Basic Photography Course in Pretoria & Johannesburg
Introduction to Photography – Transform from Auto Mode to Creative Control
You Bought a Great Camera. Now What?
There’s a frustrating gap between owning a camera and actually knowing how to use it.
You bought your DSLR or mirrorless camera with excitement—imagining the stunning photos you’d create. But when you tried shooting, the buttons confused you. The modes didn’t make sense. Auto mode gave you decent photos, but nothing special. Manual mode? Forget it. Too intimidating.
So the camera sits there. Occasionally used. Mostly misunderstood.
Here’s the truth: Your camera is capable of incredible images. You just haven’t been shown how to unlock it.
This Basic Photography Course bridges that gap. It takes you from frustrated beginner to confident photographer who understands exactly what every setting does and when to use it.
What Makes This Introduction to Photography Different
This Isn’t Another Generic Beginner Photography Class
Most photography training falls into two traps:
- Too much theory, not enough practice – Hours of technical talk with no real shooting
- Too simplified – “Just use this setting” without explaining why it works
This course avoids both. You’ll understand the fundamentals deeply enough to make smart decisions in any situation, then immediately practice those concepts with real-world shooting exercises.
You Learn the Basics of Photography By Actually Using Them
The structure is simple: Learn a concept. Shoot with it. Get feedback. Adjust. Repeat.
By the end, manual mode won’t feel like memorizing formulas—it’ll feel natural. Like driving a car. You won’t think about which setting to change; you’ll just know.
Your Journey: From Auto Mode to Manual Mastery
Week 1 Mindset: “My camera confuses me”
You’re not sure what half the buttons do. Auto mode works sometimes, but you can’t control the results. Other people’s photos look better, and you don’t know why.
After This Course: “I know exactly what I’m doing”
You understand how light, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work together. You can look at any scene and know which settings will give you the shot you want. Your photos improve immediately—and you know why.
What You’ll Master In This Basic Photography Course
1. Taking Full Control of Your Camera
Stop letting your camera make decisions for you.
You’ll learn:
- How to switch to manual mode and actually enjoy using it
- The relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO (the exposure triangle)
- Why your camera picks certain settings in auto mode—and when it gets it wrong
- Reading your camera’s light meter and histogram for perfect exposure
- When to override your camera’s suggestions for creative effect
Real-world application: By session’s end, you’ll confidently shoot portraits, landscapes, and action in manual mode without second-guessing yourself.
2. Understanding Light and Exposure
Photography is painting with light. Once you see light differently, everything changes.
You’ll learn:
- How to evaluate any lighting situation before you shoot
- The difference between soft and hard light—and when to use each
- Reading exposure: underexposed vs. overexposed vs. perfectly balanced
- Using your histogram to confirm proper exposure (not just guessing from your screen)
- Why white balance matters and how to avoid unnatural colour casts
Real-world application: You’ll walk into any room or outdoor space and immediately know if you have enough light, where the best light is, and how to work with what’s available.
3. Mastering Shutter Speed
Control motion. Freeze action. Create blur intentionally.
You’ll learn:
- How shutter speed affects motion (sharp vs. blurred)
- The minimum shutter speed to avoid camera shake
- Freezing fast action (sports, kids, pets)
- Creating intentional motion blur for creative effect
- Balancing shutter speed with aperture and ISO
Real-world application: You’ll capture sharp photos of moving subjects without blur—or add artistic motion blur when you want it.
4. Controlling Aperture and Depth of Field
Decide what’s sharp and what’s beautifully blurred.
You’ll learn:
- How aperture (f-stop) controls depth of field
- Creating background blur (bokeh) for portraits
- Keeping everything sharp for landscapes
- How aperture affects light and exposure
- Choosing the right aperture for different photography styles
Real-world application: You’ll create professional-looking portraits with dreamy blurred backgrounds or tack-sharp landscapes where every detail pops.
5. Using ISO Without Introducing Noise
Add light sensitivity when you need it, without sacrificing quality.
