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

Meet at the bronze statue of Sir Redmond Barry in the middle of the front steps. Look for an instructor in a green/turquoise shirt.

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?
You're free to reschedule up to 3 days before your session. After that, 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 12 or over, with under-18s welcome alongside a paying adult.
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

Melbourne Photo Walk

Use your new settings to tell a city's story on a three-hour photo walk.

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