Shoot Like The Pros - Master Manual Photography from Udemy

You want to finally learn how to control your camera in manual mode and shoot like the pros do.

Here is what you do not need - more information.

If that's all it took, librarians with cameras would be the best photographers out there.

Here is what you do need - a Teacher.

It's not about X hours of video, Y number of PDF's, etc.

You need the right teacher, who will speak clearly and demonstrate the simple concepts that have been under your nose for years (hint, they are fairly simple, they are just usually not taught that well, or comprehensively).

That's where I come in. I have taught hundreds of people my style of Manual Mode professional photography over the years, and have even helped launch some professional careers (in addition, I am a professional photographer who has made my living completely from photography-related ventures for over 20 years). Now, I'm taking that same teaching and applying it in an online course, so I can teach people anywhere in the world, in less than 30 days, how to shoot like a pro.

I teach photography nuts to completely control their camera, get the shot every time, fill their walls with their photos, and/or make a profit from photography. I will teach you as well, in less than 30 days if you wish. Join me :)

What's inside

Learning objectives

Master manual mode photography - shutter speed, aperture, iso controls, lighting, focus, and more
Learn to confidently "get the shot" - every time
Fill your walls with your own photography, which you are proud to showcase, and if you want, pursue making a profit with your photos

Proven step-by-step system of training to get fantastic results "in camera", that will have you shooting like a pro, every time, in a very short period of time!
Bonus: specific recipes for photographing individuals, couples, groups, fast motion with back button focus, long exposures, sunrises and sunsets, and more!

Master manual mode photography - shutter speed, aperture, iso controls, lighting, focus, and more
Learn to confidently "get the shot" - every time
Fill your walls with your own photography, which you are proud to showcase, and if you want, pursue making a profit with your photos
Proven step-by-step system of training to get fantastic results "in camera", that will have you shooting like a pro, every time, in a very short period of time!
Bonus: specific recipes for photographing individuals, couples, groups, fast motion with back button focus, long exposures, sunrises and sunsets, and more!

Syllabus

Learn what "Shoot Like The Pros" is all about!

Welcome - Watch me first!

1a - Intro: Speak the Language of ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed and Stops

In this video, we review the relationship between ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed and how to use them to your advantage. You'll want to consult the "recipes" in this PDF file - Manual Mode All Day.

Be sure to download the gear guide!

In this video, I am demonstrating shooting in snow. Note, the exact same principles apply in bright beach settings! The temperatures are very different, but the bright reflections are very similar. Refer back to Module 6 for a refresher on how your in-camera light-meter works.

Be sure to check out the bonus guide to using Continuous Focus!

Please note: in the video I mention using an "ND3" filter. It was actually an "ND8" filter. The other information is correct, it makes the image 8 times, or 3 stops, darker.

A Neutral Density filter:

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a step-by-step system for mastering manual mode, which is essential for photographers seeking full creative control over their images

Breaks down complex concepts like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed into easily digestible segments, which builds a strong foundation for beginners

Includes specific recipes for photographing various scenarios, such as portraits, landscapes, and fast motion, which allows learners to apply their knowledge practically

Offers guidance on using manual flash, focus, and white balance, which are essential skills for professional photographers working in controlled environments

Teaches metering modes and how to use them, which strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners looking to refine their skills

Requires learners to have access to a camera with manual mode capabilities, which may be a barrier for some beginners without dedicated equipment

Reviews summary

Master manual photography controls clearly

According to learners, this course is highly effective for mastering manual mode photography. Students found the core concepts like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed explained with crystal clarity. A key takeaway is the significant boost in confidence controlling the camera, which many report directly led to improved photo quality. The course emphasizes a practical approach with helpful 'recipes' for real-world shooting. While widely praised as an excellent entry point for beginners, some learners noted it might be too basic for advanced users and suggested adding more hands-on assignments.

Excellent starting point, maybe too basic for experts.

"Highly recommend for anyone wanting to move beyond auto."

"While the basics were covered well, I was hoping for a bit more depth. It felt a little too focused on absolute beginners."

"Decent starting point, but you'll need more."

"Maybe good for absolute zero beginners, but not for someone with a bit of experience."

Instructor is clear, knowledgeable, and passionate.

"The instructor is knowledgeable and explains concepts simply."

"The instructor's passion is infectious, and he explains manual settings better than anyone."

"The instructor's teaching style is engaging and clear."

Focuses on real-world use and provides helpful tips.

"The 'recipes' section is incredibly useful for real-world shooting."

"Very practical approach to manual shooting. I appreciated the focus on 'getting the shot' rather than just theory."

"The sections on metering modes and applying settings in different scenarios were particularly valuable."

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

Helps learners feel in control of their camera.

"Found this course fantastic... I now feel confident controlling my camera."

"This course delivered exactly what it promised. I can now confidently shoot in manual mode..."

"My photos have improved dramatically since taking this."

