Before I took Photography 1, I would only take pictures in automatic and half the time, even in automatic, I wasn't getting the right lighting, or something was wrong, and I could never figure out what to do about it. Now to be able to use manual, I think, opens up a lot more options. I know how to manipulate the different settings to get the light I want and that kind of thing. I'm a much more confident photographer now.

Sogole, Bedford, NH

In Photography 1, I learned more about my camera and about being in control of the pictures, rather than letting the camera have control.Now I understand the settings to use and the pieces that have to be moved to take a better photo than I could have six weeks ago.

Maureen, Bedford, NH

When I got my camera, I didn't know what aperture, ISO or shutter speed were. I learned all that in Photography 1, and now I feel like I take a way better picture. I'm really aware of the lighting and how to use my camera. Before I don't think I would have been able to do that. I'm excited to use my camera now.

Michelle, Pepperell, MA

After Photography 1, I finally know how to adjust my camera on manual, and I really enjoy that part of it and not being on "stupid" mode all the time. It's great to be able set the lighting and mess around with the aperture and figure out where I'm at. I'm walking away really happy with having learned the particulars of the camera and being able to set them on my own.

Sandy, Bow, NH

I'm a lot more confident shooting in manual mode after the Basics course. Before, I could sort of make it work just by playing with the numbers, but now I know what the numbers mean and how they all work together, so I'm quicker in manual and get much more consistent results.

Katie, Pittsfield, NH

My biggest problem as a photographer is that when I get frustrated with my results, it's really easy to put the camera into auto mode to take the shot I want. Photography 1 has taught me to be more mindful and to not panic. It's ok to take a breath and check all the settings and try again. This course gave me the confidence to just leave my camera in manual mode and figure it out.

Dana, Dover, NH

For me, Photography 1 reaffirmed everything I already knew about photography from a film background and helped me to tie that knowledge together with digital photography. For example, I'd never changed the ISO, because I was used to shooting with film. It was a major revelation to me that rather than struggling with shutter speed and with aperture, I could adjust the ISO to balance my light meter and still get the shot I'd envisioned. I also really enjoyed the homework assignments. Working on those at home helped me remember and really master what we talked about in class.

Linda, Lowell, MA

The biggest thing I learned from Photography 1 was how to have a handle on my camera. Before, I was always shooting in automatic, so I was relying on the camera to give me the image that I wanted. At the same time, if I didn't think the lighting looked good enough, I wouldn't even take the picture. I'd just use the iPhone. Now I know how to get the picture I want by changing the camera settings. It's a lot easier to get the image I see with my eye onto the camera now.

Doug, Mason, NH

I have been trying to get into photography and learn more about it since high school, but trying to teach myself just frustrated me, so I'd stopped trying. When I was first thinking about coming to C1M, I was debating if it was worth spending the money. I was afraid I'd end up feeling frustrated again, but I don't. I feel like I learned a lot in Photography 1 and understood everything Walter taught us.

Kayla, Portsmouth, NH

I got so much out of Photography 1. I started the course with a camera that I've had for a little over 8 years. I made a really expensive investment, but never really taught myself how to use it. Now I think I have a better understanding of what I'm doing and what steps to take, and I'm excited to learn more!

Tarryn, Amherst, NH

I think I definitely got a lot out of this course. I started out knowing that my camera had a lot of settings and options, but not really knowing what any of them did. Before the course was even over, I was able to take decent pictures at a marathon without them being all distorted, and I could adjust for different lighting situations. The course has been really beneficial to me, and I look forward to continuing to learn.

Katie, Litchfield, NH

I've always wanted to learn photography, but I never had the time or the money when my kids were younger. Now I have time and money, but to get out there and learn something new when you're older is intimidating. I remember coming to Walter at the start of Photography 1 and saying, "Can anybody learn this, or are there some people who just never get it?" I felt like I was going to be that person who was just never going to get it - that all these numbers were never going to make sense to me - but they do. Walter taught in a way that made it easy for me to learn.

Gloria, Hampstead, NH

After taking Photography 1, I find that I'm enjoying my camera a lot more. Now I'm interested in going beyond just taking snapshots. I think about composition, and I'm able to do things with my camera that I wasn't able to do before.

