Course Timings
9.30 -10am Arrival, coffee & biscuits 10.00am camera settings & theory
12.30 -1.00pm light lunch (included)
1pm-3pm Practical photography
3pm-4pm Review photographs
4pm-5pm Photo-editing Demonstration
5pm Questions & course feedback
DSLR Course Requirements
Digital SLR Camera
Extra lenses - optional
External flashgun - optional
Fully charged battery and/or a spare
Empty memory card
Any other kit you need explaining
change of shoes if wet.
Please ensure you have a fully charged battery as we will be using your camera a lot and batteries do to tend to run out.For batteries and cards at huge discounts visit
I would like to buy a Digital SLR but I’m confused which one to buy.
Buying a digital SLR is an expensive commitment and it can be difficult to choose one. The main players are Canon and Nikon with Pentax, Sony and Olympus all offering good value alternatives.
If extra lenses are important then there are a greater choice of Canon and Nikon branded and compatible options from Tamron and Sigma.
A very popular camera at the moment is the Nikon D5000 because of it's adjustable LCD live view screen which makes low angle photography much easier. This coupled with the excellent 18-200mm VR wide range Nikon zoom, or one of the less expensive options from Tamron or Sigma, should keep most amateurs photographers happy for a very long time.
If you prefer a Canon camera then the EOS 500D is very well regarded. Whichever camera you opt for seriously consider one of the 18-200mm wide range zooms.
Which lens should I choose?
Personally I’m a great fan of the 18-200mm wide range zoom lens. My recommendation is to buy a camera body only and invest in one of the Canon, Nikon, Tamron or Sigma wide range zooms. Your initial outlay will be greater but in the long run you will save money, weight and a huge amount of time swapping lenses.
DSLR Photography Private Tuition > Book Now
Most of our one day photography courses have six students using a variety Digital SLRs. As we need to cater for a range of cameras these courses need to be more generic and structured.
Private one to one photography tuition is just you, me and your camera. These courses are specially tailored to your personal requirements and specific digital camera. Everything from the normal beginners and intermediate one day group photography courses is covered plus the practical photography sessions are about twice as long. You can see some picture from previous students here
Twice The Photography Time
To save time the group DSLR photography courses take place in the village of Smeeton Westerby. As I don't have to split my time between several students the private tuition photography courses usually take place at the nearby tourist attraction of Foxton Locks. The actual photography time is about twice that of the group courses and includes everything in our beginners & intermediate courses. These camera courses will suit anyone from the complete beginner to the intermediate DSLR photographer.
Get your camera off the full auto setting
Many novice photographers tend to use their expensive DSLR on the fully auto setting and are often unimpressed by the average results achieved. This one day photography course will demonstrate when to use all the other settings and how to take fantastic photographs you would be proud to hang on your wall.
All our Digital SLR photography courses start off with the absolute basics and progress, step by step, through to some of the more technical aspects. Each camera operation or photography lesson is followed by a demonstration then a practical session.
After the camera and outdoor practical photography sessions we review the images and offer constructive feedback. This is followed by photo-editing tutorial where we will show you how to get the very best from your your photographs.
Book a Private Tuition Photography Course
During these courses you will learn:
- How to get off the Fully Auto snapshot setting
- When to use the Auto, P, S, TV,A, AV or Manual settings
- How to get the picture you see in you visualise.
- How to get all your pictures sharp
- How to deliberately get a blurry background
- How to get the correct exposure in difficult lighting
- All about ISO and which setting to use in which lighting
- Which camera kit to buy and how to save money
- The difference between image size and image quality
- The different White Balance settings
- The Motor Drive and Self Timer
- How to use the flash settings and fill in flash.
- How to avoid out of focus or blurry pictures
- An explanation of how different lenses work
- Composition & the correct use of the zoom lens.
- How to use the very special universal zoom
- Photo-editing - improve, crop, resize & email images
- All courses also include a step by step guide to action, landscape & portrait photography
During the course you will learn how to photograph:
- Perfect portraits
- Lovely Landscapes
- Fabulous Flowers
- Great Groups
- Exciting Action Pictures
- Artful Architecture
- Super Silhouettes
Book a Private Tuition Photography Course
Paying by cheque
Paying by cheque Our preferred payment method is online by PayPal or Credit Card using the secure payment method above. We do understand that some people might like to pay by cheque in which case you can confirm a booking by email and we reserve a space for five days. If you could write the card guarantee number on the back of the cheque it would be appreciated.You can download a course booking form here PDF / Word . Cheques should be made out to Glen Tillyard and posted to:
Glen Tillyard
25 Westerby Lane
Smeeton Westerby
Leicestershire , LE8 0RA
Tel 0116 2796906
email glen@digitalcameracourses.co.uk
Paying by BACS transfer - Contact us for details.
Please Contact Us If You Have Any Questions
email - glen@digitalcameracourses.co.uk or call 0116 279 6906
Student Testimonials
Having spent over a year using my camera only on full auto to take photos I decided I needed help to figure out all the settings I should be using and I'm so pleased I did.
This photography course explained all the settings and the best picture composition tips I needed. Glen ensured no one left without all of their questions being answered- Including me.
Laura Simpson
Hi Glen. I'm just dropping you this note to say how much I enjoyed today. The course answered all my questions and has given me the confidence to go out and use my camera properly. Today has turned my box of expensive gadgets into top class photography equipment. Thanks!
Barry Cunliffe
This has been a great photography course and I know I can now take photographs instead of just snaps. Highly Recommended.
Ivan Last
A good balance of technical and practical information with enough detail for the experienced camera user without losing the beginners interest. A great course for getting the best out of my DSLR.
Iain Carpenter
I've really enjoyed this course and I look forward to putting it into practice. I'm not scared to use my camera anymore. Glen explained everything very well - even to such a non technical person like myself.
Julia Worthy
I knew some of the technical side of photography, having had a camera for a while, but I wanted to know about composition and how to frame a photograph. I've had an excellent day and learnt a lot. It will certainly make a difference to my photography.
Les Baker
This day has made me so much more aware of the points I need to think about when taking pictures. The theory was well explained with a good combination of techniques , examples and trouble shooting tips. The course maintained a good pace with just the right amount of information and practical exercises.
Caroline Berry
