The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to interrupt a huge number of activities, and photography is no exception. Some professionals have managed to improvise and refine their skills during quarantine, but what can enthusiasts do at home? The answer is quite a lot, thanks to Nikon and Sony. Both companies have decided to share various photography courses, ranging from basic concepts to specific settings, at no cost.
The photographic adventure never ends, and there is always something new to learn, regardless of our level. Of course, theory has its limits, and sooner or later we must pick up the camera to accumulate successes and mistakes with it, but there is a very inconvenient virus in the way... and we have to wait. Some of the leading camera equipment manufacturers have noticed the situation and have decided to respond the same way many web services do: by sharing exclusive content to improve and optimize our photo sessions.
Sony opens its Alpha Universe
The first manufacturer is Sony, which through its Alpha Universe portal offers courses and seminars led by high-profile Latin American photographers, such as Federico Rios (photojournalism, Colombia), Rafaella Bertorini (portrait and fashion photography, Peru), Luis Solano (landscapes and wildlife, Costa Rica), Manuel Fuentes (nature, SWPA winner, Chile), Roberto Valdez (landscapes and wildlife, Ecuador), Jorge Lara (events, Mexico), and Martin de Iuliis (video creation, Argentina).
But that's not all: there are also workshops on basic photography (Chapter 1: Light), guides for culinary photography, bird photography, and more. Each course specifies its exact date and duration, as well as the technical requirement to access it (for example, using Zoom or an Instagram account). Spots are limited, so don't let it pass you by!
Nikon School goes free
Fortunately, Nikon has not been left behind, and has responded by releasing its ten basic photography classes until next April 30. Normally, Nikon School requires a payment ranging between 15 and 50 dollars to access that content, but it will be just a click away for the next three weeks. What can we learn there? Photography fundamentals, instructions for mastering any Nikon DSLR (less than 20 minutes), children and pets photography, environmental portraits, music video creation, and macro photography, among other things. The longest class does not exceed an hour and a quarter, and you can advance at your own pace. The only thing Nikon asks for is to create an account.
In other words, I think you have your hands full. If you thought it was impossible to take advantage of quarantine days to improve your photography, leave that belief behind, because Sony and Nikon offer an excellent starting point, and the best part is that you won't spend a cent.
Editor's note: At the time of writing, Nikon's page was presenting an error. Patience!
Sony Alpha Universe: Click here
Nikon School: Click here
