In-Person Beginner
to Intermediate
Photography Course
STOP GUESSING YOUR CAMERA SETTINGS • START SHOOTING WITH CONFIDENCE
Learn Photography Through Understanding
Not Guesswork
LEARN • CREATE • GROW
Whether you're completely new to photography or have been using your camera for a while but still feel unsure of your settings, this course will help you build a solid foundation.
Through a combination of classroom tuition, practical photography outings and personal feedback, you'll learn how your camera works, how to take control of exposure, focus and composition, and how to apply that knowledge in real photographic situations.
My approach is simple: understand the principles, practise the techniques and develop the confidence to make your own photographic decisions.
Your Photography Learning Journey
A structured, hands-on photography course designed to take you from understanding the fundamentals to confidently applying them in real photographic situations.
Course Format, Dates and Location
Course Format
In-person photography course
5 × 2-hour classroom sessions
2 practical photography outings — morning and evening
Classroom venue: Durban North
Practical times and locations confirmed during class
Upcoming Course Dates
Classroom Sessions
12, 19 & 26 November; 3 & 8 December 2026
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Practical Outings
6 & 7 December 2026
Investment
R5,550 per person
Includes classroom tuition, two practical photography outings, assignments, personal feedback, and online access to comprehensive, printable course notes and supporting explanations.
In addition, each participant receives a complimentary set of Photography Essentials Flashcards for quick reference in the field.
The Advantages of Learning Photography In Person
If you live in Durban or the surrounding areas, learning photography in person offers a wonderful opportunity to combine classroom tuition with hands-on experience, face-to-face guidance and practical photography outings.
With personal guidance while you're using your camera, you can ask questions, explore techniques and immediately put what you've learned into practice.
Face-to-Face Guidance
Work directly with your instructor, ask questions and receive explanations tailored to your camera, experience and understanding.
Guided Practical Outings
Apply classroom knowledge in real photographic situations, with immediate assistance when you need it.
Learn Alongside Other Photographers
Share experiences, exchange ideas and learn from the questions, challenges and discoveries of others.
Learn with Your Own Camera
Become familiar with your camera's controls, menus and settings, with guidance that helps you apply the techniques to your specific equipment.
Is This Photography Course Right for You?
Whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or have been photographing for years but still feel uncertain about your settings, this course will help you develop your skills, deepen your understanding and photograph with greater confidence.
No previous photography experience is required — just a camera, a willingness to learn and an enthusiasm for creating better photographs.
Complete Beginners
You're new to photography and want to understand your camera, learn the fundamentals and build good habits from the start.
Enthusiastic Hobbyists
You enjoy photography but want to move beyond automatic settings and take greater creative control of your images.
Photographers Looking to Improve
You've been photographing for a while but want to strengthen your understanding of exposure, autofocus, composition and essential techniques.
Aspiring Photographers
You're considering taking photography more seriously as a hobbyist or professional and want to develop a solid technical and creative foundation.
What You Will Learn
From understanding your camera and mastering exposure to developing your creative eye, this course takes you through the essential principles of photography, step by step. Each module builds on the previous one, helping you turn technical knowledge into practical photographic skills.
Classroom Sessions 1 – 4:
- Essential menus, controls and settings.
- Aperture, shutter speed, ISO, metering.
- Exposure decisions and creative control.
- Autofocus modes, depth of field, hyperfocal distance, white balance and understanding light.
- Composition guidelines, framing, visual storytelling and developing your photographic eye.
Practical Sessions:
Morning Photography Outing:
Working with early morning light, exposure bracketing, landscapes and practical camera techniques.
Evening Photography Outing:
Golden-hour photography, low-light techniques, night photography and creative use of light.
Classroom Session 5 — Bringing It All Together:
Developing a practical photography workflow, introducing essential post-processing techniques, reviewing photographs and consolidating what you've learned throughout the course.
Student Photography
REAL STUDENTS • REAL PHOTOGRAPHS • REAL PROGRESS
Every photographer starts somewhere. These photographs showcase the creativity, developing skills and personal achievements of students who have attended my photography courses.
With understanding, practice and guidance, you'll be amazed at what you can achieve.
What Our Students Say
REAL EXPERIENCES • REAL PROGRESS
There's no better way to understand the value of a photography course than hearing from those who have experienced it. Here's what some of my students have to say about their learning journey.
"I want to thank Rory Baker, for being a great inspiration in my photography journey. Almost all that I know I learned from him. I love his courses. It is amazing all the knowledge he has on different cameras and LR and PS, I must now just practice what I have learned. Thank you for being so patient with me".
AN
"I loved Rory’s Beginner to Intermediate course - it was practical and informative. The theory was made very simple and accessible for me and I enjoyed the practical outings to apply my knowledge. He is incredibly supportive and patient and would highly recommend the Basic to Intermediate program if you are a keen photographer wanting to understand your camera and how to use it well"
MJE
"I had the wonderful opportunity of doing a photography course with Rory Baker, and being a complete novice I was made to feel at ease and no question was too simple to ask Rory during the course. His lessons were fun and informative . This is a great course for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge and creativity in photography..”
NB
By the End of This Course....
You'll have more than just a better understanding of your camera. You'll have the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to make your own photographic decisions.
Take Control of Your Camera
Move beyond Auto Mode and confidently choose the settings that suit your subject and lighting conditions.
Understand Exposure and Focus
Use aperture, shutter speed, ISO and autofocus intentionally to create well-exposed, sharper photographs.
See Light and Composition Differently
Recognise photographic opportunities and use light, framing and composition to create stronger images.
Start to Develop Your Own Creative Style
Move beyond simply copying settings and start creating photographs that reflect your own vision.
Ready to take the next step in your photography?
Student Success Stories
Rory Baker Photography has built a thriving community of photographers who are achieving incredible results in their own unique ways. Not everyone aims to go professional—but everyone wants to take better, more meaningful photos. Below, you’ll see real success stories from people who started exactly where you are now: with a camera, a passion, and the desire to improve.
You could be next!
South African Photographer of the Year 2023
A truly remarkable story. Linda started in 2016 with the Beginner Course and followed this up with several advanced workshops and courses, including Lightroom, Photoshop Essentials for Photographers, various Masterclasses and 1-on-1 Private coaching sessions. She went on to be the overall winner of the South African Photograph of the Year in 2023 and remains an amateur.
Amateur Photographer
Brigitte completed the Beginner Photography Course in 2019, followed by Lightroom training and several Masterclasses. She remains a passionate amateur photographer, actively participating in her local camera club and PSSA photographic salons, where she has achieved numerous acceptances and other awards.
Amateur to Professional Photographer
Ieva Gasiunaite did a Beginner Photography Course in 2019 and shortly thereafter upgraded her kit gear and did Lightroom, Photoshop, Portrait Workshop, Macro Workshop and a Landscape workshop and attended several free practical shoots. She went on to become a successful Professional Photographer in 2023 and is still working in that space.
