Fundamentals of Photography – Get Comfortable With The Basics With Ian Van Der Wolde

Take control of your camera and start capturing photos you’re actually proud of.

So, you’ve bought a DSLR or mirrorless camera — maybe it’s your first, or maybe you’ve had one for a while but never quite figured it out.

You want to take better photos. You’ve tried watching YouTube videos, playing around with settings, maybe even read part of the manual (no judgement). But let’s be honest — it still feels like you’re guessing.

The buttons, the modes, the jargon — it’s overwhelming. And auto mode? It’s holding you back.

That’s exactly why we created this workshop.

This is a hands-on, beginner-friendly class led by Ian Van Der Wolde — one of Australia’s most awarded photographers and educators — designed to make the fundamentals of photography finally click.

🔧 What You’ll Learn (In Plain English)

This isn’t a dry classroom lecture or a confusing tech demo. It’s a real-world, practical training session designed to make you comfortable using your camera today. You’ll walk away knowing:

• How to shoot in Manual, Aperture, and Shutter Priority Modes with confidence

• How to master the Exposure Triangle — ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture

• How to freeze motion or blur it artistically using shutter speed

• How to use aperture to create creamy background blur (aka bokeh)

• How to compose shots like a pro and tell better visual stories

• Why your current photos aren’t working — and how to fix them on the spot

You’ll go from confused and stuck in Auto, to confidently creating photos that actually look like what you imagined.

👨‍🏫 Who’s Teaching?

Ian Van Der Wolde is a Master of Photography (IV) with over 40 years in the industry. He’s worked at every level — from commercial and fine art, to high-end printing and education — and is known for making even the most complex concepts feel simple.

This isn’t just someone who knows cameras — Ian knows how to teach photography in a way that actually sticks.

🏙️ What the Day Looks Like

The workshop is a mix of clear, easy-to-follow theory and guided shooting in real-world conditions. After running through the basics together in a supportive studio setting.

This is where it all comes together. You’ll practice the techniques yourself, get feedback in real time, and walk away with a genuine sense of confidence and clarity.

🧠 Who This Is For

• First-time camera owners who want to stop shooting on auto

• Hobby photographers who feel stuck or overwhelmed by settings

• Content creators or small business owners who need to shoot their own imagery

• Anyone who wants a real learning experience — not just a camera manual in disguise

Even if you’ve done another beginner course before, this is the kind of refresher that actually makes things click.

📷 What to Bring

Bring your DSLR or mirrorless camera, a charged battery, and any lenses you want to practice with. If you’re not sure what gear is best, don’t worry — we’ll help you make the most of what you’ve got.

🅿️ Where to Park (Google Maps Might Lie to You)

There’s plenty of street parking near the studio, or you can usually find a spot at Bunnings or Woolies across the road. (Bonus: good excuse for a snack run.)

Important: Google Maps often drops people at the back of the complex. We’re in Unit 27, but that’s actually right near the front — second unit in from the main entrance. Don’t get lost in the industrial maze.

Please avoid parking in the warehouse bays inside the complex — they’re reserved for loading and forklifts, and you might end up in a turf war with a pallet jack.

🎟️ Book Your Spot — Limited Places Available!

We only run this workshop every couple of months, and places fill up fast — especially at this price point.

If you’ve been putting off learning how to use your camera, this is the easiest and most effective way to finally get confident and start shooting with purpose.Stop guessing. Stop scrolling tutorials. Start shooting like you mean it.

🎟️ Secure your seat now — and take the first real step in your photography journey!