Nick Kelsh's GOING MANUAL Photography Course
Are you ready to learn —and finally understand—how to use your camera in manual mode? Then this course is for you. Mastering your SLR has never been easier! In just 8 lessons, taken over 8 weeks in our Full-Participation Course, or in your own time in our Self-Paced Course, you’ll learn all the basics you’ll need to turn your camera dial confidently to M and shoot the professional looking photographs that you dream of. You’ll learn to master the big 3 (F-stops, ISO and Shutter Speed) and take your photography to the next level. And Nick’s ability to present the concepts in small digestible bites makes it easy and fun.
You are smarter than you’re camera
Watch Nick's video message
So now are you ready to learn —and finally understand—how to use your camera in manual mode?
Then this course is for you. Mastering your SLR has never been easier! In just 8 lessons, taken over 8 weeks in our Full-Participation Course, or in your own time in our Self-Paced Course, you’ll learn all the basics you’ll need to turn your camera dial confidently to M and shoot the professional looking photographs that you dream of. You’ll learn to master the big 3 (F-stops, ISO and Shutter Speed) and take your photography to the next level. And Nick’s ability to present the concepts in small digestible bites makes it easy and fun.
What is the GOING MANUAL course like?
Going Manual is a series of online videos and resources to help anyone interested in turning off the Auto setting on their DSLR camera. Each Monday a new topic is posted in the form of a video with written components, a discussion board, assignments and a gallery to upload your assignment photos. Your classmates and Nick will post comments and provide valuable feedback and review of your assignment photos. You’ll also receive a quiz to test your grasp of the topics with a video review, including the answers, from Nick.
Don’t worry about “making class”; each video and all of the resources are designed to be self-paced within the framework of the 8 week syllabus. Ideally, most participants will want to work on the material during the week it’s posted, as that will provide the most beneficial interaction with Nick and classmates. However, if your schedule doesn’t allow that, you can always catch up at your own pace and you will have full access to the videos and resources for three years.
And (please don’t tell anyone!) Nick loves to get on the phone with anyone who might feel like they’re floundering during the course. He has actually saved a few photographic lives by talking students in from the edge of the photographic cliff. Nick philosophy about teaching is “Nobody leaves the room until EVERYBODY gets it!”
What You’ll Learn
8 WEEKLY MODULES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS:
- Video Tutorials
- Written Materials
- Lesson Quiz
- Weekly Assignment
- Interactive Feedback with Instructor and Classmates in our Private Facebook Group
WEEK 1 - An Introduction to Going Manual
- Going Manual Introduction
- What is Going Manual?
- F-stops, Shutter Speeds, and ISO: An Overview
- The Weekly Assignment
- The Quiz
WEEK 2 - How a Light Meter Thinks
- An Introduction
- Understanding F-stops as Fractions
- How a Light Meter Works
- Adventures in Real Life Photography / Week 2
- ISO: Your Camera is a Light Sponge
- The Weekly Assignment
WEEK 3 - Introduction to Depth of Field
- An Introduction
- Exposure Dial Confusion
- The Meter Needle is Off the Scale
- Exposing Against Black or White
- Shutter Speeds and Motion
- An Intro to Depth of Field
- 4 Ways to Put a Background Out of Focus
- Your Metering Mode Can Mess You Up
- Weekly Assignment
- Quiz
WEEK 4 - Depth of Field and Focal Length
Videos
- An Introduction
- The Effect of Focal Length: Wide Angle Telephoto
- Depth of Field and Different Lenses #1
- Depth of Field and Different Lenses #2
- Zoom Lens Confusion
- CCD Size
- Bicycles and Shutter Speeds
- Weekly Assignment
- Quiz
WEEK 5 - Focal Length and the Shakes
Videos
- An Introduction
- The Effects of Raising Your ISO
- Adjusting Your Diopter
- How to Push a Shutter Button
- Hand Holding Your Camera and Shutter Speeds
- Testing Your Shutter Speed Skills
- The Slide Rule Continues
- The Weekly Assignment
- Quiz
WEEK 6 - What is Color Balance
Videos
- An Introduction
- What is Color Balance?
