Photography Classes by 360ism

Stop Guessing With Your Camera.

The Beginner Photography Bootcamp is a structured 3-class program that takes you from auto mode to confident shooting — with clear instruction, hands-on practice, and a real path forward.

Beginner Friendly 3-Class Program Hands-On No Experience Required

You don’t need another random tutorial. You need a path.

After teaching photography classes for over a year, the same issue keeps showing up: a lot of people are not sure where they need to start.

It does not matter what camera brand you use or how long you have been taking pictures. Without the right foundation, photography can feel like guessing — and guessing slows your growth.

Stuck in auto mode
Confused by settings
Unsure how light works
No clear next step

The 3-Class Beginner Path

Each class builds on the one before it. You start by understanding your camera, then you take control in manual mode, then you learn how to use flash as your first serious lighting tool.

1
Class One

Intro to Photography

Learn the foundations of photography and finally understand what your camera is doing.

  • Camera basics
  • Exposure triangle
  • Focus and lens basics
  • Composition fundamentals
2
Class Two

Mastering Manual Mode

Stop relying on the camera to decide for you. Learn how to control exposure with confidence.

  • Aperture, shutter, and ISO control
  • White balance
  • Reading histograms
  • Real-time adjustments
3
Class Three

Mastering On-Camera Flash

Learn how to use flash without creating harsh, flat, “deer-in-the-headlights” photos.

  • TTL vs. manual flash
  • Bounce flash
  • Balancing flash with ambient light
  • Indoor and event lighting fixes

What You’ll Walk Away With

This bootcamp is designed to give you the foundation most photographers skip — the foundation that makes everything else easier.

By the end of the program, you should be able to:

  • Understand your camera instead of fighting with it.
  • Shoot in manual mode with more confidence.
  • Make better exposure decisions in real situations.
  • Use on-camera flash as a useful creative tool.
  • Know the next step toward studio lighting and portrait work.
From auto mode to manual control to lighting confidence — this is the foundation.

Next Bootcamp Schedule

Use this section for the next available bootcamp cycle. You can update these rows each month as new dates are added.

Class 1 TBA
Intro to Photography Camera foundations, exposure basics, focus, lenses, and composition.
Class 2 TBA
Mastering Manual Mode Manual exposure, white balance, histograms, and real-time camera control.
Class 3 TBA
Mastering On-Camera Flash Flash basics, bounce flash, ambient balance, and practical lighting fixes.

Learn from a working photographer inside a real creative environment.

Photography Classes by 360ism are taught by Daring Leaderman, founder of 360ism Studios. These classes are built from real-world photography, studio production, lighting, and creative direction experience — not theory alone.

The goal is simple: help students understand the camera, control their settings, and build the confidence to keep growing.

Hands-On Real practice during class.
Clear Plain-language instruction.
Practical Skills you can use immediately.

Bootcamp FAQ

Keep this section simple. Beginners need confidence before they register.

Do I need experience?

No. This bootcamp is designed for beginners, hobbyists, and people who want a clear foundation.

What camera do I need?

A DSLR or mirrorless camera is ideal. Bring your camera, lens, memory card, and charged battery.

Can I take one class instead of the full bootcamp?

Yes, but the full bootcamp is recommended because each class builds on the previous one.

Is this only for Richmond students?

The program is based through 360ism and may be offered in different locations as classes expand.

Will I learn studio lighting in this bootcamp?

This bootcamp prepares you for studio lighting. The next step after this program is Studio Light Mastery.

What happens after I finish?

You will be ready to move into lighting classes, studio portrait training, and more advanced 360ism workshops.

Start the Right Way.

There is a path from auto mode to confident shooting. This bootcamp is where that path begins.