Sony Alpha a7 Series: In-Depth Features
with Rick Berk
July 14 – 24, 2025
Course Description
Sony has been a leader in mirrorless digital imaging since the introduction of E-Mount in 2010, revolutionizing the industry with the first full-frame mirrorless camera in 2013. As the #1 full-frame camera system worldwide, Sony continues to innovate rapidly.
Led by expert Rick Berk, this online workshop equips participants with the skills to capture stunning images using the Sony A7 series. The focus is on the camera’s advanced focus and exposure systems, covering autofocus modes, manual focus techniques, and exposure settings for perfectly balanced photos.
Participants explore the creative tools and customization options of the A7 series, including picture profiles, creative styles, and dynamic range optimization. The workshop also covers how to tailor camera settings to suit personal style and maximize workflow efficiency.
Spanning two weeks, this workshop provides the knowledge and confidence to fully utilize the Sony A7 series camera, capturing professional-quality images in any setting.
Open to all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros, the workshop covers the following models: A7, A7M2, A7M3, A7M4, A7R, A7RM2, A7RM3, A7RM4, A7RM5, A7S, A7SM2, and A7SM3.
Session 1: Exposure System Basics
- Exposure Modes, ISO & Auto ISO
- Metering Modes, Scale, & Histogram
- Displaying in VF/LCD & Zebra Display
- Adjusting Exposure: Compensation, AE Lock
- Live View Histogram & Custom Settings
- Exposure Bracketing & Custom Sequences
Session 2: Autofocus System
- AF Modes, Point Selection, Face/Eye/Subject Detection
- Manual Focus & Aids: Peaking, Check
- Custom & Situational AF Settings: Portraits, Wildlife, Sports, Landscapes
Session 3: Custom Settings & Creative Functions
- Exposure & Metering Settings
- White Balance & Creative Styles (Customization & Impact on Histogram)
- Picture Profiles, Effects & Advanced Functions
- Pixel Shift, Interval, Dynamic Range, HDR, Long Exposure, Focus Bracketing
Session 4: Sony Flash System & Video
- TTL Flash, Flash Exposure, Rear Curtain Sync
- Video Settings: Modes, File Formats, Record Settings, Audio
- S&Q Movies, Connecting to Imaging Edge Mobile
Additional Information
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
What You Should Know:
This program is designed and intended for current owners of a Sony Alpha 7a series camera or those interested in learning more about this mirrorless camera system. Please note that the Sony cameras covered by this course are the following nine models: A7, A7M2, A7M3, A7M4, A7R, A7RM2, A7RM3, A7RM4, A7RM5, A7S, A7SM2 and A7SM3. A working knowledge of basic camera operations is required.
Special Notes:
Class will meet 9:30 – 11:30 am (Mountain Time) on Mondays and Thursdays starting July 14 and ending July 24 (four online group sessions). Enrollment is limited to 14 participants.
Zoom Video Conferencing software (available for no charge from Zoom.com) will be used to facilitate the class sessions. Further details will be emailed to registrants.
Santa Fe Workshops always aims to produce a high-quality experience for our online attendees. That said, variables including regional and local internet provider speeds, traffic on Zoom's servers, and your own computing hardware can contribute to a less than ideal streaming event. While we do our best to minimize the impact of these variables, they are outside the control of Santa Fe Workshops.
Policies:
View Withdrawal and Transfer Policies for online programs.
For the convenience of participants, recordings of each class session are posted privately for one month after the end of each session. Santa Fe Workshops takes the recordings down after one month to protect the intellectual property of our instructors.
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about
Rick Berk is a fine-art nature and landscape photographer based on Maine’s midcoast. After beginning college as a graphic design major, he took photography as a requirement and was immediately enamored with the photographic process.
Rick has spent nearly 30 years in photography, beginning as a sports photographer covering professional sports, before transitioning to working as a technical specialist for camera companies. His responsibilities included training photographers, consumers, and photo specialty retail staff on photographic technology and its real-world application. In the past several years Rick has transitioned back to being behind the camera full-time, traveling extensively to produce eye-catching landscapes.
Website: rickberk.com
Instagram: @rickberkphoto
