Basics of Digital Photography

Unlock the beautiful world of digital photography in this comprehensive hands-on workshop, designed for those seeking to jumpstart their photographic journey. This workshop is suited for beginning photographers who own a DSLR or mirrorless camera, but no prior photography experience is needed. 

You are guided by long-time and beloved Santa Fe Workshops instructor Rick Allred, known for his humor and ability to simplify the technical world with patience and a sense of play. Over the course of five days, participants delve into the essentials of digital photography. Through engaging lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on assignments, you master camera settings, explore the nuances of light, practice core composition principles, and cultivate your creative expression. Creating a photograph requires technical understanding and an imaginative eye, and Rick guides you through exercises that encourage both. 

Rick provides an easy-to-understand explanation of exposure and the three settings that define every digital photograph: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. You learn to harness and balance these important factors to create a diverse range of intentional imagery. We also discuss lens choice, an important consideration in determining the mood, focus, and composition of your photographs. 

Through hands-on practice in the beautiful surroundings of Santa Fe, students develop a solid foundation that empowers them to see the world with new eyes. You are challenged to apply your newfound technical skills in a diverse range of settings; from the bright light of the New Mexico landscape to the shadows of the alpine forest, you learn to adjust your camera and exposure accordingly. You also practice handling your gear correctly and learn best practices for keeping it safe when in the field.

Back in the classroom, Rick outlines the step-by-step process for transferring your images from your camera to the computer. He then introduces the basics of a digital workflow including organizing your files, how to identify successful photographs from your photoshoots, and considerations for post-processing. 

By the end of the week, participants are confidently fearless in using their camera’s features to create expressive photographs that begin to reflect their unique visions. Join us on this journey in Santa Fe to demystify the inner workings of digital photography and take a deep dive into your creativity.