FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who should attend?

The Digital Photography Course for Beginners is suited for those who wish to understand and use digital cameras in a very effective manner. The course is for total beginners, for those willing to take a refresher course in the basics of digital photography and digital cameras or for those going on holiday who want better results. You do not need any experience to enrol on the Digital Photography Course for Beginners.

The Digital Photography Course for Intermediates is suited for those who: have a basic understanding of camera commands, have a basic understanding of manual and semi-manual exposure modes including aperture, shutter speed, ISO and have a basic understanding of lenses and exposure.

The Digital Photography Course - Photographing Southbank by Night Workshop is suited for everyone no matter the level.

All the other specialised courses require a good knowldge of camera commands, have a basic understanding of manual and semi-manual exposure modes including aperture, shutter speed, ISO and have a basic understanding of lenses and exposure.

What camera do you need?

Both Digital SLR (DSLR) and Professional Compact Cameras with Full Manual Exposure mode are covered in the beginners’ course. For the intermediates level you will need a Digital SLR (DSLR) camera. If you don’t have a DSLR camera yet but still want to attend the courses you can use one of our spare semi-professional DSLRs for the duration of the course. Please let us know if you wish to use one of our cameras.

What does DSLR stand for?

DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex, those cameras with the capability to remove one lens and replace it with another. This is what sets these cameras apart from others. Please see below some examples of DSLR cameras:

Nikon D60, Canon EOS 1000D, Sony A200, Pentax K-m, Olympus E-420, Canon EOS 1000D, Canon EOS 450D, Canon EOS 500D, Canon EOS 50D, Canon EOS 550D Canon EOS 5D MKII, Canon EOS 7D, Nikon D3000, Nikon D300S, Nikon D5000 Nikon D700, Nikon D90, Nikon D90, Sony Alpha a330

What is a Professional Compact Camera?

A Professional Compact camera is a Compact Camera with Fully Manual Exposure Mode which offers you control over the ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture values. Please see below some examples of Professional Compact Cameras:

Canon Powershot G10, Canon Powershot G11, Canon Powershot SX1, Leica D-LUX 3 SIGMA DP1, Nikon Coolpix P90, Olympus SP-550UZ, Fujifilm Finepix s1000FD

Who is the tutor?

Ion runs the entire courses, theory and practice with passion, patience, determination and care. For Ion, the most important thing is that you go out the next day and know how to apply what you have learnt on the course and see better images coming from your sensor. The courses were entirely designed by Ion with a good logical structure covering all key aspects in digital photography and a good balance between theoretical explanations, demonstrations and practical examples. Following the courses Ion is happy to help and assist with any further questions you may have. Please visit his websites www.photoion.co.uk - www.ionpaciu.co.uk -www.peopleididntknow.co.uk to find out more about him and to see examples of his work.

How will I be taught?

You will be taught with professional methods, in professional venues including power point presentations projected on a large screen, physical examples, practical exercises, impromptu demonstrations, tests, etc. You will get to go out and practice with the camera in Central London. You will receive a PDF version of the full course material on a CD for each course.

What are the times of the course?

Times of the courses are:

weekends 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM.

weekdays 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM.

evenings 6.00 PM to 9.00 PM.

Will I have a chance to give my views on the course?

Yes, there is a comprehensive evaluation form which you can complete at the end of your course. These are monitored in depth and help Ion to continually improve his courses and his teaching style. All your comments and suggestions will be fully taken on board.

What is the maximum number of attendees?

The number of attendees for all courses varies from 4 to 8; it is limited to 8 to ensure maximum effectiveness of the intensive hands-on training.

What do I need to bring?

You only need to bring your camera, lenses (at least one lens), battery and memory cards. You will have to be curios, keen to learn and get involved. If you haven’t got a camera yet but still want to attend the course you can borrow one of our spare semi-professional DSLRs + lenses + flashgun + tripod for the duration of the course. If you are planning to buy a new camera, Ion can offer advice on what camera and lenses to buy according to your budget and the photography style you wish to pursue.

Is there any Support and Advice after course?

Following the course Ion is happy to help and assist with any further questions you may have (unlimited follow-up email advice). Your satisfaction is important to us and we are very interested to follow your photographic evolution after the course. You can get in contact with Ion with any questions you may have and submit your photographs for feedback and discuss your work with Ion and others online.

Is there any Early Bird Discount Available?

Yes, if you book your place 2 months in advance we will give you a 10 % discount. Please type this code EARLY2 at checkout.

Can I buy an Open Date Photography Gift Voucher?

You can purchase open date gift vouchers for friends or family members. Please complete the booking form providing the name of the person that you buy the voucher for and choosing the type of the course (or get in contact). Subsequently, you will be sent the voucher via e-mail or post. The voucher is personalised and consists of a PDF file containing the name of the recipient and a greeting message which can be personalised. Subsequently the recipient will get in contact with Ion to discuss availability and decide on the dates. The voucher has unlimited period and it can be used whenever the recipient wishes to.

I want to book for a group of people and use my own venue. Do I get a discount for using my own venue?

Yes, if you want to book the course for a large group and want to use your own venue good discounts apply. Please contact Ion to discuss your requirements.

How do you pay for a course?

If you choose to pay by Internet Bank Transfer & Cheque (preferred payment option), Postal Order or cash, Ion will get in contact with you soon with the relevant details and the invoice. We also accept all major credit and debit cards through Google Checkout payment system.

Can I pay only a deposit to reserve my place?

Yes, please contact Ion to discuss this option.

What happens after I book my course?

You receive a booking confirmation via e-mail within the next few minutes. Soon after, you will receive full joining instructions details via e-mail.