(Published with permission from the Saint John Arts Centre)
Learn to take control of your camera and develop your creative eye in this hands-on photography course.
We’ll begin with the fundamentals of manual camera settings, learning how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO work together to create a properly exposed photograph. You’ll also learn how each setting can be used creatively from freezing or emphasizing motion, to controlling depth of field and creating different looks in challenging lighting conditions.
After mastering the basics of manual mode, each following week will focus on a different composition technique. We’ll explore how to use elements such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, perspective, balance, negative space, and more to create stronger and more intentional photographs and how colour theory can be used to enhance your images.
This course is designed for folks who want to move beyond automatic settings, better understand their camera, and learn how to make creative decisions with their photography.
What we’ll cover:
Manual camera mode Shutter speed and creative motion Aperture and depth of field ISO and working with available light Understanding exposure Composition fundamentals Colour theory basics Practical exercises to apply what you learn
No previous photography experience is required. Dress for the weather as some photo walks will be outdoors.
Age group: 18+
Times: 6:00-8:00pm
Duration:
Dates:
Thursdays
Oct 29
Nov 5
Nov 12
Nov 19
Nov 26
December 3
Registration fee: $200
Supplies fee: Participants are asked to bring their own camera to use throughout the sessions.
Capacity: 10 students
Senior’s discount: Seniors aged 65+ are eligible for a 20% discount on all adult workshops; enter coupon code SENIOR65 at checkout.
Online Registration
Photography: Manual Mode & Composition 101 (Oct. 2026)
