Take photography classes in Johannesburg

Find Basic Photography Lessons in Johannesburg

While its core principles have not changed, photography is an art that in many ways has been drastically changed by digitisation.

So while these extreme technological advancements have opened up the world of photography to almost everyone, knowing how to use a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera, or indeed an analogue (film) camera, is still a complex discipline that, at the very least, requires basic photography lessons.  

Once you know your way around a DSLR or SLR camera body, basic photography skills like achieving the correct exposure by understanding light, and so much more, are key.

Standing out as a photographer amongst everyone who has a good smartphone these days means taking professional-looking images. To achieve this, you could take photography lessons for beginners or find an in-depth basic photography lessons course.

Photography Lessons for Beginners: The DSLR Explained

So what is the difference between a DSLR camera and a fixed lens or point and shoot camera? The DSLR is the digital world’s version of an SLR, 35mm film camera. These are used by professional and intermediate photographers because they offer a great deal of manual control. The differences between these camera types is something that will be covered in the first of your photography lessons for beginners.

Essentially, these differences are:

• that the DSLR captures an image on a sensor
• that an analogue, or SLR, captures the image using film

Advice for Investing in Camera Gear

Before investing in basic photography lessons, it’s important to have the right camera gear to get you on the road. Here are a few tips to help you make wise choices:  

• Chat to experienced camera gear staff in photo hire and retail outlets.
• Seek out a private photography tutor near you.
• Compare camera manuals of different makes and models which you can download via the internet.
• Read well-known camera equipment websites and blogs.
• Read reviews on Google.
• Speak with experienced photographers.

If you are in the Johannesburg area, Kameraz, in Rosebank Mall have an excellent range of both new and used gear worth looking at.

Basic Photography Terminology  

Photography is a technical art that includes enough jargon to confuse even the most enthusiastic novice. Before embarking on your photography lessons for beginners, you could always get ahead with a few of these terms:   

• ISO: the term that measures the light sensitivity of a digital camera’s sensor in the same way that chemicals in film are sensitive to light.   
• White balance: refers to the adjustment you could make to ensure desired colour temperature. For instance, whites of an image could be either warm in tone or super white.
• Noise: noise refers to what is generally the unwanted grain in an image that creates a lack of sharpness and clarity. Grain can also sometimes be intended by a photographer.   
• Backlighting: this usually results in a silhouette or halo effect because the subject has been placed in front of a light source.  
• Focal distance: this refers to the distance between the camera’s sensor and its lens.  
• Shutter: this refers to the curtain-type-action that quickly (or slowly) allows light into the camera.
• Aperture or f-stop: this controls both light and depth of field.
• Underexpose: manipulating your settings to make sure that your image is darker than what your light metre is telling you.
• Overexpose: manipulating settings to make sure that the image is lighter than what your light metre is telling you.
• Depth of field: this refers to how of the image is in focus or not. Landscape photographers who usually want everything in focus use a high depth of field, while a portrait photographer who wants to blur the background behind the subject, might choose a low depth of field.

Photography Lessons for Beginners with a Private Tutor

One-on-one, personalised tuition will always deliver the fastest results for acquiring knowledge and this is also true when it comes to grasping technical photography concepts. 

There are almost 3000 private photography teachers on Superprof in South Africa, you could either select one of 16 photography tutors near you for in-person lessons, or choose to learn online with someone from another part of the world!

One of the most important things about choosing the right tutor, is finding one with whom you can connect. This includes a relatable personality, but you should also try and find one who shares an interest in the same style of photography that you do!

Find out if your tutor has any credentials. Tutors who have been with Superprof for any amount of time usually have reviews on their profile page. In addition, their experience is verified by the site and many of them offer their first lesson for free. This is the perfect time to find out about their teaching style and background.   

In terms of fees, private photography teachers on Superprof in Johannesburg are available at an average of R246 per hour.

When it comes to subject matter, here is a brief overview of what you could expect from basic photography lessons:  

• Camera types
• Resolution including image quality and pixels
• File types and quality of file types (e.g. Jpeg or Raw)
• Exposure and how to control light
• ISO
• The aperture (also known as the f-stop)
• Shutter speed
• The relationship between aperture and shutter speed   
• Depth of field: low and high
• Landscape images
• Portrait images
• Motion or sport images

Apart from the valuable, individualised attention that private tuition can offer, there are other significant benefits to having lessons with a private photography teacher. Consider some of these:

• Informal lessons in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Immediate response to individual questions.
• Personalisation and flexibility in terms of class schedules and course content.

Begin an Academic Photography Career in Johannesburg

If you are looking to start an academic career in photography that will result in a formal qualification. You could check out both Vega School and Wits University’s Department of Fine Arts if you are in Johannesburg.

It’s All About Light!

The most significant theory in photography is centred around how to control light, or exposure, which is all dependent on the shutter speed, aperture and ISO relationship. So while there is much theory and practical work to cover in photography, enquire how much time your potential tutor will spend on this subject.  This is one of those good questions you should ask in a first, free lesson.

Finally, don’t forget that photography is deeply practical, and deeply felt, so it will be those invaluable times, in between your theoretical lesson, when the camera is in your hands that you will probably learn the most!