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Photography for Beginners

Are you ready to learn how to take your DSLR camera off Auto mode? Improve your photography and be in complete control of your final image!

Does this sound like you right now?

You have a great camera, but…
You have a great camera but you always use it on Auto mode, or maybe semi-auto, and you have no idea what the settings do or how to control how your final image turns out. You spend loads of time trying to get the right shot because the settings are never quite right, and then more time editing your photos afterwards because they are always a bit too dark, or too bright, washed out, or a bit blurry.

You know what you want your photos to look like but you don’t know how to make it happen.

Maybe you’re beating yourself up just a little (or a lot) because you spent a lot of money on your great camera, and you haven’t even taken the time to read through the manual yet.

Maybe you feel like you’ve already spent far too long faffing about, looking up photography tips online only to become overwhelmed with information overload, or totally confused by all the photo-speak mumbo-jumbo that you just can’t make heads or tails of.

I’m here to tell you, that’s totally ok!

Everyone learns in different ways (I’ve never read any of the manuals that came with my cameras!) and the most important thing when trying to learn a new skill is having the support and encouragement of someone that can answer your specific questions and help you troubleshoot any issues you are having along the way. 

What if you could simply…

Pick up the camera. Choose your settings. Capture that perfect shot with ease.

Your product photos are crisp, clear and interesting, leading to more sales and more customer enquiries
Your family photos are the envy of all your friends, because you capture your kids in their favourite environment with the perfect natural lighting
You love going out to explore your surroundings with you camera and leave the house confident that you’ll capture some amazing images

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.

What is Photography for Beginners?

Photography for Beginners is an online photography class for creatives and makers, teaching passionate women and men the fundamentals of taking great photographs.

The class is delivered via The Makers’ Academy student area, with regular live Q&A sessions to help you get un-stuck. The course culminates in a photography project demonstrating all the skills learnt during the program.

Photography for Beginners is not your average online course: I guide you through each lesson and personally support you with every task, ensuring you get the most out of the program and come away with the practical skills to take your photography to the next level.

“I’ll never use my camera on Auto again!”

How does it work?

The Photography for beginners class is run entirely online, so you can learn and work from wherever you like, as long as you have access to the internet. Once you register for the program you will gain immediate access to the The Makers’ Academy students area, and the private online group.

Class will begin as soon as you register, with all video lessons, resources, worksheets and practice tasks available as soon as you log in to your student area. You will receive an email each week for 4 weeks, as a gentle reminder to stay on track (we all need those from time to time!).

You are encouraged to ask any questions you have in the online group where I will check-in regularly with written answers and video Q&A’s. This is where we can troubleshoot any issues you have, or go over anything you don’t understand.

Each lesson will have a submission component that you will upload to the private group for critique and feedback – this can be scary at times, but it’s a great way to learn!

In the final lesson you will be given a photography project to complete, which will consolidate everything you have learned during the course.

Sound good? Grab your spot now

By completing the Photography for Beginners course, you will:

Stop being blocked by a lack of knowledge and take control of your camera and photography

Save time and effort by creating the images you envision right in camera, without spending hours trying to edit them afterward

Get the support and encouragement you need to get you through the trickier aspects of learning how to take better photographs

The curriculum

Lesson One

Lighting

Types of lighting

Exposure

ISO

Aperture

Shutter Speed

Personal Feedback

Weekly task uploaded to group

Personal feedback given

Lesson Two

Depth of Field

Camera Settings

Aperture Priority

Personal Feedback

Weekly task uploaded to group

Personal feedback given

Lesson Three

Composition

Rule of Thirds

Perspective

Background

Filling the Frame

Personal Feedback

Weekly task uploaded to group

Personal feedback given

Lesson Four

Project

Complete a given project using the skills you have learned in the course

Personal Feedback

Weekly task uploaded to group

Personal feedback given

Sound good? Grab your spot now

I owe a huge thanks to my girl Mikaela, who not only designed my amazing labels and created my branding, but also mentors me on my business goals. Her encouragement through my highs and especially my lows, has given me confidence and empowered me to rock FRANKIE.

Genna

Owner, Frankie Gusti

I found the Makers’ Academy photography course really helpful for my business! Mikaela went through basic technical points that could be adapted to any sort of camera and also gave us some great tips on setting up lighting and backgrounds. I found the pointers on styling particularly useful and I use what I learned every time I take product photos and Instagram shots.
Joce

Nellie & The Cat

Is Photography for Beginners right for you?