Jim, Pepperell, MA

When I switched from taking pictures with a phone, which was really easy, to using a DSLR, I had a lot to learn. Before I took Photography 1, I was just sort of pushing buttons and hoping I'd figure it out. Now, I actually know where I'm going. I can look at a photo and know how I need to adjust the ISO or the aperture to make it come out the way I want it to, and that's huge.

Rob, Litchfield, NH

I enrolled in Photography 1 hoping to learn the more technical end of how to operate my camera. Walter said right at the beginning that after the course, we would never go back into auto mode, and it's true. I have not. I try to challenge myself, even if I get to confused, to just slow down and work with the settings until I can get the photo I want. I've learned a lot in 6 short weeks, and I look forward to moving on to the next course.

Sheree,  Brookline, NH

I feel like I learned a lot in the basics course. I came into it wanting to learn more about the camera itself, because it's a lot more complex than any camera I've had before. Adjusting all the settings in manual mode was completely foreign to me. By taking the course, I've learned all about that and I'm feeling very confident now taking pictures.

Lindsey, Dracut, MA

In the basics course, I learned a lot about how the three main systems of my camera all fit together and how to use it manually, instead of just point and shoot - which I thought I was doing a really good job of. Come to find out, my pictures could be a lot better, and now I know what I can do to improve them.

Dave, Surry, NH

As of the fifth week of Photography 1, I was able to set my camera completely on manual, and when I was having problems with color and brightness, I was able to actually figure it out for myself. That's huge. I learned to control my camera in order to get the photo I wanted.

Terri, Londonderry, NH

I learned a lot in Photography 1. What made it work well for me was how hands-on it was. When I do things myself, I learn more, and now I know what all the buttons are on my camera and how to put everything together. I'll be going on to the intermediate course.

Sue, Nashua, NH

When I started Photography 1, I had a goal to really learn about my camera so I could use it out of auto mode. During the classes, I learned that and more, which I'm really glad about. I've always loved photography, and being in this class with all these nice people and Walter always kept me feeling positive. It really drove me to do well on the homework assignments.

Kameron, Goffstown, NH

I enjoyed Photography 1 very much. I liked Walter's teaching style. He teaches at just the right pace and throws some humor in there. I never lost focus, which is easy to do for me. I thought it was really good.

Leanne, Westford, MA

I've always enjoyed taking pictures, but I needed a push into the digital age. I used to take pictures with a 35mm camera, and then when digitals came out I just had no clue. I'm not computer literate, I'm not good with gadgets, and so my kids basically got me Photography 1 because they knew I needed to be pushed into it. I learned a lot. I know how to go about using my camera now, so I've got a good starting place and I do plan to take more courses at C1M.

Cindy,  Manchester, NH

Before Photography 1, I didn't know much about photography. I had a good camera, and it was always on auto. I'm happy to know there's so much more opportunity for creativity within photography. I feel like there are ways to be abstract with the camera that I just never really thought about, so I'm excited to explore that.

Carol,  Temple, NH

I've taken photography courses before, but with film cameras, so the Basics helped me translate what I knew from that to digital. There was one class that made me feel like the lightbulb came on and I really "got" it. I went to a performance at my kids' school recently, and I took pictures in manual mode with my actual camera, not my cellphone, and they actually came out pretty good!

Becky, Milford, NH

In Photography 1, I learned what all those little numbers on my camera mean and how to shoot in manual. I've never used manual. Plus, from the first class on, I learned how to use some of the settings on my camera that I didn't even know were there - like ISO, whitebalance, and focus control.

Patty, Pepperell, MA

I feel like the course taught me how much I didn't know about photography and especially about the workings of the camera. I still have a little way to go before it's really second nature, but I'm definitely leaps and bounds past where I was in understanding how to use the settings to get good photos.

Dan, Peterborough, NH

Taking Photography 1 gave me a better understanding of what everything on my camera does. I came into the course with no knowledge at all because I've always just used a point-and-shoot camera. Now that I understand what aperture, ISO, and so forth, do and why, I can play with the settings and become a better photographer.

Terri,  Londonderry, NH

I’ve had my camera for so long, but I would always end up reverting back to auto because I would get frustrated trying to look at the manuals to figure out what was going on. There was just so much information that it was just overwhelming for me even just looking at the camera. After taking Photography 1, I don’t feel afraid of my camera anymore, and I’m looking forward to practicing with it.

