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Learn MoreNikon Z6 / Z7 Crash Course
Rating: 4.6 out of 54.6(134 ratings)
417 students
What you'll learn
- Nikon Z6 / Z7
Explore related topics
Course content
4 sections • 92 lectures • 7h 31m total length
- Introduction2:49
Master Nikon Z6 and Z7 basics and advanced techniques for portraits, landscapes, and video, including strobe, log for video, real-world shooting, and macro focus pulling.
- Z6 vs Z74:27
Explain the z6 and z7 differences in resolution, focusing squares, and frames per second; the z7 suits landscapes and high-resolution prints, while the z6 favors fast sports shooting.
- LCD Screen Protecotor2:51
Learn how to apply a screen protector on Nikon z6 or z7, cleaning, aligning with the playback area, and using wipes to guard the touch screen.
- Pre-visualization1:54
Pre-visualization enables you to see an image in your mind before you shoot, imagine multiple shots, pick the best, and use shutter speed and aperture to control exposure.
- What is Exposure0:32
Exposure determines how much light hits the recording media, with shutter speed and aperture as the two critical factors shaping light entry into the camera.
- Shutter Speed1:49
explains shutter speed as the duration light hits the sensor, clarifies numbers as fractions, demonstrates fast speeds freezing motion and slower speeds revealing motion, including bulb mode.
- Shutter Speed Barriers0:56
Learn shutter speed barriers for Nikon Z6 / Z7: use 1/60 s for people, 1/500 s for moving athletes, and avoid slower handheld shots without stabilization.
- Shutter Speed Quiz3:36
Master shutter speeds by understanding how fractions relate to exposure, and practice with a quiz that shows how longer speeds let in more light and faster speeds let in less.
- Aperture0:30
Explore aperture as the width of an opening in lenses. A wider opening lets in more light, reducing the time needed for a proper exposure.
- Aperture Sizes1:40
Demonstrate how aperture controls light and depth of field by observing lens blades at multiple f-stops from f/2.8 to f/20 in aperture priority mode, including shooting wide open.
- What is Depth of Field2:38
Explore depth of field as a wall of focus parallel to the sensor. Learn how aperture size and f-stops make that wall thinner or thicker to control sharpness.
- Controlling Depth of Field3:08
Master three main controls of depth of field: aperture size, subject distance, and focal length, plus a note on sensor size and equivalence across formats.
- Group Photos3:00
Learn to shoot group photos on Nikon Z6/Z7 by managing depth of field, stopping down, and aligning subjects on the same focal plane for multiple rows.
- What is ISO?1:49
Discover how ISO affects exposure, with higher ISO boosting light sensitivity but increasing noise; aim for ISO 400 or lower for cleaner digital images.
- Composition Lessons0:43
Master composition by understanding how subjects appear in the final image, apply practical tips and lessons, and quickly improve your photography.
- Rule of Thirds2:07
Apply the rule of thirds to your compositions by placing the subject's eyes near power points on the tic tac toe grid to introduce variety.
- Shapes2:35
Identify shapes to strengthen your photography, including squares, triangles, ovals, diagonals, and the elusive S curve. Position subjects or backgrounds to incorporate these forms for stronger composition.
- Dimensions2:26
Master dimensional photography by revealing depth through multi-angle compositions: start with a single view, rotate to show two sides, then shoot from above to reveal three sides.
- Angle of Attack1:40
Master angle of attack by changing your camera angle instead of shooting from eye level; experiment from high sky cam to ground-level to dramatically alter subject appearance.
- Sense of Depth1:44
Explore how the sense of depth arises from the surrounding environment and leading lines. Learn to position subjects to create projections into the background and a three dimensional feel.
- Backgrounds1:54
Scan backgrounds before pressing the shutter to spot distractions. Adjust your subject or angle to cover them, aiming to get it right in camera; Photoshop is a last resort.
- Textures1:18
Identify textures as repeating patterns that please the eye and serve as portrait backdrops, while spotting textures from ground to sky to use creatively in photography.
