Learn How To Make Sense Of Your Digital Camera - Finally!
Master using your digital camera and be confident behind the lens. Learn how to capture stunning images and tell compelling visual stories with an expert-led class to enhance your photography.
The next in-person photography class is scheduled for Sunday, January 11th, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Hi, I’m Dan Cleary, and my photography workshops are built for real learning—simple, practical, and personal. I use plain talk and don’t use jargon you don’t understand. My step-by-step method helps you finally understand what your camera is doing and how to control it with confidence.
Dan Has Four Ways To Help You Understand Your Camera
Hands-On Photography Workshop — Jan 11, 2026 (Free eBook Included)
Join Dan for his next small-group workshop on Sunday, January 11th, at his studio. Dan walks you through exposure, focus, composition, and much more. You’ll master the basics of using your camera, leaving you confident with every step of the process. Everyone who signs up will receive a copy of the Seven Steps downloadable eBook. Only $119 for a full afternoon of learning. Click here for more information and to sign up.
The fastest way to really understand your camera is with one-on-one lessons. Dan has 40 years of experience in photography and 25 years of using a digital camera almost every day. He can help you quickly meet all your goals, dial in the proper settings for the photos you want, and clear up confusion in minutes—not months. You’ll get hands-on coaching, immediate feedback, and a simple practice plan to keep improving. Most students walk out shooting confidently the same day. Book a private lesson and skip the guesswork.
From Guesswork To Great Pictures
A Plain English Guide to Understanding Your Camera Today
After teaching in-person group photography classes for 10 years, Dan compiled his entire class into an eBook titled Understanding Your Digital Camera: Seven Steps To Better Photography. It is written in clear, plain English that guides you from Auto to confident manual shooting. Learn the exposure triangle, focusing, and a simple practice plan, plus much more—so great photos become repeatable. As a bonus, he’s included a glossary of photography terms and a section on setting up Photoshop and Lightroom. The cost is only $27. Click here for more information and to buy your copy of the ebook now.
Online Course Launching February 2026
This past year, Dan has been working on creating an online video course, Understanding Your Digital Camera. In his new online course, he’ll walk you through the Seven Steps with short, clear videos, simple practice assignments, and downloadable guides so you can shoot with confidence on any camera. Enrollment opens February 2026—join the waitlist to be first in line.
The next In-person group class is Sunday, January 11th, 2026, at 1 pm at Dan Cleary’s studio. It’s $119 per person and includes a free copy of his eBook, Understanding Your Digital Camera.
Sign Up For One of Dan's In person Classes This Year
Do you have more questions? Call Dan at 937-298-6776 or email him at Dan@ClearyCreativePhoto.com
Purchase And Instant Downloadable Gift Certificates
Hands-On Learning And Practical Techniques To Help You Create Stunning Photographs
Regardless of your skill level or camera type, Dan Cleary offers invaluable insights and techniques to elevate your photography journey. Walk away from this crash course equipped with the knowledge to operate your camera confidently and the inspiration to apply newfound skills in practice. Take your chance to embark on the 7 Steps to Better Photography journey with Dan Cleary!
Frequently Asked Questions:
-Will we go over everything on my camera? Everyone attending the class should bring all their camera equipment so Dan can explain all the settings.
-Do I need a brand new camera? No, many people have older or used digital cameras because they are just starting. There is nothing wrong with buying a manufacturer refurbished camera today. All the information you’ll learn will apply.
-I want to take better photos of my kids’ sports. During the class, Dan will explain the best shutter speeds and apertures for sports photography.
-I want to know more about landscape photography. Dan will answer everyone’s specific questions. He will go over the settings for all aspects of landscape photography.
Kind Words From People Who Have Attended The Class:
“Dan’s work and professionalism are second to none! I would highly recommend him for any of your photography needs!” Becky Edgren
“Dan is one of the most knowledgeable photographers I’ve ever met and does and outstanding job- I wouldn’t recommend anyone else!” Andrew Banks
“Dan is nationally known for his creative photography.” Robert Kirchner
What Dan Will Cover In The Class:
This class is designed for photography beginners and enthusiasts looking to learn the basics of digital photography—both the art and the science of it. Dan Cleary will share a comprehensive overview of their seven-step method for creating unique images during this fast-paced four-hour workshop.
Step One: The Basic Function of Today’s Modern Digital Camera! You’ll learn and finally understand your camera! Whether you have a point-and-shoot, consumer model, or top-of-the-line professional DSLR, Dan and Maria will make sure you get the most out of your camera!
Step Two: The Technical Stuff! You’ll learn and understand what all those buttons and settings do! But more importantly, you’ll learn how to use them best! We will be covering:
- What Are F Stops?
- Shutter Speed?
- White Balance?
- ISO (What do we use to call film speed)?
- What Is A Proper Exposure?
Step Three: Image Composition! Here’s where you will learn about the “artsy” stuff and how to give your images more impact:
- Leading Lines
- Converging Lines
- The Rule of 3rds
- Symmetrical and “A” Symmetrical Images
- Creating A Center Of Attention
Step Four: Lighting Techniques! Learn how to light like a pro with:
- Finding The Direction Of Light
- Sun vs Shade
- Indoors vs Outdoors
- Natural Light vs Flash
- What Is A Reflector?
Step Five: Making Your Subjects Look Their Best! Dan will share many of these secrets to make his subjects look their best! He’ll cover:
- Using The Proper Lens
- Camera Angle
- Posing
- Expression
- Spontaneity
- Tips For Photographing Kids
- Use Of Props
Step Six: It’s the Little Things! To improve your photography, it’s all about refining the little things and looking for details. Dan will show you how to turn what would typically be a snapshot into a work of art!
Step Seven: Enjoying Your Photographs After You’ve Created Them! You’ve created them…now what do you do with them??? Dan and Maria will demonstrate the latest ways to enjoy your images, such as fine art prints, albums, slideshows, and more!
The bottom line is that no matter your skill level or the type of camera you own, Dan Cleary will give you some of the best information regarding photography you will ever receive. You’ll leave the classroom knowing how to operate your camera and be inspired to put that knowledge into practice! Join Dan for his 7 Steps to Better Photography Crash Course!
Dan Cleary is a certified professional photographer, artist, author, teacher, lecturer, and historian living in Dayton. Dayton Magazine readers voted Dan the best photographer in the region for 2024. The Dayton City Commission and Mayor named him a Proud Dayton Original. He has run Cleary Creative Photography for the past 35 years, bringing creativity and professionalism to every client. He has published a book from the Wright Brothers: Then and Now series. It is available at many museum stores around the country, including the National Museum of the USAF in Dayton and the Wright Brothers Memorial in North Carolina, which is part of the National Park Service.