A 1-on-1 photography workshop for absolute beginners.
You just got a new camera and have no idea where to start. The settings don’t make sense yet, and that’s fine.
This workshop covers the basics: how to use your camera, what the buttons do, and how light affects your photos. You’ll be shooting the whole time while learning the theory as we go: outdoors, in plain language, at your pace.
WHO THIS IS FOR
Is this for you?
- ✓ You have a new camera* and want to actually use it.
- ✓ You shoot on Auto and want to understand what’s happening.
- ✓ You’ve read the manual and it didn’t stick; you learn better in person.
- ✓ You want someone who will explain things clearly, not talk over your head.
* This workshop covers DSLR and Mirrorless cameras. If you’re not sure whether yours qualifies, just ask.
WHAT IT IS
Camera Confidence: A Workshop for Absolute Beginners
A practical, 1-on-1 outdoor workshop across three one-hour sessions. You’ll go from “I just press the button and hope for the best” to understanding every dial on your camera, and knowing exactly what to change when a photo isn’t working.
We shoot the whole time. No classroom. No slides. No videos. Just your camera and enough explanation to make things click.
The workshop isn’t going to be “copy what I do.” You’ll be shooting from the very beginning, learning to use your camera, while developing your own personal style.
THE EXPERIENCE
What a session looks like
We meet outdoors in Thunder Bay: Boulevard Lake, Prince Arthur’s Landing, and Friendship Gardens. I’ll have seen your camera model before we meet, so we start on your specific controls right away.
You’ll be shooting within the first few minutes. When something is confusing, we slow down. When it clicks, we start taking photos. The session moves at your pace.
Each session comes with a digital PDF guide that covers everything we talked about that day (printed booklets also available). Session 1 also includes a cheat sheet card that lives in your camera bag.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
The three sessions
Session 1
Auto Mode
Camera anatomy, basic controls, autofocus, and composition basics. You’ll leave knowing how to pick up your camera, navigate the settings, and take photos with confidence on auto mode.
Session 2
Aperture and Shutter Priority
The exposure triangle, focus modes, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Priority. You’ll understand what aperture, shutter speed, and ISO actually mean, and what they do. You’ll start making your own decisions instead of letting the camera do all the work.
Session 3
Full manual
The light meter, metering modes, and shooting in full manual mode. You’ll set every control yourself and leave with a repeatable process you can use in any situation.
PRICING
Workshop options
| Package | Format | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera Confidence | 3 × 1-hour sessions, 1-on-1, outdoors | $225 per person | Cheat sheet card + *Digital PDF guide after each session |
| Get Out and Shoot | 1-hour session | $85 | A full 1-on-1 session outdoors. You already know the basics, but want some reassurance, or guidance as we go. This is a great way to gain confidence without a full 3-session workshop. |
* Printed versions of PDF guides available for $5 each ($15 total) upon request.
Gift sessions also available, email me to arrange.
Sessions are 1-on-1 by default. Same-party groups are welcome at the per-person rate.
Other Workshops Offered:
Film Photography 101 (coming soon)
Photography For Kids (coming soon)
Landscape Photography: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced (coming soon)
A BIT ABOUT ME
Who you're booking with
I’m Cody Angus, owner of Tbayalive. I’ve been a photographer in Thunder Bay for over a decade: concerts, events, portraits, landscapes, as well as a ton of corporate work. Before photography, I was a teacher. I know how to break down something technical and make it make sense.
The workshop is based on how I actually learned to shoot: by going outside and doing it, with someone pointing out what the settings mean, and what to try next.
I developed this workshop because I remember how confusing it felt to pick up a camera and have no idea where to start. Aperture, shutter speed, ISO. The words meant nothing until I actually used them outdoors with someone explaining what each setting does and why it matters. This is the session I wish I had.
Book your session
Sessions run outdoors year-round, weather permitting. Fill out the form and I’ll follow up within 24 hours to discuss dates, locations, and workshop details.
What You’ll Need:
Your camera, a fully charged battery, and a memory card. Comfortable shoes and appropriate outerwear. We’ll be outdoors for the full session.
Questions first? Email or Message Me – I’m happy to talk through whether this is the right fit.