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Digital Photography – Essential Techniques

  • Ages: 18+
  • Term: Autumn, spring
  • Length: 10 weeks

Overview

This introductory photography course explains how your camera works and will teach you all you need to know about how to use it effectively.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

What you need to know

Autumn term 2024

Tuesday 8 October – 10 December 2024 (10 Tuesdays, 18.00-21.00)

OR

Saturday 12, 26 October; 9, 23, 30 November 2024 (5 Saturdays 09.00-16.00)

Spring term 2025

Tuesday 4 February – 8 April 2025 (10 Tuesdays, 18.00-21.00)

OR

Saturday 8, 22 February; 8, 22 March; 5 April 2025 (5 Saturdays, 09.00-16.00)

Please note, in spring term this course runs either on Tuesdays or Saturdays. Choose your preferred course dates when you book your course.

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£339

Course materials included in the price

Any additional materials and resources not listed below.

Any additional costs

You'll need to provide your own camera and a tripod is beneficial. This'll incur an additional cost if you need to purchase one for the course. See the 'What to bring to class' section below for full details.

  • A digital camera with access to full manual controls; this should be a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera, Mirrorless camera or a Bridge camera
  • A camera tripod is useful, but not essential if you don't have one
  • USB or other memory drive; you'll need to upload and backup your photos between classes, so you'll need access to a computer
  • USB flash drive
  • Notebook and pens/pencils to take notes
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Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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Short Courses FAQs – Evening and Weekend and Saturday Art School

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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Short Courses booking T&Cs

Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

About this course

This introductory photography course explains how your digital camera works and will teach you all you need to know about using it effectively to help you achieve creative control in your photography. Through a series of demonstrations and practical projects, you'll grow in confidence as you practise and master the camera controls.

Throughout this course, you'll be expertly led by your tutors who possess many years of experience both teaching at AUB and in the photographic industry, and who'll deliver the course in easy-to-understand stages.

You'll take part in a variety of talks, demonstrations, and practical sessions (several on-location), and be guided through the fundamental principles and practices of photography. You'll develop an understanding of the essential ingredients and components needed to create captivating images and, as the weeks progress, you'll see clear improvements in your photographs as you put your newfound skills into practice.

You'll learn how to take control of your digital camera and appreciate the full creative potential, whilst being introduced to the fascinating world of image capture. You'll explore the work of celebrated photographers and learn how to really ‘see’ as a photographer to create more interesting and engaging, meaningful photographs.

As you go along, you'll develop a fundamental understanding of camera functions including shutter speed, aperture, ISO, lens control, plus image-making components, including composition, framing, subject, and lighting.

  • History of photography
  • Light and colour
  • Camera controls
  • Shutter, aperture and ISO control and relationship
  • The lens, focal lengths and uses
  • Depth of field and field of view
  • Focusing
  • Metering and histograms
  • Photographic peripherals, flash, speedlights and filters
  • Colour temperature and white balance
  • Digital imaging, sensors, workflow, and file formats

At the end of the course you'll:

  • Possess a solid foundation of understanding in camera control
  • Have developed an appreciation for both past and present photography
  • Fully understand the fundamental skills relating to photography and understand how to use your camera functions
  • Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
  • Have boosted creativity and imagination
  • Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course
  • You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at shortcourses@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed

Will I be assessed?

No, there's no formal assessment. There's an optional mid-course assignment to enable you to consolidate your skills.

As the course progresses, your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback so you know how you're getting on.

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Meet your tutors

Photograph of Pete Mckinley

Pete McKinley

Manager (Short Courses) – Discover Photography – An Introduction (Saturday)

Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your photography skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.

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Why choose AUB for your short course?

We're a first-choice provider of art and design short courses for anyone wishing to engage in art and design subjects in their spare time.

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Reasons to study a short course

There are plenty of reasons to consider studying a creative short course. Perhaps you want to retrain, learn new skills, or just have fun...

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How to book

Looking to book onto one of our Evening and Saturday courses? You’ll find everything you need to book your place here.

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