DSLR Photography | High School

Description

High School DSLR Photography

For Autumn 2025 Enrolment

This comprehensive online course is designed for high school students in a home education setting who are eager to master the art of photography using a DSLR camera. Over the duration of the course, students will not only learn the technical skills required to confidently use a DSLR camera in manual mode, but also develop a keen artistic eye to enhance their work.

Day & Time: Tuesdays Photography 3-4:30 pm GMT (Two 40-minute sessions with a short break in the middle.)

Location: Zoom Meeting

Tutor: Agnes Mitchell

Required Materials:  DSLR Camera – Used or New (complete details below)

DSLR Photography for High Schoolers 

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Master the manual settings of a DSLR camera (shutter speed, aperture, ISO)
• Understand and apply core principles of composition, framing, and lighting
• Develop skills in photographing a wide range of subjects, including portraits, landscapes, and macro photography
• Receive personalized mentoring and feedback on your work
• Complete assignments and projects that contribute toward the Arts Silver Award
• Build a professional-quality portfolio showcasing your photography journey

Photography Course Description/Content

This course is eligible for the Silver Arts Award (more details coming soon).

Ideal for motivated high school students who want to take their photography to the next level, this course offers the perfect blend of technical instruction, creative development, and award achievement.

Students will explore key aspects of photography, including shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure, and gain hands-on experience with these settings to capture stunning images. The course will also delve into essential artistic principles such as composition, framing, lighting, and storytelling to create powerful, visually compelling photographs.

The course covers a wide range of photographic genres, including portraiture, landscapes, macro photography, and more, ensuring that students can approach any subject with confidence and creativity. Throughout the course, learners will be mentored by an experienced photographer who has owned their own business for over a decade, who will guide them through practical assignments, provide constructive feedback, and support them if they choose to work toward completing their Arts Silver Award (Arts Award details coming soon).

By the end of the course, students will have built a diverse portfolio of work, demonstrating their technical proficiency and artistic vision. They will also be equipped with the skills and knowledge to continue their journey as photographers, whether for personal passion or future career exploration. This course is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore the world of photography, hone their creative skills, and earn their Arts Silver Award while working in a supportive, engaging environment.

Required Materials:

For this course, the only equipment you need is a DSLR camera and a 50mm f 1.8 lens. The tutor, Agnes Mitchell recommends buying a used DSLR. The lens is the most important factor for image quality, so don’t feel you need to spend too much on the camera body. A used Canon (EOS Series in the UK or Rebel Series in North America) or Nikon (like the D3500) DSLR body is a great choice and offers excellent value for beginners.

When buying a used body, check that the shutter count is under 30,000, the buttons and screen are functional, and there are no major issues. For the lens, the 50mm f/1.8 is required—it’s affordable, versatile, and provides sharp, professional-quality images with its wide aperture. Buying a used lens is fine as long as it’s in good condition, with no scratches or autofocus problems.

More About The Course

*This class will run with a minimum of 6 students.