Capture Outstanding Digital Photos: A Hands-On Camera Workshop

This class offers an option for in-classroom sessions. Participants attending an in-person class will need to adhere to the respiratory illness policies.

Unleash the full creative potential of your DSLR or mirrorless camera. Designed for beginners and enthusiasts, this hands-on course demystifies the technical aspects of photography while building confidence in real-world shooting situations.

Program Description

Note: This class is designed for DSLR and mirrorless camera users (not smartphones). Bring your camera manual, charged batteries, SD cards, and any accessories you wish to explore. A USB flash drive or external hard drive is recommended for image storage.

Over two days, you'll learn how to take control of your camera using manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes. You'll explore how ISO, aperture, and shutter speed work together and how to apply these settings intentionally to produce beautifully exposed and sharply composed photographs.

Learning Objectives

Class Objectives
By the end of this two-day workshop, you will have the opportunity to:
1. Explore operating DSLR or mirrorless cameras using manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes.
2. Understand the relationship between ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, and how they affect exposure.
3. Experiment with key composition techniques to create visually engaging photographs.
4. Practice identifying and troubleshooting everyday exposure and focus challenges during photo shoots.
5. Learn best practices for organizing, backing up, and managing digital image files.

Topic Outline

Topics

Day One: Camera Fundamentals & Hands-On Shooting
- Understanding DSLR vs. Mirrorless: Capabilities and Differences
- Navigating your camera menus and key settings
- Exposure Triangle: ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed (how they interact)
- Using Manual (M), Aperture Priority (A/Av), and Shutter Priority (S/Tv) modes
- White balance basics and metering modes
- Focusing modes: Single, continuous, manual focus
- Hands-on practice: Adjusting settings in different lighting conditions
- Live shooting exercises with instructor support and feedback

Day Two: Composition, Gear, and Digital Workflow
- Essential photography gear and accessories (lenses, filters, tripods, etc.)
- File types explained: JPEG vs. RAW
- Backing up and transferring files (external drives, cloud options, SD card management)
- Troubleshooting exposure, focus, and blur issues
- Composition techniques:
- Rule of Thirds
- Leading Lines
- Framing and Depth
- Balance and Perspective
- Review and feedback on selected participant images (optional sharing)
- Final Q&A: Tips for continued practice and improvement

Prerequisites

Recommended Reading: Introduction to Digital Photography: Creating Images and Working with Adobe

Custom training workshops are available for this program

Technology training sessions structured around individual or group learning objectives. Learn more about custom training.

Special Group Rates

For groups of 5 or more, special rates are available. Please contact techtraining@stanford.edu for more details.

University IT Technology Training sessions are available to a wide range of participants, including Stanford University staff, faculty, students, and employees of Stanford Hospitals & Clinics, such as Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, Stanford Medicine Partners, and Stanford Medicine Children's Health.

Additionally, some of these programs are open to interested individuals not affiliated with Stanford, allowing for broader community engagement and learning opportunities.