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Intermediate Photography: Shooting in Manual

This 4-week course is designed for photographers who are comfortable with their camera settings and ready to shoot confidently in full manual mode. Whether you’ve completed a Beginner Photography class or learned the basics independently, this course helps you take the next step toward creating more intentional, eye-catching images.

Students will move beyond understanding camera controls and begin using them creatively to freeze action, create intentional motion blur, and tell stronger visual stories through light, composition, and perspective.

• Refresher on the exposure triangle and using histograms
• Freezing motion or creating intentional blur with shutter speed
• Using aperture and lens choice to control depth of field and bokeh
• Smart composition, cropping, and perspective for stronger storytelling
• Weekly hands-on shooting challenges to build real-world skills

• DSLR or mirrorless camera with full manual controls
• No smartphones or point-and-shoot cameras
• Basic understanding of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed

This class is packed with creative challenges, technical tips, and hands-on learning to help students gain confidence, creativity, and control behind the lens.

Erin Holmstead is a beauty and commercial portrait photographer based in Utah, originally from Kentucky, with over 10 years of professional experience. Her work focuses on storytelling, emotion, and pushing creative boundaries.

Erin is a contributor to Photofocus and a frequent speaker at photography conferences. She is passionate about educating and inspiring photographers to grow creatively and technically through hands-on learning.