This is our most popular series of classes. It’s the perfect place to start if you are new to DSLR photography and want to learn your way around your camera and dig into the fundamentals of photography. The classes are also ideal if you’ve been shooting for a while but still find yourself stumped over why some photos just aren’t coming out the way you want them to.

You’re encouraged to take all four classes and there is a discount for signing up for the whole series. You can, however, register for individual classes.

The classes build from a basic introduction to the camera and its controls, through the concepts and settings that control exposure and focus, on to the more creative areas of lens selection and composition.

The instructor will be working with a camera tethered to a computer and projector so you can see what he/she is shooting and follow along with camera settings. The classes are geared toward Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras like those made by Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax and others. For more details check the FAQ tab.

The instructor will cover all the topics listed in the individual class description and will help you find and manage the necessary settings on your camera. A handout is included.

• Cost per person is $65 early registration (available until 5 days before class start date), $75 late registration.
• All four classes are available at a discounted bundle rate of $220 (available until 5 days before the first class start date).
• Doors open at 6:15pm.
• Classes start promptly at 6:30pm.
• Each class is 2 ½ hours long.
• Classes may be held in the upstairs classroom, up one flight of stairs, no elevator access.
• Advance registration and payment is required.
• Maximum number of students is 20, minimum number to make a class is 8.
• Parking is available on the street or in the adjacent lot at Electric Light & Power.

Q: How much do the classes cost?
A: The early registration fee is $65/person per class if you register at least 5 days before the class date. Late registration is $75/person.

Q: Is there a discount for taking the whole series?
A: Yes, the early registration bundle price for the series of four consecutive classes is $220 available until 5 days before the first class date.

Q: Can I mix and match classes from different series for the bundled price?
A: No, the discounted bundled price is only available to classes taken in sequence.

Q: Can I take individual classes instead of the series?
A: It is recommended that you take the whole series but you can sign up for any class separately as long as there are still spaces available.

Q: How will I know if a class makes or not?
A: If a class doesn’t make and has to be canceled, you will receive an email no later than the night before the scheduled class date.

Q: How late can I sign up for a class?
A: As long as the class doesn’t show as “sold out”, you can register and pay up to two hours before the starting time of the class.

Q: What if I have to cancel?
A: If you cancel 3-7 days ahead of the scheduled date of the class, you will receive no refund or 50% transfer credit toward another similar class within 3 months of the cancellation date. There is no refund or transfer credit for cancellations within 48 hours of start time of the class or workshop. Full details on cancellations are on our Policies page.

Q: What’s the difference between the Full Day Workshops and the evening Short Courses?
A: The DSLR-1 and DSLR-2 classes cover the same material as the Beginner Full Day Workshop. The DSLR-3 and DSLR-4 classes include the same material as the Intermediate Full Day Workshop. The workshops are smaller, more hands-on and there is time for shooting with a model. We’ve found that some people enjoy the intensity of an all day workshop while others prefer to have the material spread out over several classes.

Q: Where are the classes held?
A: At Dallas Center for Photography, 4756 Algiers, Dallas, 75207.

Q: Can I and my friend/spouse/etc. share one camera for the class?
A: Yes, we frequently have couples and friends who share equipment but the class is priced per person, not per camera, so you would each have to register.

Q: What kind of camera is best for these classes?
A: The classes are geared toward Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras like the Nikon D3000, D5000, D7000 series or the higher end D600, D700, D800 or D4 series. On the Canon side the models of any of the Rebel or EOS cameras including the T2, T3, T4 or T5 series, 60D, 70D, 7D or 5D series. The Sony Alpha series is also included even though several are not true DSLRs. The classes may also be appropriate for non reflex, high quality cameras that offer manual controls, such as the Canon G series, Lumix LX, Ricoh GX, etc. If you’re not sure if your camera is appropriate for the classes just drop us a note through the Contact page.