
Photo 101 | Master Manual Mode
DURATION: 8 Hours Of Instruction
FORMAT: 2-Day Weekend Bootcamp (4 hrs/day) OR 4-Week Classes (2 hrs/week)
PREREQUISITES: None | Perfect For Beginners!
Learn The Fundamentals & Master Manual Mode
A unique and one of a kind intro digital photography class. Perfect for those looking to get the most out of their camera. We’ll teach you how to shoot in manual mode and get a firm understanding of the key principles of photography.
“If I could give it more than 5 stars I would! Great classes and, even more importantly, great instructors! I am constantly recommending GTA Photography Classes to my friends, family and co-workers. I wouldn’t be taking the pictures I am today without these courses.”
– GTA Photography Student




Course Summary
- Basics concepts and rules of photography
- Learn all the controls to be able to shoot in manual mode
- Composition guidelines and techniques
- Hands on practice during our shooting field trips
- How to maintain your camera
Unit 1: Manual Mode
In Lesson 1: Manual Mode, we delve right into the most important components of manual mode! Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO are explored in-depth, including how they relate to getting those stunning blurry backgrounds, and captivating frozen shots. We introduce the concept of stops and use it to learn how each of these three settings are related to one-another. We give you our simple 5 step plan for achieving great photographs every time!Never used your camera before? Not a problem! We make sure that you know the basics of where to find each camera setting as the lesson progresses.
Key topics: camera basics, exposure, shutter, aperture, ISO, shutter speed, depth of field, freezing and blurring motion, camera shake, grain, stops, lightmeter
Unit 2: Field Trip
Lesson 1 ended with a bang, and now it’s time to put everything into practice. Our instructor led field trip will take students through a series of demonstrations to solidify the content from lesson 1. Take photos of frozen movement, blurred movement, as well as photos depicting shallow and wide depth of field. Instructors give helpful tips on focusing, lighting, portraiture, and more!
Key topics: hands on practice, review, focus
Unit 3: Composition
So you’ve got the technical aspects of manual mode down, but now it’s time to work on the creative side. This composition lesson will present you with 7 compositional guidelines that help to create more movement, interest and intrigue in your photographs all with the goal of thinking outside the box. This class is yet another opportunity to shoot alongside your instructor who will continue to give helpful one-on-one feedback.
Key Topics: composition, hands-on practice, analyzing photographs, class discussions
Unit 4: Equipment Talk & More Shooting Time
When starting out in photography it can be difficult to know what kind of gear you really need. Instead of talking to a sales person, let us help you decide what’s important. In this course we’ll cover lenses, cleaning accessories and tripods and answer any questions you might have before making a purchase. You’ll also get the opportunity to practice all your newly acquired skills in one final field trip.
Key Topics: white balance, lenses, focal length, lens hoods, cleaning, tripods, Q&A
Save More With Class Packages!
- Class Package Includes:
- • Photo 101
- • Photo 201
- • Portraiture 101
- Class Package Includes:
- • Photo 101
- • Photo 201
- • Lightroom 101 OR Photoshop 101
- Class Package Includes:
- • Photo 101
- • Photo 201
- • Lightroom 101
- + any 3 Workshops from the following*:
- Food, Portraiture, • Studio Portraiture, Night, Product, Travel
- *excludes; Photoshop & Photography Business
Note: All of our class packages are already discounted and no additional promotions may apply.
Registration is open right up until the day the session begins. Please note however, that some of our classes sell out well in advance. In order to guarantee enrolment, we recommend registering as soon as you know your schedule.
Policies:
- Prepayment is required to confirm your registration and spot in the class / camp / workshop.
- All sessions begin promptly at the stated time. Any missed material is forgone by the student.
- Register early: If you wait until the last minute, the class might be filled or cancelled due to insufficient enrolment.
Cancellation by Student:
- CLASS/WORKSHOP: Cancellations are non-refundable whether the student cancels or fails to show up for class; however, if we are notified within 7 days prior to the scheduled session, we will reschedule you to another session but a $50 administration fee will apply*.
- PRIVATE LESSONS: Cancellations are non-refundable whether the student cancels or fails to show up for the lesson; however, if we are notified 48 hours prior to the scheduled session, we will reschedule your session, but a $50 administration fee will apply.
Class Cancellation:
- GTA Photography Classes reserves the right to cancel or postpone any class if there is inadequate enrolment. In the event that a class must be cancelled, you will be notified by email in advance (please be sure to register using the email address where you can best be reached). You may then either reschedule for another session or receive reimbursement of class fees.
*Exclusions: Travel Photography purchased as a Photo 101 add on is non-refundable and non-transferable prior to or post your scheduled session.
We offer a certificate of completion to students upon request. Please contact us through email or by phone to speak with an instructor to receive your certificate if you require one. Certificates will be delivered through email. There will be a $25 admin fee if you would like a physical certificate mailed to you.
• DSLR Camera or point & shoot camera that can shoot in manual mode.
• Memory Card
• Fully Charged Battery Pack
• Class notes (you’ll be able to download these in your confirmation email)
Most of our registration is done ONLINE using MC and VISA. We do however, except CASH / CHEQUES in person at the studio. (Note: We do not accept Debit) Please phone ahead to make an appointment to register if paying by cash, as we may be in session or out on assignment.
Cheques can also be mailed to our studio. Please make them payable to GTA Photography Classes.
Mailing Address:
25 Toronto St.
Suite #200
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5C 2R1
For the introductory courses (Photo 101) and photo tours, no prior training is required. More advanced courses such as Photo 201 and our workshops, do require prior experience as they build on basic techniques taught in Photo 101. If you have some prior knowledge or experience and not sure if you need some of the prerequisites, give us a call and talk to an instructor today!
All of our programs include the exact same lecture / workshop material. You will not get any more or less in any of the sessions. We design our courses and workshops so that we equip all our students with the knowledge they need! You just select the class type that works best for your schedule. Leave everything else with us!
For all of our classes in Toronto, they are located at 25 Toronto Street, Suite #200. Parking is available on Toronto St and at several other paid-parking lots around the area.
For all information about our location, contact and map with parking options, please visit our Contact Page for more details.