👉️ PHOTOGRAPHY SCHOOL MAIN PAGE
Photography Essentials Bootcamp
From Auto Mode to Confident Photographer
Ready to take control of your camera and start creating photographs rather than simply taking pictures? The Photography Essentials Bootcamp is a practical, live online photography course designed to give you a solid understanding of your camera, exposure, autofocus, light and composition. Learn how the different elements of photography work together — and develop the confidence to make your own creative decisions.
Shoot Smarter • Build Confidence • Shoot Intentionally
So if you are not based in Durban then this is the course for you!
The Photography Essentials Bootcamp is the online equivalent of our highly rated In-Person Beginner to Intermediate Photography Course. It covers the same core photography fundamentals and key aspects of the in-person course, including practical homework assignments, reviews and feedback.
Is the Bootcamp for You?
This course is ideal if you:
- Are new to photography and want to learn properly from the beginning.
- Own a camera but still rely heavily on Auto Mode.
- Understand some photography basics but struggle with exposure or focus.
- Have been photographing for a while and want a structured refresher.
- Want to build confidence before attending photographic workshops or safaris.
- Want a strong technical and creative foundation on which to build your photography.
What you will Learn
Build strong photographic foundations:
Master Your Camera Settings: Understand aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—the exposure triangle, and how they work together to control exposure. Alongside that you will learn all the other settings that contribute to a good photo.
Shoot in Manual Mode with Confidence: You will have confidence using your camera. You will stop relying on Auto Mode and feel comfortable adjusting settings yourself in any situation.
Achieve Sharp, Well-Exposed Images: Your images will be sharper and well-focused. You will understand focus modes and techniques to consistently achieve crisp, sharp photographs.
Understand Light and How to Use It: You will have the ability to work with Light. You will know how to read and use natural light to dramatically improve the look and feel of your images.
Compose Strong, Eye-Catching Photographs: Apply composition techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing. You will be able to frame your shots in-camera intentionally instead of guessing - using proven compositional skills.
Course Format
Live Online • Practical • Interactive
5 x 2-2.5 hour online sessions:
Structured learning designed to build your knowledge progressively.
Practical Homework:
Put what you've learned into practice between sessions.
Reviews & Feedback:
Homework is reviewed so you can understand what's working, what isn't — and why.
Interactive Live Learning:
Ask questions, participate in discussions and learn alongside other photographers throughout the course.
Detailed Course Notes:
Comprehensive course notes for each module are available to download and keep for future reference.
Join from Anywhere:
All sessions are presented live online via Zoom.
Next Schedule
3, 10, 17, 19, 24 November 2026
Follow-Up Session: Date to be confirmed during the course.
Start Time: 7:00 PM SAST
Start Time: 7:00 PM SAST
Investment
R4,190.00 per person
Start your photography journey today!
Pay in full or with flexible monthly payments available with Mobicred at checkout.
Courses proceed subject to a minimum of 4 participants.
See our full terms and conditions.
Why Learn Photography Live Online
It's more than simply watching a video:
Don't live near Durban but still want access to high-quality, practical photography coaching?
The Photography Essentials Bootcamp brings the classroom to you — wherever you are. You'll receive the same structured teaching, practical guidance and personal feedback that form the foundation of our in-person training, while learning live from the comfort of your own home.
Ask questions in Real Time:
Get answers and clarification when something doesn't make sense.
Get Personal Feedback:
Your homework is reviewed so you can identify problems and understand how to improve.
Learn by Doing:
Practical assignments help turn technical knowledge into real photographic skills.
Learn with other Photographers:
Share experiences, see how others approach the same assignment and learn through group discussions and reviews.
Learn • Practice • Understand
Photography becomes much more enjoyable when you understand what your camera is doing — and why.
Throughout the Bootcamp, you will learn a concept, put it into practice and receive feedback on your results.
This structured approach helps turn technical knowledge into practical photographic skills that you can use whenever you pick up your camera.
By the end of the Bootcamp
You won't simply know what aperture, shutter speed and ISO mean. You will understand when and why to change them.
You'll be able to assess a photographic situation and make deliberate decisions about exposure, focus, light and composition and more.
Most importantly, you will stop guessing. You will start thinking like a photographer.
Confidence through Understanding!
About your Mentor
Rory Baker is a professional commercial and wildlife photographer and photography educator with more than a decade of teaching experience.
Since establishing Rory Baker Photography School in 2014, Rory has helped photographers at all levels develop a stronger understanding of their cameras and photography through practical, straightforward teaching.
His approach is simple: "understand why something works, practise it, and learn how to apply it in real photographic situations.
Whether you're starting from the beginning or strengthening existing skills, the focus is always on helping you become a more confident and intentional photographer.
What Our Students Say
REAL STUDENTS • REAL RESULTS
"I absolutely loved the Photography Essentials Boot Camp—it was practical, engaging, and incredibly easy to follow. Rory breaks down what can feel like complicated theory into simple, clear steps that actually make sense. The hands-on approach really helped me build confidence with my camera, and I could immediately see improvement in my photos. Rory is patient, supportive, and genuinely passionate about teaching. I would highly recommend this boot camp to anyone who wants to finally understand their camera and take better photos" BJ
“As someone who’s been photographing for a while, I joined the Photography Essentials Boot Camp as a refresher—and it was exactly what I needed. It helped me go back to the fundamentals and refine areas I didn’t even realise needed attention. Rory has a great way of simplifying key concepts and reinforcing good habits that make a real difference in your work. The course was practical, focused, and genuinely valuable, even as an experienced photographer. I came away feeling more confident, more consistent, and re-inspired in my photography.” LS
Group Bookings
Learn Together
Booking for a photography club, camera group or group of friends? Groups of 8 or more qualify for a discounted rate. We can also arrange course dates and times specifically for your group requirements.
Where can Photography Take You
Every Photographer's Journey is Different
Some photographers simply want to take better photographs for themselves. Others become active members of camera clubs, enter competitions or specialize in particular genres. Some eventually turn their passion into a professional career. Whatever your destination, it starts with building strong photographic foundations.
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 Jordaan did a Beginner Course in 2019 and followed that up with a Lightroom Course and a few Masterclasses. Like so many, her passion is participating in her local Camera Club and enters her photos in PSSA Salons where she has amassed a huge number of acceptances and remains an amateur.
Amateur to Professional Photographer
Ieva Gasiunaite did a Beginners 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.
Ready to Take Control of your Photography
Move beyond Auto Mode. Understand your camera and start making deliberate photographic decisions with confidence.
5 Live Online Modules • Practical Homework • Reviews & Feedback • Detailed Course Notes
R4,190 per person