- Distance1:10
Explore how distance changes portrait composition in the Nikon z6 / z7 crash course by moving closer or using a zoom, with a practice drill to fill the frame.
- The Perspective Shot1:41
Use the perspective shot to control the relative distance between two subjects, making the bride and groom larger and more central for emphasis.
- Contrast1:43
Understand how contrast—the difference between subject and background—affects visibility, with a black shirt on white and consciously breaking this rule for a bride on white or dark backgrounds.
- The Dutch Tilt1:05
Discover the Dutch tilt, a simple diagonal angle between 60 and 30 degrees that changes the look of portraits, landscapes, or product shots.
- Combining Compositional Elements0:41
Explore how adding more compositional elements—rule of thirds, shape, texture, and depth—strengthens images and boosts your chances of winning a photography contest.
- JPEG & 8-Bit Depth2:20
Explore how JPEG uses 8-bit depth to represent 256 shades of gray, from 0 to 255, and contrast with RAW's 14-bit depth.
- Digital Greenhouse4:06
The digital greenhouse analogy explains how camera sensors measure light with shutter speed and aperture, with water as light and buckets as pixels, showing black, white, and gray and overexposure.
- How A Pixel Gets Its Color6:18
Explore how a camera's sensor uses red, green, and blue filtered stencils to gather light. See how the processor combines channel information to render color for each pixel.
- Got Light?1:23
Learn practical ways to brighten shots in low light by widening aperture, slowing shutter, boosting ISO, and employing additional light sources such as sun, external flashes, or diffusers.
- Lighting Crash Course4:27
Differentiate hard light sources from soft light sources and recognize how light quality shapes your portraits. Use complete shade, large windows, or golden hour for soft, directional shadows.
- The Histogram4:48
Explore how histograms quantify pixel brightness from black to white, with the y axis showing pixel counts. Learn to read exposure via camel humps and 0–255 8-bit range.
- Compression1:45
Discover how compression reduces digital image file sizes by merging adjacent pixels with similar colors, and how over compression causes artifacts and blocky noise.
- Lens Recommendations3:56
Explore lens basics for Nikon Z cameras, including zoom versus prime, dx fx crop factors, and holy trinity options 14-24, 24-70, 70-200, with Tamron and Sigma.
- Lens Perspectives9:00
Explore lens perspectives beyond field of view by comparing focal lengths from wide to telephoto. See how background size and depth shift, and how portrait distortion becomes flattering.
- Macro Photography7:25
- Shooting Guide Summary12:21
Master practical shooting settings for portraits, groups, landscapes, sport, wildlife, macro, astro, events, and street photography with Nikon Z6 Z7, including focal lengths, apertures, ISO, and RAW workflow.
- Bracketing Interiors3:51
Use a wide angle lens (24 mm) to capture interior walls, floor, ceiling, and chairs, highlighting depth, and bracket three exposures at two stops for a true hdr blend.
- Sports Shooting7:52
Master sports shooting with aperture-priority exposure control, auto focus modes, and back button focusing on the Nikon z6/z7, plus tips on shutter speed and lens choices for fast action.
- Landscapes3:00
Explore landscape photography with a sturdy tripod, wide-angle lenses, and the rule of thirds; shoot at f/8 with manual focus, use a timer, take test shots, and try HDR.
- ND Filters5:00
Master nd filters to maintain the 180-degree shutter rule in daylight, achieve shallow depth of field with wide apertures, and explore long exposures, color-cast considerations, and filter stacking.
- Shooting Sunsets and Intervelometer8:40
Master sunset photography with the Nikon Z6/Z7 by balancing exposure with aperture, ISO, and white balance, using graduated ND and long-exposure techniques, interval shooting, and basic sunset video tips.
- Portrait Crash Course8:36
Master portrait photography with manual mode and raw files, using light, texture, framing, four portrait types, and pricing guidance for portrait sessions.