Susan, Hollis, NH

I think I started Photography 1 with probably the least experience of anybody in the class. I literally did not know how to turn my camera on. Now I have a basic understanding of some of the terminology like ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and I'm thankful for that. I can maneuver through my camera’s settings. More that that, though, I think just hearing from everybody in the class about the things that intimidated or frustrated them was very encouraging to me as a beginner photographer. It helped me to understand that I shouldn't just get frustrated and turn away - that others who have a lot more experience and a lot more exposure to photography are still learning as well.

Betsy, Contoocook, NH

I got exactly what I hoped for out of Photography 1. Now I know so much more about the camera, where to find things, how to set them, and I'm more confident that I will get a good picture when I'm shooting stuff instead of just hoping and praying I'm getting something usable.

Marc, Londonderry, NH

I was a little intimidated by all these buttons and widgets on my camera, and now I feel very comfortable taking it out and trying it. I think I'm getting much better pictures. Taking the Basics definitely reinvigorated my passion for picking up the camera.

Craig, Pepperell, MA

For me, what I most hoped to get out of the course was to be able to figure out what to do when a picture isn’t turning out the way I want it to. It was a struggle because I didn't know where to go when things went wrong, and I spent an enormous amount of time trying to capture a particular photo and often ended up not being able to capture it. Photography 1 helped me put things together in my mind so it shortened the time it takes me to figure out what settings to change and why.

Frank, Nashua, NH

I've had my camera for probably 7 or 8 years now. I've taken some good photos, but if, for example, I go on vacation, I take a thousand photos and maybe only 10 are really good, because I’m always in auto mode. Now that Photography 1 got me out of auto mode, I’m comfortable playing with all the settings in manual, and I'm hoping to get better photos this summer.

Elizabeth, Nashua, NH

When I began Photography 1, I had just gotten my camera. I hadn't even taken 10 pictures with it by the time I started class. I just found it online and thought, "I need to take a class!" I'm just amazed that in just 6 weeks, I can look at a photo and know about the shutter speed and aperture it was taken with. I didn't even really know what those were before I took the class, so I feel like I've made a lot of progress.

Karen, Nashua, NH

I wanted to buy a new camera, and I searched for a few months before I realized I really didn’t understand what I was looking at. That’s when I decided to enroll in Photography 1. Now I understand the basic functions of a DSLR camera and know what I want in a new camera. I think one of the best things about the course for me is that Walter gave us the individual attention. He took the time to spend with each one of us to show us how our own cameras work.

Shawn, Nashua, NH

Getting my camera off of auto mode has always been my goal, so I'm pretty excited about that. The pace of the course was really good for me, and I think the homework really helped me understand my camera.

Shelley, Manchester, NH

I got more than what I expected from Photography 1. I've been taking pictures for a long time, but never really understood what I was doing. I just got lucky on a lot of them and now, putting everything together just makes it much easier. I’m able to take better quality pictures.

KD, Brookline, NH

My goal in taking Photography 1 was to unhook from my iPhone and stop being intimidated by my DSLR camera. Now when I want to take a photo, I reach for my camera instead of my iPhone, and I actually get quality photos. If I have an idea for a picture I want to take, I know what to do so that it comes out the way I imagine it.

Kate, Pepperell, MA

I started a photography business based on my landscape photography, and I wanted to expand into portrait photography, but I lacked confidence in my ability to do that well. With a landscape, you can take a million photos and it’s not going anywhere, but if it’s a portrait session and you don’t get any pictures you’re happy with, that’s awful. Photography 1 has been great for me. Now I have my bearings, and I feel really confident about saying yes to portrait work and engagement and wedding photos. I don’t feel the sense of dread I used to about getting something wrong.

Ally, Milford, NH

Before I took Photography 1, I had no idea what the features on my camera were for. I didn’t know you could adjust different settings to get the picture you want. I didn’t know what a shutter speed was, or an ISO setting. I learned all of that and more, and I feel a lot more comfortable taking pictures now.

Sabrina, Amherst, NH

I definitely got more out of Photography 1 than I expected. Learning the functions of my camera and how to put everything together means I’m able to put my iPhone aside, even when my kids are running around, and take pictures of them that then can hang on my wall.

