This course is specially designed for beginners who want to learn how to confidently use their DSLR camera. Throughout this course, you will explore the essential settings of your camera. You will learn how to control the light, focus, composition, and exposure to better express your vision. Whether your goal is to highlight a subject, tell a story, or simply take more impactful photographs, this course will give you the tools to do so. Whether you are looking to just learn about your camera or become more creative, this course will set you on the right path.

Course Outline:

• Each session off this course will focus on a specific camera setting or technique, allowing you to build your knowledge step-by-step and develop a solid foundation.
• By learning settings one at a time, you will be able to refer back to them later and apply them with confidence in any shooting situation.
• What you will learn: Exposure control, Lighting techniques, High key and low key lighting, death of field, framing and composition, panning, and more.
• One dedicated session will focus on portrait photography using continuous lighting. You will learn how to shape light on a face. This is a great opportunity to create a professional-style portrait of yourself.
• We will take time to review and discuss your photos together, offering feedback, guidance as you grow your skills.

Learning Outcomes:

• This course is not just about understanding how to use your camera, but also learning to see like a photographer, think creatively, and make technical decisions with confidence.
• By the end of the course, you will be able to use your camera quickly and efficiently: lean how to react fast in any situation by mastering essential settings and shortcuts, so you don’t miss the moment.
• Learn how to interpret light, shape, and space to create expressive, personal, and visually striking images.
• Take professional-style portraits: Discover how to direct and light a subject using natural or artificial light, continuous lighting, and reflectors – with hands-on experience creating your own portrait.
• Use lighting creatively: understand how to work with available lights, reflectors, and basic modifiers (like umbrellas) to sculpt and control your images.
• Adapt your photography to a purpose: Whether it is a personal portrait, a photo for social media, you will learn how to adjust your approach depending on what is asked or what the image is for.

What to bring:

• Camera or Mobile Phone
• Note pad
• Tripod (if you have one)
• Cloth
• Shutter speed distant release
• Make sure your battery is full for the 2 hours course
• Make sure there is enough empty space on your memory card
• DSLR Camera or equivalent, with JPEG, adjustable Iso, speed, aperture, manual exposure.
• Torch or a head torch (if you have one)

About tutor:

'I am Tiffanie Vidal, a portrait and travel photographer originally from South of France. I’ve spent most of my life living abroad, which has deeply shaped my photographic style and perspective. Living in diverse countries has given me the opportunity to adapt my approach depending on local cultures.

I completed an Advanced Diploma in Photography in Delhi, India and later refined my skills through workshops with internationally renowned photographers – including brand ambassadors from Nikon and Canon – while living in Dubai. Over the years, I’ve exhibited my work at various venues, including Hilton Hotel in Paris, and had commissioned work for Pullman Hotel in Dubai.

I specialise in portrait photography, from professional headshots for LinkedIn and websites to baby and maternity photography. For me, photography is about creating meaningful experiences and lasting memories with like-minded people.'

Other Information:

• To ensure resources are ready for you at the start of your course, we ask you ideally enrol at least one week before the course commences.
• All courses need a minimum number of students to run ("we try our hardest to get those") . If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled before the commencement and you will be informed.