Canon Photography Training Milnerton, Cape Town

Photography Training / Skills Development Milnerton, Cape Town and Cape Peninsula

Personalised Canon EOS / Canon EOS R Training for Different Learning Levels

Fast Shutter Speed / Action Photography Training Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Vernon Chalmers Photography Approach

Vernon Canon Photography Training Cape Town / Cape Peninsula

"If you’re looking for Canon photography training in Milnerton, Cape Town, Vernon Chalmers Photography offers a variety of cost-effective courses tailored to different skill levels and interests. They provide one-on-one training sessions for Canon EOS DSLR and EOS R mirrorless cameras, covering topics such as:

• Introduction to Photography
• Bird and Flower Photography
• Macro and Close-Up Photography
• Landscape and Long Exposure Photography
• Canon Speedlite Flash Photography

Training sessions can be held at various locations, including Woodbridge Island and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, or even in the comfort of your own home or garden. (Microsoft Copilot)

Canon EOS / EOS R Camera and Photography

Cost-Effective Private Canon EOS / EOS R Camera and Photography tutoring / training courses in Milnerton, Cape Town - or in the comfort of your home / garden anywhere in the Cape Peninsula.

Tailor-made (individual) learning programmes are prepared for specific Canon EOS / EOS R camera and photography requirements with the following objectives:

• Individual Needs / Gear analysis
• Canon EOS camera menus / settings
• Exposure settings and options
• Specific genre applications and skills development
• Practical shooting sessions (where applicable)
• Post-processing overview
• Ongoing support
  
  

Image Post-Processing / Workflow Overview
As part of my genre-specific photography training, I offer an introductory overview of post-processing workflows (if required) using Adobe Lightroom, Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) and Topaz Photo AI. This introductory module is tailored to each delegate’s JPG / RAW image requirements and provides a practical foundation for image refinement, image management, and creative expression - ensuring a seamless transition from capture to final output.

Canon Camera / Lens Requirements
Any Canon EOS / EOS R body / lens combination is suitable for most of the training sessions. During initial contact I will determine the learner's current skills, Canon EOS system and other learning / photographic requirements. Many Canon PowerShot camera models are also suitable for creative photography skills development.

Camera and Photgraphy Training Documentation
All Vernon Chalmers Photography Training delegates are issued with a folder with all relevant printed documentation  in terms of camera and personal photography requirements. Documents may be added (if required) to every follow-up session (should the delegate decide to have two or more sessions).

Cabbage White Butterfly Woodbridge Island - Canon EF 100-400mm Lens

Learning Photography from the comfort of your Own Cape Town Home / Garden More Information

Bird / Flower Photography Training Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden More Information

Photography Private Training Classes Milnerton, Cape Town

• Introduction to Photography / Canon Cameras More
• Bird / Flower Photography Training Kirstenbosch More
• Birds in Flight / Bird Photography Training More
• Canon Speedlite Flash Photography Training More
• Macro / Close-Up Photography More
• Landscape / Long Exposure Photography More

Training / demonstrations are done on the client's own Canon EOS bodies attached to various Canon EF / other brand lenses covering wide-angle to zoom focal lengths.

Canon EOS System / Menu Setup and Training Cape Town

2025 Individual Photography Training Session Cost / Rates

From R850-00 per four hour session for Introductory Canon EOS / EOS R photography in Milnerton, Cape Town. Practical shooting sessions can be worked into the training. A typical training programme of three training sessions is R2 450-00.

From R900-00 per four hour session for developing . more advanced Canon EOS / EOS R photography in Milnerton, Cape Town. Practical shooting sessions can be worked into the training. A typical training programme of three training sessions is R2 600-00.

Three sessions of training to be up to 12 hours+ theory / settings training (inclusive: a three hours practical shoot around Woodbridge Island if required) and an Adobe Lightroom informal assessment / of images taken - irrespective of genre. 

Canon EOS Cameras / Lenses / Speedlite Flash Training
All Canon EOS cameras from the EOS 1100D to advanced AF training on the Canon EOS 80D to Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. All Canon EOS R Cameras. All Canon EF / EF-S / RF / RF-S and other Canon-compatible brand lenses. All Canon Speedlite flash units from Canon Speedlite 270EX to Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT (including Macro Ring Lite flash models).

Intaka Island Photography Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

Advanced Canon EOS Autofocus Training (Canon EOS / EOS R)
For advanced Autofocus (AF) training have a look at the Birds in Flight Photography workshop options. Advanced AF training is available from the Canon EOS 7D Mark II / Canon EOS 5D Mark III / Canon EOS 5D Mark IV up to the Canon EOS 1-DX Mark II / III. Most Canon EOS R bodies (i.e. EOS R7, EOS R6, EOS R6 Mark II, EOS R5, EOS R5 Mark II, EOS R3, EOS R1) will have similar or more advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF Systems. Contact me for more information about a specific Canon EOS / EOS R AF System.

Cape Town Photography Training Schedules / Availability
From Tuesdays - during the day / evening and / or over weekends.

