Digital Photography - Beginners (C) (UC09N56C)
Want to get out of auto mode and start using the multiple functions of your DSLR so you can develop digital photography into a creative hobby.
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.
Continuing with both real-time online classes and face to face workshops, blending the benefits of online teaching and two sessions face to face teaching in a classroom.
This is the second part of the three-part comprehensive course designed for beginner photographers that want to develop their image-making and their creativity.
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.
Where Online and at Uckfield College, Downsview Crescent, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3DJ.
When
Monday, 6:30pm - 8:30pm from 10th January 2022 until 21st March 2022 for 10 weeks.
Eight online and two face to face lessons
Face to face dates at Uckfield College: January 31st and February 28th 2022 (Lessons 4 and 7)
Online class dates: January 10th, 17th & 24th. February 7th & 21st. March 7th, 14th & 21st.
No Class on 14th February (Half term).
Cost
The full fee is £133.00.
The concessionary fee is £67.00.
What you already need to know
This is a continuation of the course that started in the Autumn Term. Newcomers are welcome!
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 starting the course.
What you will learn
- You will learn some of the functions of the mode dial as well as creative use of in-camera menus.
- How to further develop creative depth of field in manual mode
- How to further develop shutter speed effects in manual mode.
- Develop compositional skills further
- Undertake new creative and fun projects.
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, 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 seeing each other via the video links. However, 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 (e.g. tablet or iPad) (this ideally needs to be less than five 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 accessing your online course, online etiquette, digital safe practice, health and safety will be sent to you before your course starts and on the ACRES website.
Policy & Procedures
Items you will need
- 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 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
- I had fun learning new photographic techniques.
- Confidence in photography and use of digital cameras.
- I didn't expect to get so advanced and creative so quickly, and I really enjoyed the session" JJ
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.
Additional Course Information
- Concessionary/reduced fees, are available to students in receipt of certain means-tested benefits on some courses.
- Course fees over £133, can be paid in one single payment at enrolment or in instalments by Standing Order where applicable.
- Fees and payment options: See the Financial Support page.
- Other course related information: See the Policies & Procedures page, or contact the ACRES office.
Specific Covid Considerations:
In the event of restrictions being reintroduced and if the class is remaining in the venue, you will be informed of further safety measures. If the lessons cannot take place because the tutor has to isolate or in the event of government-imposed restrictions or lockdowns, every effort will be made to reschedule the missed classes. If it is not possible to continue the course in the venue it will be continued online. If this is not possible we will refund the outstanding lessons.
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 workspace 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 the
gov website.
Next steps within this subject with ACRES
Toby offers follow-on longer courses and one-day workshops.
Visit the ACRES website and sign up to our
mailing list to be kept informed.
Future steps beyond ACRES
Find out about other courses with the
National Careers Service for opportunities to extend your skills and knowledge.