This program is for you if:

✓  You own a DSLR but don’t know how to use it on manual mode

✓  You are overwhelmed with the amount of information online about learning photography

✓  You want personal help and support in learning how to use your camera

✓  You’re determined, passionate and hardworking, willing to put in the work to learn new skills

✓  You understand success takes time and dedication

This program is not for you if…

✗  You are happy taking photos on auto mode (as limiting as it is!)

✗  You don’t own a DSLR camera

✗  You can’t commit at least 1-3 hours per week to learning and practice

✗  You already know how to use your DSLR on manual mode

✗  You are a professional photographer

I love when people realise the potential within themselves, and what I want most is to help you learn the skills to do the things you love, everyday

A little about your guide, Mikaela Danvers

Mikaela is a Teacher, Designer and Business Owner with a head full of knowledge to teach and a heart full of encouragement to give. She has been teaching for 8 years (at Secondary School, in University, and in her business) and has been on a Small Business Adventure of her own for over 10 years.


Oh hey there!

I’m a qualified teacher and graphic designer, with experience teaching in an ACT Secondary College (Years 11 & 12) along with several years teaching in University as a sessional staff member over various semesters and units, and teaching adult business and design education through my own business, The Makers’ Collective. I’ve been an entrepreneur since starting my first jewellery business when I was just 17, and have run my own freelance photography and graphic design business for the last 12 years.

I began teaching creative workshops in 2012 and founded The Makers’ Collective (formerly Canberra Creatives) soon afterward. I decided in January of 2013 that I wanted to own and operate a space dedicated to Makers of all kinds, and just 12 months later I made it a reality by opening The Makers’ Hub in Macquarie ACT, where I offered craft parties, creative workshops and venue hire to the people of Canberra for two years. I’m now working full time creating online programs in design, photography, blogging and business for creative people through The Makers’ Academy.

I’ve been taking photos for over 15 years, and I can’t wait to help you learn how to take control of your camera and gain the skills to make great photographs

Let’s get started!

Photography for Beginners

 

Click below to become a member for the introductory price of $39 per month

Gain access to ALL classes in the Makers Academy + the community + 1-on-1 trainings + more

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A small percentage of every registration will be donated to the following organisations:

Charitable Organisations

Need to know more?

Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN DOES THE NEXT PROGRAM START?

Registration for individual classes is open all year round!

HOW DOES IT ALL WORK?

This course is an online, digital class (or e-Course) for creative people. That means that as long as you have access to the internet, you’re good to go, wherever you are.

There are video lessons you can watch, audio of the lessons you can listen to, and PDF exercise sheets that you can fill in online or print and fill in by hand. You are required to complete homework after each lesson, which is submitted for personal feedback.

There is no certification for this class, and you will not receive a qualification for completing the program.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE ACCESS FOR?

You will have lifetime access to all course videos, materials and resources.

CAN I PLEASE PAY THE FEES OFF OVER A COUPLE OF MONTHS?

There is no payment plan for this course.

I WON’T HAVE A LOT OF TIME TO DO THE COURSE DURING THE WEEK, WILL I MISS OUT?

You definitely won’t miss out, you can complete the course at your own pace. But if you are serious about learning and want to succeed, it would be a great thing if you put the hard yards in now, and dedicated time to course each week.

I DON’T HAVE A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT, CAN I STILL DO THE COURSE?
You most certainly can, but you will miss out on joining our private support group for participants in the program. This is where we do all our submissions and feedback sessions. It’s really valuable to be able to join this group.
I DON'T HAVE A DSLR CAMERA, CAN I STILL ENROL?

Of course you can, but you won’t be able to do some of the practical components of the course unless your camera allows you to adjust all of the relevant settings.

I CAN NO LONGER DO THE COURSE/I DON'T WANT TO DO THE COURSE ANYMORE, CAN I GET A REFUND?

Refunds are only given on the basis of you completing all of the tasks for the first 3 weeks of the class. If you can show me your completed work and are not happy with the value of the program, you will be given a 100% full refund.

Refunds must be applied for via email within 30 days of the class commencing.

In extenuating circumstances (ie family tragedy, medical emergency etc) you can apply for a credit or extension of time. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis (I’m not a jerk, so just email me if anything goes crazy in your life and we’ll sort something out!).