Photography - Become a Better Photographer - Part II

Taught by Bernie Raffe AMPA on Udemy

  • Category: Photography
  • Level: Beginner
  • Rating: No reviews yet
  • Price: $109.99
  • Duration: 4 h 25 min (39 lectures)
  • Language: English

View the course on Udemy

About this course

A Udemy course by Bernie Raffe AMPA, a UK portrait photographer qualified to Associate level with the MPA and SWPP, that explains the features and settings of DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It is aimed at beginner and intermediate photographers, though advanced photographers may pick up lesser-known features. It is not suitable for compact or bridge cameras. The course has 11 sections and 39 lectures (4 hours 25 minutes), was last updated in April 2021 and is taught in English. The instructor notes that six lectures, mainly the basic settings, are repeated from Part I so the course stands on its own.

Basic settings cover the exposure triangle, apertures, shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation. Slightly more advanced lectures explain depth of field, aperture versus shutter priority, evaluative, spot and centre-weighted metering, and the difference between full Auto and P mode.

The advanced exposure section argues for Manual mode, introduces Manual mode with Auto ISO as a third exposure mode, and covers histograms, exposure bracketing and HDR. Focusing lectures give five tips for stationary subjects, continuous focusing for moving subjects and back-button focusing.

Real-world sections show creative shutter speeds (a cyclist, running water), camera and lens settings for portraits and exposure in church interiors. A landscape section covers settings, full and graduated neutral density filters, two live sessions in England and a three-part walkthrough with landscape photographer Colin Mill. The course ends with RAW versus JPG, white balance, basic flash settings, maximum sync speed and High Speed Sync, fill flash, a settings FAQ and the instructor's workflow.

Pricing: Paid Udemy course: list price US$109.99 at research time (Udemy discounts it often). Lifetime access and a certificate of completion are included.

Who this course is for

Beginner and intermediate DSLR or mirrorless users who want to leave Auto mode.

Photographers who know the basics but avoid advanced menus and features.

Advanced photographers curious about features such as Auto ISO in Manual or back-button focus.

Who it is not for

Owners of compact or bridge cameras (the course says so explicitly).

Anyone looking for editing or post-processing training.

What you will learn

  • Exposure triangle, metering modes and exposure compensation.
  • Manual mode, Auto ISO, histograms and bracketing.
  • Focusing for still and moving subjects, back-button focus.
  • Creative shutter speeds and landscape settings with ND filters.
  • RAW vs JPG and white balance.
  • Flash basics, sync speed, High Speed Sync and fill flash.

Strengths

  • Clear explanations with real-world photo comparisons.
  • Covers advanced settings many hobbyists ignore.
  • Landscape walkthroughs show the settings behind each image.
  • Works as a standalone course.

Limitations

  • Last updated in 2021.
  • Not for compact or bridge cameras.
  • Six lectures repeat Part I.

Comparison with other courses

Photography - Become a Better Photographer - Part I (Bernie Raffe AMPA, Udemy): the first course, broader tips on light, composition and posing for any camera.

Photography - The Ultimate Guide to Using Off-Camera Flash (Bernie Raffe AMPA, Udemy): the next step if you want to light portraits with small external flashes.

Course FAQ

Does it work with my compact camera?

No. It is written for DSLR and mirrorless cameras only.

How long is it?

4 h 25 min across 39 lectures in 11 sections.

Is it free?

No, it is a paid Udemy course (US$109.99 list price at research time).

Updated on October 29, 2026 by CoursesAdvisors Editorial Team - How we review courses

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