Princes Bridge and the Melbourne skyline across the Yarra River

Camera course for beginners · Start level

Beginner photography course in Melbourne.

Take your camera off auto. Learn aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focus with guided practice around the State Library and Swanston Street.

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Beginner Photography Workshop at a glance

Best for: New camera owners, and anyone who has been shooting on auto and wants control.

Taught by Dani Watson, award-winning photographer and educator (Master of Arts, Photography, RMIT · AIPP · RPS · Hasselblad Masters Finalist).

Price
$130 pp
Duration
2 hours
Group size
Max 8
Level
Start
Booking
Online, instant confirmation

Dates & booking

Upcoming dates.

Choose a date to book. Booking opens securely on this page and you get instant confirmation by email.

Where we meet

State Library Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne

The exact meeting point is confirmed in your booking email.

What you'll learn

Skills you'll leave with.

  • Exposure triangle: aperture, shutter speed and ISO
  • Focus modes and sharp handheld images
  • Reading the histogram and metering
  • Composition: thirds, lines, framing
  • A settings routine you can repeat

Bring

Mirrorless or DSLR with manual controls, charged battery, memory card.

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The domed La Trobe Reading Room at State Library VictoriaMost booked

Workshop FAQ

Good to know.

Do I need any experience?
No. This is a Start-level workshop. We begin with what each setting does, then you practise it straight away.
Can I use a phone instead of a camera?
This workshop is built around cameras with manual controls. If you only have a phone, the Smartphone Photography workshop is the better fit.
Can I change my booking?
Payments are non-refundable, but you can transfer to another CapturEDU workshop within 12 months of the original date. Let us know in writing.
Is there a minimum age?
Participants must be 18 or over. Contact us about younger photographers attending with a parent or guardian.
What if the weather is bad?
Light rain is often good for photography. If conditions make the session unsafe or unworkable, we'll move you to another date or transfer your booking.

Your learning path

Where to next?

Once auto mode is behind you, pick a subject and practise on it. See the full learning path.

Build

Street Photography

Use your new settings on fast, unrepeatable moments in the laneways.

Build

Night Photography

Add a tripod and long exposures to what you've just learned.

Any stage

Private lesson

Two hours one-to-one on whatever still feels unclear.

Start learning photography

Book the Beginner Photography workshop.

Two hours from now, auto mode can be optional.

Check dates & bookFind your level