Q. I've been using my SLR for a long time and I think I know it fairly well. Is this course too basic for me?

Ans: We have been running this course for several years now and have yet to come across anyone who felt the course was too basic despite any initial reservations they may have had. Even though it is suitable for most beginners, it is still a relatively advanced course. If in doubt about whether the course would suit you, give Peter a call on 086-1033122. Here are some sample test questions for you. Would you expect to have to use positive or negative EV compensation when shooting a bright scene? If an aperture value of f/11, ISO of 400 and shutter speed of 1/15th second gets correct exposure in a given lighting condition, what would you have to change your aperture value to to get a shutter speed of 1/60th sec assuming ISO stays at 400? What is meant by HDR and how do you use it? Why is it preferable to use a longer focal length for face portraits rather than a wide angle? What is meant by hyperfocal distance and how do I apply this practically in landscape photography?

Q. What equipment do I need?

Ans: All you need is an SLR camera with at least one lens ... and even if you don't have that we can provide it for you for the duration of the course. If you have other accessories such as additional lenses, flashguns, filters, tripods, etc. ... do bring these also but you don't need to own these to do the course. It's nearly better not to have invested in too much prior to doing the course as part of the course covers what equipment you need to have, what's nice to have, recommended places to buy it ... etc.

Q. Is an evening / night course or an intensive 2-day course better?

Ans: It depends. I have considerable experience in teaching both. It partly depends on your lifestyle and available time.

Possible disadvantages of an evening course:

1. In my experience, very few people make more than 70% of the sessions in an evening course - there is always something that comes up on one or more of the target evenings.

2. Evening courses also tend to have higher numbers to make them economically viable.

3. On a typical two hour evening course you tend to lose 10 mins at the start with late arrivals settling down, 10 mins at the end (early-leavers getting restless) and 10-15 mins on the break (the 15-min break inevitably drags on .... albeit for good sociability reasons!)

Possible advantages of an evening course:

1. Some people find full days too intensive and prefer weekly smaller installments.

2. There is an opportunity for plenty of hands-on practice between sessions. Note: Alas, on the very committed people avail of this (despite great intentions) ... and furthermore a good intensive course will also include some hands-on practice anyway.