A Semi-Private Introduction to Beginner Cellphone/Digital Camera Photography

A fun, different, and creative shared experience perfect for couples on a special date, a parent-child outing, or a memorable day with a close friend.

Bring any smartphone (iPhone or Android) or digital camera — this class works for all of them.

This semi-private, 2-hour photography class is designed for those who want a comfortable, low-commitment introduction to cell phone photography or basic digital camera use. It’s a Photography 101–style class that offers a quick, surface-level overview and is less in-depth than our longer workshops. It’s ideal if you’re curious about photography, want to improve casual photos, or are looking to “dip a toe in” before committing to a longer, more comprehensive class.

The class is limited to two participants. During the first hour, your Digital Photo Academy instructor covers essential camera/cellphone controls and basic photography concepts. The second hour focuses on hands-on shooting practice in a real-world setting using your camera or phone.

This class is intentionally short and introductory, making it a good starting point for anyone new to photography.

Workshop Details:

Duration: 2 hours

Price: $260 total for 2 people (semi-private class)

Format:

• First hour — Camera/cellphone controls & basic photography concepts

• Second hour — Guided shooting practice using specific composition techniques to tell visual stories and create varied creative effects

Schedule & Location: Choose any day, location, and time you’d like!

What You’ll Learn:

1. Camera Controls & Photography Foundations – 1 hour

Learn the basic camera controls and settings that affect how your photos look, whether you’re using a cell phone camera or a digital camera. This introductory session is designed to build confidence and familiarity with your camera/cellphone, without overwhelming you with technical jargon.

Your instructor will explain key concepts in clear, practical terms and show you how small adjustments can make a noticeable difference in your photos.

Topics may include:

• • Exposure basics (how light affects brightness and detail)

  • Focus and sharpness (how to get clearer, more intentional images)

  • Understanding automatic vs. manual features on your camera or phone

  • Tips for getting more consistent results in everyday shooting situations

  • Learn selective focus to keep a specific subject sharp while blurring the surroundings (for different creative effects)​

2. Guided Shooting / Supervised Practice – 1 hour

Put what you’ve learned into practice during a guided photo shoot at your chosen location. Your instructor will work closely with you, offering real-time feedback and suggestions as you, in the area near the sit-down portion before, take photos and apply what you learned under their supervision.

Practice using specific composition techniques that enable you to tell the story you want through your pictures. You can choose the date, time, and venue you prefer.

This hands-on portion helps reinforce key ideas from the first hour and allows you to ask questions as they come up while shooting.

You’ll practice:

• • Applying basic composition techniques in the field

  • Using your camera or phone more intentionally

  • Adjusting settings or shooting approaches based on lighting and surroundings

  • Developing confidence shooting independently outside of class

Who This Class Is For:

• Beginners curious about photography
• Cell phone shooters who want better results (with any cellphone model)
• New digital camera owners of any make/model/manufacturer
• Anyone looking for a short, approachable introduction

This class is intentionally concise and introductory in nature.

Below, see a short video demo on the effects of camera aperture, which you can learn in this class!

Looking to Go Further?

If you’re interested in a more comprehensive learning experience, Digital Photo Academy also offers small-group classes on a regular schedule, as well as private classes also available so you can pick when and where you want to learn, plus WHAT you want to learn about photography. There’s longer and more in-depth workshops that explore composition, creative techniques, and advanced camera use in greater detail. These extended classes are ideal for students who want to develop stronger technical skills and artistic control.

Below, see a short video demo on the effects of camera shutter speed, which you can learn in this class!

Registration and Booking:

To schedule your Semi-Private Intro to Cell Phone or Digital Camera Photography, please submit payment using the checkout button below. Make sure to include your phone number and email address when you checkout. We will contact you the same business day to schedule your class. You may also call (cell) 917.597.7053 or (toll free) 877.372.2231.

Below, see a short video demo on the effects of panning, which you can learn in this class!