Photography: Beyond Auto

A 4-Week Hands-On Beginner Photography Series

Location: Ferndale Public Library 222 E. Nine Mile Rd. Ferndale, MI. 48220.

Dates and Time: Tuesdays 6pm-8pm

10/27/26-11/17/2026

this is not a Ferndale District Library event

You bought the camera.

Now let's learn what it can really do.

If you've ever looked at all the buttons, dials and settings on your camera and thought, I have no idea what half of this does, this series was created for you.

Photography: Beyond Auto is a relaxed, hands-on four-week photography series designed to help you understand your camera, take control of your settings and start creating photographs intentionally instead of hoping Auto Mode gets it right.

No intimidating technical talk. No photography experience required.

Bring your camera, bring your questions and be ready to shoot.

THE SERIES

4 Weeks | 2 Hours Each Week | 8 Hours of Hands-On Instruction

WEEK ONE

Know Your Camera

Let's start with the camera in your hands.

We'll walk through the buttons, menus, shooting modes, lenses, focusing options, file types and important settings on your camera.

By the end of the first class, your camera should feel a whole lot less intimidating.

WEEK TWO

Get Out of Auto

This is where you'll begin taking control.

We'll break down aperture, shutter speed and ISO in a way that's easy to understand and show you how they work together to create your photograph.

WEEK THREE

Light & Composition

Great photography isn't only about camera settings.

It's about learning how to see.

We'll explore natural light, shadows, perspective, leading lines, framing, the rule of thirds, negative space and other techniques that can completely change the way you approach a photograph.

Then we'll put those ideas into practice with hands-on shooting.

WEEK FOUR

Put It All Together

Now it's time to use everything you've learned.

We'll work through real-life shooting situations and learn how to decide which settings to use, where to focus, how to evaluate the light and how to build a stronger composition.

THIS SERIES IS PERFECT FOR YOU IF...

You own a DSLR or mirrorless camera but rarely take it out of Auto Mode.

You're frustrated because your photos don't always look the way you imagined.

Terms like aperture, ISO and shutter speed still feel confusing.

You love photography but aren't sure where to start.

Or maybe you've had your camera for years and simply want to finally understand how to use it.

You do not need previous photography experience.

WHAT TO BRING

Bring your DSLR or mirrorless camera, your favorite lens, a fully charged battery, an empty memory card and your camera manual if you have it.

Most importantly, bring your questions.

INVESTMENT

Complete 4-Week Series: $279 per person

Early registration: $249 per person

Your registration includes all four two-hour classes, hands-on instruction and a photography quick-reference guide to keep with you after the series.

SMALL CLASS. PERSONAL ATTENTION.

Class size is intentionally limited so there's time to answer questions, work with individual cameras and provide plenty of hands-on instruction.

No experience necessary. Just bring your camera and a willingness to learn.

Ready to stop guessing and start creating?

Reserve Your Spot