Photography: Manual Mode & Composition 101 (Oct. 2026)
Learn to take control of your camera and develop your creative eye in this hands-on photography course.
We’ll begin with the fundamentals of manual camera settings, learning how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO work together to create a properly exposed photograph. You’ll also learn how each setting can be used creatively from freezing or emphasizing motion, to controlling depth of field and creating different looks in challenging lighting conditions.
After mastering the basics of manual mode, each following week will focus on a different composition technique. We’ll explore how to use elements such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, perspective, balance, negative space, and more to create stronger and more intentional photographs and how colour theory can be used to enhance your images.
This course is designed for folks who want to move beyond automatic settings, better understand their camera, and learn how to make creative decisions with their photography.
What we’ll cover:
Manual camera mode Shutter speed and creative motion Aperture and depth of field ISO and working with available light Understanding exposure Composition fundamentals Colour theory basics Practical exercises to apply what you learn
No previous photography experience is required. Dress for the weather as some photo walks will be outdoors.
Age group: 18+
Times: 6:00-8:00pm
Duration:
Dates:
Thursdays
Oct 29
Nov 5
Nov 12
Nov 19
Nov 26
December 3
Registration fee: $200
Supplies fee: Participants are asked to bring their own camera to use throughout the sessions.
Capacity: 10 students
Senior's discount: Seniors aged 65+ are eligible for a 20% discount on all adult workshops; enter coupon code SENIOR65 at checkout.
Online Registration
Instructors
Naomi Peters
Naomi Peters is a photographer, director of photography, director, and producer based in Saint John, New Brunswick. With over a decade of experience across Toronto and Atlantic Canada, she specializes in portraiture, commercial photography, and music video production.
Her work is known for its calm, collaborative energy and refined visual style, blending natural and studio light to create elevated, emotionally resonant imagery.
Naomi’s commercial clients include The Port of Saint John, DP World, J.D. Irving (JDI), Hemmings House, Cannabis NB, You X Ventures, Irving Nature Park, Social Workers NB, Cancer Screening NB, UNB, the GNB Official Languages Campaign, and South West NB County Tourism.
She was the stills photographer for the Crave feature film What We Dreamed Of Then and the Netflix television series Revival. She received Music NB’s Best Music Video of the Year award for producing Catherine Kennedy’s The Cloth You’re Made Of. She has directed, shot, and produced music videos for artists including Sunnyside Uppers, Doctor Mother Father, Owen Steel, Catherine Kennedy and Hilary Ladd.
Her work has been featured in The LA Times, The Maritime Edit, House & Home, and the Telegraph-Journal. Through Naomi Studio, she continues to produce compelling visual content across photography, film, and commercial media.