Essential Camera Settings for Beginners (4-Hour Course)
This course is designed for new photographers who want to unlock the full potential of their camera by understanding and using essential settings.
How to use this course
Before we begin...
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Introduction to different camera types (DSLR, Mirrorless, Point-and-Shoot)
Parts of your camera: Buttons, dials, menus
Learning the viewfinder and LCD screen
Taking your first pictures in Auto Mode
The Exposure Triangle: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO (interactive activity)
Light and its role in photography
How camera settings affect exposure (demonstrations with sample images)
Impact of exposure on your photos (brightness, sharpness, noise)
Aperture: f-stops explained, Depth of Field control (shallow vs deep)
Hands-on practice: Adjusting aperture and observing effects on depth of field (In-class or At-home assignment)
Shutter Speed: Freezing action vs motion blur, slow shutter speed applications (long exposures)
Hands-on practice: Choosing shutter speeds for different scenarios (In-class or At-home assignment)
ISO: Understanding image sensor sensitivity, Image noise (grain) explained
Practice: Balancing ISO with other settings in various lighting (In-class or At-home assignment)
Understanding different shooting modes (Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual)
When to use each mode for optimal results
Transitioning from Auto to Semi-automatic modes (practical examples)
Introduction to Manual Mode (basic adjustments)
Cheat sheet summarizing essential settings and their effects
Glossary of common photography terms
List of online resources for further learning