Description
Who This Is For — Nikon owners (DSLR or Z-series mirrorless, full-frame or crop) who feel frustrated or underuse their camera. Note that non-Nikon users can still benefit.
This private session is tailored to your camera, your questions, and your photography goals. This workshop is for all levels of photographers. If you don’t have a Nikon camera, I can help as well.
I created this workshop after seeing people in workshops and photo walks getting frustrated with their cameras and/or not realizing what their cameras could actually do.
The frustration isn’t limited to Nikon cameras, I see this across all the camera makes. As a long-time Nikon shooter, I can help with Nikon cameras as I’ve been holding a Nikon since 1989, starting with my N6006 film camera, which I still have today.
Learn the features of your new mirrorless camera, or learn what you have been missing from the DSLR camera you have used for years, and improve your experience with your camera. Your camera is a powerhouse, yet most photographers either don’t know what their camera can do or how to use the features they possess.
“I get better pictures from my phone”. This is the most common lament I hear from folks. Most likely, you have a setting not correctly set. Learn what the various menu options do and how they affect your images. The beauty of Nikon cameras is their menu system. Upgrading from an old DSLR to the latest mirrorless is not overwhelming if you are well-versed in your current camera’s menus. From model to model, they are consistent, though the features may greatly differ.
Come join me for 3 hours of features overview, best practices, and questions and answers. It doesn’t matter which Nikon camera you own, a DSLR or the newest Z mirrorless, full-frame, or crop sensor, you will learn about the wonderful gadget in your possession.
What You’ll Walk Away With — Specific outcomes (custom menu setup, choosing the right metering mode, firmware updates, better results in Aperture Priority / Manual, etc.).
Agenda
The Basics
- Nikon metering modes: Metering aka how the camera sees the light
- Matrix
- Center-weighted
- Spot
- Highlight-weighted
- Bracketing
- Focus Modes
- Camera Profiles
- White Balance
- RAW vs Jpeg
- In-Camera Edits
- The Modes, the Differences, and How to Pick One
- Shutter Priority
- Aperture Priority
- Manual Priority
- Program Mode
The Nikon Menu System
- Playback Menu
- Photo Shooting Menu
- Movie Shooting Menu
- Custom Settings Menu
- Setup Menu
- Retouch Menu
- My Menu
Fine Tuning It
- The beauty of breaking out of Auto mode.
- We will discuss why your images aren’t turning out as expected.
- The importance of keeping your firmware updated and the steps on how to do it.
- Why the factory settings aren’t what you want to use.
- Enable features that will enhance your photography.
Class size: Maximum 1 participant for a private session.
Please use a computer (not a mobile device) when booking. The form works more smoothly on a larger screen and helps avoid any display issues.
Date(s): Availability or to Book
Options:
- One 3-hour session
- Two 90-minute sessions
- Three 60-minute sessions
I also offer other packages as follows:
(1) 3-hour session $175.00 (add 1 to cart)
(2) 3-hour sessions $325.00 (6 hours total – add 2 to cart, use code HRSDSC25 at checkout)
(3) 3-hour sessions $500.00 (9 hours total – add 3 to cart, use code HRSDSC25 at checkout)
I also accept Zelle, checks, Venmo, PayPal, and CashApp. Use this form to register if you wish to use any of these.
As I am no longer able to absorb their ever-increasing fees, I sadly have to pass their fees on to you. A 4% convenience fee has been added to the workshop tuition for credit card payments.
A confirmation email will be sent to you once payment is received. Please contact me with any questions. Thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this private session for?
This session is for Nikon owners (DSLR or mirrorless, full-frame or crop sensor) who feel like they’re not getting the most out of their camera. It’s ideal if you’re frustrated with your results, mostly stay in Auto mode, or want to understand the menus and features you already own. All skill levels are welcome. Non-Nikon users can also benefit if they want general camera coaching.
What Nikon cameras does this cover?
Any Nikon camera — older DSLRs (such as the D7000, D750, D850 series) as well as the current Z-series mirrorless cameras. The session is tailored to your specific model, so you’ll learn the features and menu layout that apply to the camera you actually use.
Is this an in-person or online session?
Private sessions can be held in person within 60 miles of Boston, MA, or online via Zoom. Let me know your preference when you book and we’ll arrange the format that works best for you.
Do I need to bring my own camera?
Yes. Please bring the Nikon camera (and lenses) you want to learn. The session is customized around your gear, your questions, and your photography goals.
What will we cover in the 3-hour session?
We focus on practical topics that improve your results right away, including:
- Metering modes (Matrix, Center-weighted, Spot, Highlight-weighted)
- Focus modes and how to choose them
- Shooting modes (Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, Program)
- White balance, RAW vs JPEG, and camera profiles
- Navigating the Playback, Photo Shooting, Custom Settings, and Setup menus
- Breaking out of Auto mode and setting up your camera the way you actually shoot
- Firmware updates and enabling helpful features that are often turned off by default
How is a private session different from a group workshop?
In a private session you get undivided attention. We work with your camera, your questions, and your goals instead of covering a fixed curriculum for a group. You can spend more time on the topics that matter most to you.
What should I expect to walk away with?
You’ll leave knowing how to set up your camera more effectively, which settings actually make a difference, and how to solve the common frustrations that keep people stuck in Auto mode. Many participants feel noticeably more confident with their camera after a single session.
Can I book multiple sessions?
Yes. Package pricing is available if you’d like additional time (for example, two or three 3-hour sessions). This is useful if you want to go deeper on specific topics or cover both stills and video menus.
How do I book and pay?
You can add the session to your cart and pay by credit card (a small convenience fee applies). You can also pay by Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, or check — just use the alternative payment form on the page. A confirmation email will be sent once your booking is complete.
Is there a refund policy?
Please review the refund and cancellation terms listed on the site before booking. Most private sessions require full payment to reserve your time.
Silvana Della Camera
Louis A. –
This workshop was a game changer for me. I bought my camera from a local camera store, and they set it up for me. I never got the images I expected from my expensive camera. I was close to dumping the camera and the lenses and switching to another brand. That’s how bad it was. Then I saw this workshop and decided to give it a try before I went down a very expensive road with no guarantee the outcome would improve. I quickly discovered that the camera was improperly set up by the camera store. That was a shocker to me. Silvana went through every menu option and explained their function and also explained why the setting was wrong. Once the camera was set up correctly, I learned how to properly use it too. This was on a Nikon Z6. I have since added another Nikon body (a Nikon Z8) to my bag, and the lessons I learned from this workshop gave me the confidence to set up my Z8 correctly by myself.
If you have a camera and are struggling, do yourself a favor and take this workshop. It has improved my photography and gave me an deep understanding and subsequent appreciation for my camera.
Silvana Della Camera –
Hey Louis! Thanks so much for coming back and writing a review for the workshop! It’s wonderful to hear you gained so much from the class and now you are rocking a Z8! Congratulations! -Silvana