Photography: Seeing Through the Lens

Course overview

This hands-on, interactive photography course is designed for beginners and those with some experience in photography who want to build confidence in using a digital camera.

We will learn how to use your camera equipment effectively, to compose compelling images, develop a personal visual style and shoot with purpose. Led by Paulina Czyz, we will be introduced to range of digital photography techniques and processes, combining technical skill building with historical and creative context.

In addition to camerawork, the course includes an introduction to using Adobe Photoshop as a photographer, where you will learn basic post production techniques – such as cropping, colour correction, adjusting brightness and enhancing contrast – to enhance and prepare your images for public presentation.

Throughout the course, your tutor will provide creative guidance, feedback and inspiration to support your progress so that by the end of the course you will have a stronger technical foundation and deeper appreciation of photography both as a technical craft and an expressive art form.

This course is open to everyone. No previous experience is required. It is ideal for beginners and the more experienced looking to improve their photography skills and creative confidence.

The course operates a maximum group size of 12 learners.

Reading material or special equipment needed (if any)

You will need to bring to class your own digital camera. This must be one with full user control over aperture (f-stop), shutter speed, and ISO such as the Nikon D3500 or Canon EOS 250D. Other cameras are also possible for use on the course - if in doubt please contact the tutor for guidance.

Term dates

•  Spring Term: week beginning 12 January 2026 until week ending 20 March 2026

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the content or teaching of - or the equipment needed for - this course, please contact the tutor, Paulina Czyz: creativepaulina@yahoo.co.uk

If you have any questions about enrolment please contact the Imperial after:hours Administrator, Christian Jacobi: c.jacobi@imperial.ac.uk

Class recordings

These classes are not recorded.

Imperial certificates

There are no examinations or assessments for this course. However, attendance can lead to the award of an Imperial attendance certificate (T&Cs apply).