You’ll learn:
- What ISO actually does to your camera’s sensor
- When to raise ISO (and when not to)
- Balancing ISO with aperture and shutter speed
- Understanding digital noise and how to minimize it
- Your camera’s ISO limits before quality suffers
Real-world application: You’ll shoot in low light without grainy, noisy images—or know when to accept some noise to get the shot.
6. Nailing Focus Every Time
Nothing ruins a photo faster than soft, out-of-focus images.
You’ll learn:
- Autofocus modes: when to use single-point, continuous, or automatic
- How to choose the right focus point for your composition
- Manual focus: when and how to use it effectively
- Focus-and-recompose technique
- Troubleshooting common focus problems (back-focus, hunting, etc.)
Real-world application: Your subjects will be tack-sharp exactly where you want them, with no more blurry disappointments.
7. Composing Images That Grab Attention
Technical skills get you sharp, well-exposed photos. Composition makes them compelling.
You’ll learn:
- Rule of Thirds: where to place your subject for maximum impact
- Leading lines: guiding the viewer’s eye through your image
- Framing: using natural elements to draw focus
- Negative space: letting your subject breathe
- Perspective: changing your angle to create interest
Real-world application: Your photos will go from “snapshots” to images people stop scrolling to admire.
8. Working With Different Lenses
Your lens choice shapes your creative possibilities.
You’ll learn:
- Focal length basics: wide-angle, standard, telephoto
- How lenses affect perspective and compression
- Depth of field differences between lenses
- When to use your kit lens vs. investing in others
- Understanding lens aperture ranges
Real-world application: You’ll know exactly which lens (or focal length) to use for portraits, landscapes, street photography, or any other scenario.
9. Shooting in RAW for Maximum Flexibility
RAW files give you editing power JPGs can’t match.
You’ll learn:
- RAW vs. JPG: what’s the actual difference?
- Why RAW files look flat (and why that’s good)
- Storage and workflow considerations
- When JPG is acceptable (and when it’s not)
- Setting up your camera to shoot RAW
Real-world application: You’ll capture images with maximum editing flexibility, allowing you to fix exposure issues and adjust colors without losing quality.
How This Photography Training Works
Hands-On Learning Structure
Theory Session:
Clear, jargon-free explanations of core photography concepts. No overwhelming technical manuals. Just what you need to know, explained in plain language.
Practical Shooting:
Real-world exercises where you apply what you’ve just learned. Immediate practice means the concepts stick. You’ll shoot in different lighting conditions, with various subjects, and get real-time feedback.
Review & Feedback :
We’ll look at your images together, discuss what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve. You’ll learn to evaluate your own work critically.
One-on-One Personalized Coaching
This isn’t a classroom lecture where you’re one of 30 students fighting for attention.
You get personalized guidance tailored to:
- Your current skill level
- Your learning pace
- Your specific photography goals
- Your camera model and gear
Questions get answered immediately. Confusion gets cleared up on the spot. You never move forward until you understand.
Who This Course Is Designed For
You’re a Perfect Fit If You:
- Own a DSLR or mirrorless camera but feel overwhelmed by it
- Shoot exclusively in auto mode and want to take creative control
- Understand almost nothing about aperture, shutter speed, or ISO
- Feel frustrated that your photos don’t match what you saw with your eyes
- Want to capture better memories of family, travel, or hobbies
- Are ready to commit to learning properly instead of just Googling tips
- Want to join beginner photography classes that make learning fun and easy
This Course Might NOT Be Right If You:
- Already shoot confidently in manual mode
- Understand exposure and composition fundamentals
- Are looking for advanced techniques like off-camera flash or advanced post-processing
If that’s you, check out our Advanced Photography Course instead—it’s designed for photographers ready to level up creatively.