"Solid course for getting comfortable with manual controls."

Makes manual mode concepts easy to grasp.

"Found this course fantastic for finally understanding manual mode. The explanations for ISO, aperture, and shutter speed were crystal clear."

"Absolutely loved this course! It demystified manual mode completely. The way the instructor broke down complex ideas into simple steps was brilliant."

"The instructor explains manual settings better than anyone. I finally understand how ISO, aperture, and shutter speed work together."

"The explanations are easy to follow, and the examples make sense."

Course is lecture-heavy, lacks integrated assignments.

"I wish there were more practical assignments or projects, not just quizzes."

"While the basics were covered well... The quizzes were okay, but didn't really test application."

"The content is okay, but it's very lecture-heavy. I learn best by doing, and this course doesn't offer much hands-on practice..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Shoot Like The Pros - Master Manual Photography with these activities:

Review Exposure Triangle Concepts

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of the exposure triangle before diving into manual mode. This will make grasping the relationships between ISO, aperture, and shutter speed much easier.

Browse courses on Exposure Triangle

Show steps

Read articles or watch videos explaining the exposure triangle.
Practice adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in a simulator.
Take practice shots in automatic mode, noting the camera's settings.

Read 'Understanding Exposure' by Bryan Peterson

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of exposure principles with a well-regarded photography book. This will supplement the course material and provide additional examples and explanations.

View Understanding Street Photography: An... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book cover to cover, paying close attention to examples.
Try the exercises and challenges presented in the book.
Take notes on key concepts and techniques.

Aperture Priority Practice

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Practice using aperture priority mode to control depth of field. This will help you internalize the relationship between aperture and image sharpness.

Show steps

Set your camera to aperture priority mode (Av or A).
Choose a subject and experiment with different aperture settings.
Analyze the resulting images, noting the depth of field.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

30-Day Photography Challenge

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Challenge yourself to take a photo every day for 30 days, focusing on different manual mode settings. This will build consistency and reinforce your understanding.

Show steps

Create a list of daily themes or subjects.
Shoot in manual mode, experimenting with different settings.
Share your photos online and get feedback.

Create a Photography Blog

Show steps

Solidify your learning by creating a blog to showcase your photography and share your knowledge. This will force you to articulate concepts and refine your skills.

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Set up a blog on a platform like WordPress or Blogger.
Choose a niche or theme for your photography.
Regularly post new photos and articles about your experiences.
Engage with your audience and respond to comments.

Read 'The Photographer's Eye' by Michael Freeman

Show steps

Improve your composition skills to complement your manual mode mastery. This book will help you create more visually appealing and impactful photographs.

View The Photographer's Eye - Definitive Edition:... on Amazon

Show steps

Study the examples and explanations in the book.
Practice applying the principles of composition in your own photography.
Analyze the composition of photos you admire.

Tutor Beginner Photographers

Show steps

Reinforce your knowledge by teaching others the fundamentals of manual photography. Explaining concepts to others will solidify your own understanding.

Show steps

Offer to tutor friends or family members who are interested in photography.
Prepare lessons and exercises to help them learn the basics.
Provide constructive feedback and encouragement.

Career center

Learners who complete Shoot Like The Pros - Master Manual Photography will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Freelance Photographer

A freelance photographer captures images for various clients, working on diverse projects, such as weddings, portraits, and commercial shoots. This course helps aspiring freelance photographers master manual photography, giving them the confidence to control their camera settings in any situation. The course's focus on shutter speed, aperture, and ISO controls, along with specific recipes for photographing individuals, couples, and groups, equips a freelance photographer with the skills needed to deliver professional-quality results and stand out in a competitive market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Photographer

Portrait Photographer

Portrait photographers specialize in capturing images of individuals or groups, often in a studio setting or on location. This course provides portrait photographers with the skills to expertly control lighting, depth of field, and composition in manual mode. The course dedicates a module to recipes for portraiture, including posing tips and techniques for photographing individuals, couples, and groups. By mastering these techniques, portrait photographers can create stunning images that showcase their subjects in the best possible light.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portrait Photographer

Wedding Photographer

Wedding photographers document one of the most important days in a couple's life, requiring them to be skilled in portraiture, event photography, and capturing candid moments. This course empowers wedding photographers to confidently shoot in manual mode, ensuring they consistently capture beautiful and well-exposed images, regardless of changing lighting conditions. The bonus recipes for photographing couples and groups are tailored to wedding photography scenarios, as are the modules on posing and portraiture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wedding Photographer

Photography Assistant

Photography assistants support professional photographers by setting up equipment, managing lighting, and assisting with posing. This course gives photography assistants a deeper understanding of manual mode photography, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding camera settings and contribute more effectively to shoots. The course's modules on ISO, aperture, and shutter speed help photography assistants become more valuable team members, potentially leading to greater responsibilities and career advancement. The discussion of metering modes may be especially helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photography Assistant