Susie, Mason, NH

I haven't even used film cameras for a long time, and then going to digital cameras was just a whole new form of schooling. I got a lot out of Photography 1, and now I feel like I'm very select when I go out and take pictures. I don't just go out and start randomly shooting things. I try to think about things, and I’m getting much better photos as a result.

Mike, Hudson, NH

Most of my photography before this course has been lucky shots, I guess. I do a lot of backpacking, I do a lot of climbing. Before, I might have sat for an hour and a half in -30 degree windchill playing with my camera, trying to get a shot. (And having to worry about a battery change due to my camera freezing up in the meantime.) Now I know I'm going to be able to set my camera up beforehand, know what I'm doing, get there, and get my shot in 5 minutes.

Paul, Merrimack, NH

I had a lot of fun in Photography 1. I got out of the course exactly what I wanted to get out of the course. I knew what f-stops were and I knew what shutter speeds were, but to be able to use them together to actually make a picture come together was really cool. Walter has a terrific sense of humor, and he has a great way of explaining things.

Kristen, Alstead, NH

I got everything I wanted to out of Photography 1 and more. I've had my camera forever, and I wish I'd had this course when I first got the camera. It would have saved me a lot of frustration. Everything from the camera manual that I couldn't understand was taught in this course in a very comprehensive manner. The best part was the assignments - getting to go home and put everything I'd learned to work was fun.

Heather, Brookline, NH

I really enjoyed Photography 1. When I bought the camera, I bought the book for dummies to go with it, and I couldn't get anything out of that book at all. I need a visual type of learning, and that's what Walter gives. He's a really good teacher.

Tamara, Manchester, NH

After Photography 1, I'm definitely more comfortable with my camera settings than I was. I think I read the mini manual that came with my camera 40 times and just couldn't retain it, but now I feel like I can do this and I'm excited to get out there and practice. I feel like I have such a grip on it now.

Lisa, Londonderry, NH

I'd only had point and shoot cameras, so before I started Photography 1 I could barely even turn on my camera. I was a little bit afraid because I was such a novice with using a digital camera, but Walter does a great job of explaining things and using different methods to get his point across. I learned a great deal and had a lot of fun.

Judy, Litchfield, NH

Amazing must-take class for those stuck in auto-mode!  Walter helps demystify the digital camera with easy to follow reading materials, hands-on in-class examples, and homework assignments.  I now have the confidence to stop shooting in dummy-mode.  THANK YOU!

Michelle, Brookline, NH

I am so glad I took this class, it was an awesome experience!I took a year of photography school way back in the days of film, and I truly believe I learned more in this 6 week course then I did that whole year! I can now shoot confidently in manual mode. Walter’s ability to explain things in a way that's easily understood, using real examples and situations, and, of course, his great sense of humor, is the difference between us learning the material versus memorizing it.

Kerri, Merrimack, NH

My goal for taking this class was to successfully be able to take my camera off auto setting and to use the camera to its full potential.  I am pleased to say that after 5 weeks, I am taking pictures on the manual setting and have been very pleased with the photos I have taken.  The class is fun, light-hearted and a tremendous learning experience.  I would highly recommend this course to anyone who has any interest in photography.

Kristy, Brookline, NH

Thank you for the wonderful class! It was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to get away from "auto mode" and move towards using the functions of my camera; your class offered all that and more! The class is very helpful and you have a wonderful way of teaching!

Belinda, Hudson, NH

In 2 nights of the Photography 1 course, I learned more than at an 8 weeks course at a photography school in Boston. Plus, parking at C1M is way easier.

Renee, Pepperell, MA

I really enjoyed taking this course. I went from only being able to use my Digital SLR in program mode, to now being able to operate it fully in manual mode as I learned what each feature of my camera was capable of doing. In six short weeks, I've learned how to creatively use my camera settings, along with basic photography techniques like composition and lighting, to make my pictures come alive! I started out wanting to learn a few things and ended up learning so much more! The class setting was very comfortable and you were a great teacher who was always willing to answer any questions. I enjoyed your sense of humor and all the tips and tricks that you taught us. I'm really excited to learn more and expand my creativity and can't wait to take the intermediate class! Thanks again!

