Digital Photography - Beginners Part 1 (UC09N56A)

Course overview

This 10-week course will take you through some of the key functions of your DSLR camera, teach you how to use them to make better photographs, introduce you to the key concepts of composition and help you to become a more creative photographer.

This is a blended course offering both the benefits of online and face to face teaching - a real-time online course with two in-person workshop sessions.

Where Online and at Uckfield College, Downsview Crescent, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3DJ.

When Monday, 6:30pm - 8:30pm from 20th September 2021 until 6th December 2021 for 10 weeks.

Online classes - 20th & 27th September, 4th October, 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th November and 6th December.

Practical in-person classes at Uckfield Collage - 11th October and 8th November (Lessons 4 & 7)

There will be no classes on 18th & 25th October (Half term).

The practical sessions of this course are planned to develop and consolidate your online learning. If restrictions are reintroduced that make it impossible for the practical classes to take place in the venue, they will take place online.

Cost The full fee is £133.00. The concessionary fee is £67.00.

During the course

Specific Covid Considerations:

To ensure Safe Practice during practical sessions:

• Class numbers are reduced to allow students to space apart.
• Students should work at separate tables or desks.
• Hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms.
• You are responsible for sanitising your own work space before and after each lesson, anti-bacterial wipes or spray will be provided by the tutor.
• Wearing a mask is a personal choice. Please respect the choices of your tutor and fellow students.
• Windows and doors left open to allow for room ventilation should not be adjusted by students.
• Sharing of equipment is discouraged, but if it is essential, please use the wipes / spray provided to clean between handling.
• Please make yourself aware of local guidance, particularly in community venues.

You must not attend the class if you show signs or symptoms of Covid-19, are awaiting results of a PCR Covid test, have been in close contact with a Covid-19 patient within 14 days or anyone who has been advised to self isolate for any reason. Please inform the ACRES' office, who will advise the tutor.


All tutors, students and visitors are encouraged to participate in rapid lateral flow testing in the interest of everybody's safety, however, this is not a mandatory requirement. Test kits are readily available locally or from https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests


For further information please see Policy & Procedures on the ACRES website.

What you already need to know

This course is suitable for absolute beginners and will start with the very basics, so no prior knowledge is needed.

To make the most of this course, learners should have access to a digital SLR camera. A hybrid or bridge camera would also be suitable for this course. When enrolling, please give the ACRES office details of your camera to be passed to the tutor before the start of the course.

What you will learn

• You will learn some of the functions of the mode dial and the creative use of in-camera menus.
• How to use aperture to affect depth of field, how to use the shutter to freeze, and blur motion.
• How to effectively focus the camera in a variety of modes.
• How to make images in black and white and other creative picture outcomes!
• How to make more interesting compositions with your photography and, most importantly, get creative and have fun with photography!

How you will learn it

This course occurs both online and in face to face classroom workshops.
Online lessons will take place in a virtual classroom where you will engage with hands-on tasks and challenges, in-depth tutorials, and practical demonstrations. You will also have access to handouts, presentations and an online image gallery where you can share your images with both the tutor and your fellow students for feedback, review and discussion.

Each week a specific class challenge will be set to encourage you to explore the techniques of the lesson in greater depth. You will receive full technical support to ensure you are confident in undertaking any tasks assigned. Weekly challenges will also be set for you to practise techniques and creativity at home, between classes.

The two workshop sessions will take place at Uckfield College and will be a terrific opportunity to undertake technical and creative challenges with hands-on technical support from the tutor. The workshops will be facilitated beforehand, with students receiving full instruction via presentations and handouts in the online class, so more time on intensive hands-on learning in the classroom!

Bring to the first session

Learning online:

This is an online course or has online lessons, which will be taught in real time using a video platform (usually Google Meet), supported by other online resources. To ensure you get the most out of the course and can fully participate in the sessions you will interact with your tutor and other students through speaking, listening and the chat function, as well as being able to see each other via the video links, though you can turn off your camera and microphone at any time. You will therefore need to have access to either a laptop, computer or portable device (eg tablet or iPad) (this ideally needs to be less than 5 years old), with a camera / webcam and microphone, as well as a good broadband / Wi-Fi connection. Please note that using a mobile phone is not recommended as due to the small screen it can be difficult to see text and images displayed during the session and you may not be able to view or access some resources.


Important information about how to access your online course, online etiquette, digital safe practice, health and safety will be sent to you before your course starts and can also be viewed on the ACRES website.

Policy & Procedures



Materials and items you will need to do the course

• DSLR camera
• A tripod is also useful; however, please do not purchase one before the course, as the tutor will be able to advise you on models

Please do not purchase any materials or items until you are certain that your course will run to avoid unnecessary costs. Course decisions are normally made a week before the course start date.

By enrolling on this course, you agree to take responsibility for your own equipment's safety, security, and insurance. ACRES does not accept liability for any damage or loss caused by accident or through the downloading or viewing of any malicious or illegal software or content whilst using the Internet, email, transferring of files to and from your DSLR camera, laptop and/or desktop computer or any other activity undertaken whilst on this course. If you have any questions, please speak to your tutor or contact the ACRES office on 01825 761820.

Extra study or practice

This course is project-based, so you will be expected to work outside of class to develop your photo projects. Project progress will be reviewed, and constructive feedback given by the tutor and peers each week in class to support ongoing personal development and encourage critical thinking.

How to enrol

You can enrol by phoning ACRES' House on 01825 761820 on Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 4 pm. Alternatively, to register your interest in a course please email adultlearning@acres.org.uk with the course title and your contact details and a member of the team will call you back to enrol you on your chosen course.

Previous students say

Student feedback from Toby's previous Digital Photography courses (all levels)

What did you achieve coming on this course?

• Huge improvement in confidence using camera and related techniques.
• I learnt a lot more about techniques and acquired more camera skills.
• Learning how to use the camera proficiently and confidently in Manual, and learning how to see images more photographically
• Had fun learning new photographic techniques
• Confidence in photography and use of digital cameras.

What were the best/most enjoyable things about the course?

• Excellent tutor and really inspiring classmates.
• The tasks set by Toby and discussions afterwards about the results
• The critical feedback on uploaded images and the between-class tasks
• Being able to continue with the course during the lockdown. Inspiration to do more advanced techniques which is easier at home. Communication with Toby and other students. Pushing my boundaries.
• Learning as part of a group and using live feedback to add to the enjoyment and the challenges set.

Next steps within this subject with ACRES

After completing this course to continue learning with Toby and grow your skills further, enrol on the next 10-week Digital photography - Beginners Course Part 2 starting 10th January.

At the end of the term, ACRES hopes to provide a photography field workshop on location as a great opportunity for tutored photography in the landscape! TBC!

Future steps beyond ACRES

Find out about other courses with the National Careers Service for opportunities to extend your skills and knowledge.

Further information

Please visit the ACRES website, see our brochure, or alternatively contact a member of the team on 01825 761820.