Digital Photography for Beginners

Start your photography journey with our beginner-friendly course! Learn camera settings and composition techniques through engaging theory and hands-on practice.
In this Section

Embark on your photography journey with our beginner-friendly course covering essential camera settings, composition techniques, and practical skills to help you capture stunning photographs. Over three engaging two-hour sessions, you'll transition from theory to hands-on practice, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. What you’ll learn:

• How to effectively use your digital camera and its settings.
• The principles of good composition and how to apply them.
• Basic post-processing skills to enhance your images.

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Mondays | Oct. 7, 14, &21 | 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

$89 | In-Person
Register for Fall

Instructor Bio | Ashley Jandro

Hello! My name is Ashley Jandro and I am a second year MFA student here at stout. My primary focus is in Graphic design with a secondary concentration in photography. I love being outdoors exploring and traveling. I have been a freelance graphic designer and photographer for a little over a year now. Some of my favorite things to photograph are wildlife and portraits. I look forward to working with everyone!

Class/Session Details

Session 1: Introduction to Digital Photography and Camera Basics
Dive into the world of digital photography by understanding the fundamental concepts and getting acquainted with your camera. Topics include:

• Understanding Camera Types: Learn about different types of digital cameras and their features (DSLR, mirrorless, point-and-shoot).
• Essential Camera Settings: Explore key settings such as ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and how they affect your photos.
• Basic Camera Operations: Get hands-on experience with your camera, including how to turn it on, adjust settings, and navigate menus.

Hands-on Practice:
Camera Setup and Operation: Practice setting up your camera and experimenting with different settings to see their effects.

Session 2: Composition Techniques and Shooting Modes
Enhance your photographic skills by learning the art of composition and exploring various shooting modes to improve your creativity. Topics include:

• Rule of Thirds: Learn the rule of thirds and how to apply it to create balanced and engaging photos.
• Leading Lines: Discover how to use lines to direct the viewer’s eye through the image.
• Framing and Perspective: Understand how to frame your subjects creatively and experiment with different angles and perspectives.
• Shooting Modes: Explore different shooting modes on your camera (auto, manual, portrait, landscape) and when to use them.

Hands-on Practice:
Composition Exercise: Practice composing shots using the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing techniques.

Exploring Shooting Modes: Try out various shooting modes to see how they affect your photos.

 

Session 3: Advanced Techniques and Post-Processing
In the final session, delve into more advanced photography techniques and learn basic post-processing to enhance your images. Topics include:

• Exposure and Lighting: Understand the importance of exposure and how to adjust it for different lighting conditions.
• Introduction to Post-Processing: Get a basic introduction to editing software (like Adobe Lightroom) and learn simple editing techniques to improve your photos.
• Photo Critique and Feedback: Review and discuss the photos taken during the course to provide constructive feedback.

Hands-on Practice:
Advanced Shooting Exercise: Practice shooting in various lighting conditions and experiment with focus techniques. Time and weather permitting, practice taking photos of a sunset.

FAQ

Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for adult community members, and anyone interested in learning the basics of digital photography. No prior experience is required. To help ensure compliance and safety standards, attendance of minors is considered on a case-by-case basis. Please have legal guardian contact phamj@uwstout.edu to determine eligibility.

Materials Needed
A digital camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or point-and-shoot).

  • What if I don’t have a digital camera yet?
    If you do not currently possess a camera, but would like to participate in the course, a limited number of camera will be made available to rent from the UW-Stout Library, email phamj@uwstout.edu for details.