Beginner Photography Class Hands-on

Hands-on beginner photography class

Try this unique hands-on beginner photography class and one-to-one lessons from Greenville’s highest rated photographer! Want to learn how to create memories like the pros do? If you are interested in taking quality, professional-looking photos then bring your DSLR camera to this fun and engaging hands-on photography workshop and one-to-one lesson covering the basics and / or advanced aspects of digital photography.

What should you bring to the introductory DSLR lesson?

Just your camera, something to take notes with, fully charged batteries and a willingness to learn.

What will you learn in your private beginner photography lesson?

Gain confidence, competence and necessary skills during this fun beginner photography class. You will learn Forrest’s techniques for getting past “auto” mode. By the end of the lesson you will also understand how, why and when to adjust your shutter speed, ISO and aperture. You will also learn how to get precise colors each time you click the shutter as well as tack-sharp images. Enjoy your creative potential and start capturing amazing digital photos like these (click here).

Please call 864-336-3554 or contact me via email
to book a reservation for the Introduction to Photography Class.

Hands-on beginner photography class details

Whether you are in Charlotte or Greenville, this relaxing, two hour hands-on beginner photography class will improve your artistic eye as we learn new skills and cover important subjects including:

how to shoot in manual mode
composition that is aesthetically pleasing
photographing motion, action and sporting events
many ways to compose different scenes
perfect colors each time you take a picture
creating a blurry background while keeping your subject sharp
when to use different shutter speeds
ISO / film speed
making sharp, clear images every time
which shooting mode to use depending upon the situation
creating and stopping motion
basic lighting techniques
making your photos stand out
camera, lens, flash and other equipment suggestions
and many more secrets and advice to begin creating amazing photos

With twenty years of teaching experience and two decades behind the lens, professional photographer Forrest Briggs will provide an intimate classroom experience and hands-on guidance for capturing stunning images. Hurry and reserve your space – seating is limited and photography classes fill up quickly!!!

Contact for one-to-one and / or small group photography mentoring.

     Excellent  
     Based on 320 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   William Spearman 
 February 19, 2023
 
 
  Very helpful and friendly, I was able to get a high quality and professional profile shot done in little time.
  
 
       
   Debbie Britt 
 February 16, 2023
 
 
  I cannot say enough good things about Forrest Briggs.  The time he took with me and the information that I left with was amazing.  He is very supportive and really boosts your confidence.
  
 
       
   Kevin Dunn 
 February 15, 2023
 
 
  Great dealing with Forrest.
  
 
       
   Mary Dean 
 February 6, 2023
 
 
  Forrest delivered an excellent and thorough introduction to photography. He helped with my initial camera set up and gave me the knowledge to begin taking quality photographs with it. He was also patient and answered all my questions. If you’re looking for an intro course from a professional to get you started, I’d recommend Forrest!
  
 
       
   Joseph Giordano 
 February 4, 2023
 
 
  Forrest did an excellent job at orchestrating an outdoor photo session for my extended family including 10 young children.  His creativity and patience with such a large group yielded some wonderfully candid portraits.  We look forward to the next opportunity to use his services again!
  
 
       
   Christine Coyle 
 February 4, 2023
 
 
  We love our family photos!  Forrest did a fantastic job coordinating our large, extended family and was so patient with all of the young children.
  
 
       
   Anne Cintolo 
 February 3, 2023
 
 
  We hired Forrest to help us capture a family event where we had multiple extended families and generations gathered together. Forrest did an excellent job capturing the whole group (nearly 40 people) and all the numerous combinations of individual families, siblings, etc. It is challenging finding a photographer willing to work with so many people - we were thrilled Forrest agreed and couldn't be happier with the photos. A special memory beautifully captured.
  
 
       
   Malisa Giordano 
 February 1, 2023
 
 
  Forrest has shot amazing photographs for my family, engagement photos to large group shots. He has the unique ability to operate in both environments.
  
 
       
   Mike Giordano 
 February 1, 2023
 
 
  Forrest has shot amazing photographs for both my company and my family. He has the unique ability to operate in both enviornments.

Hands on Beginner Photography Class Reviews:

“Forrest,
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the hands-on photography class. I had not been able to get my Nikon D90 off of “auto”. But now I am so excited to be able to take pictures and to get the most from my camera. Also, the “field trip” was invaluable. Having a professional there as a mentor, helping me one-on-one to apply the things I learned in the class, was just what I needed. Everyone should take advantage of this! Worth every penny!!” … JoAnne R., Raleigh NC

“Awesome class, well worth the price!”… Lisa P., Charlotte NC

“Forrest, thank you so much for such a great photography day!
I originally signed up for just the intro beginner class on Saturday morning, but am so glad that I invested in the mid-day field trip and the follow-on intermediate class. The morning was filled with theory and hands-on exercises during which I finally got comfortable taking my DSLR off auto-mode for the first time since I did film photography back in high school. I liked the take-away slides he presented on “his approach” to taking photos, starting with setting your white balance – I had never heard of white balance before!

