Hey fellow shutterbugs! I recently wrapped up the “Beginner Nikon Digital SLR (DSLR) Photography” course on Udemy, and let me tell you, it was quite the journey. Here’s my take on it, served up with no fluff, just the real scoop.

Right off the bat, this course promises to turn the daunting task of understanding a Nikon DSLR into a walk in the park. The idea is simple: Learn to use your camera intuitively without getting bogged down by technical jargon and memorization. Sounds good, right?

Instructor Reputation

When diving into the world of photography, especially through online courses, the instructor’s reputation can make or break your learning experience. This is where “Beginner Nikon Digital SLR (DSLR) Photography” truly shines, thanks to the powerhouse team behind JP Teaches Photo. JP Pullos, alongside Lydia Billings and their ensemble of experienced educators, brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and passion to the table, setting the stage for an enriching educational journey.

JP Pullos, the lead instructor, is not just another name in the vast sea of photographers. With a six-year professional photography career that boasts publications in prestigious outlets like The New York Times, GQ, New York Magazine, and more, JP’s work speaks volumes of his skill and vision. His approach to teaching is deeply rooted in his real-world experiences, translating complex photographic concepts into digestible, actionable lessons. This hands-on, relatable teaching method has not only earned him a spot in the hearts of over 73,500 students but has also garnered him a substantial 4.5 instructor rating based on 11,411 reviews.

Lydia Billings, the company’s lead teacher, adds another layer of expertise and passion to the team. Having been a photographer since the tender age of ten and armed with a BFA in Fine Art Photography, Lydia’s background combines the technical mastery of photography with its artistic expression. Her professional work as a wedding, portrait, and lifestyle photographer enriches the course content, providing students with insights into the versatility and depth photography offers.

Together, JP, Lydia, and their team have crafted a learning experience that’s not just about passing on knowledge but about igniting a spark of creativity, self-expression, and joy in photography. Their commitment to teaching has not gone unnoticed, with their courses, particularly the “How Do I Use My Camera?” class, being recognized by NY Magazine as one of the top ten things to do over a Memorial Day weekend. This accolade, along with their courses being highlighted as some of the best in NYC overall, underscores the high regard in which their teaching methodology and content quality are held, both by the photography community and the broader public.

Course Structure

The “Beginner Nikon Digital SLR (DSLR) Photography” course is meticulously structured to cater to the needs of absolute beginners and those with a preliminary understanding of their Nikon DSLR cameras. The course layout is designed to maximize learning through a blend of video lectures, hands-on exercises, and real-world examples, ensuring students not only grasp theoretical concepts but also apply them practically.

Spanning approximately 2.5 hours, the course content is segmented into easily digestible modules, each focusing on a critical aspect of DSLR photography. The journey begins with an overview of the camera itself, acquainting students with the myriad buttons and dials that often intimidate new photographers. This foundation paves the way for a deeper dive into the principles of exposure, aperture, and shutter speed, illuminated through engaging video lectures.

What sets this course apart is its emphasis on experiential learning. JP and Lydia understand that true comprehension comes from doing, not just listening or watching. To this end, each technical concept introduced is accompanied by a practical exercise designed to reinforce the lesson. These exercises are not mere afterthoughts; they are fully explained and integral to the learning process, encouraging students to experiment with their cameras in real-time.

The course also demystifies the various shooting modes available on Nikon DSLRs—Auto, P, S, A, and M—explaining their functions, when to use them, and how they can affect the outcome of your photos. This comprehensive approach ensures that students not only learn what these modes do but also gain the confidence to select the right mode for any given situation.

In addition to the core content, the course offers insights into recognizing and achieving different visual effects, such as depth-of-field blur and motion blur. These lessons are augmented with visual examples, allowing students to see the concepts in action and understand the artistic choices behind them.

Overall, the course’s structure is thoughtfully crafted to build knowledge progressively, turning novices into competent photographers who can navigate their Nikon DSLRs with confidence. The blend of theory, practical exercises, and real-world application makes for a robust learning experience that is both informative and empowering.

Content Quality

The quality of content in the “Beginner Nikon Digital SLR (DSLR) Photography” course is nothing short of exceptional. It’s clear from the get-go that JP Pullos and Lydia Billings, along with their team, have poured their heart and expertise into creating a curriculum that’s both comprehensive and approachable. What stands out is the balance between technical detail and practical application, ensuring that learners not only understand the concepts but can also put them into practice with confidence.

One of the course’s strengths lies in its ability to simplify complex photography concepts into understandable chunks. For instance, the explanation of exposure, aperture, and shutter speed is done in a way that demystifies these fundamental aspects of photography, making them accessible to beginners. The use of visual aids and real-world examples helps to cement understanding, allowing students to visualize how these settings impact the final image.

Moreover, the course excels in teaching students how to see like a photographer. Beyond the technicalities of camera operation, learners are encouraged to develop an eye for composition, lighting, and moments. This holistic approach to photography education is what elevates the content quality, bridging the gap between theory and the artistry of photography.

The exercises embedded within the course deserve special mention. Designed to be both informative and engaging, these practical assignments challenge students to apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios. Whether it’s experimenting with different apertures to understand depth of field or playing with shutter speeds to capture motion, the exercises encourage active learning and experimentation. This hands-on approach not only reinforces the theoretical knowledge imparted but also instills a sense of confidence and creativity in the learners.

Overall Course Rating – 9/10

After thoroughly going through the course material, engaging with the exercises, and reflecting on the learning journey, I am inclined to give the “Beginner Nikon Digital SLR (DSLR) Photography” course an impressive rating of 9 out of 10.

The course excels in many areas, particularly in how it presents complex photography concepts in an easily digestible manner. The instructors’ expertise and passion for photography shine through, making the learning experience not just educational but genuinely inspiring. The content’s quality is top-tier, with clear, concise explanations, practical exercises, and ample visual examples to guide learners through the nuances of DSLR photography.

However, no course is without room for improvement. The reason for not granting a perfect score lies in the desire for even more content. While the course does an excellent job covering the basics and ensuring students are well-equipped to use their Nikon DSLRs, an expansion on certain topics or the inclusion of more advanced techniques could provide additional value. This is less a critique and more an acknowledgment of the solid foundation the course builds, leaving learners eager for more knowledge and skill development.

In conclusion, this course stands out as a remarkable resource for anyone looking to master their Nikon DSLR. Its strengths in content quality, instructional expertise, and practical application make it a must-take course for beginners and intermediate photographers alike. Whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or looking to solidify your understanding of photography fundamentals, this course offers valuable insights, techniques, and inspiration to help you grow as a photographer. With a rating of 9 out of 10, it’s a strong recommendation for anyone passionate about capturing the beauty of the world through the lens of a Nikon DSLR.