Sony Alpha 101 – Getting to Know Your Camera
This beginner-friendly class is designed to help new photographers feel comfortable and confident with their Sony Alpha camera.
We’ll begin with an introduction to Sony’s menu system, including how to navigate different firmware versions and locate essential settings. From there, we’ll explore the camera’s physical controls—buttons, dials, and switches—so you’ll know exactly what each one does and how to use them effectively.
Next, we’ll dive into the fundamentals of exposure with an easy-to-understand look at the exposure triangle—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. You’ll see how these three elements work together, and how Sony’s shooting modes (from Auto to Manual) give you both convenience and creative control.
We’ll also cover image quality settings, including the advantages of shooting in RAW vs. JPEG, and how to choose resolution settings that match your needs. Since sharp focus is critical to great photos, we’ll introduce the basics of Sony’s powerful autofocus system and explain how to select and adjust focus modes.
Finally, we’ll break down the customizable Function Menu—a quick-access tool that makes changing key settings simple and efficient.
By the end of this session, you’ll have a solid foundation for using your Sony Alpha camera, ready to take better photos and build your skills with confidence.
What to bring:
Your Sony Alpha Camera - Charge your batteries
Something for taking notes - paper or device
Brought to you by Competitive Cameras & Sony