Build Skills and Confidence Behind the Lens

Digital Photography for Beginners Courses

Digital Photography for Beginners Courses

Discover how to get the most out of your camera and start creating images you’re proud of. In this hands-on beginner-friendly course, you’ll learn the technical essentials of digital photography while exploring the creative choices that bring pictures to life. Guided by expert photographers, you’ll master manual controls, experiment with composition techniques, and develop your own photographic style through both studio learning and location shoots around London.

Whether you’re looking to document your travels, capture portraits, or explore artistic photography, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to take control of your camera and produce striking images.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS COURSE:

Learn to take control of your camera and create photographs you'll be proud of.

  • Move beyond Auto mode and gain confidence using your camera's key settings.
  • Develop a strong understanding of the fundamentals of digital photography.
  • Learn how light, composition, and exposure work together to create stronger images.
  • Build the skills to photograph a variety of subjects in different environments.
  • Receive expert guidance and personalised feedback throughout practical sessions.
  • Leave with the skills to continue developing your photography with confidence.

Classes Starting Soon

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
05 Sep 2026 - 06 Sep 2026
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£256.50
10% OFF
19 Sep 2026 - 20 Sep 2026
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
10 Oct 2026 - 11 Oct 2026
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
17 Oct 2026 - 18 Oct 2026
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
07 Nov 2026 - 08 Nov 2026
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
05
Sep
05 Sep 2026 - 06 Sep 2026
£256.50
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
Tutor: James Ross
Offer:10% OFF
19
Sep
19 Sep 2026 - 20 Sep 2026
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
10
Oct
10 Oct 2026 - 11 Oct 2026
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
Tutor: James Ross
17
Oct
17 Oct 2026 - 18 Oct 2026
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
Tutor: James Ross
07
Nov
07 Nov 2026 - 08 Nov 2026
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
Tutor: James Ross

Do I need my own camera?

Please bring a mirrorless camera, a DSLR camera or a compact camera with full manual controls. If you don’t have one, you can borrow a camera for use during class time.

Getting to Know Your Camera

Learn how your camera works, from shooting modes and focus settings to lenses and essential controls.

The Exposure Triangle

Understand how aperture, shutter speed and ISO work together to give you creative control over your photographs.

Composition Techniques

Explore practical techniques for framing, perspective and visual balance to create more engaging images.

Camera Settings in Practice

Apply your new skills through practical exercises using different shooting modes and a variety of photographic subjects.

Reviewing Your Images

Learn how to evaluate your photographs, identify improvements and develop a stronger photographic eye.

Expert Guidance

Benefit from demonstrations, practical tuition and personalised feedback from an experienced photography tutor.

Photography Studio in the Heart of Waterloo

Located in the heart of Waterloo, our fully equipped Photography Studio has everything you need to develop your skills, including studio lighting, backgrounds, cameras, tripods, props and more.

Step outside and you are surrounded by brilliant shoot locations, from the Southbank, Leake Street Arches and Lower Marsh Market to Waterloo Bridge, the Thames riverside and the bold architecture of the National Theatre. It is an ideal setting for exploring studio lighting, portraiture, street photography, architecture, composition and natural light, with the city providing a constantly changing backdrop for your work.

Photography Studio in the Heart of Waterloo

Useful information

Who is this course for?
Complete beginners or those with basic photography knowledge who want clear, practical instruction and guided practice.
Do I need my own camera?
Please bring a DSLR camera with full manual controls. If you don’t have one, you can borrow a DSLR for use during class time.
What else should I bring?
Your camera’s manual, fully charged battery, an empty memory card, comfortable shoes, and a light bag. A lightweight tripod and external flash are useful if you own them.
Will we be shooting outdoors?
Yes. The course combines classroom sessions with location shoots at London landmarks (locations may vary).
What will I be able to do by the end?
Manually set your camera for any scene, use lenses effectively, control focus and exposure, compose creatively, and work confidently in different shooting environments.
Do I need my own camera?
Please bring a mirrorless camera, a DSLR camera or a compact camera with full manual controls. If you don’t have one, you can borrow a camera for use during class time.

Want to learn more?

Continue developing your photography skills with one of the courses below. Refine your camera techniques, strengthen your understanding of light and composition, and explore a range of photographic genres.

Photography Summer School

Take your pictures to the next level with our five-day Photography Summer School. Gaining a further understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.

Find Out More
Photography Summer School

Filmmaking Summer School

Use state of the art filmmaking and post-production equipment to write, direct and edit a short film in the Adult Filmmaking Summer School

