Creative Photography for Beginners - Bridge, DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras** Course Cancelled - Call 01825 761820 for alternative courses** (UC09F56A)

Course overview

An 8-week course will take you through some of the key functions of your 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.

A blended course with 4 face-to-face teaching classes and 4 online classes, combining the best worlds of interactive teaching and convenience.

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

When Monday, 6:30pm - 8:30pm from 19th September 2022 until 14th November 2022 for 8 weeks.

Four face-to-face and four online lessons
Online classes - 19th September. 10th October. 7th, & 14th November.
Face-to-face classes - 26th September. 3rd, 17th & 31st October (Lessons 2, 3, 5 and 6) At Uckfield College
No class on 24th October (Half term).

Cost The full fee is £113.00. The concessionary fee is £57.00.

What you already need to know

This course is suitable for beginners with a compact, bridge or DSLR camera. No prior knowledge is needed.

Please have the make and model of your camera for the ACRES office to hand when enrolling. They will pass this on to the tutor.

What you will learn

• How to master the focus of your camera and ensure a sharp image every time.
• Different ways of making more creative pictures by using compositional techniques.
• Consider exposure and take control of how light or dark your images are.
• The key functions of the mode dial, what they do and when to use them. You will never shoot on Auto again!
• Finally, you will learn a wide range of creative camera effects that your cameras have and how to apply them to make really creative images.

How you will learn it

Tutor-led tuition and demonstrations.
Hands-on practice and use.
Tutor and group reviews and feedback.

Online lessons:
Study different genres and techniques of photography from some great photographers'.
In-class practical photo challenges.
Review your images with the tutor and your peers using an online folio resource that students can securely share their images.
you will be given themes and projects for you to undertake over the week between classes!

Face to face lessons:
Plenty of hands-on demonstrations of camera functions, discovering how best to use the camera to get great results, and fun creative in-class assignments to get you familiar with your camera!
Each face to face session will be designed to equip you with the specific skills required to undertake the home assignments.

The four 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

Compact, bridge or DSLR camera.
Laptop, computer or portable device, fully charged.

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.

Learning online:
The online lessons 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

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.

Additional Course Information

• Concessionary/reduced fees, are available to students in receipt of certain means-tested benefits on some courses.
• Course fees over £139, 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.

Next steps within this subject with ACRES

Toby can advise you of the next suitable course and will offer a continuation course in January 2023 (subject to demand).

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.