Explore Photography Using a Phone or Camera

This class is open to everyone with a passion for photography, whether you're using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or a smartphone.

The world of photography is evolving, and so is this course. With smartphone technology advancing rapidly, many of the limitations that once separated phones from traditional cameras are fading. Using Pro Mode or third-party apps like Halide, smartphone users can now access manual controls—shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and focus— offering creative flexibility.

Photography is more than just capturing images—it’s about learning to see, think creatively, and solve visual problems. This class helps you build both technical confidence and creative awareness, while also upgrading your digital skills—a valuable asset in today’s image-driven world.

Whether you're holding a camera or a phone, you’ll be supported in developing your own visual voice and exploring the full potential of your device.

Learners do not need any academic qualifications or work experience to do this course and we expect that everyone who applies will be allowed on the course if there is enough space. 

This course does not result in a qualification and therefore there is no coursework or exam. The tutor will talk to each learner and give them tips to improve their photography as they go along.

This course is for anyone with a smartphone, mirrorless camera or digital camera.

You need to bring your own device to take photos.

This can be a smartpone, a mirrorless camera or a digital SLR.

In Dorchester we have short courses focussed on Landscape or Botanical Photography to progress onto.

In Dorchester, Bournemouth and Christchurch we have a more detailed digital photography course to move onto.

In Poole we have Digital Photography steps 1, 2 and 3 for learners to follow.

In Bournemouth we have specialist courses in Adobe Lightrpoom and Adobe Photoshop.

Need support planning your next steps? Our experienced Careers Advisors at Skills & Learning can offer personalised guidance on choosing the right course, exploring career paths, developing interview skills, updating your CV and much more. Book a FREE appointment today and get the support you need to achieve your goals. Visit: https://www.skillsandlearningace.com/learning-with-us/next-steps/. Call us at 01202 123444 for more information.

English, maths and computing skills: all of our courses support the development of relevant English, maths and computing skills.

Refunds: please see details of our cancellation policy in our Terms and Conditions on our website www.skillsandlearningace.com/policies/terms-and-conditions or in our brochure.

Attendance: before enrolling you should ensure that you can attend all classes offered as far as possible.

Places on courses: many of our courses are in high demand. If you have been offered a place but no longer require it, please advise us immediately as you may be preventing another learner from taking the place. Where learners do not attend the first session, without having given prior notice, Skills & Learning reserve the right to offer the place on the course to another learner; you will not be eligible for a refund it it is outside of the terms outlined in our cancellation policy.

Fully funded learners: if you have been offered a fully funded place on a course and no longer require it, you must advise us before the course starts so that your place can be offered to someone else. We reserve the right to withdraw future offers of fully funded places if you regularly do not start or complete funded courses.

Home study: you will be required to do significant study at home between sessions to assist with your learning and progress.

Qualification Levels: there is further information about qualification levels on our website.

Proof of identity: please bring photographic ID and your National Insurance number with you to your first session. You will also need to provide it for any external examinations you take.

Off-site activities: with some courses, there may be the opportunity for off-site enrichment activities at additional cost, for example: gallery, museum or exhibition visits. Where this is an integral part of the course, your tutor will discuss the arrangements with you during your induction.

Parking at centres: parking at centres may be limited; please be prepared to use on street parking or pay and display car parks. For information regarding each centre, please visit the venue section of our website www.skillsandlearningace.com/our-centres/.

Refreshments: tea/coffee or vending machine(s) are available at some venues. Further information can be found in the venue section of our website www.skillsandlearningace.com/our-centres/.

Unspent Criminal Convictions we require learners to disclose any unspent criminal convictions. Please refer to www.skillsandlearningace.com/policies/disclosure-of-unspent-convictions.

If you have any accessibility or disability issues that we need to accommodate or if you think you may need any other support to complete your chosen course, please contact: 01202 123444 or e-mail enquiries@salbcp.com. All enquiries are treated in confidence.