Photography Course for Beginners
Learn digital photography with our beginner-friendly short course in Sydney. If you own a DSLR or mirrorless camera but feel unsure about using it beyond automatic settings, this practical and engaging course will help you gain confidence shooting in manual mode.
You’ll demystify your camera’s functions and develop a solid understanding of exposure, focus, lighting and composition so you can concentrate on capturing the images you envision. Whether you’re pursuing photography as a hobby, for work, or considering a creative career, this foundational course sets you up with essential skills.
Course Content Overview
- Camera Anatomy & Settings: Manual, Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes, RAW vs JPEG, key camera features.
- Exposure & Focus: The Exposure Triangle (aperture, ISO, shutter speed), depth of field, focusing techniques.
- Light & Metering: Light meters, metering systems, handling difficult lighting situations.
- Colour & Image Quality: White balance, ISO, histogram, contrast and tonal range.
- Composition: Rule of thirds, leading lines, perspective, backgrounds.
- Equipment: Building your camera kit, tripods and camera care.
Please note: Teaching styles may vary slightly and tutors may adjust content to suit class needs. You are encouraged to request specific topics at the start of the course.
Schedule & Pricing
- 5-week course, 3 hours per session
- Fee: $449
- Statement of Completion provided
Details
You will learn
- Confidently use a DSLR or mirrorless camera in manual mode
- Understand the exposure triangle: aperture, ISO and shutter speed
- Apply composition techniques to create stronger images
You will get
- Expert tuition from an experienced photography tutor
- Hands-on practice with guided feedback
- Statement of Completion
Appropriate for
Beginner photographers with a DSLR or mirrorless camera capable of manual mode, including hobbyists and those exploring photography careers. Not suitable for compact point-and-shoot cameras or smartphones.
Preparation
What to bring
- DSLR or mirrorless camera with lens
- Camera manual
- Notepad and pen or tablet
What to wear
Casual
Your Teacher
Sydney Community College
38 reviewsSydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors.
The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.
We do this by:
- Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
- Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
- Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
- Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
- Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.
Terms & Conditions
At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.
At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably. Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:
Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued. If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.
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Photography Course for Beginners
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