Event Photographer

Event photographers document various occasions, such as corporate events, concerts, and parties, capturing candid moments and posed shots. This course enables event photographers to confidently shoot in manual mode, allowing them to adapt quickly to changing lighting conditions and capture memorable images in any environment. The course emphasizes the importance of "getting the shot" every time. The bonus recipes for photographing fast motion may be especially useful for capturing exciting moments during events.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Photographer

Photojournalist

Photojournalists capture images that tell stories, often in challenging environments and under tight deadlines. This course helps photojournalists gain mastery over manual mode, allowing them to adapt quickly to changing lighting conditions and capture compelling images in any situation. The course emphasizes the importance of "getting the shot" every time. The bonus recipes for photographing fast motion and sunrises/sunsets may be especially useful for capturing news-worthy moments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photojournalist

Commercial Photographer

Commercial photographers create images for advertising, marketing, and promotional purposes, requiring them to have a strong understanding of composition, lighting, and product styling. This course enables commercial photographers to confidently shoot in manual mode, allowing them to create high-quality images that meet the specific needs of their clients. The modules on aperture and shutter speed give them the tools to control depth of field and motion blur, essential for showcasing products in an appealing and effective way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Commercial Photographer

Fashion Photographer

Fashion photographers create images for magazines, advertising campaigns, and fashion brands, requiring them to have a strong understanding of posing, lighting, and styling. This course provides fashion photographers with the skills to expertly control lighting and composition in manual mode, allowing them to create visually stunning and impactful images that showcase clothing and accessories. The modules on aperture and shutter speed help them control depth of field and motion blur, essential for capturing dynamic and eye-catching fashion shots.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Photographer

Real Estate Photographer

Real estate photographers capture images of properties for sale or rent, aiming to showcase their best features and attract potential buyers or tenants. This course equips real estate photographers with the skills to effectively control lighting and composition in manual mode, ensuring they capture bright, inviting, and accurate representations of properties. The course's focus on aperture and shutter speed helps real estate photographers create images with optimal depth of field and sharpness, essential for showcasing interior and exterior spaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Photographer

Food Photographer

Food photographers create images of food for cookbooks, magazines, and advertising campaigns. This course helps food photographers master manual mode, giving them precise control over lighting, depth of field, and color to create appetizing and visually appealing images. The modules on aperture and ISO are especially useful for controlling depth of field and noise levels, helping food photographers capture crisp, detailed shots that showcase textures and flavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Photographer

Stock Photographer

Stock photographers create images for online stock photo agencies, providing a wide range of subjects and styles for commercial use. This course helps stock photographers develop a strong understanding of manual mode, giving them the versatility and control needed to produce high-quality images that meet the demands of the stock photography market. The course's comprehensive coverage of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed helps ensure their images are technically sound and visually appealing to potential buyers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Stock Photographer

Videographer

Videographers shoot and edit video content for a variety of purposes, including documentaries, commercials, and social media. While videography involves motion, the fundamentals of exposure, aperture, and shutter speed learned in this course apply directly to video shooting. Mastering these concepts allows videographers to have greater control over the look and feel of their footage, resulting in more professional and visually appealing videos. The lessons on ISO, aperture, and shutter speed may be useful in various lighting conditions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Videographer

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create visual concepts for various media, including websites, advertisements, and print materials. A solid understanding of photographic principles, particularly composition and lighting, helps graphic designers create more visually appealing and effective designs. This course may help graphic designers select and incorporate photographs effectively into their designs, enhancing the overall quality and impact of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer

Social Media Manager

Social media managers are responsible for creating and curating content for social media platforms. High-quality visual content is essential for engaging audiences and building brand awareness. This course may help social media managers create more compelling and visually appealing images for their social media channels, leading to increased engagement and brand reach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Digital Artist

Digital artists use computer software to create artwork, animations, and visual effects. While not directly a photography role, understanding manual photography principles equips digital artists with a foundational understanding of light, composition, and depth of field, enhancing their ability to create realistic and visually compelling digital images. This course may help digital artists who want to create more realistic and visually stunning digital imagery, particularly when incorporating photographic elements into their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Artist

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Shoot Like The Pros - Master Manual Photography.

Understanding Street Photography

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Provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and mastering exposure in photography. It covers aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and how they interact to create well-exposed images. It's a highly recommended resource for photographers of all levels, especially those transitioning to manual mode. This book provides more depth than the course alone.

Understanding Street Photography: An Introduction...

Paperback

Understanding Street Photography: An Introduction...

Kindle Edition

The Photographer's Eye (Definitive Edition):...

Save

Focuses on composition and design in photography. It explores how to see and capture compelling images by understanding elements like line, shape, form, and color. While not directly about manual mode, it will greatly improve your overall photographic skills and artistic vision. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.

The Photographer's Eye - Definitive Edition:...

Paperback

Shoot Like The Pros - Master Manual Photography

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Master manual photography controls clearly

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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