Karen, Milford, NH

I have truly enjoyed every minute of both courses and gained so much knowledge and experience. And I have you to thank for this. Your teaching style and personality are fantastic and you make the student feel comfortable at every point. I have always felt comfortable to ask anything, never feeling that you would be bothered by a question or think it's stupid. Even at the close of the intermediate course, you have me still wanting for more knowledge.

Anthony, Derry, NH

I have a new camera with many features and functions. The photography class showed me what all the camera functions can do for me, and how to use them effectively. I have gained a fundamental knowledge about photography that will allow me  to capture what I need and to be a better photographer. The workshop was informative as well as fun. I especially liked the hands-on experience of taking pictures with the information we just learned... I would recommend this workshop to anyone looking for a better understanding of their camera, as well as the basics of photography!

Missy, Concord, NH

I wanted to learn more about how to use my camera and your photography class helped me understand features and functions that were a mystery before. We ventured into camera settings that I did not know were there before. I have gained the confidence to change settings and experiment without fear. This workshop was exactly what I was looking for in a very hospitable setting and at a great price.

Kristina, Nashua, NH

When point and click just wasn't doing it for me anymore I invested in a digital SLR...it did not take long for me to realize I was using only a fraction of its potential. Then I found C1M. Walter has opened doors I did not know existed with my SLR. I am enrolled in my 3rd course with him and learn something new each class. Walter's teaching style is perfect for those of us who may be intimidated and need time to experiment and ask questions until we get it! Thanks for being such a wonderful photography professor!

Lisa, Nashua, NH

I just finished the beginner's course. I have to say that Walter took the mystery out of everything from f-stops to depth-of-field. I am now shooting all of my photos fully manual and in RAW mode. If you don't know what that means but want to, sign up. It will be worth your time.

Bob, Greenfield, NH

After receiving a new SLR camera, I realized that I needed to learn how to use it! I registered for the Basics Course and got more than just the basics. I learned all about the camera and more. I especially loved the creative piece to the course and the weekly homework assignments really reinforced the class work. It was fun looking at everyone else's work too. Walter's teaching style is very relaxed and his sense of humor a delight. It was something I looked forward to every week. I will definitely be registering for the Intermediate class!

Kelly, Windham, NH

I signed up for Photography 1 because I wanted to be able to use more features of my camera instead of the automatic mode. This course is perfect for people who are just starting and trying to figure out how to use their camera, and it's super laid-back. It's a lot more fun to take pictures now, because I can actually do what I want with my camera instead of getting frustrated!

Avery, Brookline, NH

I've been doing photography for many, many years, and I'd photographed weddings and portraits in the past.  I haven't for a few years, and I wanted to get back into it. I decided to take the basic course, and I'm very happy that I did. I learned a few new things.  I was reminded of some things that I've forgotten over the years, and it just reignited my desire to go take great photographs again. The course is very casual and comfortable, but the assignments were challenging enough to make me think and to really apply what I'd learned in each class. It's well worth the time and effort and I actually plan to take the intermediate course in the very near future.

Steve, Manchester, NH

I took Photography 1 just to learn more about digital photography.  I shot with a Hasselblad for the last 20 years.  I've been shooting with a digital camera for the last 4 years now, but it's still kind of new to me even though I've shot a lot.  I wanted to start fresh and learn as much about digital photography as I can. My ultimate goal is to be able to do museum-quality photography. The course was very creative, and there was some good humor built into it, too.

Vincent, Amherst, NH

Photography 1 is a great fundamentals course. I highly recommend this course if you bought a digital camera and are still a bit confused about all those settings and numbers. Thanks Walter and we'll see you in the next class!

Dennis, Manchester, NH

When I first started Photography 1,  I never thought I'd be able to use the camera in manual mode within four weeks. Trust me - you will be surprised. I honestly can't believe the amount I was able to learn in such a short time! Walter is an awesome teacher. I can't recommend C1M enough and I'm looking forward to Photo Elite and the intermediate course in April.

Brandon, Nashua, NH

Never have I taken a course that I have enjoyed more. Walter is a true Master of photography and took the mystery out of taking pictures I am proud of.

