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Beginers Photography Course

Learn to Use Your Camera with Confidence in 6 Weeks

If you’ve ever thought – I’d love to learn photography, but I have no idea where to start – keep reading, this blog is for you!

I meet so many people who have a camera sitting in a cupboard gathering dust. If it does come out, it stays on auto mode, because the buttons feel intimidating, and YouTube tutorials just make things worse. Believe me, you’re not alone. And no, you don’t need the most expensive camera on the market to take great photos, you just need to understand how to use what you’ve got.

That’s what I teach in my 6-week beginner’s photography course. It’s all about confidence, clarity, and actually enjoying photography.

This isn’t a technical overload or a ‘memorise this manual’ kind of course. It’s practical, supportive, and fun.

Over the six weeks, we go over:

  • How your camera actually works (without the jargon)
  • Shooting in manual mode with confidence
  • Understanding aperture, shutter speed, and ISO (and how they work together)
  • Getting sharp, well-exposed images
  • Composition tips that instantly improve your photos
  • Constructive feedback so you know what’s working (and why)

But most importantly, I help you build trust and confidence behind the camera.

Iska Birnie Photographer

What kind of camera do you need to start?

You do need a camera that allows you to control your settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), but you absolutely don’t need top-end professional gear. In fact, simpler is often better when you’re learning.

I always say: your camera is a tool, not a magic wand.
A confident photographer with an entry-level camera will take better images than a confused photographer with £5k of gear every time.

Iska Birnie Photographer

Beginner-friendly cameras

If you’re thinking of buying a camera specifically for the course, these are the ones I currently recommend.

Canon EOS R50
A modern, lightweight mirrorless camera that’s easy to use and ideal for beginners who want something intuitive that they can grow with.

Canon EOS R100
A great budget-friendly mirrorless option for beginners who want to learn the basics properly without being overwhelmed by settings.

Nikon Z50
A reliable all-rounder that’s especially good for photographing people, dogs, and movement, with comfortable handling and consistent results.

Panasonic Lumix S5D
A step up into full-frame photography, perfect for beginners who are serious about learning and want a camera that will last long-term.

Iska Birnie Photographer

Do you already own a camera?

Perfect. Bring it.

Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, bridge camera, or even a more advanced compact, we’ll make sure you get the absolute best out of what you already have.

Iska Birnie Photographer

Why learn with me?

Because I remember exactly what it feels like to be starting out.

I don’t expect you to understand your camera or remember everything the first time magically. I explain things in plain English, we go over them as often as needed, and I break it all down so it actually makes sense, no difficult jargon.

By the end of the six weeks:

  • You’ll feel confident picking up your camera
  • You’ll understand how your camera works
  • You’ll enjoy taking photos

And chances are, you’ll be wondering why you waited so long to start.

Iska Birnie Photographer

Is this course right for you?

This course is for you if you’re either brand new to photography or you’ve had a camera for a while, but you are still using auto mode. If camera settings leave you feeling overwhelmed, and you’d rather understand why something works instead of blindly copying settings from the internet.

It’s ideal if you want practical guidance, honest feedback, and a supportive space to build confidence. You can find full details and upcoming dates over on my website,

where I share more about how the courses work and what to expect.

I look forward to welcoming you on an upcoming course or workshop.

Lots of Love,
Iska
xx

Not convinced yet? Head over to my blog on why it’s a great idea to invest in brand photography, or get in touch.

Let’s be social:
You can find me on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram

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