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Digital DSLR Photography - How the Camera Works

Course code: P02663

Subject area: Photography

Study level: Part Time

Course level: U

Course details

Course time:

19:00 - 21:00

Days of week:

Monday

Course date:

29th Sept 2025 - 8th Dec 2025

Course location:

Abingdon Campus

Contact details

Phone:

01235 555 585

Take control of your photography with this DSLR and mirrorless camera course, designed to help you move beyond auto settings and build confidence in a range of styles.
If you want to make the most of your digital mirrorless or DSLR camera, this course is the perfect place to start. Aimed at beginners and improvers, it will introduce you to all the main controls of your camera and help you move away from automatic settings so you can take full creative control of your photography.

You will learn how to use shutter speeds, apertures, and ISO effectively, while developing your understanding of composition and the creative use of light. The course will also give you a taste of different genres of photography, including landscape and wildlife, so you can start to discover your personal style.

Alongside classroom-based learning, the course includes two practical photo-walks held at weekends in central Oxford. These relaxed sessions will cover up to two miles at a leisurely pace, providing hands-on opportunities to practise and consolidate your skills. Class discussions and image reviews will support your progress, giving you valuable feedback on your work.

Comprehensive notes covering each session will be emailed to you, creating a complete reference guide you can revisit at any time. By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to take full control of your camera and capture more striking, well-composed images.

What next?
After completing this course you will understand how to operate your camera, so the follow on course addresses the real challenge of photography, “How to see and take better pictures”. This includes a deeper look at composition and opportunities to undertake basic picture processing using Photoshop.
Entry criteria
A DSLR camera (or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses) and lots of enthusiasm. No previous experience is needed - this course is for beginners or those with some basic understanding.
Fee information
As part of your course we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate.

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more information.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated and we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions staff on 01235 216 400 to discuss your options. You can find more information on our Fees and Bursaries page - search "Fees and Bursaries" at the top of the page.

19+ Fee:

£192.00

19+ Reduced Fee:

£96.00

Learning & method assessment
As this is a non-accredited course, informal methods of assessment will be used. To track your progress and achievement you will be required to complete a short document.