🔐 This class is the first in the series of Manual DSLR Photography for Teens classes. You can view the class series here: https://outschool.com/saved-classes/c456d7ae-ea21-48fe-93fd-b750640362aa

Looking for a shorter time commitment? The first part of this class is also offered as a 5-week 101 -- https://outschool.com/classes/manual-dslr-photography-101-for-teens-KdZjqS4B 

🖇️ Prerequisite: None.
This class is a great fit for a few categories of learners: learners who thrive in this class range from those who have just gotten their cameras, to those who have been shooting on auto modes for awhile and want to move to the next level, to those who have started exploring manual mode and want to make sure they're thinking about it all correctly. They are all good matches for this class -- the key factor for getting a lot out of this class is being motivated and eager to learn about photography, and ready to take a lot of photos along the way! 

⏳ Estimated Time Commitment Outside of Class: 1-2 hours each week that class meets



The class starts with understanding the foundation of all photography: light! Students will learn the 3 settings -- aperture, shutter speed, and ISO -- involved in how the camera uses light to make an image, and then explore using the settings in more challenging and advanced lighting situations. 

This class is designed to be an in-depth small group experience, supporting students in learning and practicing the science and art of manual photography. This approach enables students to learn how to "see" light and create an image while in complete control of the mechanics of the camera, and understand the "why" behind their technical and creative choices. This empowers them to make creative choices and get the photo they want without any automation from the camera! 

✴ This class is highly interactive and goes in-depth into introductory technical and creative concepts. This is an ideal class for students who might want the option to continue with photography, as they have the possibility to continue to the 301 class or the Advanced Workshop and continue photography classes for as long as they wish (for example, turning it into a year-long course), building skills in finding their creative voice and building a body of work.

✴ Each week's lesson builds on the last, weaving in material on compositional awareness as well as working with increasingly complex lighting situations.

✴ While class provides structure, support, information, and inspiration, the way to learn photography is taking pictures! To this goal, targeted projects are assigned each week. Projects are directly connected to the week's lesson, and are set up to encourage experimentation and discovery, in order to facilitate a successful learning process. 

✴ Handouts and optional guided notes worksheets are provided until the final project process (see details on schedule below). These PDF files can be saved for an easy reference booklet to help students while they complete projects, as well as for referring back to after the class is over. Using the guided note worksheets is entirely optional -- they are simply the handouts with key words not filled in, offered to support students who find taking notes helpful. 

✴ Before the following class meeting each student will turn in their photos, to share and discuss their experience and any questions around the assignment. They will also share positive feedback with each other as a way to practice the language around the new terms and concepts. Small class sizes ensure plenty of 1:1 support and discussion of each student's work. 


📑 = handout provided after lesson
✏️ = optional guided notes worksheet provided before lesson


Week 1 - Introduction to the Camera's Manual Mode (Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO) ✏️ 📑 
Week 2 - Troubleshooting and Feedback  📑 
Week 3 - Composition ✏️ 📑 

Special Topics & Intermediate Technical Skills
Week 4 - Night Photography (Tech Skill: Varied Ranges of Light / Camera Setting Skill: Metering Modes) ✏️ 📑 
Week 5 - Portrait Photography (Tech Skill: Quality of Light / Camera Setting Skill: White Balance) ✏️ 📑 
Week 6 - Street Photography (Tech Skill: Observation & Timing) ✏️ 📑 
Week 7 - Black and White Photography (Tech Skill: Tonal Range + Previsualizing Tone / Camera Setting Skill: Working in Monochrome) ✏️ 📑 

Final Project/Portfolio Creation
Week 8 - Final Project Overview and Planning ✏️
Week 9 - Preliminary Images Feedback
Week 10 - Final Project Presentation