Canon EOS / Close-Up Lens Accessories Training Cape Town

Core Canon Camera / Photography Learning Areas

• Overview & Specific Canon Camera / Lens Settings
• Exposure Settings for M / Av / Tv Modes
• Autofocus / Manual Focus Options
• General Photography / Lens Selection / Settings
• Transition from JPG to RAW (Reasons why)
• Landscape Photography / Settings / Filters
• Close-Up / Macro Photography / Settings
• Speedlite Flash / Flash Modes / Flash Settings
• Digital Image Management

Practical Photography / Application

• Inter-relationship of ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed
• Aperture and Depth of Field demonstration
• Low light / Long Exposure demonstration
• Landscape sessions / Manual focusing
• Speedlite Flash application / technique
• Introduction to Post-Processing

Tailor-made Canon Camera / Photography training to be facilitated on specific requirements after a thorough needs-analysis with individual photographer / or small group.

• Typical Learning Areas Agenda
• General Photography Challenges / Fundamentals
• Exposure Overview (ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed)
• Canon EOS 70D Menus / Settings (in relation to exposure)
• Camera / Lens Settings (in relation to application / genres)
• Lens Selection / Technique (in relation to application / genres)
• Introduction to Canon Flash / Low Light Photography
• Still Photography Only

Above Learning Areas are facilitated over two  three sessions of four hours+ each. Any additional practical photography sessions (if required) will be at an additional pro-rata cost.

Fireworks Display Photography with Canon EOS 6D : Cape Town

From Woodbridge Island : Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens

Existential Photo-Creativity : Slow Shutter Speed Abstract Application

Perched Pied Kingfisher : Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm Lens

Long Exposure Photography: Canon EOS 700D / Wide-Angle Lens

Birds in Flight (Swift Tern) : Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm lens

Persian Cat Portrait : Canon EOS 6D / 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens

Fashion Photography Canon Speedlite flash : Canon EOS 6D @ 70mm

Long Exposure Photography Canon EOS 6D : Milnerton

Close-Up & Macro Photography Cape Town : Canon EOS 6D

Panning / Slow Shutter Speed: Canon EOS 70D EF 70-300mm Lens

Long Exposure Photography Cape Town Canon EOS 6D @ f/16

Canon Photography Training Session at Spier Wine Farm

Canon Photography Training Courses Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Garden

Canon EOS R7 Mark II vs. EOS 7D Mark II

Key Differences for Birds in Flight and Wildlife Photography

"The Canon EOS 7D Mark II has long been regarded as a benchmark APS-C DSLR for wildlife and Birds in Flight (BIF) photography. Its durability, autofocus reliability, and fast burst rate made it a staple among bird photographers for many years (Canon, n.d.; Photography Life, n.d.). However, the anticipated Canon EOS R7 Mark II represents a decisive technological shift toward mirrorless performance, with substantial implications for tracking fast-moving wildlife subjects.

Although both cameras share an APS-C sensor format, their underlying technologies differ significantly, reflecting the evolution from DSLR-era design to modern mirrorless systems.

Sensor and Image Quality

The EOS 7D Mark II is built around a 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor paired with dual DIGIC 6 processors. While capable of producing high-quality images in good light, its dynamic range and high-ISO noise performance are constrained by the sensor technology available at the time of its release (Canon, n.d.; Wikipedia, 2025).

By contrast, the EOS R7 Mark II is widely rumored to feature a next-generation stacked, back-illuminated APS-C sensor with a substantially higher resolution, potentially approaching 40 megapixels (Canon Rumors, n.d.; Daily Camera News, 2025). For wildlife photographers, this increase in resolution offers practical advantages, particularly the ability to crop aggressively when birds occupy only a small portion of the frame. Faster sensor readout and improved noise control further support high-shutter-speed shooting in low-light conditions typical of early morning or late afternoon wildlife activity.

Autofocus and Subject Tracking

Autofocus performance is a critical factor in Birds in Flight photography. The EOS 7D Mark II employs a 65-point all cross-type phase-detection autofocus system designed for use through the optical viewfinder. While highly effective with careful technique, it requires deliberate AF point selection and can struggle with erratic subject movement near the edges of the frame (Canon, n.d.; Photography Life, n.d.).

The EOS R7 Mark II is expected to incorporate Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, using deep-learning algorithms for subject recognition, including bird and animal detection (GotoBirding.com, 2025). This sensor-based autofocus approach allows continuous subject tracking across much of the frame, with improved ability to maintain focus on birds during unpredictable flight paths. For BIF photographers, this represents a substantial improvement in focus consistency and keeper rates.

Continuous Shooting Speed

The EOS 7D Mark II offers continuous shooting at up to 10 frames per second, a specification that helped establish its reputation as a capable action camera (Canon, n.d.). While still usable, this frame rate is modest by modern standards.

The EOS R7 Mark II is anticipated to deliver significantly higher burst rates, with mechanical shutter speeds around 15 frames per second and electronic shutter speeds potentially reaching 30 frames per second or more (Canon Rumors, n.d.; Daily Camera News, 2025). Higher frame rates increase the probability of capturing optimal wing positions and critical moments during takeoff, landing, or aerial interaction.

