Manual DSLR Photography 101

An introductory course covering camera manual mode (shutter, aperture, ISO), composition, and photographic intention. Students receive project feedback, study photographers' work, and develop mini-portfolios through guided assignments and a final presentation. This class serves as the first class in a broader photography series.

🖇️ Prerequisite: None

Learners who thrive in this class range from those who have just gotten their cameras, to those who have explored manual mode on their own and want a structure to make sure they're thinking about it all correctly.

Materials needed:

All learners will need:

#1 A DSLR camera and lens, or other camera with a manual exposure mode to adjust the settings for aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. (Make sure you have a memory card and battery + charger, too!)

#2 The means to upload the photos to a computer, tablet, or cellphone with an internet connection and web browser. For example, with a cable for the camera or a memory card reader. Please make sure your learner can upload photos to the device prior to class, so they are ready to complete your projects and focus on learning how to use their camera.

If you are unsure if your camera has a manual exposure mode, you can check the camera instruction manual, or feel free to message me! A film SLR camera could also be used, but the photos must be scanned to digital files, and with developing time learners would have less time to complete the projects each week.

Many introductory DSLR cameras are available for relatively low cost used or new.

Examples:

• Nikon D3400 or D3500

• Nikon D5500 or D5600

• Nikon D7000, D7100, D7200, D7500

• Canon Rebel T8i / 350D

• Canon Rebel T7 / 2000D

• Canon Rebel T6 / 1300D

• Canon Rebel SL3 / 250D

• Canon Rebel T100v/ 4000D (Canon camera with lowest recommended retail price)

A few old edition options that are still great to get started with learning manual mode on a budget:

• Nikon D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300 (old versions of D3500)

• Nikon D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300 (old versions of D5600)

• Nikon D70s, D70, D80, D90 (old versions of D7000)

• Nikon D40, D40x, D50, D60 (old versions of D3000 and D5000 series)

• any older Canon Rebel