Introduction to Photography - Manual Mode & Composition
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Level Intermediate
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Duration 6 hours
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Category Introduction to Photography
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Price £99
Would you like to be able to work in full Manual Mode and at the same time do you look at a scene and struggle to see what would make a good photograph? Or do you avoid photography because it's raining? Let us show you just how many opportunities there are to capture amazing images whenever and wherever you are, to add something unique to your photography. At the same time learn the skills of great Composition which will really add that special touch to your photographs.
Content:
We'll show you how to see beyond the superficial and really engage with your subject.
Learn to visualise how you'd like your photograph to look and shoot with intention.
Apply the basic rules of composition and how colour affects your images.
Changing perspective to radically improve your photographs.
Main Points Covered:
Manual Mode - we'll show you how to use manual mode to precisely control your camera and start to shoot much more creative imagery
Light - you'll learn how the camera 'sees' light, how it differs to what our eyes see and how to use it to your advantage
Focus - we look at how to focus in low light and when and how to use manual focus
Landscape Skills - we'll explain how to create 'smooth' water, use graduated and Neutral Density filters and capture movement in clouds
Low Light Photography - you'll learn how to photograph fireworks, light trails, sparklers, create 'ghosts' and photograph in low light
Composition - we look at the rules of composition including how using light and colour can change a shot
Lenses - we explain how your lens choice can affect a photo and change the perspective
Where: Commencing indoors we will show you how to set up and use your camera in Manual mode and also show the essential skills of composing wonderful images. After this you will have a challenge to apply the rules you have learned regarding composition whilst using manual mode, in a really great practical challenge around the venue. Can you find something to fulfil every category? Your tutor will be on hand to guide you. There will be an opportunity to review and discuss your images and to ask any questions. Note: This course involves considerable time taking photographs out around the venue, so please be prepared and dress appropriately for this.
Cameras: All cameras with a MOde dial allowing Manual (M) mode to be selected.
Previous Experience: Anyone can attend this course as much is related to composition but to gain the full benefit of the Manual mode section it should follow on from a minimum of our Get off Auto course or its equivalent.
Group Size: A maximum of 10 students per tutor.
Times: Usually Full day, 10 am to 4 pm but please check your booking/joining instructions as this may vary according to venue and numbers.
Nottingham
Various locations around Nottingham.Nottingham Studio - Maximum of 4 Students. If you're looking to master the manual mode on your camera and develop your composition skills, then this is the workshop for you! This is a relaxed, day long workshop based at the Nottingham Studio, five minutes from the M1 and within walking distance of Wollaton Park. We banish jargon and explain, in plain English, how to use manual mode like a pro and take your photos from great to spectacular by deploying your secret weapon: composition. Mastering your camera's manual mode will allow you to shoot landscapes with filters, create landscapes with 'smooth water' or moving clouds, photograph fireworks, light trails, and images at night. A strong command of composition will put you head and shoulders above the rest and will transform an ordinary image into something that you'd be proud to put on your wall.
We use a mixture of theory and practical throughout the day to help you understand when, why, and how to use manual mode, and use examples to help you understand the rules of composition. This workshop is both classroom and field-based. You'll leave with plenty of valuable reference materials, and a DSLR is available to borrow on the day, subject to availability. Please get in touch with Louise Mills on 0776 233 6222 before booking.
What will I learn:
Manual mode - we'll show you how to use manual mode to precisely control your camera and start to shoot much more creative imagery
Light - you'll learn how the camera 'sees' light, how it differs from what our eyes see and how to use it to your advantage
Focus - we look at how to focus in low light, and when and how to use manual focus
Landscape skills - we'll explain how to create 'smooth' water, use graduated and Neutral Density filters and capture movement in clouds
Low light photography - you'll learn how to photograph fireworks, light trails, sparklers, create 'ghosts' and photograph in low light
Composition - we look at the rules of composition, including how using light and colour can change a shot
Lenses - we explain how your lens choice can affect a photo and change the perspective
Here's what you can expect from the day:
A fun, sociable and educational day, running from 11 am until 4pm
Tuition from an experienced professional photographer and course notes emailed to you afterwards to support your learning
Both classroom and practical time, so that you get the best of both worlds and get the most from the day, no matter what your learning style
A review of images at the end of the day, with lots of opportunities to ask any questions
Tiny group size of no more than 4
Refreshments on tap and free wifi
Access to our Facebook Community group following the workshop
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Nottingham
08 November 2026 12:00 AM – 6:00 AM
Spaces: 4 available