More reviews of the Beginner hands-on photography lesson

The individual attention that Forrest gave during the field trip, even with a large group, was much appreciated. Being able to take shallow depth of field photos, stopping motion and creating the silky waterfall effect (the creek water fall and fountain), was well worth it. He was very patient, letting me experiment and encouraging me to reason through the various settings I needed to change to get the effect I wanted while in manual mode, instead of just telling me what to do for a quick-fix. This is a great course, especially if you want to know the “how” and “why” of achieving the photos you wish to create.”…Reagan K., Atlanta GA

“Thanks Forrest, I really enjoyed the class. It helped me develop a better understanding of what I should be doing when I am taking pictures. In two hours I learned more about the camera and photography than I had in the previous 2 years. I am looking forward to putting what I learned to use!!! Thanks again!!!”…Ann C., Greenville SC

“I am extremely thankful for your assistance in shifting me away from “point and shoot” and toward utilizing my camera’s program and manual modes. Your guidance helped my photography to become more “artful” in many respects. Your instruction of composition and techniques have also helped me to create more appealing subject matter that are appreciated by my friends and family. I am now more confident with my photography. Thank you!” …Warren K., Charlotte NC

Hands on photography lesson testimonials

“What a great class! I thought you explained how to creatively use our cameras very well. I wish I had attended your hands-on introductory photo class before I went on a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It would have been fun to have experimented with different settings there. I used to do that with my old slr camera, but was too afraid to take my digital camera off “auto”. Now, I feel like I can do that!”…Sherry T., Greenville SC

“I have had my Kodak for about seven years. I couldn’t figure out how to get more out of my camera. Your hands-on photo class taught me how to do so and now I am SO EXCITED that I can take advantage of it. The lecture was a great review (you are a great teacher!) and I enjoyed it. I had not thought about aperture, shutter speed and all that for years! You did a great job explaining everything! I wish my scientific method teaching assistant was half as clear and organized as you are! I now enjoy photography much more.”…Minken L., PhD., Greenville SC

“Must-have knowledge when transitioning from point-and-click cameras (or automated settings) to customizing your photos to capture the shot you want. Class was well instructed, easy to understand, and most importantly, interactive. The attendees used their own camera to practice what was taught. One of the most comfortable non-intimidating learning sessions I have attended on any subject.”…David R., Greenville SC

More testimonials of the Beginner photography class

“I signed up for this intro hands-on photo class. I quickly found Forrest Briggs to be the most knowledgeable, most patient photography instructor around. He really wants you to retain what you hear and soak in what you learn. We even took time throughout the presentation to practice on our individual cameras. There wasn’t a camera in the room that Forrest wasn’t familiar with so as he walked around, he knew exactly how to help adjust each camera. That’s the professionalism that I had hoped to gain. I still felt like I was given individual attention during his seminar. I know that I had gotten better just in 2.5 hours of sitting in on his classroom. Forrest, you are the best, and I can’t wait to attend your next session!”…Travis R., Greenville SC

“Forrest Briggs photography Course helps the Novice or Casual photographer achieve better photos intentionally instead of accidentally. His knowledge and patience will help you to comprehend the intricacies of photography and give an understanding of the settings/options on your camera to capture the desired shots. I look forward to taking other hands-on classes by him in the future.”…Leonard L., Greenville SC

“Thank you very much for the hands-on beginner photography class. I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere was not only very comfortable and relaxed but also you were very knowledgeable and attentive to all students and answered all of the questions.”…Sasha N., Charlotte NC

Photography lesson feedback

“You explained HOW things worked and that provided a great foundation on what to do in various scenarios. I could easily follow and understand what you were saying and I’m applying that every time I take pictures! It’s nice to know what all the features on my camera mean and how they work rather than blindly experimenting and hoping for the best result. Thanks for the class! What other hands-on workshops do you offer?”…Brian S., Greenville SC

“Forrest – I wanted to thank you for your hands-on beginner photography class yesterday. I learned so much and now having that information I am amazed at how lucky I am to have taken some of the shots I have. The hands on exercises during the class were very helpful. I am also very happy that I participated in the field trip. It was helpful to put that knowledge to “work” so quickly after the instruction. So thank you, very much for your time and imparting your wisdom. Very much enjoyed meeting you and learning from you.”…Brenda F., Charlotte NC

“Forrest Briggs is a wonderful photographer who instructs great classes! No matter if you’re a beginner or pro you can definitely pick up some new information from him. Moreover, the class is fun, fulfilling, hands-on, & it’s all at a great price! If you want to do photography as a hobby or profession I recommend checking this out!”…Arynn O., Charlotte NC

