to this forum and intend to start), just getting the basics straight in my head first. Thanks again for your time

 

[Apple fanboy]

Interesting - it didn't flash then. All three pics were taken within a few minutes of each other in my garden - does the first one look brighter/lighter because it was lighter in that area of the garden OR did the camera change the auto ISO and/or shutter speed? Or both? I think I'm right in saying that's what happens in AV mode if the light changes? Or am I totally wrong (apologies, trying to get this straight in my mind).

I haven't started doing any post production editing or shooting RAW yet (though I do understand a bit about RAW now thanks to this forum and intend to start), just getting the basics straight in my head first. Thanks again for your time

In AV priority mode the camera will work out what to set the shutter speed to to match your chosen aperture.
If your camera is also set to auto ISO then that will also change to match the lighting.

 

[Orangediva]

Yep I've had it on AV with the auto ISO set. Actually the video tutorials I have been watching have encouraged me to try various things in full manual and that's what I'm doing today. Exciting stuff!