- Large Apertures and Distance
- How to Hold Your Camera
- The Weekly Assignment
- Quiz
WEEK 7 - Shooting Raw
Videos
- An Introduction
- What is Raw?
- Raw vs Jpegs: What’s the Difference?
- Another Look at Using Raw
- How My Brain Does and Doesn’t Work
- The Weekly Assignment
- Quiz
WEEK 8 - Histograms
Videos
- An Introduction
- Adventures in Real Life
- How to Read a Histogram
- Reading Histograms on a Camera
- What is Clipping?
- Photo Editing with Histograms
- The Weekly Assignment
- Quiz
Choose the Session That’s Best For You!
Self Study Version
Take it at your own pace!8 Lesson Modules
Multiple format lessons: written/video
Before & after examples of techniques
Weekly quiz with Nick’s video review
Weekly photo assignments
Going Manual Mini Manual download
One year access to course website
Money Back Guarantee
Half Off Summer Special
Full Participation (Regularly $397)8 Lesson Modules
Multiple format lessons: written/video
Before & after examples of techniques
Weekly quiz with Nick’s video review
Weekly photo assignments
Going Manual Mini Manual download
Student photo gallery
Discussion forums
Personalized feedback from Nick
Weekly Office Hours
Limited class size
Individual support when necessary
Three years access to course website
Money Back Guarantee
Fall Session TBA
Full Participation8 Lesson Modules
Multiple format lessons: written/video
Before & after examples of techniques
Weekly quiz with Nick’s video review
Weekly photo assignments
Going Manual Mini Manual download
Student photo gallery
Discussion forums
Personalized feedback from Nick
Limited class size
Individual support when necessary
Three years access to course website
Money Back Guarantee
What My Students Are Saying
Don’t just take it from us, let our students do the talking!
“Your approach to teaching is by far above and beyond what I expected. You are the type that cares about each person’s knowledge level and strive to reach out individually if needed. Your kind, quirky, gentle manner made it impossible to be afraid to jump in.
Your love for your family also was very evident, which made it so much easier to share our love for family as well.
I learned more than I could have imagined in these past eight weeks and I look forward to more classes as they become available.”
“Throughout the years I have taken so many stabs at trying to lean manual photography that it boggles my mind. I can’t count that high.
I finally decided that I was just not smart enough to learn this stuff. I decided I had to take your course because your books are the only ones that have ever changed my photography and I’m so glad I did.
I already feel like a rocket scientist!”
“Thank you. Those 2 words don’t seem to be enough. Thank you for your time, your patience, your humor, your critiques, your dedication, and your willingness to help people fumble through the photography mumbo-jumbo and see the light.
My excitement has been growing exponentially! Every chance I had, I ran outside to practice more. Each trip out led to new challenges: lighting, wind conditions (i.e. swaying flowers), changing lenses…I am loving it!!!
Nick Kelsh, I’d kiss you if I could!!!”
“Nick, I feel as if anything I can say is inadequate in a response of what you have given me these last 8 weeks but I couldn’t leave without saying something. All the above positive comments are an echo of what I feel as well….your teaching style, your humor, your feedback are exemplary.
Then I realized what you have truely given me is a confidence in myself that has not been matched in an exceptionally long time. The blocks I had to learning something new (in any area of my life) are broken”
“Throughout the years I have taken so many stabs at trying to lean manual photography that it boggles my mind. I can’t count that high.
I finally decided that I was just not smart enough to learn this stuff. I decided I had to take your course because your books are the only ones that have ever changed my photography and I’m so glad I did.
I already feel like a rocket scientist!”
“Thank you. Those 2 words don’t seem to be enough. Thank you for your time, your patience, your humor, your critiques, your dedication, and your willingness to help people fumble through the photography mumbo-jumbo and see the light.
