DSLR Basics: Getting Off Auto Mode
This class is for adults who own a DSLR or mirrorless camera and have been shooting on Auto because that's the safe dial to leave it on. Here's the thing, Auto makes fine pictures and keeps you a beginner forever. You'll learn shutter speed, aperture, and ISO one at a time, not all at once, and by the end you'll be shooting in full manual without panicking about it.
Bring your camera every Tuesday. You'll use it the whole session, not just watch me talk. Read your manual before the first class if you can, most people never open it and it's the best resource you already own. Expect homework between sessions. That's where the learning actually happens.
What you'll learn
- Locate and use the exposure comp dial confidently
- Control motion blur with shutter priority mode
- Set aperture for sharp or blurred backgrounds
- Balance ISO, aperture, and shutter speed together
- Shoot confidently in full manual mode
Lessons
- Getting Off Auto Mode
We start by turning the dial off Auto and getting comfortable with what your camera actually does.
- Shutter Speed First
We learn shutter speed on its own before touching anything else, because it's the one you can see working.
- Aperture and Depth of Field
Now we add aperture and learn how much of the frame stays sharp.
- ISO and the Exposure Triangle
We bring in ISO last and finally put all three settings together the simple way.
- Shooting in Full Manual
This is where you commit to M and stop calling aperture priority "basically manual."
- Putting It to Work
We apply everything to the kinds of pictures you'll actually take at home and up the canyon.
Class discussion
More photography & media classes
Family History Video Projects
with Sierra
Phone Photography Basics
with Aubrey
Photo Editing for Beginners
with Brent