Week 1
The Triangle
Aperture, shutter speed and ISO, and how the three of them talk to each other.
Camera Fundamentals · Level 01
Take your camera off auto.
Tuesday evenings, small groups, Queenstown and now Dunedin. You'll be shooting on manual by the end of week one. Photos and video, on your own camera.
Pick your town at checkout. 3.2% card fee, full refund up to 7 days before you start. Details
The problem
You bought a good camera. It's still on auto, or worse, in a cupboard.
You know there's more in it than what auto gives you. You just haven't had the reason, or the twenty minutes, to work out where the dial goes. That's what Tuesday nights are for.
How it works
It's a 4-week course, but every class is drop-in. Each week leads with a different fundamental, so you can start any week and never fall behind. Around 4 classes is what it takes to really lock it in.
Camera Fundamentals in action
Real Class, Real People
The four weeks
One fundamental at a time
Week 2
Light
Reading it, shaping it, and working with what Queenstown gives you on the day.
Week 3
Composition
Framing, leading lines, and what to leave out of the shot as much as what to leave in.
Week 4
Movement & Low Light
Panning, keeping a shot steady, and shooting well after the sun's gone down.
Logistics
Tuesday evenings, in two towns
QueenstownTuesdays, 6–8pm
DunedinTuesdays, 6–7:30pm
Group sizeMax 8
GearBYO camera
Where45 Camp Street, Queenstown
Booking for Dunedin? I'll send the venue with your enrolment details.
Small groups mean you're never lost, never bored. You get exactly what YOU need on the day.
Proof
Students who've taken it off auto
Sharyn RobertsonCamera Fundamentals
"A great informative evening. Learnt so much about what possibilities my camera and I could achieve. Lovely friendly tuition. I would definitely recommend and I will return."
Google review
Christina Ayisah EyesonCamera Fundamentals
"I had a really great time learning how to use my camera in manual mode."
Google review5.0 average across 18 reviews on Google.
What's next
Once auto's off for good
Fundamentals is level one of four. Most people move through them in order, at their own pace.
Level 02
Manual Control & Creative Vision
Take full manual control and shape your own visual style. One 3-hour session, max 6.
Level 03Cinematic Storytelling
Story, coverage and a scene that cuts together. One 3-hour session, max 6.
Level 04Professional Production
Run a real shoot end to end, like a working pro. One 3-hour session, max 4.
Not sure where you'd land?
Tell me what you've already shot and I'll point you at the right level.
Questions
Before Tuesday
Do I need a good camera?
Any camera with manual controls works: DSLR, mirrorless, even a lot of bridge cameras. Not sure yours qualifies? Send me the model before you book and I'll tell you straight.
Am I too much of a beginner?
There's no such thing here. Week one starts at the exposure triangle, from zero. If you've never taken your camera off auto, you're exactly who this is for.
What if I miss a week?
You won't fall behind. Every class is drop-in and each week leads with its own fundamental, so you can pick up wherever you left off.
Do I need to do all four?
No, though around four classes is what it takes to really lock it in. Come for one, come for all four. It's up to you.
Roll camera
Ready to take it off auto?
Say the word and I'll send your enrolment details for the next Tuesday session.
Paying by card adds a 3.2% card fee. Prefer bank transfer? Book a class and I'll send your enrolment details. Full refund if you cancel 7 or more days before your class starts. Booking and refunds
Dave Maguire, Founder