After This Basic Photography Course, You’ll Be Able To:
✓ Shoot entirely in manual mode without hesitation or confusion
✓ Control exposure in any lighting condition—bright sun, overcast skies, dim interiors
✓ Freeze action or create artistic motion blur intentionally
✓ Create background blur for portraits or keep everything sharp for landscapes
✓ Nail focus every time on still or moving subjects
✓ Compose images that draw viewers in using professional techniques
✓ Understand how different lenses change your images and when to use each
✓ Shoot in RAW format for maximum post-processing flexibility
✓ Evaluate your own photos critically and know exactly how to improve them
✓ See the world through a photographer’s eyes—noticing light, composition, and moments others miss
What You’ll Need for This Course
Required Equipment:
- A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode capability
- A basic lens (your kit lens—usually 18-55mm or similar—works perfectly)
- A charged battery and empty memory card
Optional but Helpful:
- Tripod (useful for certain exercises, but not required)
- Lens hood (if you have one)
Don’t worry if you only have basic gear. This course focuses on foundational skills that work with any camera. Expensive equipment doesn’t make you a better photographer—understanding your tools does.
Course Investment & What’s Included
50% OFF Limited Time Only – R2,699 per person
Save R2,700 (regular price: R5,399)
Your investment includes:
- Comprehensive hands-on photography training session
- Personalized one-on-one or small group coaching
- Printed learning materials and reference guides
- Real-world shooting exercises across multiple scenarios
- Ongoing support after the course via email or WhatsApp
Flexible scheduling available across Centurion, Pretoria East, East Rand, and Johannesburg.
Common Questions About This Beginner Photography Class
Do I need any prior photography experience?
None at all. This course assumes you’re starting from zero. If you can turn your camera on, you’re ready.
How long does the course take?
Approximately 4-5 hours, combining theory and hands-on practice. We work at your pace, so if you need more time on certain concepts, we take it.
What camera brands do you teach?
All brands—Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Olympus, etc. The fundamentals of photography are universal. Your specific camera model will be addressed during training.
Will I really be able to shoot in manual mode after this?
Yes. That’s the primary goal. By the end of this introduction to photography, manual mode becomes comfortable and intuitive—not intimidating.
Can I bring a friend or family member?
Absolutely. Small group training is available. Each additional person is R2,699 during the Black November promotion.
What if I need to reschedule?
Just let me know at least 48 hours in advance, and we’ll find a new date that works for you.
Is ongoing support really included?
Yes. After the course, you can reach out with questions, send photos for feedback, or ask for guidance as you continue practicing. Your learning doesn’t stop when the session ends.
What happens if I still don't understand something after the course?
If you feel you need a refresher on specific topics, we’ll arrange a follow-up session to ensure you’re 100% confident.
Meet Your Instructor – Anton Guyt
I’m Anton, a professional photographer with over 10 years of experience across multiple genres—wildlife, weddings, portraits, travel, and commercial work.
But more importantly, I remember being exactly where you are right now.
I remember buying my first DSLR, feeling overwhelmed by the manual, and taking mediocre photos on auto mode for months. I remember the frustration of knowing my camera could do more, but not understanding how to unlock it.
That experience shaped how I teach. I don’t assume you know anything. I don’t skip steps. I explain concepts in plain language, show you exactly how to apply them, and give you immediate feedback.
My goal isn’t just to teach you the basics of photography—it’s to give you the confidence and skills to keep growing long after our session ends.
Photography has given me incredible experiences and opportunities. I love helping others discover that same passion and capability.
Let’s get you shooting with confidence.
Ready to Finally Master Your Camera?
You’ve watched YouTube tutorials. You’ve Googled “how to shoot in manual mode.” You’ve tried figuring it out on your own.
But nothing sticks like hands-on training with personalized feedback.
This Basic Photography Course gives you the foundation you need to take full creative control of your camera—in just one intensive session.
The 50% Black Friday discount ends November 30th. Spots are limited.
Stop guessing. Start creating.
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Training Locations
Centurion | Pretoria East | East Rand | Johannesburg