Get Off Auto Digital Photography Workshop
Jane is a great teacher! She explains things in a way that is easy to understand. The day was a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend the beginners course to anyone and I have already booked two more. Angela
Stop relying on Auto mode and start taking control of your camera
Do you own a DSLR, mirrorless or bridge camera but mainly use it on Auto?
Perhaps you've had your camera for months, or even years, and know it's capable of much more. You'd love to take better photos of your family, holidays, pets, landscapes and special moments, but all those buttons, menus and settings feel overwhelming. You're not alone.
Many people buy a camera hoping to take amazing photographs, only to discover that photography feels far more complicated than they expected. Aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focus modes, exposure compensation... it can feel like learning a new language.
This friendly, practical workshop is designed to help you make sense of it all.
In just 3.5 hours, you'll learn the key camera settings that give you creative control over your photographs and the confidence to move beyond Auto mode.
No complicated jargon. No technical overwhelm. Just practical skills you can start using straight away.
Thanks for such a well thought out introduction to using an SLR camera beyond auto! Your friendly and informal approach put us at ease, the presentation covering the theory and the basics was perfectly balanced, putting those to practice outdoors was worth the chill. Looking forward to practising and booking an Improvers lesson! Mel
Is this course for me?
This workshop is perfect if:
- You own a DSLR, mirrorless or bridge camera
- You mainly shoot in Auto mode
- You want to understand what all those settings actually do
- You'd like more creative control over your photographs
- You've watched YouTube videos but still feel confused
- You want to feel confident using your camera
No previous photography experience is required.
Wondering why it's good to get off auto? Check out this blog post: Why you should get off auto on your camera
What will you learn?
Aperture, shutter speed and ISO made simple. Learn how these three key settings work together and how changing them affects your photographs.
How to create blurred backgrounds. Understand how to make your subject stand out with beautifully soft backgrounds.
How to freeze or blur movement. Photograph moving subjects with confidence, whether that's children running around, wildlife, sport or traffic.
How to focus accurately. Learn how your camera's autofocus system works and how to make sure your subject is sharp.
How to photograph in different lighting conditions. Understand how to adapt your settings when shooting indoors, outdoors or in more challenging light.
How to control brightness and exposure. Take control of how bright or dark your images appear, rather than letting the camera make all the decisions.
Getting more from your camera. Learn about some of the most useful camera settings and features that can help improve your photography.
What will I leave with?
By the end of the workshop you'll:
- Understand the settings that matter most
- Feel confident taking your camera off Auto
- Know when to use different shooting modes
- Be able to make creative decisions rather than letting the camera decide for you
- Feel far more comfortable using your camera in everyday situations
Most importantly, you'll leave with the confidence to go out and use your camera more often.
What camera do I need?
You'll need a camera that offers Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes. This includes most DSLR, mirrorless and bridge cameras.
If you're unsure whether your camera is suitable, just get in touch and I'll be happy to advise.
Small group, friendly learning
Workshops are kept small so there's plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get individual help.
You'll learn through a mixture of demonstrations, practical exercises and real-world examples, helping you put your new skills into practice straight away.
Click on the date to book and for more information.
Price: £90 pp
- Saturday 20th June - 10.00 to 13.30
- Tuesday 7th July - 10.00 to 13.30
- Saturday 25th July - 10.00 to 13.30
- Tuesday 11th August - 10.00 to 13.30
- Saturday 22nd August - 10.00 to 13.30
*The link takes you to the Share Your Story website where the workshop takes place.
Check out the workshops we offer on Lightroom and Composition too. Take your photos to the next level.
Workshop venue
Workshops are held at Share Your Story in Altrincham - a retail store and creative space with a dedicated classroom. There will be opportunities to practise your new skills around the lively and interesting town centre.