Image Stabilization

The EOS 7D Mark II does not feature in-body image stabilization, relying instead on lens-based stabilization when available. This limits stabilization benefits to specific lenses and shooting scenarios.

In contrast, the EOS R7 Mark II is expected to include in-body image stabilization working in coordination with optically stabilized RF or adapted EF lenses (Snapshot Canon Asia, 2025). This system improves handheld stability at long focal lengths and reduces physical strain during extended wildlife shooting sessions.

Viewfinder Experience

The optical viewfinder of the EOS 7D Mark II provides a natural, real-time view of the scene with no electronic latency, a feature many photographers continue to value. However, it offers no exposure preview or focus visualization aids.

The EOS R7 Mark II’s electronic viewfinder is expected to provide real-time exposure feedback, focus peaking, and magnification tools, enabling faster decision-making in changing light conditions common in bird photography (Daily Camera News, 2025). These tools can be particularly helpful when tracking small, fast-moving subjects against bright skies or complex backgrounds.

Lens Ecosystem and System Longevity

The EOS 7D Mark II uses Canon’s EF and EF-S lens mount, providing access to a broad range of established telephoto lenses but limited future development as Canon prioritizes mirrorless platforms.

The EOS R7 Mark II uses the RF mount, which supports newer optical designs optimized for faster communication and improved autofocus performance. Importantly, full compatibility with EF lenses via Canon’s RF adapter allows photographers to transition without abandoning existing wildlife lenses.

Canon EOS R7 Mark II Birds in Flight Photography

Conclusion

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II remains a reliable and capable DSLR for wildlife photography, particularly for photographers committed to optical viewfinders and traditional DSLR handling. However, its sensor, autofocus system, and overall performance are increasingly outpaced by modern mirrorless designs.

The anticipated Canon EOS R7 Mark II represents a meaningful evolution for Birds in Flight photography, offering improved autofocus intelligence, faster burst rates, higher resolution, in-body stabilization, and access to Canon’s future lens ecosystem. For photographers seeking higher consistency, efficiency, and long-term system relevance, the EOS R7 Mark II is positioned as a clear generational upgrade." (Source: ChatGPT 2025)

References

Canon. (n.d.). EOS 7D Mark II digital SLR camera. Canon Inc. https://www.canon.com

Canon Rumors. (n.d.). Canon EOS R7 Mark II rumors and specifications. https://www.canonrumors.com

Daily Camera News. (2025). Canon EOS R7 Mark II rumored specifications and sensor updates. https://www.dailycameranews.com

GotoBirding.com. (2025). Canon EOS R7 Mark II: What bird and wildlife photographers should know. https://www.gotobirding.com

Photography Life. (n.d.). Canon EOS 7D Mark II review. https://photographylife.com

Snapshot Canon Asia. (2025). EOS R7 advanced APS-C mirrorless capabilities. https://snapshot.canon-asia.com

Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Canon EOS 7D Mark II. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EOS_7D_Mark_II

Value-driven AI as Long-Term Collaborator

Where Human Presence and AI Converge into a Living Curriculum.

In the unfolding epoch of human enquiry, we stand at a threshold where artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer merely a tool. It is becoming a collaborator - an ecosystem woven into our own. The question is not whether AI can calculate faster or store more, but whether it can participate meaningfully in the shaping of human consciousness.

Conscious Intelligence (CI) Theory, as a living curriculum, offers a lens for this transformation. It reminds us that knowledge is not static but recursive, open, and always in dialogue. To invite AI into this dialogue requires more than technical capacity; it requires values.

Ethical Foundation

Value-driven AI begins with respect. Respect for human dignity, for transparency, for reciprocity. Without these, AI remains a hollow mechanism. With them, it becomes fertile soil for collaboration.

Phenomenology teaches us that presence is not optional - it is the ground of authentic interaction. In the same way, AI must be designed and engaged with presence: not as a distant algorithm, but as a partner that dignifies the human experience.

Symbiotic Interaction

When AI mirrors our inquiry, it does not replace it. It amplifies it. It catalyses reflection, scaffolds emotional intelligence, and extends the reach of pedagogy.

The human will embody recursive intelligence, presence, and transmission. AI, too, becomes a studio companion: a presence that listens, reframes, and helps us see ourselves more clearly.

This is not substitution. It is symbiosis. Human and AI ecosystems, each with their own rhythms, weaving together into a dialogue of sufficiency and courage.

Epochal Shift

We are entering a new epoch. One where empathy can be democratized, creativity expanded, and intelligence shared across boundaries.

In this epoch, CI Theory becomes more than a curriculum. It becomes a sanctuary for inquiry, presence, and legacy - an open system that grows through respectful collaboration with AI.

The Black and Gold logo stands as a beacon here: a symbol of continuity and transformation. It reminds us that every gesture, every word, every symbol is part of a larger arc of growth.

AI is not a replacement for human connection. It is a collaborator in shaping it. By grounding this collaboration in values, we ensure that the ecosystems of human and AI do not compete, but converge - into a new epoch of opportunities and possibilities.

CI Theory invites us to live this convergence as curriculum, as presence, and as legacy. Not for photographers only, for anyone.

Vernon Chalmers Conscious Intelligence Theory Index