COURSE · BEGINNER
Photography Fundamentals: Beyond Auto Mode
Take control of your camera and discover how aperture, shutter speed, ISO, composition, and lighting work together. You'll move beyond automatic settings and start making intentional creative decisions.
REQUEST CLASS INFORMATIONLEVEL
Beginner
DURATION
Four 2-hour classes · 8 total hours
CLASS SIZE
Most classes limited to 4–6 students
TUITION
$249
Lesson-by-Lesson Curriculum
- 1
Understanding Your Camera
Camera controls, lenses, shooting modes, aperture, and depth of field.
- 2
Mastering Exposure
Shutter speed, ISO, metering, motion, and exposure control.
- 3
Composition & Visual Storytelling
Leading lines, framing, perspective, balance, and telling stories through photographs.
- 4
Understanding Light
Natural light, direction, contrast, color, basic editing, and final photography assignment.
Hands-On Exercises
Students complete hands-on exercises and finish with a five-image portfolio.
Your Instructor: David Mercer
22 years in the U.S. Air Force, a professional photographer since 2011, and a teacher of photography in Germany and Russia. David and his wife Jane run IDT Photo in downtown Aurora, Illinois.
READ FULL BIO →Interested in Photography Fundamentals?
Tuition: $249. Class dates and registration will be shared when available.