Ready to move beyond Auto mode and finally understand what all those buttons, dials, and settings actually do? Fundamentals 101 is the perfect starting point for anyone new to photography, or anyone who wants to build real confidence behind the camera who has depended primarily on AUTO mode.
This beginner-focused class is designed to demystify your camera and introduce you to the core concepts of exposure, focus, light, and composition—without overwhelming jargon. Whether you're using a DSLR, mirrorless, or even a compact point-and-shoot, you'll learn how to make intentional, beautiful images with the gear you have.
Through a mix of engaging lecture, live demonstrations, and clear visual examples, your instructor will guide you step-by-step through the fundamentals that form the heart of all great photography.
Location: Looking Glass Photo, 2239 Fifth Street, Berkeley, CA
What to Bring: Your camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or point & shoot) and a notepad for jotting down tips and inspiration
Exposure Made Simple
Understand aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—how they work individually and together—so you can freeze motion, blur backgrounds, or shoot in tricky lighting.
Choosing the Right Camera Mode
Learn when to use Manual, Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority to stay in control and adapt to any scene.
Focusing with Purpose
Say goodbye to blurry shots by mastering your camera’s focus points, modes, and settings.
Composition Basics
Explore tools like the rule of thirds and leading lines to help your images feel more intentional and visually strong.
Working with Light
Discover how to spot good light, harness golden hour, and use natural lighting to your advantage—even without fancy gear.
Intro to Lenses
Get a grasp on focal length and how different lenses can change your perspective and your story.
Beginners
Hobbyists tired of staying in Auto mode
Anyone craving more control and clarity in their photography
By the end of this class, you’ll walk away with a working understanding of how your camera sees the world—and the skills to start telling your own visual stories with confidence.
Dave Strauss has been passionate about photography since childhood—beginning with a Kodak Brownie at age seven and later capturing evocative images during a world-spanning trip in the late 1960s. A lifelong learner, he studied art and design at UC Berkeley amidst the vibrant cultural shifts of the era, mastering everything from twin‑lens reflex and large‑format film to darkroom techniques. After a successful career in software and executive roles, Dave rekindled his love for photography with the digital revolution around 2000. Today, he brings over two decades of digital‑era experience to his teaching, specializing in workshops, studio portraits, wildlife, and scientific imaging. His lifelong pursuit of visual storytelling and deep technical proficiency make him a patient and inspiring guide for beginners seeking to gain creative control of their images.