- External Buttons5:08
Explore the Nikon z6 / z7 external buttons and ports, including the shutter’s two-stage action, dial controls, and display features that manage focus, exposure, and playback.
- Start UP1:17
Learn the Nikon z6/z7 startup essentials, from unlocking the lens and enabling shooting, to reading exposure settings on the control panel, and switching between autofocus and manual focus.
- LCD Info13:10
Navigate the lcd information screen on the Nikon Z6/Z7, cycling to view shutter speed, aperture, ISO, metering, exposure compensation, and histograms, plus i menu and picture controls.
- Exposure Control13:23
Master exposure control by learning how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO interact across P, S, M, and A modes, use exposure compensation, and manage auto ISO for practical shooting.
- Custom User Modes1:03
Learn to use custom user modes on the Nikon z6 and z7 to save sports shooting setups, dial in aperture priority, raw, and picture control, then save on orange tab.
- Movie Mode1:05
Apply the 180-degree shutter rule in movie mode, set about 1/120 second for 60fps, then adjust aperture and ISO while prioritizing accurate white balance for video.
- White Balance4:16
Learn auto white balance basics and when to use presets or Kelvin temperatures to balance color under daylight, shade, incandescent, and fluorescent lighting; understand Kelvin scale and custom white balance.
- Focusing14:32
Master focusing on the Nikon z6/z7 using af-s and af-c modes, manual focus with magnification, touch monitor controls, back button focus, face detection, dynamic area af, and peaking.
- Shutter Release Modes1:02
Learn the shutter release modes, including single frame, low and high continuous bursts (1–5 fps, 5.5 fps), and a 2–20 second timer using the front dial.
- Monitor Modes1:54
Toggle the monitor mode button to switch between automatic, viewfinder only, monitor only, or prioritize viewfinder. Avoid priority mode in stills when using a gimbal due to a firmware glitch.
- Playback Display Options0:43
Explore playback and touch screen options on the Nikon Z6/Z7, swiping through images, pinching to zoom, and viewing a grid display. Access in-menu shooting information like resolution, date, and time.
- Connecting To A Smartphone4:53
Connect a Nikon camera to a smartphone using the snap bridge app over Wi‑Fi, enabling remote shooting, exposure controls, white balance, focus, and image transfer with cloud and download options.
- Focus Stacking7:21
Learn how to use the Nikon Z6/Z7 focus shift shooting to build focus stacks for macro subjects, balancing sharpness and depth of field with intervals, peaking, and post stacking.
- Multiple Exposure Mode2:00
Explore the Nikon z6 / z7 multiple exposure mode by stacking a silhouette with texture to create a crisp outline, with overlays for preview and a Photoshop finish.
- HDR Mode9:42
Explore the built-in hdr mode on the Nikon Z6 / Z7, blending bracketed exposures to balance shadows and highlights and save pre merged raw files.
- Strobes8:13
Master strobe and artificial lighting by balancing ambient and reflected light with the three lighting rules; use TTL or manual flash, and control output with power and distance.
- Exposure Preview With Flash4:00
Explore how live view exposure prediction changes when mounting a speed light on the Nikon z6/z7, covering ttl behavior, sync speed limits, rear curtain sync, slow sync, and flash modes.
- External Flash17:33
Master external flash for Nikon Z6/Z7 by balancing TTL and manual modes, bounce lighting, and wireless off-camera master-slave control with the X Pro transmitter, using groups and channels.
- Flash Exposure Compensation11:34
Learn to master flash exposure compensation with TTL and manual settings on Nikon Z6 / Z7, using aperture priority for reliable shutter speeds, off-camera lighting, and 45-degree key light setups.
- Shooting Headshots11:16
Shoot professional headshots with strobe lighting, umbrellas, and bounce cards, wired via PocketWizard. Set f/8 for deeper depth of field and engage clients for natural expressions.
- Balancing Ambient & Reflective Light4:51
Balance ambient and reflected light in night shoots by applying the three rules: ISO and aperture control both, shutter speed controls ambient, and flash power and distance shape the reflection.
- Film History & Terms18:36
Trace motion picture history from Edward Miro Bridge to progressive scan, interlaced versus 24p, and frame rates; explain resolution, aspect ratio, anamorphic lenses, codecs, bit depth, chroma subsampling, and compression.
- Film Like Look5:16
Set your shutter speed twice your frame rate for a film-like look; at 24 fps use 1/50 s, at 30 fps 1/60 s, and at 60 fps 1/125 s.
- Video Lights5:38
Explore video lighting for Nikon Z6 / Z7, from strobe to lights, and how distance and color temperature shape shadows. Compare tungsten, fluorescent, and LCD panels for brightness and practicality.
- Maven Mini Mic8:29
Choose the Maven mini Mike as a compact onboard microphone that outperforms internal camera mics for budget-conscious beginners, with a frequency range of 20 hertz to 16 kilohertz.
- Two Microphones - One Jack1:38
Learn to capture stereo audio with two mics by using a splitter to feed left and right channels from a jack, plus a mic on a cold shoe mount.
- Pulling Focus12:41
Explore optical focusing systems using a toolbox method to adapt AF modes (AF-S, AF-C) and focusing clusters, with back button focusing and practical customization tips.
- Face Tracking2:06
Master face tracking on the Nikon Z6/Z7 by using continuous autofocus, face detection, and auto zone, then switch tracked faces with the directional pad as subjects move.
- IBIS2:05
Explore how IBIS works on the Nikon Z6 / Z7, and when to switch it off on tripods or gimbals, plus sport mode vs video stabilization.
- Gimbal Set Up & Examples5:25
balance the Crane v2 gimbal for smooth footage, test with ibis on and off to compare stabilization, then shoot 120 fps slow-motion with face tracking and proper playback.
- Film/Narrative8:04
Learn Hollywood style dialogue filming with establishing shots, over-the-shoulder shots, and shot-reverse-shot editing, using a visible line crossing rule, focusing strategies, and on-set audio comparisons.
- Fluid Heads2:25
Learn how to use a fluid head for smooth, horizontal panning in video, with adjustable tension and a rubber-band trick to control slowdown at the end of pans.
- Hollywood Example0:33
Explore how to balance high intensity interval training with strength building and cardio, using light barbell work to learn form and progressively lift heavier for muscle gains.
- Removing Background Noise8:32
Learn to clean up background noise using Adobe Audition by capturing a noise print from room tone and applying noise reduction, then refine with spectral view and using a compressor.
- Interview Setup1:55
Master documentary interview setups with 45-degree Hollywood V lighting, off-camera prompts, and an interviewee who answers the questions for clean editing, plus composition tweaks for a natural look.
- Sliders2:07
Explore sliders as a tool to glide a camera on a smooth track, creating depth with moving foreground elements. Learn gear like rhino slider setups and pricing basics.
- Real World Examples1:15
Explore real world finished examples of demonstrated techniques used in McCann campaigns to promote business with short comedy videos.
- HDMI Recorder6:40
learn how to set up an hdmi recorder for the z6/z7, including accessory kit, mounting, drives, and audio options. format drives to exfat and configure hdmi outputs and log settings.
- Video Workflow6:13
Master a video workflow: shooting, transferring, editing, outputting, archiving. Use a high-speed card reader, external drives with two copies, and shoot 10 seconds at full resolution in Adobe Premiere Pro.
- Nikon Z6/Z7 Part 14:19
Explore the Nikon z6/z7 deep menu with seven color-coded tabs and a responsive touch monitor. Master playback options, including delete, folder choices, display settings, image review, and slideshows via HDMI.
- Nikon Z6/Z7 Part 215:31
Navigate the Nikon Z6/Z7 stills menu to create and rename folders. Choose raw or jpg with compression and size options, and tailor picture controls.
- Nikon Z6/Z7 Part 37:02
Navigate the z6/z7 movie shooting menu, compare crop mode on z7 with fx mode on z6, and dial frame rate, ISO, and white balance for video.
- Nikon Z6/Z7 Part 410:52
Navigate the Nikon Z6 and Z7 custom menu to fine-tune autofocus, exposure, and flash, including focus points, tracking, exposure compensation, and button customization.
- Nikon Z6/Z7 Part 56:10
Learn Nikon Z6/Z7 setup: save and transfer user settings, format memory cards with two copies, configure language, timezone, date, daylight savings, and monitor and viewfinder basics.
- Nikon Z6/Z7 Part 611:26
Explore the Nikon Z6/Z7 retouched menu, turning RAW into JPEG with EMC and adjusting white balance, exposure, and picture controls. Learn in-camera cropping, resizing, and basic trimming.
- Nikon Z6/Z7 Part71:30
Customize your my menu by adding formatting and frame rate for quick access, then use the main menu or recent settings for fast item management in the deep menu.
- Cleaning the Sensor6:47
Master sensor cleaning for the Nikon z6/z7 by using dry and wet kits, a magnifying loop, and careful dust removal to eliminate stubborn specks and keep images free of dust.
- Outro2:20
Encourage beginners and intermediate photographers to apply the lessons, shoot with confidence, and explore Michael the Maven's online hub for camera reviews, gear tests, and weekly lessons.
Requirements
- You will need a Nikon Z6 or Z7 to take the course
Description
Award winning instructor, camera guru & professional wedding photographer Michael Andrew takes us on a step-by-step tour of the Nikon Z6/Z7 in this training tutorial download video. Michael Andrew’s unique approach simplifies digital photography and shows students how to use simple techniques to take amazing photographs. Michael blends technical competence with artistic fundamentals in this truly unique training video.
When Michael started in 2003, before the youtube age, he learned by trial and error. It took him 2 years to fully master his camera. In 2008, after many years of shooting weddings, Michael was convinced he could develop a teaching system to help new students learn their cameras over a weekend. He's been teaching new photographers ever since! Michael's unique approach focuses on simplicity, clarity, and synthesis, which has helped thousands of beginning students learn their cameras in just a few hours.
If you own a Nikon Z6 or Nikon Z7 and are looking to improve your photographic skills or aren’t exactly sure how everything works….this is the video for you!
Included Lessons:
Exposure Lesson
Shutter Speed Lessons
Aperture Lessons
Depth of Field Lessons
ISO
Complete Composition Lessons- 11 in all
Digital Greenhouse
Compression
Encryption
Histograms
Lens Crash Courses
What to do if not enough light
Lighting Crash Course
Exposure
Aperture Lessons
Shutter speed
Shutter speed barriers
Shutter Speed Quiz
Depth of field
Modes and Settings Tips for beginners
ISO ratings
White balance
Metering
Focal Length
Complete Composition Lessons
Rule of Thirds
Shapes
Dimensions
Backgrounds
Textures
Angle Of Attack
Dutch Tilt
Contrast
Distance
Perspective
Encryption
Compression
Histograms
Lens Crash Course
Lens Perspectives
Portrait Crash course
Lighting Crash Course
The Digital Greenhouse Lesson
The Scientific Method of Photography
Nikon Z6 / Z7 Photography & Video Shooting Tutorial Lessons
Additional Menu Items
Shooting Guide Summary
Bracketing Interiors
Sports
Sunset Shooting
Portrait Crash Course
Intervalometer Shooting
Strobes
PC Sync Cables
Flash Settings
Intro To Strobes
3 Rules of Lighting
Film History
Film Like Look
Two Microphones, One Jack
Pulling Focus
Manual Focus In Empty Spots
Gimbals
Gimbal Examples
Fluid Heads
Hollywood Scene Example
Removing Background Noise
Sliders
Video Workflow
Cleaning The Sensor
Who this course is for:
- Anyone with a Nikon Z6 or Z7 looking to master their camera