Find Out More
Filmmaking Summer School

Browse Courses

You can filter Courses by month and tutor

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
05 Sep 2026 - 06 Sep 2026
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£256.50
10% OFF
19 Sep 2026 - 20 Sep 2026
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
10 Oct 2026 - 11 Oct 2026
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
17 Oct 2026 - 18 Oct 2026
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
07 Nov 2026 - 08 Nov 2026
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
21 Nov 2026 - 22 Nov 2026
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
05 Dec 2026 - 06 Dec 2026
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
08 Dec 2026 - 26 Jan 2027
Tue
18:30-20:30
6 weeks (no class 22 Dec & 29 Dec)
£285.00
04 Jan 2027 - 08 Feb 2027
Mon
18:30-20:30
6 weeks
£285.00
09 Jan 2027 - 10 Jan 2027
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
22 Jan 2027 - 26 Feb 2027
Fri
18:30-20:30
6 weeks
£285.00
30 Jan 2027 - 31 Jan 2027
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
09 Feb 2027 - 16 Mar 2027
Tue
18:30-20:30
6 weeks
£285.00
13 Feb 2027 - 14 Feb 2027
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
27 Feb 2027 - 28 Feb 2027
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
13 Mar 2027 - 14 Mar 2027
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
24 Mar 2027 - 28 Apr 2027
Wed
18:30-20:30
6 weeks
£285.00
03 Apr 2027 - 04 Apr 2027
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
12 Apr 2027 - 24 May 2027
Mon
18:30-20:30
6 weeks (no class 3 May)
£285.00
24 Apr 2027 - 25 Apr 2027
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
04 May 2027 - 08 Jun 2027
Tue
18:30-20:30
6 weeks
£285.00
15 May 2027 - 16 May 2027
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
29 May 2027 - 30 May 2027
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
12 Jun 2027 - 13 Jun 2027
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
21 Jun 2027 - 26 Jul 2027
Mon
18:30-20:30
6 weeks
£285.00
26 Jun 2027 - 27 Jun 2027
Sat
10:00-16:00
2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
£285.00
05
Sep
05 Sep 2026 - 06 Sep 2026
£256.50
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
Tutor: James Ross
Offer:10% OFF
19
Sep
19 Sep 2026 - 20 Sep 2026
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
10
Oct
10 Oct 2026 - 11 Oct 2026
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
Tutor: James Ross
17
Oct
17 Oct 2026 - 18 Oct 2026
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
Tutor: James Ross
07
Nov
07 Nov 2026 - 08 Nov 2026
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
Tutor: James Ross
21
Nov
21 Nov 2026 - 22 Nov 2026
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
05
Dec
05 Dec 2026 - 06 Dec 2026
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
08
Dec
08 Dec 2026 - 26 Jan 2027
£285.00
Day:Tue
Time:18:30-20:30
Duration:6 weeks (no class 22 Dec & 29 Dec)
04
Jan
04 Jan 2027 - 08 Feb 2027
£285.00
Day:Mon
Time:18:30-20:30
Duration:6 weeks
09
Jan
09 Jan 2027 - 10 Jan 2027
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
22
Jan
22 Jan 2027 - 26 Feb 2027
£285.00
Day:Fri
Time:18:30-20:30
Duration:6 weeks
30
Jan
30 Jan 2027 - 31 Jan 2027
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
09
Feb
09 Feb 2027 - 16 Mar 2027
£285.00
Day:Tue
Time:18:30-20:30
Duration:6 weeks
13
Feb
13 Feb 2027 - 14 Feb 2027
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
27
Feb
27 Feb 2027 - 28 Feb 2027
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
13
Mar
13 Mar 2027 - 14 Mar 2027
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
24
Mar
24 Mar 2027 - 28 Apr 2027
£285.00
Day:Wed
Time:18:30-20:30
Duration:6 weeks
03
Apr
03 Apr 2027 - 04 Apr 2027
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
12
Apr
12 Apr 2027 - 24 May 2027
£285.00
Day:Mon
Time:18:30-20:30
Duration:6 weeks (no class 3 May)
24
Apr
24 Apr 2027 - 25 Apr 2027
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
04
May
04 May 2027 - 08 Jun 2027
£285.00
Day:Tue
Time:18:30-20:30
Duration:6 weeks
15
May
15 May 2027 - 16 May 2027
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
29
May
29 May 2027 - 30 May 2027
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
12
Jun
12 Jun 2027 - 13 Jun 2027
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
21
Jun
21 Jun 2027 - 26 Jul 2027
£285.00
Day:Mon
Time:18:30-20:30
Duration:6 weeks
26
Jun
26 Jun 2027 - 27 Jun 2027
£285.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:00-16:00
Duration:2 days (Saturday and Sunday)

Payments options

Cancellations Policy

Our cancellation policy depends on the course you have booked.

 

Weekly courses and one-day workshops
Cancel at least 72 hours before your course starts to receive a full refund, course credit or a free transfer to another available date. Cancellations made within 72 hours will receive course credit instead.

 

Intensive courses of five consecutive days or more
Cancel at least 7 days before your course starts to receive a full refund, course credit or a free transfer. Cancellations made with less than 7 days’ notice will usually receive course credit instead.

 

We are unable to offer refunds for missed classes or non-attendance.

Book 2 courses at the same time for 10% Off*

Book 3 or more courses for get 20% Off*

*Please note 2ORMORE & 3ORMORE - this offer cannot be redeemed against our One year, 3 Month Courses , Private tuition, Tasters, or Resident Companies i.e. Choirs, Musical Theatre or Dance companies. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Photoion Studio, Waterloo
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
Closest Station: Waterloo
Closest Bus Stop: Imperial War Museum / Elephant & Castle / Newington Causeway
James Ross
James Ross
Holly Falconer
Holly Falconer
City Academy Photography Tutors
City Academy Photography Tutors

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