Using Your DSLR Camera – Camera Course

This class is suitable for all brands and models of DSLR and all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras
In this course we’ll go on a guided tour through the important features of your digital SLR camera (DSLR). But what makes this course unique is that for every abstract principle we cover about what a button or function does, we immediately put into practice through directed hands-on exercises written specifically for you to apply it to your camera. You’ll bring your camera to class and everything you learn in class will be immediately made concrete through direct application with your own camera.

“For quite some time, I was trying to understand aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and what they all meant. Finally, after this course, I feel I have a total understanding of this hurdle. I am so grateful to have the knowledge of my DSLR and its functions. I look forward to the photos I now know how to take.”
— Christine Lychak

The second unique aspect of this course compared to other intro to DSLR courses is that we start on day one in manual mode, and stay in manual mode until the last day when we explore the various auto-exposure modes. In other words, while the traditional approach to teaching SLR photography is to end on a brief introduction to manual mode — the hardest and most important thing to know about your camera — we begin with manual mode and stay in it through the duration of the course. That way you’ll have hours of experience in it and are able to get used to its features within a comfortable classroom setting with the help of an expert.

“It was as if my camera had always been speaking a different language than myself, but this course gave me the translator! My confidence in my own limits is what I am most pleased to see grow & change.”
— Stephanie A

When you have finished this course, you will be knowledgeable and experienced in manipulating ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to produce artistic results and proper exposures, as well as metering differently for specified reasons. We will also explore changing your autofocus settings and using them in the right situations, as well as navigating playback of images, reading histograms, when and why to use the various auto-exposure modes (including the priority modes), and in manipulating the white balance to alter the color temperature of your photos.

“This course has taught me concepts I never knew existed, and probably would never have stumbled across. I am excited to take my photography to the next level and use all of the skills I’ve learnt. Instructor exceeded all expectations. Great course!”
— Kristi Beckman

“The instruction style was perfect – the instructor makes concepts simple without assuming the listener can’t comprehend more complicated material. My abilities have greatly improved!”
— Jill Schindel

“The instructor had a fantastic way of explaining the theory to help me gain a better understanding of my camera & why it does what it does. Not just this button does this…”
— Laurie Vallette

“Wish I had known of this course years ago. [The instructor] was an amazing source of knowledge. I truly recommend this course to anyone using an SLR camera, for any reason.” — Kelly Edwards

“Wow, after 2 years of using my DSLR camera as a point & shoot / auto mode, finally I know how to use the manual mode.” — Bev Oliver

Did you know that The CPLC is totally independent, not sponsored by, or endorsed by any camera manufacturer or retailer? We’re here to teach, not sell cameras.