Kelli, Northwood, NH

I just finished Walter's basic photography course. The setting is great and very laid back. I learned a great deal and cannot wait to start his intermediate class. Walter has a very nice teaching style and a lot of good humor to go with it!

Cresca, Hancock, NH

I completed Photography 1 and enjoyed it so much I just started Photography 2. I used to use "auto" mode all the time, but after the Basic Class I only shoot in "manual" mode. This has opened a whole new world and I now feel like I am getting my money's worth from my digital SLR. I read books on photography, but they never conveyed the information I needed to get out of "auto" mode and use "Manual" mode.

This course  is a great investment for anyone who wants to take better photographs but is trapped in "Auto" mode.

Glenn, Milford, NH

The digital age threw me off after years of shooting film. Thanks to Walter's easy going ways, great sense of humor and willingness to share his talents, I am thrilled to be back behind the viewfinder and in charge of my camera once again.

June, Hollis, NH

I have learned more in 4 weeks than I thought possible. I understand my camera so much more! Walter is an amazing instructor.

Kelly, Milford, NH

Just finished Photography 1 and I would highly recommend taking this class if you want to learn how to use your camera. Walter is an awesome teacher and really takes the time to answer any questions that the students ask. I am looking forward to taking other classes that will improve my skills and creativity.

Leslie, Nashua, NH

C1M Photo Academy is the place to go if you want to learn the techniques of taking better photographs and Walter is the teacher who shares his knowledge and makes it fun at the same time. I'm so glad I've attended his classes. The understanding of my camera makes the world of difference in the photos I take. The [Facebook] group and the photo challenge he started, helps you continue to be creative with what you've learned and be part of a community that learns together, even when the classes are done. Thanks Walter!

Libby, Nashua, NH

I am so thankful to Walter for teaching Photography 1 and for his availability. His knowledge and teaching style is just what I needed to put everything together. I've taken other photography classes and did not learn as much or understand as much as I have after taking his Basics course. I am looking forward to taking the Intermediate Course and to continued improvement of my skills. Thank you Walter for your encouragement and skill.

Lynne, Manchester, NH

For anyone looking to get out of automatic and into manual mode, Walter's classes are fantastic! His technical knowledge combined with his sense of humor make for an enjoyable class experience.

Mary Joy, Hudson, NH

Great class. Walter's teaching style is exactly what I need to learn and to stay focused. He is always happy to answer any questions we may have and I have already noticed big changes in my pictures. I'm excited each week to go to class and see what else I can learn.

Melissa, Milford, NH

I enjoyed the class and look forward to the intermediate class.  I have learned to live in manual mode and feel comfortable there now.   I was very impressed with your magical cart of tricks for teaching the more complicated areas of photography.   The ISO demonstration was brilliant.

George, Brookline, NH

Photography can seem complicated. You need to understand how your camera works, what the numbers on the lens mean, what is the difference between aperture and shutter mode, how to compose a shot. If you’re looking for answers then check out C1M’s courses. Walter takes you through it all, plus more. I highly recommend his courses. He takes away that overwhelmed feeling you can get when trying to learn photography on your own.

Jean, Strafford, NH

I have taken Photography 1 and I am currently enrolled in Photography 2. I have learned so much from these classes and it is really starting to show in my photos. Walter is the absolute best photography teacher I have ever had.

Lauren, Amherst, NH

Walter is an excellent teacher. I found the basics course so informative that I am taking the intermediate course. Walter is a gifted photographer with a style of teaching that is encouraging and laid back. His sense of humor keeps things in perspective. The C1M studio and classroom are modern and state of the art. I'm learning and being challenged and enjoying the whole experience!

Kathleen, Manchester, NH

I just finished my first course tonight and I can't believe I waited so long to take it! If you're ready to take next steps with your camera Photography 1 is definitely recommended. Also, there are always cookies (and water!)

Jennifer, Nashua, NH

Walter takes you step by step to learn how to use your camera. You start in Auto and at the end you're shooting in Manual, understanding what you did to get that picture or what you have to do to improve it. Thanks Walter. Looking forward to the next step moving forward in Photography.

John, Hooksett, NH

The course was very valuable. I got my camera a couple of months before the course, and just left it on automatic. Four weeks into the course, I went on vacation, and I had my camera on manual mode the entire time. I felt good about that, especially since lighting conditions where I was are different than here. Some stuff just clicked, and I was able to work with the lighting conditions and still get the shots I wanted.

