Camera Workshop
Over the last few years I have helped over 100 students! I am excited to offer my years of experience as a passionate photographer to teaching people at the beginning of their photo journey. Photography is such a great means of expression. It's the exploration of your vision and ideas mixed with light, composition, storytelling, technique & sometimes luck. When these elements come together it can feel like magic. It can also be very addicting!
This workshop is for beginners who have a DSLR or Mirrorless camera and are interested in learning how to use it to get the most out of this great hobby! I will help get you past your camera’s AUTO mode. The goal is to be comfortable with what settings to use in different situations like sports, portraits, landscapes and challenging lighting conditions. Topics will include: Terminology, Focus, Exposure, The Camera's Meter, Histogram, White Balance, Aperture, Depth of Field, Shutter Speed, Handheld vs Tripod, ISO, How it Works Together, Manual, Camera Modes and Composition.
Workshops are four sessions with three at my home in Welland and one on location; putting into practice what you have learned.
2026 Workshop Schedule:
Tuesday April 7th 7:00pm to 9:00pm (Seminar)
Tuesday April 14th 7:00pm to 9:00pm (Seminar)
Tuesday April 21st 7:00pm to 9:00pm (Seminar)
Tuesday April 28th (Location Shoot)
Cost is $225 due with registration to hold your spot.
Participation will be limited to 7 or 8 people
email me dropdcreighton@gmail.com to get yourself registered
Here is what students are saying ……
I not only learned more about how my camera worked during Darren’s camera workshop, but also all the other aspects that go into making a good photograph. I’m more comfortable with the settings on my camera and look forward to practicing my new skills. Darren not only shared his knowledge but also passion for his art…the workshop was exactly what I needed to renew my interest in photography as a hobby. Lori S
This DSLR workshop is hands down fun! If you are looking to learn or just be reacquainted with your love of photography Darren is a great guide. His experience is stellar, his knowledge of terms and ease of expression is what made it easy for me to transition from film to DSLR. Before I took Darren’s class I’d often get so frustrated that I’d just put the camera away and forget that I love to see life through a lens. Thank you Darren for offering such an excellent program, I can’t wait for the next one! Amanda T
Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed your photography workshop. It was comfortable, fun, easy to follow and packed with information and hands-on learning. Our small group made it easy for discussion too. It was a great way to get a better understanding of our cameras. I know that this understanding is a big step to better images. Your encouragement to putting this understanding to work is truly appreciated. I am looking forward to Part 2. Here’s to enjoying our cameras! Thanks again. Fran D
Russell and I would like to thank you for an incredible photography course. We both learned so much from you, beyond our expectations. We came to you with no knowledge – at all – of our camera, and we were scared to mess with the buttons in fear we would completely mess our camera up. However, with your great teaching and expert advise you were able to break down our fear and taught us to embrace our camera. You also explained to us all of its nifty little buttons and showed us what it has to offer. You taught us photography vocabulary and wonderful techniques. Your patience and kindness showed through in your teaching. We loved the individual attention you gave each of us. We loved your camera course and teachings so much that we cannot wait to start your next class. You taught with a smile and passion – which was passed on to your students. We cannot thank you enough. Russell and I are grateful to be going on this adventure with you. Not only did we gain a great photography teacher, we gained a friend and some photography skills. It is an hour to have met you, and a privilege to have taken your course. Looking forward to the next group session. Kelly & Russell G
Just dropping you a line to tell you how grateful I am for the workshop you offered. You gave us the basics and while shooting I realized that this is something you need to practice again and again to learn the camera. Many, many thanks for all your tips, your patience and, above all…the best sharing of knowledge I could ask for. Looking forward to the second level! Jane K
I got a gift for my anniversary to have a one on one course with Darren. I was so excited. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher/mentor….He went through every detail but didn’t make it too overwhelming 😊 The only thing I would say that is upsetting is that we live over three hours apart….I can not wait until I have another opportunity again to take a course from him. Thank you so much Darren. Jodi Crosetta-Latimer
Thanks to Darren for the workshop! If anyone is needing to learn how to work their camera, take this workshop. My Nikon Z6 was a bit intimidating to me. Not anymore! Now I feel like I can go out and actually use it, and work with its settings! Nick
Images from past workshops
Niagara Camera Workshop – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a professional camera to take this workshop?
No — you don’t need a professional camera. Any DSLR or mirrorless camera will work perfectly. As long as your camera allows you use manual mode to adjust settings like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, you’ll be able to follow along.
Is this workshop good for beginners?
Yes — this workshop is designed specifically for beginners or anyone who wants to get out of auto mode and start understanding how their camera actually works.
What will I learn in the camera workshop?
We’ll cover the core fundamentals of photography, including:
Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
How to properly expose an image
How to control depth of field
Basic focusing techniques
The goal is to help you feel confident using your camera in different scenarios, not guessing.
Will I learn how to shoot in manual mode?
Yes. A big part of the workshop is learning how to shoot in manual mode so you can take full control of your images instead of relying on automatic settings.
What if I’ve never used manual settings before?
That’s completely fine — most people haven’t. I break everything down in a simple, easy-to-understand way so you’re not overwhelmed. You’ll be guided step-by-step through the process.
How long is the workshop?
The workshop is 3 sessions of sit down lecture and 1 field shoot. spanning 4 weeks giving you enough time to learn the concepts and actually practice using your camera.
Is this a hands-on workshop?
Yes — hands on and lecture both, with assignments. You’ll be actively trying out settings during the workshop so you can apply what you’re learning in real time, and practising your assignments for the next weeks class.
Where does the workshop take place?
Workshops are held in the Niagara region. Specific location details are provided after booking.
How many people are in each workshop?
Group sizes are kept relatively small, between 5 & 8 people. This is so everyone gets individual attention and has the opportunity to ask questions.
What should I bring to the workshop?
Please bring your camera, a charged battery, a memory card. If you have multiple lenses, feel free to bring them, but it’s not required.
Do you offer more advanced training after this?
Yes. If you’re interested in going further, I also offer lighting workshops and private mentoring to help you continue developing your skills.
How much does the workshop cost?
Pricing is $225 also shown above.
How do I book a spot?
You can reach out here dropdcreighton@gmail.com , sending an e-transfer to that address for the registration fee will get you signed up and hold your spot.