Reclaim Your Camera Confidence in One Much-Needed Day
Full-Day Learn Manual Mode Photography Workshop
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Rockwood Conservation Area, Ontario | Strictly enforce small groups, max 8 participants
When & Where
One Full Day to Learn HOW to Use Your Camera
Why Rockwood?
Rockwood Conservation Area offers jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, glacial potholes, and forest trails—the perfect natural classroom for practicing manual mode photography. The varied terrain gives you opportunities to photograph rock textures, forest light, and reflections all in one location. Two trails will take us around the reservoir, along the tops of cliffs, across boardwalks through wetlands and beside big glacial potholes.
What to Expect:
Morning session in sheltered outdoor setting (weather-dependent) or covered pavilion area
Afternoon guided photography hike on accessible trails (moderate difficulty, check map for info)
Small group size ensures everyone gets personalized attention
How the Workshop Works
Small groups, women-only, and all the support you need to feel confident.
Who This Workshop Is For
If you’re worried You’ll Slow Everyone Down, This Workshop Was Created Specifically for You.
This full-day manual mode workshop is for:
Rusty photographers who loved photography years ago but feel intimidated by their camera now
Beginner to intermediate women ready to move beyond auto mode but unsure where to start
Anyone afraid of "breaking" their camera or accidentally pushing a button and not knowing how to get back to their original settings
Women tired of point-and-shoot frustration who want to confidently capture what they see
You're not too rusty. Your camera isn't too complicated. And you won't slow anyone down—because we've taught over a hundred women exactly like you.
This is your turn to reclaim the photographer you've always wanted to be.
What you’ll learn:
Build Unshakeable Camera Confidence in One Day - From Manual Mode Basics to Real-World Practice
-
✺
Demystify your camera settings: ISO, aperture, shutter speed explained clearly. No jargon, no overwhelm.
We take the guesswork out completely. -
✺
Overcome “what if I break it” fear: Learn how to use the buttons on the exterior of your camera, so you don’t get stuck trying to figure out what button you pushed and “how to get back.”
-
✺
Understand exposure: How the three manual mode pillars work together to create the image you envision.
-
✺
Workbook exercises: Practical application to reinforce concepts before an afternoon of in-the-field practice.
-
✺
One-on-one guidance: Individual feedback on your settings, composition, and creative vision.
-
✺
Real-time application: Put manual mode into practice on Rockwood Conservation Area’s trails, water, rock formations, and natural light.
What’s included
6 hours of expert photography instruction
from a professional photographer with a diploma with honours in digital photography and imaging.
Photography workbook
that has 20+ pages with manual mode reference guides and exercises.
Hands-on practice
with real-time feedback on your settings and composition.
What to Bring:
Your DSLR or mirrorless camera (any age, any brand—if it has manual mode, it works)
Charged battery + backup if possible
Memory card with space
Camera manual (SUPER helpful but not required)
Comfortable hiking footwear and weather-appropriate layers
Water bottle and snacks
Lunch (we break for 1 hour; no food provided)
Pen or pencil for taking notes
Accessibility Note: The morning session takes place in an accessible outdoor or pavilion setting. The afternoon photography hike involves moderate terrain with some uneven trails and stairs. Please contact us if you have mobility considerations—we'll work with you.
Why Women Trust Spark Adventure Photography Workshops
Because we’re teachers and photographers, and we know how to guide women like you.
"You were a triple threat: A GREAT TEACHER (as a student of teaching and a teacher of teachers for 30 years, I know good teaching when I see it), A GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER, and, A GREAT HUMAN BEING." — Lori
Our founder, Cobi Sharpe, is a natural educator with years of experience teaching women to confidently operate their cameras in manual mode. We've guided over a hundred rusty photographers from "I'm afraid to touch these settings" to "I know exactly what I'm doing."
What Makes Our Workshops Different:
✅ Teaching expertise that meets you where you are: Clear explanations, patient guidance, zero judgment
✅ Hands-on learning, not just lectures: Workbook exercises + real-world practice in beautiful natural settings
✅ Individual support throughout the day: We check in often, answer every question, and ensure you're learning at your own pace
✅ No ego, just encouragement: You'll feel comfortable asking anything—we genuinely want you to succeed
"I enjoyed Saturday very much and now I'm excited to play with various settings under the manual option on my camera. It's given me greater confidence to explore all the myriad of functions a DSLR offers on my own. Tonight, I plan to go out for a walk in the neighborhood after dinner with my camera, and I am excited to put into practice what we learned." — Lori
"I recommend Cobi Sharpe as she is a natural teacher—very informative and very engaged trying to give the best help throughout the day!" — Kathy M.
This is what happens when you learn from someone who knows how to teach, not just someone who knows photography.
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
-
No. If your camera has manual mode (most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras do), it will work perfectly. We've taught workshops with cameras ranging from brand-new models to 15-year-old bodies. Your camera isn't the limitation—knowing how to use it is. We'll show you how.
-
Perfect. This workshop was created specifically for women like you. We start from the foundation and build your confidence step-by-step. Many of our participants haven't used manual mode in a decade (or ever). You're exactly who we teach.
-
Absolutely not. We keep our groups small (max 8 participants) specifically so everyone gets individual attention. Questions are encouraged—in fact, we check in often throughout the day to make sure you're supported. There's no such thing as a "basic" question here.
-
Happens all the time. We'll teach you how to reset your camera to default settings right at the beginning of the workshop. This is one of the most common fears, and it's one of the easiest things to fix. You won't break your camera, and you'll know exactly how to get back to your starting point.description
-
Not at all. This workshop is designed for beginners and intermediates who want to move beyond auto mode. We explain everything clearly, use practical exercises to reinforce concepts, and give you real-world practice with support. By the end of the day, manual mode will make sense.
-
Here's what we know: women who invest in their creative reclamation don't regret it. This isn't an indulgence—it's building skills that last a lifetime. Skills that give you the confidence to go on solo photography adventures, travel independently, and capture what you see without frustration. This is an investment in your creative freedom.
-
We run workshops rain or shine (unless conditions are unsafe). The morning session can move to a covered pavilion area if needed, and afternoon hiking happens with weather-appropriate gear. We'll send a detailed packing list before the workshop so you're prepared for any conditions.
-
The afternoon photography hike at Rockwood involves moderate terrain with some uneven trails and stairs. You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking on natural trails for 2-3 hours with breaks. If you have mobility considerations, please contact us—we'll work with you to ensure you can participate.