Master Your Camera: Jumpstart Your Photography Journey with Photo 1 This November

Atlanta School of Photography’s Photo 1 at Sandy Springs with Don Orkoskey

Have you ever caught the perfect sunrise over the Atlanta skyline or spotted some wildlife along the Chattahoochee, only for your camera to output a blurry, disappointing shot?

You are not alone. Moving past quick snapshots to creating intentional photographs requires understanding how your camera sees the world.

If you’re ready for that transition then this class is for you!

Join me every Tuesday evening from 6:30 PM to 8:15 PM for Photo 1. I’m teaching this class through the Atlanta School of Photography (ASoP) at our Sandy Springs campus. If you can’t make my class, be sure to check out the other times and dates we offer the class.

What You’ll Learn in Photo 1

Photo 1 is designed specifically for beginner photographers. Whether you just unboxed a new camera, have a DSLR or mirrorless camera collecting dust, or simply want to pick up a creative hobby, this four-week course breaks down the mechanics of manual control in crystal clear lessons.

Each weekly session spans 1 hour and 45 minutes. We blend practical instruction with active hands-on feedback. Here is a breakdown of what we cover:

• Navigating Your Camera Controls: Learn which buttons and dials you actually need.
• Aperture & Depth of Field: Master selective focus to capture crisp portraits with blurred backgrounds.
• Shutter Speed & Motion: Freeze action during fast-moving sports or capture intentional motion blur.
• ISO Sensitivity: Balance light sensitivity while keeping image noise and digital grain under control.
• White Balance & Color Control: Match your camera settings to ambient lighting for accurate, true-to-life colors.
• Lenses & Focal Lengths: Understand how wide-angle vs. telephoto perspectives shape your compositions.
• Exposure Compensation: Manage tricky lighting conditions like bright outdoor sunlight or backlit scenes.
• Composition Essentials: Apply practical rules of visual framing to turn simple scenes into dynamic images.

Every class kicks off with constructive feedback on weekly assignments This helps you track your progress step by step. Plus, the class concludes with a free field trip. Here you can apply your new skills in real-time with the oversight of an instructor.

Meet Your Instructor: Don Orkoskey

I’m Don Orkoskey, and I’ll be leading your Photo 1 cohort this November in Sandy Springs.

My love of photography began early. I always wanted to be the one to take photos using my mom’s Polaroid 600 at holiday and family events, Then, in high school I picked up a classic Pentax K1000. I had no idea that this is what I would be doing for the rest of my life. Of course, I wouldn’t change a thing!

I opened WDO Photography in 2007, specializing in corporate photography and headshots. Beyond commercial work, my passion lies in wildlife and nature photography, which keeps me exploring local trails, parks, and green spaces around Atlanta.

Now, I’ve been teaching photography for nearly two decades. I’ve hosted workshops at botanical gardens, conservatories, and community arts venues. Seeing students understand a concept is what I live for.

My teaching philosophy is straightforward: photography should be approachable, engaging, and directly connected to what inspires you. Whether hosting student critique sessions or leading local nature photography meetups, my goal is to help you build confidence behind the lens.

About the Atlanta School of Photography

The Atlanta School of Photography (ASoP) was founded on a simple mission: to make photographic education fun, accessible, and affordable for everyone across the greater Atlanta area.

ASoP bridges the gap between passive YouTube tutorials and expensive, long-term college enrollment. Founded by Director Sara Keith, the school provides structured, flexible community education led by active, professional photographers.

At ASoP, our core teaching values guide every lesson:

• Trying is more important than getting it right on the first attempt.
• Every question is welcome and valued.
• Every small victory deserves to be celebrated.

Whether you attend classes in Sandy Springs or Old 4th Ward or participate in our programs around Atlanta and beyond, you’ll find an encouraging environment tailored to foster creative growth.

Photo 1 Class Details & How to Join

• Course: Photo 1 (Beginner Photography Essentials)
• Schedule: Tuesdays in November, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM (4 consecutive weeks)
• Location: Atlanta School of Photography (Sandy Springs Campus)
• Equipment Needed: Any digital camera with manual exposure capabilities (DSLR, mirrorless, or advanced compact camera)

Space is kept intentionally limited to ensure every student receives direct, personal feedback on their work.