Barry, Manchester, NH

I was a YouTube learner when I first came to this class. I would go do photo shoots but I always shot in RAW, because I knew that I could go back in on my computer and fix things. Now I'm shooting in manual. Walter has taught me a lot, and I think he's one of the best teachers I've ever had. He makes photography exciting. He makes me want to learn more.

Whitney, Merrimack, NH

I got a lot out of the class. I've had my camera for eight years, and now I'm using the settings on it that I never knew how to use before. My pictures are coming out much better already.

Lori, Hollis, NH

"Shutter" and "aperture" were always these things that seemed like another language, but I feel like I have an understanding of those now, plus ISO and whitebalance, which were things I was not even anticipating. I definitely feel like I learned a lot.

Patti, Milford, NH

I got this camera about a year ago, and I spent almost all year using just automatic - with some pretty decent results, but also some times where all my shots came out lousy. I blamed it on the light, but it wasn't so much the light as it was that I didn't have any creative ability to make changes, so I couldn't adapt to the lighting conditions. Now I feel so much more in control. I can read the meter and know I have a good exposure, or I can change my settings to get a good exposure.

Carl, Brookline, NH

I've had my camera for about six years, and it makes me sad when I think about how many pictures I've taken and said, "Aw, I wish that had come out better." Now, though, I'm so excited. I felt that way every week of the course. Everything just makes so much more sense now. It's awesome. It was so great. I really want to take the intermediate class.

Jess, Milford, NH

After the six week course, I feel like I never want to take a photo in automatic again. Getting into manual mode is a great feeling, and I think you probably wouldn't get there just trying to learn from videos on YouTube. My camera is now working for me. It was not before. Now I can capture good pictures and print them happily.

Mohan, Nashua, NH

I got my camera just before the course started, and I tried taking photos without knowing anything about it. The pictures didn't come out well, or at all - in some cases they were just black. I did a little research on my own, but nothing made sense yet. Now I can go into my settings and realize, oh, I need more light, or I can change my settings. I feel a lot more comfortable with my camera now.

Janie, Merrimack, NH

Coming into the class, I didn't really know how to use the camera and I also didn't understand a lot of what you can do to get the right feel in a picture. The class was great, because it taught me not only how to use my camera, but how to play with the settings to get different effects that make for some really interesting pictures. I didn't know how to do that, and now, coming out of the course, I have a better idea of what to manipulate to get the image I'm looking for.

Sonja, Amherst, NH

I've had my camera for six years. I'd say about 95% of the photos I took were taken outside on automatic, and they came out well. But I'd say 70% of the photos I took inside were yellow or other interesting colors. Now, over the last few weeks (as long as my subjects don't talk back or move) I get really good pictures, and that never happened before.

Tara, Nashua, NH

I've been taking photographs a long time, but the Basics course forced me to go out and do the assignments. No matter how simple the assignment was, I wanted to make it look good, too, so it pushed me to get out of Aperture Priority, which is the only setting I used before.

Paul, Temple, NH

Years ago when I was shooting with a 35mm camera, I felt like I knew a fair amount. When digital cameras came along, I kind of fell into using a point and shoot camera, and a lot of times just using intelligent auto mode. Photography 1 really brought home the fact that I've been limiting my capabilities with the camera that I had. Now I have a good foundation, and I know what camera I want to get to explore photography more fully.

Scott, Dunbarton, NH

I was getting very frustrated with the auto setting, where I knew there was a good picture there, but my camera would refuse to take it. Now that I've taken Photography 1, I can make my camera do what I want it to do, instead of it telling me whether it wants to do it or not. I know how to adjust my settings to where I can say, "You know what? I'm going to take that picture, and it's going to be good."

Dani, Milford, NH

Before I was part of Photography 1, I thought I knew a lot about how to take the pictures, how to zoom in and zoom out and how to focus the lens, but I didn't know what all the controls meant. I knew there were terms like shutter speed, ISO, and aperture, but I didn't know what they did. Now I do, and now I can actually play with my camera. Because I understand my camera more, I can think more about how I'm going to take a picture.

Darlyn, Derry, NH