DSLR photography lesson feedback

“I received a Nikon D5100 for my birthday. Having previously used only a simple point and shoot, I found all the different settings and terminology of my new camera a bit confusing. Forrest Briggs’ introductory class was exactly what I needed to familiarize myself with the camera and get a basic understanding of the settings. It’s a great hands-on class for beginners – very informative, without being overwhelming.” …Jennifer L., Charlotte NC

“Forrest, you are so correct. I have been taking pictures since attending your class and I can see the difference already. I was able to take a picture of the bridge over here in Atlantic Station using manual setting and it was awesome. I’ve downloaded it to my phone and everyone that I’ve shown so far is amazed at the clarity and the colors of the picture. I’ll send it to you shortly so you can see it as well. Your hands-on photography class was worth the investment. Thanks again!“…Lorenzo C., Atlanta GA

More DSLR Testimonials

“For years I’ve settled with some areas of my photography being out of bounds. I’ve developed a cursory understanding of shutter and aperture, but my technical photography knowledge quickly fell off after that. What Forrest could do in a few hours at his hands-on intro to photography class, I haven’t been able to do, with my DSLR’s for the past 10 years. Moreover, he’s completely demystified how to control the camera’s ability to capture an image, created a systematic approach to manually controlling your equipment, stepping up and letting your creative side take over. Now my pictures are much closer to what I imagine, before I press the shutter. I highly recommend this intro to photo workshop for anyone who wants to take their photography to the next level.”… Stacy S., Atlanta GA

Greenville SC Camera lesson feedback

“The Hands-on Introductory Photo class offered a relaxing, open environment that really made me feel comfortable asking any question without feeling inferior. My main goal for this class was to learn more about metering and I’m so excited that Forrest showed me how to do this with my camera on the field trip. That tidbit alone was worth the money!! I would recommend this class for anyone wanting to further their photography endeavors. Thank you Forrest!”… Amy R., Greenville SC

“There’s a big difference between knowing the name of a button on the back of the camera and understanding what that button actually DOES. This hands-on photography class helped me get past the vocabulary words and learn about photography fundamentals. Now I understand not only what my camera does, but what it is capable of doing. I really benefited from the field trip, where I put my new knowledge to use. I gained familiarity with my camera and my newfound skills in a supportive environment, an experience that helped me understand my camera and reinforce what Forrest taught during the beginner photography class. Forrest was open to follow-up questions and provided me with hands-on instruction for my camera. We discussed our camera settings and learned from others’ mistakes and successes.”…Chad N., Charlotte NC

Beginner Digital Camera Lesson Critique

“Your hands-on beginner photography class taught me a lot of new information which I had not used in photography before. I learned about how to adjust for white balance, the grayscale, and other critical elements of photography which I had never heard before. I will say the best part of the hands-on photo class was the optional field trip. It provided much more for me to be able to take pictures and get immediate feedback from you. I would attend an intermediate class if you offered one.” …Stephanie G., Raleigh NC

“Thank you Forrest for such an outstanding job teaching us some photography skills. You are an expert in your craft. I look forward to taking another class with you! I will recommend others.”… Janet B., Greenville, SC

“Forrest, my daughter Annie and my nephew Josh really enjoyed your seminar on Saturday. They both felt like they learned a great deal and are excited to practice what they learned. They also realized that they have a lot more to learn! Thank you for letting them participate despite their young age.”… Cindy G., Charlotte NC

“Thank you for the incredible beginner photography class! I learned so much about my camera in just a short time that I never thought I would understand. You made the class informative and fun!! Look forward to taking another in depth class in the coming year.”… Linda Y., Greenville, SC

“An excellent workshop! … I would recommend the workshop to others.”… Angela G., Liberty, SC

Beginner Digital Camera workshop testimonials

“Forrest Briggs was probably one of the easiest to understand teachers I have ever had. He was patient in answering questions and did a lot of hands on activities. Great class! Learned A LOT!”…Brenda F., Charlotte NC

“Forrest, I just wanted to thank you for facilitating such a great beginner photography class yesterday. I immediately ran home and started snapping pictures of my family and they are already 100% better than before. At first I was intimidated by my Christmas present ever since I got it, but now I’m very excited to learn more so that I can get the most bang for my buck. Again, great class…I look forward to taking the intermediate class the next time it’s offered.”… Abby S., Charlotte NC

“I attended another local photographers 4 hour photography class and we didn’t touch the camera’s once. Conversely, I learned more in 20 minutes in Forrest’s Hands On Intro to Digital Photography course than I did from the other one. Forrest explains the basic shooting principals and how they will affect your photos. The field trip is a MUST so you can apply what you’ve learned. I highly recommend this class whether you’ve been shooting for 5 minutes or 5 years! I’m thus looking forward to his more advanced courses.” …Danielle A., Greenville SC

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