Taking Digital Photographs — an introduction

Change your snapshots into photographs. The basics of handling your camera are followed by how to create compositions that add drama and impact to your pictures. This is a practical event with some time spent in the college grounds taking photographs. There’s also a session that looks into flash; when to use it and when not to.
These workshops are fun and participative — you’ll discover what some of those buttons do and few of the secrets hiding in the menus of your camera.

Is this the right photography course for me?
If you’re a beginner and you want to get more from your digital camera—this is the course for you.

Do I need to be technically minded?
No, you don’t! This workshop is about taking better pictures with your digital camera. Participants come from many backgrounds and all ages.

What Kind of Digital Camera?
Any digital camera is suitable. Many people bring small point-and-shoot compact cameras, and at the other extreme, larger enthusiast or semi-professional cameras have been used by participants. You’ll feel at home with whatever digital camera you bring.

What does the course cover?
This is a practical and hands-on workshop to help you take better pictures with your digital camera. The workshop includes:

• The basics so that you eliminate blurred and fuzzy pictures resulting in clear, in-focus pictures.
• Two techniques for composing a picture to add drama and impact to your images. And a few hidden settings on your digital camera that help you achieve the effects.
• Controlling flash: flash is the curse of small cameras so we review when to use it and when to turn it off. It might not be what you expect. We delve into the camera’s controls to take charge of the flash function. We also look at some practical ways to avoid the dreaded red-eye.
• Practical time outside the classroom in the campus taking pictures of what we’ve covered. There are endless photographic scenes in the college grounds.

What do I need to bring with me?
The essentials are your digital camera and its associated bits and bobs that came in the box. You’ll receive a detailed list when you book your place.
And by the way -- you’ll need to bring a packed lunch.

About the tutor
The tutor is Alan Sarsby from Spectaris Ltd. He has been a keen photographer since his teenage years. He is an active member and former chairman of Diss and District Camera Club, and a photographic judge of the East Anglian Federation of Photographic Societies.