Frequently Asked Questions

1. I’ve taken photography classes in the past, should I sign up for photography II?

In order to get the most out of Photography II we advise that students who register have a strong understanding of exposure and shoot confidently in manual mode. If you don’t feel comfortable calculating your own aperture and shutter-speed or handling tricky lighting situations, it’s recommended you take Photography I first. If you would like to recap the basics of photography before registering for photography II, a 2 – hour private class might be a good solution.

2. How do I know if my camera is suitable for Photography I?

We ask that students in Photography I use cameras that have full manual settings, allowing you to control the aperture, shutter-speed, and shoot in manual mode. If your camera is a DSLR (such as a Canon Rebel or a Nikon D3100) then your camera is perfect for Photography I. Many compact cameras (such as the Canon G12 or Nikon P7700) have manual controls and are suitable for class.

Read about our camera recommendations.

All of the cameras mentioned in the article are suitable for Photography I.

If you are still unsure if your camera can be used in Photography I, feel free to call us at 646.398.7939.

3. I’d like to sign up for a course but I know I’m going to miss a class. What should I do?

No problem! PhotoUno will try it’s best to find you a make up class. Simply email hello@photouno.com letting them know the course you registered for and the dates you will be missing. They will respond with options for different sections you sit in on to catch up.

Review our class make-up policy

Please note that while make-up classes are available for photography I & II, for other courses only private make-up classes may be available.

4. What is a mirror-less camera?

Mirror-less cameras are digital cameras that do not have an internal system of mirrors, like DSLRs do. They are light, fast, and compact digital cameras that allow full manual control and have interchangeable lenses. They are perfectly suited for use in Photography I &II and almost any other course or workshop at PhotoUno.

5. Is there a difference between Nikon and Canon?

No, not really. While both manufacturers have their own high and low points, they both ultimately produce high quality DSLRs. What matters most is that you choose the camera you feel most comfortable operating. If you trying to decide between a Nikon or Canon camera, a good idea is to do a side by side comparison on Digital Photography Review.

6. What is a prime lens?

A prime lens has a fixed focal length, which means that it cannot zoom in or zoom out.

7. What is a cropped sensor?

A cropped sensor is a sensor that is smaller than a traditional 35mm negative, unlike a full-frame sensor. Most entry-level DSLRs, such as the Canon Rebel t5i, have a cropped sensor; while more advanced cameras such as the Canon 6D have a full frame sensor. A cropped sensor does not mean you have a “bad” camera. You can still make sharp, beautiful, high-resolution images with a cropped sensor.

You can find more information in our camera-buying guide.

8. What camera should I buy for the class?

Any camera that has aperture priority, shutter-speed priority, and manual mode is appropriate for use in class. For more information, read our guide to buying a digital camera.

9. Do you have a camera you can lend me?

We strongly recommend bringing your own camera. Camera systems differ from one model to another. Borrowing a camera can make your learning process much more complicated.

In the case of an emergency we can lend you one of our cameras.

If you would like recommendations on camera models, read our tips or call is at 646.398.7938