A beginner-friendly guide for new and returning EPS members.

This page introduces the core ideas behind DSLR photography. It’s designed to help new members move beyond automatic settings and understand how their camera works. All external links are free, reliable, and where possible point to UK-based resources. EPS will build on this foundation with specific guidance on the workings of EPS – there is already guidance on competitions and our exhibitions.

The Exposure Triangle

Aperture, shutter speed and ISO work together to control exposure. Understanding how they interact gives you real creative control.

Recommended links:
Photography Life – https://photographylife.com/iso-shutter-speed-and-aperture-for-beginners
Canon UK – https://www.canon.co.uk/get-inspired/exposure-triangle-basics/
Cambridge in Colour – https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm

Camera Modes

Your mode dial affects how much control you keep. Aperture Priority (A/Av) and Shutter Priority (S/Tv) are ideal starting points before moving toward Manual mode.

Recommended link:
Nikon UK – https://www.nikon.co.uk/en_GB/learn-and-explore/magazine/tips-and-tricks/demystifying-the-dial-5-nikon-camera-modes-to-know

Aperture

Aperture affects brightness and depth of field. Wide apertures create background blur, while smaller apertures increase overall sharpness.

Recommended links:
Nikon UK – https://www.nikon.co.uk/en_GB/learn-and-explore/magazine/tips-and-tricks/what-is-aperture
Cambridge in Colour – https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-lenses.htm

Suggested activity:
Photograph the same subject at f/2.8, f/5.6 and f/11. Compare the background blur.

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed controls how motion is recorded. Fast shutter speeds freeze action. Slow shutter speeds introduce blur, which can be used creatively.

Recommended links:
Nikon UK – https://www.nikon.co.uk/en_GB/learn-and-explore/magazine/tips-and-tricks/what-is-shutter-speed
Cambridge in Colour – https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-shutter-speed.htm

Suggested activity:
Photograph a moving subject at 1/30 s, 1/125 s and 1/500 s and note the differences.

ISO

ISO controls the sensor’s sensitivity. Higher ISO helps in low light but increases noise. Lower ISO gives cleaner results.

Recommended link:
Nikon UK – https://www.nikon.co.uk/en_GB/learn-and-explore/magazine/tips-and-tricks/what-is-iso

Suggested activity:
Photograph the same indoor scene at ISO 100, 800 and 3200. Compare the noise levels.

Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio describes the shape of your image. DSLRs typically use 3:2, but other shapes like 4:3 or 16:9 influence composition and presentation.

Recommended link:
Photography Life – https://photographylife.com/aspect-ratio

Focusing and Sharpness

Accurate focus is essential for a good image. Learn how to choose focus modes, select focus points and avoid camera shake.

Recommended links:
Cambridge in Colour – https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-autofocus.htm
Cambridge in Colour – https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-shake.htm

White Balance

White Balance adjusts colour depending on lighting. Auto works well, but choosing a preset often produces more consistent results. Shooting RAW allows more flexibility.

Recommended link:
Cambridge in Colour – https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/white-balance.htm

Composition Essentials

Composition shapes how your image feels. Simple techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines and clean backgrounds create stronger images.

Recommended link:
Cambridge in Colour – https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/rule-of-thirds.htm

Free Learning Paths

Alan Ranger – Free 101 Foundation Course:
https://www.alanranger.com/free-online-photography-course

Cambridge in Colour – Complete tutorial collection:
https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm

Canon UK – Photography for beginners:
https://www.canon.co.uk/get-inspired/tips-and-techniques/photography-for-beginners/

Video resources:
Exposure triangle explained – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAt4315-uH4
DSLR basics overview – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBCVBcu3onU

How EPS Will Build on This

EPS will continue to expand this guide with:

• Example photos from members
• Recommended settings for common activities and studio use
• Local photography challenges
• Links to EPS workshops, talks and demonstrations