Photography Guide: Mastering DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

The current generation of DSLR camera and Mirrorless camera is truly remarkable, isn't it? They offer an extensive array of features and settings that cater to diverse photography needs.

The Dilemma of Abundance

On the one hand, the multitude of features and settings is a boon, but on the other hand, it presents a challenge. Navigating through this abundance can be perplexing and overwhelming for many photographers, leading them to overlook or shy away from these capabilities.

A Solution-Oriented Course

This course is tailored for novice and intermediate photographers. It not only covers the fundamental settings of DSLR and Mirrorless cameras but also delves into the intricacies of their advanced features. You might be familiar with some of these settings, but uncertain about their optimal usage. Moreover, there could be hidden features that have eluded your attention.

Practical Learning

Experience firsthand photography techniques using various settings. The course features real-life photography capture moments in authentic settings, offering practical insights.

Effective and Engaging Training

This course provides clear, concise, and impactful photography training that yields tangible improvements in your photographic endeavors. The content is presented in an easy-to-follow and entertaining manner, with a focus on removing the mundane aspects of learning (well, most of them anyway!).

Important Note

Please be aware that 6 out of the 33 lectures in this course are repeated from the Photography Tips & Tricks for DSLR and Compact Cameras course, specifically those focusing on 'Basic Settings'. This is to ensure that students exclusively taking this course still have access to those videos.

The following are some of the topics covered in this course:

Basic Settings

• Understanding the Exposure Triangle
• Differentiating exposure modes such as Aperture / Shutter Speed priority
• Learning when and how to use Exposure Compensation
• Tips for capturing sharp images of stationary subjects
• Understanding White Balance and enhancing color quality

More Advanced Settings

• Grasping the concept of depth-of-field to enhance image appeal
• Knowing when and how to use Evaluative, Spot, and Center Weighted Metering, and determining the best approach
• Techniques for capturing sharp images of moving subjects
• Understanding Histograms
• Differentiating between Full Auto and the 'P' mode
• Recognizing the advantages of full Manual exposure mode
• Learning about Auto ISO and a new exposure mode
• Comparing RAW vs JPG and determining the best option for your needs

Church or Cathedral Photography

Optimal settings for capturing interior shots of a church or cathedral.

Natural Light Portraits

Recommended camera settings for portrait photography using natural light.

Landscape Photography

• Introduction to Landscape Photography
• Camera Settings for Landscape Photography
• Utilizing Neutral Density Filters for landscape shots
• Two Live Landscape Photo Sessions
• In-depth walkthrough of the best settings for landscape photography with experienced photographer Colin Mill

Flash Photography Settings

• Mastering basic flash settings
• Utilizing fill flash effectively
• Understanding your flash's maximum sync speed through an informative shutter animation
• Harnessing the power of 'High Speed Sync' feature for flash photography

"These courses are among the best values around" ~ Don

"I guarantee that you will go over this course again and again as you progress and each time you do you'll get more and more out of it. Thank you Bernie." ~ Stephen

"This is a fantastic course filled with so much useful information. I am a big fan of Bernie's and he sure came through with this course. You won't be disappointed." ~ Diane

Although this course is aimed at both beginner and intermediate photographers, advanced photographers may well benefit by learning about some little known features.

1. It confirms to be one of the best teacher of the courses I've been attending. He is so clear, and prepared. He has also a good English humor ~ R D'Angelo
2. Great course with a lot of useful information explained in a very simple. Thanks! ~ Edite S
3. Absolutely love this course. Although I've been using a DSLR for years, and I am pretty good at using manual and aperture priority, this has really been helpful. I've learned more about using light correctly, and seeing the different ways I could compose a scene. I love that the instructor isn't always 100% happy with his own results, and then explains why and how he could have improved a shot. This is someone who understands photography, and how to teach it in a way that's relatable and easy to follow no matter what your skill level is. I've already purchased Mr. Raffe's course on using an off-camera flash, and I see a couple of more that are on my wishlist ~ A Watman
4. I absolutely love Bernie Rafa. He's cute and his tips make so much sense. Due to this course I have taken some of the best portraits of my family. Fantastic! More please ~ Pamela C
5. Bernie gives clear unambiguous instructions and information on The content was comprehensive and informative, the production quality met my expectations and the delivery was interesting and engaging. I am pleased to give him 5 stars! ~ Dawn P
6. Bernie brings us the information with ease and grace making us try harder to be as good as he is. With his instructions in parts 1 and 2 he gets us through the technicalities to the task of making better pictures for ourselves. The production is good and clean without distracting music and graphics. He always covers how to use the different equipment we each may have. He is fun ~ B Taylor
7. I really like how the courses are broken into bite sized pieces and the way Bernie explains the concepts. Very smart course, while some of it was review, I still learned a lot. Will definitely be revisiting a number of the videos to review content to test out on my own camera ~ Monique
8. An excellent course. Bernie has such a great teaching method. His personality and sense of humour make this course enjoyable, informative and easy to understand. I have learned a lot about photography and how to use my camera and I am sure I will be returning occasionally for a refresher ~ William G
9. I like this course very much, because Bernie gives information with good and very helpful examples. He explains difficult things by very understandable simple way. His course helps me to understand many details I didn’t understand clearly before. Course doesn’t take a lot of time, but it contains all necessary information to start. Thank you, Bernie ~ Tatiana T
10. The explanations are excellent, and he has examples showing what a picture would look at different settings. That makes understanding it mush easier ~ Inger E

1. This course will give you a greater understanding of your camera's features and settings.
2. This greater understanding will allow you get more consistent exposures, better focussing and improved image quality.
3. The real world examples provide best settings in typical scenarios, ensuring great results

1. This course is specifically aimed at DSLR or Mirrorless cameras users ('Mirrorless' are sometimes known as Compact System Cameras - CSC).
2. This course is not suitable for owners of compact or bridge type cameras, sorry!!