In-Person Photography Classes in Dayton, Ohio
A hands-on beginner photography class that helps you finally understand your camera and take better pictures with confidence.
If you feel confused by camera settings, overwhelmed by all the buttons, or stuck shooting on Auto, this class was designed for you.
Dan Cleary’s in-person photography classes are built for real learning—simple, practical, and personal. In a small-group setting, Dan will help you understand what your camera is doing, how to make better choices with your settings, and how to create stronger photographs with more confidence.
Whether you are brand new to photography, getting back into it after years away, or simply tired of guessing, this class will help you move forward.
This Class Is Perfect For:
- beginners who want to get off Auto mode
- people who recently bought a DSLR or mirrorless camera
- hobbyists returning to photography after years away
- parents who want better photos of kids, sports, and family life
- travelers who want stronger vacation photos
- anyone who wants practical instruction in a supportive setting
You do not need to be “technical” to benefit from this class. You just need a camera, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
What You’ll Learn in Class
Dan’s in-person class is built around the same practical teaching method he has used for years to help students understand photography in a clear, step-by-step way.
During class, you will learn:
- how today’s digital cameras work
- what the most important buttons and settings actually do
- aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and proper exposure
- how focus works and how to improve sharpness
- how composition makes your images stronger
- how light affects the look and feeling of a photograph
- how to photograph people more effectively
- how to pay attention to the little details that improve a picture
- what to do with your photographs after you create them
By the end of class, you will have a much better understanding of your camera and a clearer idea of how to keep improving.
Dan’s Seven Steps to Better Photography
This class is based on Dan Cleary’s seven-step teaching method, designed to help beginners and enthusiasts learn both the technical and creative sides of photography.
Step 1: Understanding Your Camera
Learn the basic function of today’s digital camera and how to get more out of the equipment you already own.
Step 2: The Technical Stuff Made Simple
Understand aperture, shutter speed, white balance, ISO, and exposure in a way that actually makes sense.
Step 3: Better Composition
Learn how to create stronger, more interesting photographs using composition tools like leading lines, rule of thirds, symmetry, and visual balance.
Step 4: Lighting Techniques
Understand the direction and quality of light, and learn how light changes your image indoors and outdoors.
Step 5: Photographing People
Learn practical ways to make people look their best through lens choice, camera angle, posing, expression, spontaneity, and more.
Step 6: The Little Things
Discover how paying attention to small details can turn an ordinary snapshot into a stronger photograph.
Step 7: Enjoying Your Photographs
Learn what to do after the photo is taken, from prints and albums to other ways of enjoying and sharing your images.
A Class Built for Real People
Dan’s classes are not built around complicated photography language or showing off technical knowledge.
They are built to help everyday people finally understand their camera in a way that feels approachable, encouraging, and useful.
In this class, you will get:
- plain-English instruction
- hands-on learning
- answers to your specific questions
- real examples you can apply right away
- a supportive class experience without pressure or confusion
This is the kind of class that helps you leave feeling clearer, more confident, and excited to practice.
Class Details
Format: In-person small-group class
Location: Dan Cleary’s studio in Dayton, Ohio
Length: Four-hour workshop
Cost: $119 per person
Bonus: Includes a free copy of Dan’s eBook, Understanding Your Digital Camera: Seven Steps To Better Photography
What to Bring to Class
Please bring:
- your camera
- your lens or lenses
- a charged battery
- a memory card
- your camera manual if you have it
- any questions you want answered
Bring all of your camera equipment so Dan can help you better understand your specific setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a brand-new camera?
No. Many students come with older or used cameras. The information taught in class still applies and will help you get more out of the camera you already have.
Will we go over my camera settings?
Yes. Dan encourages students to bring their equipment so he can explain the settings and help make sense of what matters most.
I want to take better sports photos of my kids. Will this class help?
Yes. Dan will talk about the shutter speeds, apertures, and settings that are important for sports and action photography.
I’m interested in landscape photography. Is this class still for me?
Yes. Dan answers students’ questions and explains the settings and concepts that apply to many different kinds of photography, including landscapes.
Is this class beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. This class is specifically designed for beginners and enthusiasts who want a strong foundation.
Learn With Dan Cleary
Dan Cleary is a professional photographer, artist, author, and teacher based in Dayton, Ohio. He is known for making photography easier to understand through plain talk, practical instruction, and real-world experience.
His teaching style helps students move from confusion to confidence by focusing on the few things that matter most and explaining them clearly.
Ready to Understand Your Camera and Take Better Pictures?
Join Dan Cleary for a hands-on in-person photography class in Dayton and finally learn how to use your camera with more confidence and less guesswork.