Photography: Seeing Through the Lens

Course overview

This hands-on, interactive course is designed for beginners (and those with some experience!) who want to build confidence in using a digital camera and take more purposeful, compelling photographs.

Led by Paulina Czyz, the course combines practical skill-building with creative exploration. You will learn how to use your camera more effectively, compose engaging images, and begin to develop a personal visual style. Alongside technical instruction, the course introduces key photographic techniques and processes, placing them within a broader artistic and historical context.

You will also be introduced to Adobe Photoshop from a photographer’s perspective, learning essential post-production skills such as cropping, colour correction, adjusting brightness, and enhancing contrast. These techniques will help you refine your images and prepare them for presentation.

Throughout the course, you will receive guidance, feedback, and encouragement from your tutor, supporting your progress at every stage. By the end, you will have a stronger technical foundation, greater creative confidence, and a deeper understanding of photography as both a craft and an expressive art form.

No prior experience is required, and the course is open to all. It is equally suitable for complete beginners and those looking to refine their existing skills.

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

•  Autumn Term: week beginning 12 October 2026 until week ending 11 December 2026

•  Spring Term: week beginning 4 January 2027 until week ending 19 March 2027

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

This course has no exams or assessments, so you can focus on enjoying your learning. Regular attendance may also lead to the award of an Imperial attendance certificate. (T&Cs apply).