Digital Photography 101 – Online

Take control of your camera and build a strong foundation in photography with this flexible, one-on-one online course!

Taught by photographer Sophie Chalk, this 4-lesson online course covers the fundamentals of manual settings, composition, lighting, and editing. Perfect for beginners, you’ll build essential skills and create a small portfolio along the way — all on your own schedule.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will:

1. Understand how to operate a digital camera with confidence.

2. Master basic compositional techniques to create visually compelling photos.

3. Experiment with lighting, exposure, and color for effective storytelling.

4. Use basic editing software to enhance their photographs.

5. Build a small portfolio of completed work.

Course Details:

Instructor: Sophie Chalk

Format: 4 private lessons (3 hours each) — all online

Schedule: Choose the dates that work best for you! Lessons can be booked individually according to your availability.

Rescheduling Policy: You may reschedule with at least 2 days’ written notice. A $50 rescheduling fee applies.

Price: $250 per lesson ($1,000 total for 4 lessons)

Lesson Outline

Lesson 1: Getting Started & Camera Basics

• Discuss your photography goals and personal style.

• Learn camera functions and best manual settings.

• Dive into the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and the law of reciprocity.

• Explore white balance (color temperature, kelvin scale) for both artificial and natural light.

  
  
  

Lesson 2: Focus, Depth, and Motion

• Use aperture settings to create visual depth and highlight focal points.

• Learn manual focus for precise composition.

• Explore depth of field and focal plane control.

• Capture motion: freezing vs. blurring action with shutter speed.

• Begin working with field accessories like a tripod.

  
  

Lesson 3: Composition & Portraiture

• Explore composition techniques: rule of thirds, leading lines, negative space, framing.

• Introduction to portrait photography using natural light.

• Understand the language of portraiture lighting.

• Apply compositional and lighting principles in practice.

  
  

  

Lesson 4: Editing & Portfolio Review

• Introduction to basic post-production.

• Learn how to use Lightroom and Photoshop for color, exposure, and cropping.

• Final project: create a small portfolio of your best images.

• One-on-one portfolio review with your instructor.

• Get personalized advice on your style and next steps in your photography journey.

  

  

Registration and Booking: