
This "Quick Start Guide to Shooting" is designed to give you, well, a quick start on shooting with your camera.
In the sections that follow, we will go into more detail about getting the most out of your camera... for your creative vision.
Use this quick start section to begin taking better photos today. Then, you can use the remaining sections to hone your skills.
Master the basics of photography by learning to control light with your camera through a guided series of tutorials, from fundamentals to studio and outdoor demonstrations and editing tips.
In this lesson, of the Photography masterclass, you'll learn the basics of DSLR cameras.
In this lesson, of the Photography masterclass, you'll be introduced to Exposure.
In this lesson, of the Photography masterclass, we'll expand what we learned about Exposure (from the previous tutorial).
In this lesson, of the Photography masterclass, we'll continue our mastery of Exposure.
In this lesson, of the Photography masterclass, you'll learn the final piece to Exposure.
Master the camera's light meter and metering modes (matrix, spot, and center weighted) to achieve balanced exposures in manual mode by adjusting shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
Adjust white balance and ISO in studio lighting with lamp and daylight balanced video light, comparing auto vs manual Kelvin and balancing exposure with aperture and shutter speed.
In this lesson, of the Photography masterclass, we'll do a quick overview of your camera.
In this lesson, of the Photography masterclass, you'll learn the basics of your camera. Grab your manual!
In this lesson, of the Photography masterclass, you'll learn how to use the different focusing modes (of most cameras).
In this lesson, of the Photography masterclass, you'll learn the most common types of shooting modes (and how to use them).
In this lesson, of the Photography masterclass, you'll learn about the different types of Drive Modes available and how to use them (for most cameras).
In this lesson, of the Photography masterclass, you'll learn about the different Quality Modes (most cameras have).
In this lesson, of the Photography masterclass, you'll learn about the different Metering Modes (most cameras have).
In this lesson, of the Photography masterclass, you'll learn about an often overlooked camera setting: White Balance. It's very important!
Explore the parts of a lens—front element and glass elements—and how aperture, focus and zoom rings, focal length, and depth of field shape light and image.
Discover how focal length, in millimeters, sets the angle of view for normal, wide, and telephoto lenses and affects portrait photography, lens compression, and the use of teleconverters.
Learn about prime lenses with fixed focal lengths, move closer or farther to adjust framing, and use large apertures for low light, background blur, and affordable starter options.
Explore fisheye lenses, with 8–17 mm focal lengths and round front elements that create circular images, and learn how shorter focal lengths distort lines while widening the scene.
Learn how tilt shift lenses change the plane of focus and perspective to straighten lines in architecture, while enabling creative effects in portraits and food photography.
Discover that photography means drawing with light and that light is the essential foundation for capturing images; learn to master light to elevate your DSLR photography skills.
Explore how light fits the electromagnetic spectrum, describe its visible wavelengths for eyes and cameras, and preview beyond-visible ranges for future photography lessons.
Explore how light reflects from smooth surfaces with specular reflection and rough surfaces with diffuse reflection, and the law of reflection shows how light angles control lighting in photography.
Explore how absorption shapes photography by showing how surfaces absorb and reflect light, influencing brightness and color in images.
Explore the transmission of light, including diffuse transmission and color through windows, curtains, or ice, and how it warms tones; then master tones and dynamic range for post-processing.
Explore how the direction of light—side, overhead, back, and front—shapes highlights, shadows, and mid tones, and learn to balance key light, fill light, and ambient light for portraits.
Part 1 of the Exposure Triangle. Learn what it is, it's limitations and one key missing element. Plus, download the cheat sheet to "see" the Exposure Triangle.
Part 2 of the Exposure Triangle.
Learn all about the Aperture and how it's used (creatively) in photography.
Get out your camera and practice what you've learned. Download the included project cheat sheet.
Learn all about the Shutter Speed. What it is and how to use for creative effects.
Grab your camera for another project to practice what you've learned.
Learn all about ISO. You'll learn both the accurate and technical explanation of ISO (brief technical explanation). Plus, how ISO relates to Digital cameras vs. Film cameras.
Grab your camera again, for another fun-filled photography project (all about ISO).
Thus far, you've learned a lot about different camera settings and the Exposure Triangle. Now, I'll break down what Exposure really is and help you better understand it.
1 of 2 Exposure Analogies. This analogy was put together to help you better understand your 3 main camera settings (and how they have a give-take relationship): Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO.
2 of 2 exposure analogies. Still unsure? I've put together another analogy to help you better understand exposure.
You'll learn about a cool tool, built-in to your camera.
You'll learn how to use the Exposure Indicator to help you achieve a good exposure. Don't forget to download the included resource guide (as part of this lesson).
Download the included project cheat sheet and complete this project to learn how to use the Exposure Indicator.
Congratulations! You're now ready to start shooting manually. Download the Manual Mode project resource and start practicing what you've learned.
Explore light as the first and most essential compositional element in photography, organized into intensity, quality, direction, and color, and learn how light shapes mood, visibility, and viewer focus.
Master depth in photography by composing with multiple layers: foreground, middle, and background, and control depth of field with lens settings and macro options to shape mood and reduce distractions.
Learn how hue, saturation, and brightness influence composition. See how color harmony and contrast guide the viewer's attention with practical examples.
Explore movement as a core compositional ingredient, using blurred motion, open space, and subject direction to guide attention, convey action, and tell a stronger photographic story.
Choose your photography business model, from shoot and burn weekend work to boutique or scalable full-retail studios, and plan services such as wedding albums, prints, and gallery wraps.
Choose a memorable business name for your wedding photography venture by weighing personal name against a name that fits your business model, and using generators and surveys to refine options.
Register your business name with the state, province, or country to ensure uniqueness and avoid marketing conflicts. Understand how requirements vary by structure as you prepare branding.
Decide on your business legal structure by researching options like sole proprietor or LLC, seek professional legal advice or use services like Legal Zoom, and file the necessary paperwork.
Set up a merchant account to accept credit card payments from clients, using options like Stripe, PayPal, and Authorize.net, plus a card reader for in-person sales.
Use the pricing for profit formula to set your wedding photography price by totaling labor, overhead, and cost of sales, then divide by weddings to cover costs and earn profit.
Master search engine optimization to rank your website and images in Google, using Yoast, optimized titles and meta descriptions, image metadata, and back links.
Grow your wedding photography business by leveraging Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest with a dedicated Facebook business page and a cover image sized 851 by 315 pixels.
Learn to follow up after a wedding consult with thanks, stand out through a handwritten note and personal gift, and position yourself as the wedding photographer of choice.
Master a concise pre-wedding consultation to collect essential details—names, contacts, family information, wedding party counts, and vendor details—ensuring accurate timeline and photo plans.
Prepare by researching local wedding portfolios and practicing at shoot locations to visualize light, poses, and sequences, building confidence and delivering professional, varied wedding photos.
Capture the bride's getting-ready moments with bridesmaids, family, and the dress, using reflections, natural light, and creative angles to tell the story of tying, lacing, and dressing.
Capture bridal portraits before the ceremony using available light and natural posing to tell a story, from headshots and dress details to family and bridesmaids portraits.
Capture pre-ceremony moments with available light using framing and photojournalism techniques; document candid interactions, details, and unique compositions with high ISO and wide-angle lenses.
Master processional wedding photography with long lenses, depth of field control, vertical framing, and rule of thirds composition to capture emotions and tell the ceremony story.
Capture diverse ceremony moments with varied lenses—from candle lighting by the mothers and the unity candle to outdoor dusk and back‑of‑church portraits—document traditions and key expressions with deliberate composition.
Capture couples with wide-angle and 12–24 lenses, using rule of thirds, leading lines, and Photoshop glow for intimate, story-driven images.
Master digital photography for dslr beginners by using framing, rule of thirds, and reflections with a 50mm lens to craft intimate, candid couple portraits in urban settings.
Navigate reception timelines, cultural dances, toasts, cake cutting, ring shots, and candid compositions to capture storytelling through lighting, framing, and anticipation.
DSLR Photography course for beginners masterclass. Perfect for all photography levels: Beginner-Advanced + Photography Lighting.
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Why should you take this photography course vs. others? Well, let my students tell you why...
///// WOW! This first testimonial (for this photography course) gave me goosebumps...
*****
"I found that this photography course is quite in-depth for what I need at this point in time. I have now got a new found love for taking photos. Everywhere I go my camera goes and I am always looking at everything and anything from different angles to take a pic of.
I never thought I would say this, but I now think that I want to start a photography business. I have always wanted to do something that I enjoy but have never found it, doing this photography course has made me see the light. It won't happen right away as I have much more to learn but it will happen and I will enjoy it.
Thank you so much, Chris, for what you have taught many of us including me. You have made a massive impact on my life with what I have learned and now enjoy."
~ Kelly Tait
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*****
"Chris Parker is very easy to understand. He clearly explains difficult concepts with real-life comparisons. He organized this photography course very well and uses excellent visual aids and provides beautifully designed handouts to download. There is no wasted time in this course.
Sometimes instructors ramble on, but not Chris. It is obvious he put a lot of thought into what he wanted to cover in each section. He stays on track and is engaging. He responds very quickly to QA section. He is very professional."
~ Dawn Lundblad
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*****
"This is a great photography course whether you are a beginner or a semi beginner with some knowledge just needing a refresher course. It has lots of information not only provided but more importantly it is explained."
~ David Cangiolisi
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*****
"It is going to help me tremendously. Already understanding things now that I couldn’t before. YEAH!"
~ Sheryl Sullivan
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*****
"I enjoyed Chris Parker's Photography 101 course. While I do not consider myself a beginner, I did want to take a refresher and review some basic concepts that I never truly understood.
Mr. Parker is a great instructor as he explains and illustrates the basic principles of photography clearly and concisely.
I learned so much and gained the confidence to shoot if full manual mode. I look forward to taking more of his courses in the future!"
~ Joan DeMarco
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*****
"The best explanation I have ever had! The best lesson!" ?
~ Kenny Chun
*****
"I like the level of depth he goes into but also explains it clearly not assuming prior knowledge."
~ Ben Rae
*****
"This is a great photography course whether you are a beginner or a semi-beginner with some knowledge just needing a refresher course.
It has lots of information not only provided but more importantly it is explained. Chris Parker made this course / lesson not only easy to follow and understand but very educational. It kept your interest all through the entire course."
~ David Cangiolosi
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Hello & welcome to my Photography for beginners and aspiring pros.
My name is Chris Parker and I've been a pro photographer for 30 years. Take your photography skills to the next level and take better photos with this photography 101 course.
Photography is an art form and you'll learn the secret to taking better photos, every time. Learn from a 30 year photography pro and discover my creative process for capturing stunning images.
It doesn't matter what type of photography you're interested in.
The photography techniques you'll learn can be applied to any type of photography; landscape, weddings, newborn, commercial, product, food, portrait photography and much more.
Or maybe you just want to be able to take better photos on your next vacation? You definitely will, once you learn the exact techniques I use.
Plus, you'll learn real-world advice for deciding on the approach you want for YOUR creative vision. Watch in-studio and on-location photography shoots and see my creative process in action... and I explain everything during the process too. We'll then study the images to help re-enforce what you learn.
Here's a (huge) list of all things you'll learn...
Photography DSLR FUNdamentals. Fundamentals don't have to be boring. Understanding the fundamentals is key for a solid foundation in building your photography skills.
Get ready to take your photography skills to the next level with Exposure. In part 1, you'll learn the basics of each component that makes up the exposure. You'll even learn something that is being mis-taught by other instructors.
In part 2 of exposure, we'll take a deep dive into the Aperture. Includes in-depth explanations to help you finally understand Aperture and all those pesky numbers. You'll finally know which Aperture does what for your creative vision.
In part 3 of exposure, we'll now take a deep dive into the Shutter Speed. You'll learn the creative options this camera setting provides, when to use a tripod (to avoid camera shake), how to freeze the action or create silky smooth water.
In part 4 of exposure, we'll explore the ISO. You'll learn all about the good and bad of this camera setting, how it actually works and when you might need to adjust this camera setting.
The next two tutorials include my secret weapon and an often overlooked camera setting. You'll learn how to use the secret weapon for perfect exposures. Which means you'll be able to take back creative control from your camera and manually set your settings for the exact type of photo you want. Simple and easy with this tool. Guaranteed. Next, you'll learn how to see light in a way you've never done before. This too will help you creatively and save you time while editing in Lightroom or Photoshop (or any other software).
Next, we'll take all that information and bring it together in a live studio demonstration. We'll go over every camera setting we've learned and trouble shoot how to choose which one. Then, we'll bring those photos into Lightroom to see how our selections effect the creative outcome. Plus, I'll share additional photography examples of what you learned.
It's now time to venture outside for another photography demonstration. I'll share with you my creative decision process for choosing specific camera settings. We'll then bring those images into Lightroom for comparison.
Finally, you'll learn how I edit images in Lightroom. Plus, we'll take one of the outdoor shots and do a complete Classic Edit. Plus, I'll provide some additional pro editing tips too.
And you'll learn much more in this photography course...
Get to know your camera...
Getting to know the basics of your camera
Focusing Modes - which ones to use and why
Shooting Modes - which ones to use and why
Drive Modes - when and why to use which ones
Quality Modes - what they are and my recommend mode
Metering Modes - the basics (explained in detail in the Exposure section)
White Balance - what it is and my recommendation
Get to know your photography lenses...
New vs. Old - should you buy new or used? Find out.
Off Brand vs. Name Brand - should you buy name brand or Sigma, Tamron, etc..? Find out.
Parts of lenses - the different parts of your lens
Focal length - learn what it is
When to use which lens - learn to use which focal length when
Cropped sensor - learn what it is and how to determine which lens to buy
Types of lenses - learn the different types of lenses
Prime lenses - learn why this is my favorite type of lens
Zoom lenses - learn about the different types of zoom lenses
Macro lenses - learn which one you should buy and why
Fish eye lenses - learn why I returned this lens
Tilt/Shift lenses - learn how to use this lens for creativity and/or for architecture
Lens Baby lenses - learn about this cool, creative lens option
Master & understand light...
What is light & where does it come from
Do you really know what light is?
Visible light spectrum
How your eyes see things and how they have color
How your eyes see light vs. your camera
The 3 behaviors of light
Tones & dynamic ranges
HDR photography basics
Understand the 4 types of contrast
Learn the 4 characteristics of light
Master your camera settings to ditch auto & shoot manually...
Learn the exposure triangle and the missing element
Master aperture for full creative control
Master shutter speed for another creative option
Truly understand and master ISO for achieving your creative vision
Understand exposure and why it’s important to nail in-camera
Learn 2 analogies (better than the exposure triangle) to help you master the 3 camera settings to shoot manually
Learn a built-in (in your camera) secret tool to help you shoot manually and nail your exposure in-camera
Learn about the exposure value and how to use for perfect exposures
Composition...
Learn what composition is and means
Learn how to improve your photography with pro composition techniques
Learn what the "rule of thirds" is and how to use it for better compositions
the different elements that help with composition
Aspect Ratio essentials
the 7 "Ingredients" of Composition
and much more
I'll share with you everything you need to know about shooting manually. By the end of this course, you'll be able to ditch Auto and shoot in Manual Mode.
This photography course will start off with the basics of photography; Understanding the Exposure Triangle. We'll also go beyond the "triangle" and learn about it's limitations and why it's so complicated.
Next up, learning about what an Aperture is, Shutter Speed and (the accurate and semi-technical - that most people don't teach - explanation of) ISO.
Then, you'll learn an easier way to understand (photography) Exposure (say good-bye to the Exposure Triangle) with 2 different analogies. At this point, you'll almost be ready to start shooting manually.
But first, you'll learn about a cool tool in your camera - the Light Meter. Plus, you'll learn about the Exposure Indicator (and EV). Both will help you nail your Exposure in-camera. Which will help elevate your photography skills to the next level.
Once you've reached this point of the photography course, you'll begin practicing what you've learned: in Manual Mode!
Throughout this photography classroom, there will be additional projects and supporting documents to help you understand (and retain) what you've learned about taking awesome photos.
Photography course for photography beginners & aspiring pros. Learn full creative photography control from a pro.