01
Set up your camera with confidence
Camera handling, basic setup, shooting modes and the essential settings for the first exercises.
4.9/5 from 8,000+ studentsFree camera loan available
Beginner Photography Courses
New to photography? Start here. Pick your pace.
Compare beginner courses in Switzerland and choose the format that fits your schedule, pace and camera.
Starting photography in Switzerland is easier than it looks — you don't need expensive gear or a free weekend. Swiss Photo Club runs beginner photography courses for adults who've never moved past auto mode, with half-day, full-day, and 5-session evening formats across Zürich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Fribourg, St. Gallen and Lucerne.
We've taught more than 8,000 students over the past decade using plain-language instruction that focuses on the four settings that actually matter — aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focus. No camera yet? We'll lend you one for free.
What you will learn
02
Understand aperture, shutter speed and ISO
Depth of field, motion, brightness, exposure compensation and how the settings work together.
03
Focus, lenses and composition
Focusing, focal lengths, distance to subject, composition rules and building stronger images on purpose.
04
Feedback and real photo situations
In the evening course: homework reviews, landscapes, people, travel photography and clear next steps.
By the end of your course, the camera stops being a mystery. You'll walk into any situation — golden hour, an indoor dinner, your kid's school play — knowing which settings to choose and why.
Free camera loan available
No Camera?<br/>No problem!
Or you can read our camera buying guide to see our advice, with Swiss retailers and prices.
Pick your beginner course format
Whether you have a camera or smartphone, want a short one-off class or a longer-term course — there's a format for you.
Beginner Courses With a Camera
Three formats built on the same curriculum (DSLR, mirrorless, or any camera with manual settings). The choice is about pace and schedule, not content.
BeginnerBeginners Half Day
250 CHF · 4 hours
Online
★ 5.0 — “A friendly place to learn about photography and to meet interesting people. I will gladly return.”
— Evangelos T., Geneva
BeginnerMost Popular
Academy Program 2
123 CHF · 123 hours
Online
★ 5.0 — “I learned a lot and the teacher's style was great, combining clear theory with hands-on practice outdoors. She created a really warm and encouraging atmosphere.”
— Da Ga, Zürich
BeginnerOur Recommendation
Beginners Evening Course
490 CHF · 10 hours
Zürich, Geneva
★ 5.0 — “I did 5 weeks beginners course and it was amazing! Our teacher Fabiana is the most energetic, charismatic and charming person I've met.”
— Alina P, Zurich
Which course is right for you?
You want…
The right course
A short, focused introduction to photography basics
The full beginner curriculum in one focused day, including outdoor practice
Steady learning across several weeks with homework reviews between sessions
To learn the bundled path (beginners + intermediate + Lightroom) and save
Long-term, comprehensive study with a photography certificate
Not sure yet?
If you are not sure yet, try the 1-hour demo course to see our teaching methods first.
Reviews
Combine courses, learn more, save
Bundle several beginner courses at a lower price. Choose intensive weekends or a slower evening rhythm.
BundleSave 350 CHFWeekend Pack for Beginners
2'040 CHF1'690 CHF· 36 hours
Includes
Beginners Intensive 7hIntermediate Full DayLightroom coursePhotoshop course level 1
36 hours
BundleSave 350 CHFEvening Pack for Beginners
2'240 CHF1'890 CHF· 42 hours
Includes
Lightroom coursePhotoshop course level 1Beginners Evening 5x2hIntermediate Evening 10 hours
42 hours
Looking for a longer programme eligible for Geneva CAF financing? See our Evening Mega Pack → and SPC Academy → — both meet the 40-hour CAF threshold.
Other Beginner Options
Two alternatives if a camera-based group course isn't the right fit: learn on your smartphone, or get tailored one-on-one coaching.
BeginnerSmartphone Photography
250 CHF · 4 hours
Online
★ 5.0 — “I had a lot of fun at the smartphone photography class and the time flew by. Now just need to put into practice what she told us!”
— Vicente F., Zürich
All LevelsPrivate Photography Course
200 CHF · 8 hours
Online
★ 5.0 — “If, like me, you are unsure of your level, I highly recommend a private photography course. A most rewarding and motivating experience!”
— Kristine G., Lausanne
Meet your instructors
Every SPC instructor teaches the same centrally-designed curriculum, refreshed every year. That means the quality you get is consistent regardless of which city you book in or which instructor leads the session — what varies is each instructor's personal style and specialty: portrait, landscape, street, or studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still deciding?
Take our 5-minute photography level test and we will recommend the right beginner format for you.