Take photography classes in Pietermaritzburg

Photography Lessons in Pietermaritzburg    

The art of photography, especially with all its digital advancements may seem simple, however, when it comes to knowing how to use a DSLR (Digital Single Reflex Camera) it requires a firm technical knowledge.

Knowing your way around the camera body is important, but this is not enough - basic photography techniques like exposure, lighting and so much more are will be critical to your success. 

It may seem as though everyone with a smartphone is able to be a photographer today, but to really stand out like a professional, consider photography lessons with someone you know or begin a  beginners photography classes near me search. 

Photography Lessons: Explaining the DSLR

A DSLR camera body, with interchangeable lenses, is capable of doing much more than a typical  point-and-shoot camera. The DSLR or its sister, the film (analogue) camera (film), known simply as an SLR is more complex, providing a great deal of manual control. The variances between these types of cameras is a topic that will be dealt very early on in your photography lessons. 

What’s the difference?  

• A DSLR camera will capture the image on a sensor
• A film (SLR) camera, also known as an analogue camera, will capture the image on film

Both are considered to be 35mm cameras.

How to Invest in Camera Gear

Before taking on a beginners photography classes near me search, you should find out about camera gear to set you on course. Here are a few tips that could help you to make wise investments: 

• Follow well-known camera gear blogs and websites.
• Talk to experienced photographers.
• Read Google reviews.
• Chat to people in camera shops who are up to date with the latest models and camera specifications.
• Sign up with a private photography tutor for classes and equipment advice.
• Compare manual from different camera models and makes which you can download from the internet.  

In Pietermaritzburg, you could try Incredible Connection to compare camera gear prices.

Helpful Terms for Beginner Photographers

Photography is one of those subjects that is technical and so understandably includes sufficient jargon to get your head around. Prior to your photography lessons, find an opportunity to read up on these terms and this way you will not get lost.   

• ISO – light sensitivity that is measured by a digital sensor and works the same way that chemical-laden photographer’s film does.   
• White balance – this describes the setting you would choose for colour temperature. If in doubt select Auto White Balance (AWB) here, as this is one automatic function that works well and can always be corrected in post-production.  
• Noise – this is when there is unplanned grain in an image (sometimes a photographer intends to create grain). It will result in a lack of both sharpness and clarity. 
• Backlighting – imagine those people on the beach at sunset, shots. Backlighting occurs when the subject is placed in the front to the light and will result in the creation of a silhouette or halo.
• Focal distance - this is the distance between the lens and the camera sensor. Different lenses achieve different results.
• Shutter - you could imagine this as a sort of ‘curtain’ inside your camera body that very quickly (or very slowly) will open and close to allow in the light.   
• Underexposed – an image where not enough light was used.
• Overexposed – an image where too much light was used.

Photography Lessons with a Private Teacher

When it comes to learning anything new, individualised tutoring always provides the fastest track. This is so true especially when coming to grips with more technical photography concepts.     

There are a number of private photography teachers, in Pietermaritzburg who have joined Superprof.  You could find someone near to you on this site, or even through your beginners photography classes near me search. And if you are happy to learn online, on Superprof you could come across tutors from many other places in the world!   

The most important thing is to really connect with a tutor. This can mean a personality connection, but it should also include an interest in similar photography styles if possible. 

Whenever using online services, it is important to try and find reviews or verify credentials. On Superprof, depending on how long the tutor has been using the site, you could find reviews from other students on their profile page. Also, in many cases their first lesson is for free which is a valuable opportunity to find out a bit more about them before committing to lessons.  

In terms of hourly fees, private photography tutors on Superprof in Pietermaritzburg can be commissioned for an average cost of R200 per hour.

In case you are speculating about the kind of topics you could expect to find covered through a beginners photography classes near me search, here are some ideas: 

• Low and high depth of field
• Portrait photography
• Landscape photography
• Sport and motion photography
• Camera type options
• Resolution and image quality
• File types (e.g. RAW or Jpeg)
• Exposure and how to control light  
• ISO
• Aperture or f-stop
• Shutter speed
• The connection between your aperture and your shutter speed    

Private tuition offers invaluable personalised attention and benefits. Some of these can include: 

• Immediate feedback to individual questions.
• Relaxed and informal teaching environments.
• Learning at a pace that suits you.
• Flexibility in terms of schedules and customised content to suit you.  

Formal Photography Education in KwaZulu-Natal

For many budding photographers, an academic photography qualification is important. Fortunately, in South Africa this can be achieved with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at most of the country’s major universities. In KwaZulu-Natal you could check out the Durban University of Technology (DUT)  or the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of the Arts. 

Light, Light, Light

It’s worth mentioning that the most important theory you could grasp through your photography lessons is how to manipulate light through exposure. All of this will be addressed in lessons on how to use your f-stop, ISO and shutter speed together.

If you have found a private tutor, find out how much time they intend to dedicate to this foundational topic. 

Regardless of whether you are looking for simple photography lessons, or want to embark on a serious, professional photography career, when it comes to mastering exposure, take your time. 

Finally, never forget that it will be those adventurous times when your camera is in your hands that you’ll learn the most!