My excitement has been growing exponentially! Every chance I had, I ran outside to practice more. Each trip out led to new challenges: lighting, wind conditions (i.e. swaying flowers), changing lenses…I am loving it!!!
Nick Kelsh, I’d kiss you if I could!!!”
See More Testimonials
I took decent pics before this course… but now I can take AWESOME pics!!! Thank you Nick! -Tammi Janiga
Thank you for such an incredible course. You are an incredible teacher. -Tara Fletcher
If you are just starting out…no worries, everything that he says will make sense…keep going! I love my camera and my photos are a reflection of what I have learned. -Tracey Dutson
I have learned so much already!! I knew this would be a great class. Thank you so much Nick for creating a learning experience event his old grandma could understand!! -Kathy Zerbes
Throughout the years I have taken so many stabs at trying to lean manual photography that it boggles my mind. I can’t count that high. I finally decided that I was just not smart enough to learn this stuff. I decided I had to take your course because your books are the only ones that have ever changed my photography and I’m so glad I did. I already feel like a rocket scientist! -Amy Krueger
Your approach to teaching is by far above and beyond what I expected. You are the type that cares about each person’s knowledge level and strive to reach out individually if needed. Your kind, quirky, gentle manner made it impossible to be afraid to jump in. Your love for your family also was very evident, which made it so much easier to share our love for family as well. I learned more than I could have imagined in these past eight weeks and I look forward to more classes as they become available. -Arlett Gerde
You have made it look so simple and have given me the courage to go for it. -Sandra Dunn
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I have been a frustrated amateur photographer. I see in my mind what I want and unable to get there. After my photo session today – I am closer than ever to what I want. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! -Debra Durma
I was already a fan of yours, but now you really have a fan for life. -Carmen Tarantino
I am truly overwhelmed at your enthusiasm. You have encouraged me! Thank you! -Becky Smith
I could read that “What I Say When I Take Pictures” text about 20 times and still be learning. In fact, I think I will. Gold, right there. Gold. And I’m not talking dust or even nuggets. Pure, solid, large hunks of sweet, rich gold. Thanks, Nick! -Cheryl Finnegan
Nick: I am totally indebted to you for setting me on an odyssey of discovery; already you have taught me, by looking through that lens, that life is rich and beauty is everywhere. -Anne Parsons
Nick, I’ve already learned more from you in one lesson than I’ve been able to learn in 30 years of half-heartedly working at this. -Barbara
Love the way you explain things Nick, very funny and easy to understand, this is going to be fun! -Barby Griffiths
I have enjoyed every second of our time together and shout it to the mountain tops that all my friends need to sign up!!! It’s hard to believe how far I have come. You are such a blessing Nick Kelsh! Thank you! -Beth Ann Skinner
I cringe just thinking about how much better those thousands of pictures I’ve taken could have been if I had just known this little fact about the light meter . . . OMG! -Carmen Kite
Slowly my frustrations are becoming pieces of excitement. THANK YOU NICK!!! -Courtney Webster
This class is AMAZING!! First lesson down and I feel like I have already learned so much! Nick- So thankful for you,your talents and the willingness to teach. -Deborah Wren
Nick and Rochelle, the level of feedback and time put in by both of you is more than I could have imagined, and for that I can’t say thank you enough. You’ve made me a better photographer, and you’ve helped ignite a fire of interest that I know will only keep growing. Excited to continue this fantastic journey! -Erin LaRue
I am actually feeling “blue” this morning and it is not because of white balance…I hate it that we are already in week 6. That means only 2 more weeks of lessons. I wish to say, Nick’s class has opened up a part of my brain that has been dormant. Thank you so much for your patience and SIMPLE explanations to so many former mysteries!!! -Gail Kreiser
I too, am going to miss this class very much! Thank you Nick for providing this kind of class. You are amazing! I so appreciate all of the lessons. So many things about taking photographs are much clearer to me now. A light has definitely come on! Thank you, thank you. -Gloria Campbell
