Photography: Essential Skills and Creative Approaches
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£495
- Start Date(s): 11 August 2025, 1 October 2025, 14 January 2026, 15 April 2026
- Duration: Wednesdays, 6 pm to 8.30 pm, ten weeks or Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
11 - 15 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
1 October - 3 December 2025, Wednesdays 6 - 8.30 pm
14 January - 25 March 2026, Wednesdays 6 - 8.30 pm (no class 18 February 2026)
15 April - 24 June 2026, Wednesdays 6 - 8.30 pm (no class 27 May 2026)
Unlock the full potential of your DSLR camera and embark on a captivating journey into the world of photography. This comprehensive short course is tailored for beginners, providing an immersive experience in understanding and utilising the features of your DSLR camera effectively, moving away from shooting in automatic mode so you can take control of your photographs.
Throughout this course, you will delve into the fundamental principles of photography, mastering essential techniques to capture stunning images in various settings. From exploring exposure settings to understanding composition principles, this course covers all aspects necessary to elevate your photography skills.
This course is perfect for anyone eager to unlock the creative possibilities of their DSLR camera, regardless of previous experience or background. Whether you're an aspiring photographer looking to hone your skills, a hobbyist seeking to capture memorable moments with precision, or simply curious about the art of photography, this course welcomes enthusiasts of all levels who share a passion for visual storytelling and expression.
You’ll receive hands-on practical help with your own camera equipment, and can borrow some of our professional lenses, lighting, and accessories to give your shots a boost, and get advice if you’re considering buying more equipment.
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You’ll be part of a community and our creative photography studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your designs at home or work. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
On successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge.
Here’s what our previous attendees said:
“This course gave me impetus I needed to get out of a rut and think about the full capabilities of my camera. I especially enjoyed being part of a group and being inspired by its members, as well as having the support and expertise of our tutor. I feel much more confident about my skills and I now enjoy photography even more.” AS
"This course is pitched at a good level - challenging but achievable. It has given me the confidence to progress further." LT
"A great tutor, who set a good atmosphere for learning whilst helping and encouraging each other." DD
"Fantastic!!!" FC
"From doing this course I have a better understanding of my camera and how to use it more creatively, I enjoyed all of it!"
"Excellent course, Paul is a fantastic tutor - I would recommend to others!"
"I wanted to do this course to get better at taking photographs, I didn’t know anything about camera settings before this course, so I've learnt everything I know now! I most enjoyed the practical sessions and taking photos outside. This was a great 10 weeks!"
"From doing this course I have taken away new creative approaches, knowledge on the camera settings, editing skills and knowledge of the kinds of camera that are on the market. I most enjoyed the sessions with models and using flash photography in a studio setting. This was a really nice course; it was very well-structured."
What you’ll study
Develop your creativity and establish your own unique photographic practice, investigating areas such as art, documentary, editorial, commercial, events, portraiture, urban, landscape and nature photography in the studio and around the city.
If you want to know how to do things like; blur the background, blur some things whilst keeping others focused, get super sharp images, photograph small/big/fast/slow things, use flash, photograph people, or just do the simple things really well, then this course will give the opportunity to ask those burning questions before putting them into action.
Topics will include:
- what is a photograph and why do we take them?
- contemporary digital photography and current technologies used
- photographic exposure and how to control the light
- developing compositional techniques to build stronger pictures
- exposure, focus, aperture, shutter and shutter speed
- shooting in a photography studio using flash and continuous lighting
- editing images using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
- formatting images for social media and digital developing
- printing in large format up to A0 in size
- choosing and buying your equipment, after trying new kit on the course.
You’ll gain experience working in a photography studio as well as on location, trying out some advanced features of your camera and gaining the knowledge of why you might want to use these over the automatic mode.
You can borrow some of our professional lenses, lighting, or accessories to give your shots a boost. Or simply have a go shooting subjects you’d never considered.
They’ll be some (non-compulsory) homework assignments and tasks you can continue after the course is finished, to keep practicing.
Throughout the course, you'll engage in practical photo shoots both in the studio and on location, providing hands-on experience in capturing images in diverse settings. With dedicated tutor support, you'll enhance your camera handling skills, ensuring confidence and proficiency in navigating your equipment effectively.
You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions, delving into the nuances of composition and lighting to construct visually compelling photographs.
Surrounding yourself with like-minded enthusiasts, you'll cultivate your practice within a supportive environment. Participating in constructive critiques and discussions, you'll share your photographs and receive invaluable feedback, gaining a deeper understanding of how to enhance your work both technically and conceptually.
By the end of the course, you'll have the opportunity to create prints of your favourite images, whether for your portfolio or to keep as artwork, showcasing the culmination of your newfound skills and artistic vision.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll study during the course:
- Mastering your DSLR: Unveiling the Functions
- Exploring Creative Exposure Modes: Aperture Priority and Beyond
- Capturing the Essence: Photography in Studio Settings
- Embracing being on Location: Photography in Action
- Mastering Image Editing: From Raw to Refined
Delve into the intricate workings of your Digital SLR cameras, learning the purpose and function of each button and dial. Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on practice, you will gain confidence in navigating camera's settings, empowering you to capture images with precision and ease.
