Introduction to Digital Photography in Manual Mode
A course by Debbie Castro, Photographer, Artist, and Educator
Explore photography fundamentals and create stunning images by learning to control exposure, composition, and shutter speed
Having full creative control is essential to creating unique images and developing your own visual language. Discover manual mode photography and open your eyes to what’s possible with Debbie Castro, a UK-based artist, educator, and photographer.
From choosing a camera to setting up your composition, Debbie teaches her tricks for taking incredible images that tell original stories. Make the most of your camera by learning the fundamental concepts and skills you need to unlock your creativity as a photographer.
What will you learn in this online course?
14 lessons & 18 downloads
What's included in this course?
Meet Debbie Castro, a professional photographer and educator based in the UK. Learn about how she got her start, take a look at her work, and explore some of her references and influences.
Begin with a brief history of cameras, and learn the pros and cons of mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Debbie explains a range of lenses, from macro to telephoto, and shows how they are used to change the perspective of an image. Review how auto-focus works and discuss situations for different drive modes.
Dive into the exposure triangle and discuss the fundamental concepts of ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. Learn how they work together and see how a light meter can be used during a photo shoot. Debbie then explains metering modes, white balance, and manual exposure—three key elements to capturing crisp and realistic images.
Learn how to fine-tune your eye by understanding how light falls on subjects, how it affects a final image, and how to make it work for your own style. Wrap things up by organizing a shoot, capturing some images, and practicing key concepts like composition, perspective, and exposure.
- 98% positive reviews (211)
- 9,241 students
- 14 lessons (1h 45m)
- 18 additional resources (11 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, Spanish (Latam), French, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Create a series of images using composition, exposure, and other photography fundamentals to tell a unique story.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for photographers of all skill levels.
Requirements and materials
No previous knowledge is necessary. To take this course, you only need a camera with adjustable manual settings.
Reviews
Debbie Castro
A course by Debbie Castro
Debbie Castro is a photographer and educator based in the UK. Born in Ireland, she has a degree in Psychology and Psychoanalysis and a master’s in photojournalism from the University of Westminster in London.
She specializes in conceptual documentary photography, and has exhibited her work in New York City, London, and photo festivals in her native Ireland. She has also published her own limited-edition photography book entitled “Who Gave You the Roses?” Currently, Debbie curates shows for the London Institute of Photography, coordinates photography classes, and mentors students from around the world.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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U2
The Camera
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The Camera
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Lenses
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Focus
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Drive Modes
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U3
Basics of Exposure
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The Exposure Triangle
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Aperture
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Shutter Speed
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White Balance
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Metering Modes
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U4
What Manual Exposure Can Do for You
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Looking at Light
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What Makes a Good Image: Looking at Composition
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Knowledge in Action
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FP
Final project
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Introduction to Digital Photography in Manual Mode
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and covers the basics of using DSLR and mirrorless cameras, as well as essential techniques for getting started with photography.
You’ll need any digital camera—DSLR, mirrorless, or even a smartphone with manual controls. A tripod and a few basic lenses can help but are not required to begin.
You’ll learn camera operation, composition, exposure control, lens selection, storytelling techniques, and how to create compelling photo essays with both technical and creative skills.
Yes, the course explains the key differences between DSLR and mirrorless cameras, helping you decide which is best for your photography style and needs.
Absolutely. The course covers manual mode, including how to balance ISO, aperture, and shutter speed for optimal exposure in different lighting conditions.
You’ll explore techniques like geometry in composition, point-of-interest selection, and creating narrative photo series to guide viewer attention and convey stories.
No specific lens is required, but the course explains the uses of different lenses, such as macro, fisheye, prime, and zoom, so you can choose the right one for your goals.
Great for beginners
Un curso muy bien explicado y muy práctico!
Muy bien explicado se le entiende muy bien a la profesora muchas gracias por tan buen curso
A good, practical introductory course.
Este es un curso muy ilustrativo de lo que se puede hacer con una cámara fotográfica. Pero, sin importar la marca de la cámara y los objetivos usados creo que importa más la visión creativa del fotógrafo para registrar fielmente las escenas, ya sea utilizando la luz de día o un flash. Debbie Castro es una excelente fotógrafa y también una excelente visionaria de la lente. ¡Enhorabuena!