Sometimes I have trouble going to sleep because I am so excited about what I have done & what is coming up next. Thank you, Nick! -Janice Phillips
Nick,I feel as if anything I can say is inadequate in a response of what you have given me these last 8 weeks but I couldn’t leave without saying something. All the above positive comments are an echo of what I feel as well….your teaching style, your humor, your feedback are exemplary. Then I realized what you have truely given me is a confidence in myself that has not been matched in an exceptionally long time. The blocks I had to learning something new (in any area of my life) are broken. -Julie Moris
I feel as if anything I can say is inadequate in a response of what you have given me these last 8 weeks but I couldn’t leave without saying something. All the above positive comments are an echo of what I feel as well….your teaching style, your humor, your feedback are exemplary. Then I realized what you have truely given me is a confidence in myself that has not been matched in an exceptionally long time. The blocks I had to learning something new (in any area of my life) are broken. -Julie Moris
A friend of mine thought the latest pictures of my kids that I posted on Facebook were taken by a paid professional. –Katherine Sreniawski
Nick, the video on how your brain works was one of the best teaching/learning tools I ever seen. My husband happened to be in the room while I was watching, and he stopped to take a look and said “this guy is a great teacher and he’s funny as well”. I agree with his quick analysis and opinion of your skill at teaching. – Kathy
Because of you, I now see the world through the eyes of a photographer! And I am so grateful for that! THANK YOU NICK KELSH! -Kathy Mason
Nick I have to say that I LOVE your class! I’m excited to see what’s in store for us every week! You have taught me a lot already and it’s only week 3. Thank you, you’re a great teacher!!! -Kellie Liewellyn
I’m so serious when I say – THANK YOU!!!! For your teaching style, for showing us your thought process, and for caring so much that each of us succeed. -Lori Bickford
Going Manual has changed my photographic life! Thank you! Thank you! You are a fabulous teacher and have been able to teach me what no person has ever been able to teach me! haha! This is true. I am so very grateful! -Meg Cheesman
I have so enjoyed taking this class–it’s been the highlight of my summer! -Nancy Neuman
Bless You, for being the TEACHER that I needed and need! (As a teacher myself, I appreciate and revel in the “art of teaching” and what it means to those who are desperately trying to LEARN) I now, own the “I THINK I CAN” little engine that could, mantra! I’m off, to get at my camera…. -Peg Cain
Your kind words are very calming and very reassuring that we are not going to flunk this class!!! LOL THANK YOU so much for taking the time for this entire group. You are the best! I feel like I could shout on top of the house!!! -Sandy Williams
My sister told friends at the wedding last week that I always took good pictures, but now I take great pictures. So thank you for great pictures with more to come. Thank you, Nick! -Sharon Ruder
I feel truly lucky that I had the opportunity and the means to take this course! Thank you, Nick, for what you do! -Susan Cunningham
Why learn GOING MANUAL with NIck Kelsh?
About Nick
Nick Kelsh is a renowned photographer—with nine published books and repeat appearances on OPRAH and THE TODAY SHOW—who has become a photo-guru and friend to many thousands of family memory keepers and photographers of all levels. Nick’s passion for teaching and helping others, knack for creatively delivering photography instruction in easily digestible bites, and inspiring, entertaining style make learning photography easy and fun on his How To Photograph Your Life website, blog and Facebook Page, and in his popular online courses, live workshops and speaking engagements.
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You can take unforgettable photos in manual mode. And I promise to help you do it.
If you have a camera that you only use on AUTO or semi-automatic modes, but you want to start taking the photos it—and YOU—are truly capable of, then now’s the time to take the Going Manual plunge. I’m here to help you make simple moments stunning by understanding light, and taming all of those dials and buttons at your fingertips.
Grab your camera and join me.
It’s time to Photograph Your Life… in manual mode!
Don't Be Shy
If we didn’t answer all of your questions, feel free to drop us a line anytime. And let us know if you’d like Nick to hop on the phone to help you decide if GOING MANUAL is right for you—he’ll be glad to!