You’ll cover: the anatomy of a Digital SLR (what the buttons do!), photo sharing and critiques, basic rules and suggestions for strong composition.
Explore the creative possibilities offered by aperture priority mode and other advanced exposure modes. Through guided instruction and practical exercises, you will learn how to set up your cameras for aperture priority mode, manipulate aperture settings to control depth of field, and capture stunning images both indoors and outdoors.
You will gain proficiency in manual exposure mode and explore advanced autofocus settings and techniques, set up the camera to use manual exposure mode and consider exposure compensation.
Get stuck into the art of photography within a studio environment. Through hands-on instruction and guided practice, you will learn how to utilise continuous lighting and flash to sculpt light and shadow, create captivating studio portraits, still life, product and macro shots, and unleash your creativity to capture compelling images.
Venture into the great outdoors to explore the beauty of landscape, portrait and nighttime photography. Guided by your experienced instructor, you will learn how to capture breathtaking photographs, master the art of composition and use your flash in natural settings.
You will also learn how to master long exposure techniques, manipulate aperture and ISO settings for low light conditions, and utilise advanced camera functions to capture the ethereal beauty of the night and dark places. Depending on the time of year you attend the course, you’ll either do a practical session or learn the fundamentals with the chance to practice outside the course.
Practice image editing using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Through step-by-step guidance, you will learn essential editing techniques, understand the workflow for editing RAW images, and apply your newfound skills to enhance still-life images captured in a studio setting.
Hone your skills in editing and printing to add the final touches to your images, creating stunning prints to cherish and take home.
Student Work
How you’re taught
Teaching and learning experiences will include:
- lectures and seminars
- studio workshops
- on location practical demonstrations
- portfolio reviews
- tutorials
- peer and self-evaluation.
A series of technical workshops will help you to develop practical skills, and will include:
- exposure and metering
- focus
- aperture
- shutter and shutter speed
- subject lighting
- digital developing and colour printing
- digital workflow (scanning, processing, printing, and managing your digital images).
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.
98% of previous course attendees were satisfied with the course, received the attention they needed and would consider doing another short course at NTU.
Contact hours
You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
Photography goes far beyond taking pictures. It’s about finetuning your artistic eye, choosing and using advanced equipment, and flexing your creativity to showcase the unique and the stunning. At NTU, you’ll be taught by an expert with industry-standard facilities to kickstart your creative career; the course is designed to prepare a photography portfolio that you can use professionally or for your own personal enjoyment.
Certificate of attendance and digital badge
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge powered by Accredible.
Your digital credential is more than just a certificate – it’s secure, verifiable, and protected against fraud through encryption and blockchain technology.
They also come with detailed metadata, including an overview of the skills you have achieved on the course, evidence of completion, and assessment criteria if appropriate.
Share your achievements seamlessly with friends, customers, and potential employers online, and proudly add your badge or certificate to social media platforms such as LinkedIn, so all the right people can see it.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the Nottingham School of Art & Design's Bonington building, where the photography facilities give you access to digital equipment, studio spaces, and editing suites.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
Entry requirements
Level: Beginner
Entry requirement: No previous photography or software experience is required, although you must have basic computer skills.
You must be over the age of 18 in order to attend this course.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £495.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Secure your place with a deposit - If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, including great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Please bring with you to the first session:
- a pen and paper
- a digital SLR camera (DSLR)*
- an 8GB memory stick
*An entry-level DSLR or Compact System Camera with a basic 'kit' lens is the recommended starting point for equipment on this course.
There are a large number of options on the market and, whilst we don't favour any particular brand specifically, Nikon, Canon and Sony are all well regarded.
Owners of mid-range or professional DSLRs/Compact System Cameras are of course also welcome on the course, and during the course we address the pros, cons and differences between more expensive cameras.
We wouldn't recommend upgrading specifically to a more expensive mid-range camera ahead of the course, as these discussions will give valuable insight into your buying decision.
If you currently own an ageing entry-level DSLR there is certainly something to be gain from upgrading to a newer model, however it isn't essential to upgrade ahead of the course.
You can always start the course with your existing equipment and consider upgrading during or after the course, armed with all your new knowledge.
If you have a bridging or mirrorless camera, you can still attend the course, and we can help you get the best out of the camera. These cameras will be incompatible with some of the lenses available to borrow, but most will still work with the flash and studio lighting. The design and physics are different to a DSLR camera, so some creative effects are more challenging and some settings might be slightly different.
In addition to a basic DSLR and lens there is some other equipment which is desirable, but not essential:
- Flashgun (a model that's compatible with your camera)
- Large aperture lens (a model that's compatible with your camera)
- Tripod
- Adobe Software (you will have access to software on campus for the duration of the course).
If you’d like to do some pre-course reading and research, you can view the list here.
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
Need accommodation for a week long summer course?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £259 per week.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
How to apply
You can book your place via the NTU online store:
11 - 15 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
1 October - 3 December 2025, Wednesdays 6 - 8.30 pm
14 January - 25 March 2026, Wednesdays 6 - 8.30 pm (no class 18 February 2026)
15 April - 24 June 2026, Wednesdays 6 - 8.30 pm (no class 27 May 2026)
Browse all photography short courses.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813