Private Photography Lessons in Toowoomba
Photographer | Lecturer – Don Hildred
Zoom during exposure
Learn photography from UniSQ Lecturer Don Hildred.
Stop relying on Auto mode and start creating photographs you’ll be proud to share.
Whether you’ve just bought a new camera, are preparing for a holiday, or want to take your photography to the next level, you’ll receive personalised one-on-one tuition tailored to your goals, camera, and experience level.
These lessons are Ideal for
✅ New camera owners.
✅ Travellers preparing for a holiday.
✅ Retirees exploring a new hobby.
✅ Anyone wanting to leave Auto mode.
✅ Lightroom and Photoshop users.
Why Learn with Don
✅ Established Since 2001.
✅ DIP: Photography – Distinction (QCA)
✅ Bachelor: Multimedia – Distinction (UniSQ)
✅ 5+ Years UniSQ Lecturer (UniSQ)
✅ 15+ Years Photography Group Leader.
✅ 20+ Years Private One-on-One Lessons.
✅ 30+ Years of Professional Experience.
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Hi, I’m Don Hildred
Photography Lecturer at UniSQ
I have more than 30 years of industry experience as a professional photographer and over 20 years of teaching experience. I currently lecture in professional photography at the University of Southern Queensland and have taught workshops across Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, and New Zealand.
Where I teach Lightroom Classic, AI and Photoshop
Shutterbugs FaceBook Group
Organiser and Instructor
The Toowoomba Shutterbugs is a friendly local photography group open to photographers of all skill levels. We meet monthly for a social lunch to chat about photography and regularly run workshops, photo walks, and field trips both locally and further afield.
Jenny, Patrick, Me, and Kim – Queenstown Glacier Helicopter Tours 2026
Monthly Chit Chat Lunch Meeting – Mouse Proof Brewery
Lessons & Workshops
In Toowoomba & Surrounding areas
I love teaching students how to use their camera, build confidence, and enjoy photography even more. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to advance your skills, lessons are relaxed, practical, and tailored to your learning needs.
Pink Rose – Picnic Point, Toowoomba – Private lesson
Why Choose One-on-One Lessons
Unlike large classroom courses, private lessons focus entirely on you.
What Students are Saying…
R. Tap – Summer School, Toowoomba“Don is a wonderful teacher-very positive, accommodating and organised, with so much to share. 5 stars for Don!”
D. Bollard – Summer School, Toowoomba“Don was an excellent teacher; he was very patient with beginners and showed great generosity of spirit in sharing his knowledge and going the extra mile.”
S. Baxter – One-on-one Lesson“Really enjoyed the time spent with Don. The session was informative, with heaps of photography tips and explanations, set in a lovely, relaxing environment. I feel more confident using my camera and appreciate Don’s patience and friendliness.”
G. Croad – One-on-one Lesson“An excellent experience with Don explaining how to use my new camera. I would recommend that anyone wanting information on how to use all the functions contact Don. Great value for money”
D. Horrocks – Shutterbug Group“I have learnt so much since I have been coming to Don Hildred’s classes, field days, and tuition lessons. I enjoyed learning how to use all the different settings on my camera. Thank you for being so patient with me and helping”
C. Horton – Winter School, Toowoomba“Really worthwhile. Don Hildred is an excellent teacher who goes the extra mile for the students. Very knowledgeable and very well organised”
What Students Photograph…
Examples from private lessons and group workshops
What you’ll learn during your lesson
Student Accomplishments
✅ How to confidently use your camera.
✅ When to shoot in Auto and Manual modes.
✅ Simple composition techniques.
✅ Understanding aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
✅ Travel and landscape photography skills.
✅ Photo editing with Lightroom and Photoshop.
✅ How to consistently create better images.
You’ll Receive
✅ Personalised tuition.
✅ Printed course notes.
✅ Practical hands-on activities.
✅ A relaxed learning environment.
✅ 10-day support after your lesson.
Brie one-on-one photography lesson – Toowoomba
Photography Courses
Options to suit your individual needs
All lessons can be tailored to suit your individual needs. Please let me know in advance if you have any particular areas of interest (macro, wildlife, astro, portraiture, etc.) you would like to cover during your lesson.
Camera Basics
Perfect for new camera owners.
- Learn the essential controls of your DSLR, mirrorless or compact camera and start taking better photographs immediately.
- Half Day • $150 pp includes take-home notes + 10 days of free support.
Travel Photography
Planning a holiday?
- Learn what equipment to take, how to photograph memorable locations, and how to return home with images you’ll be proud to share.
- Half Day • $150 pp includes take-home notes + 10 days of free support.
Manual Exposure
Ready to move beyond Auto?
- Master aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and take creative control over your images.
- Half Day • $150 pp includes take-home notes + 10 days of free support.
Photo Editing
Transform your photographs with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
- Learn professional workflows that improve colour, exposure and image quality.
- Half Day • $150 pp includes take-home notes + 10 days of free support.
What Happens During Your Lesson?
Every lesson begins with a relaxed discussion over coffee, while I review your experience level, camera equipment, and goals. Then we move through camera theory before heading outside for practical activities.
You will:
✅ Learn essential camera skills.
✅ Practice them immediately.
✅ Receive personalised feedback.
✅ Build confidence using your camera.
✅ Focus on practical learning outcomes.
Picnic Point one-on-one photography lesson
Learn Photography at Scenic Locations
Lessons are commonly conducted at Picnic Point and in the surrounding parklands, providing access to landscapes, gardens, wildlife, macro subjects, and beautiful views across the Darling Downs. Alternative locations can also be arranged, including your home or workplace.
Picnic Point Cafe and surrounding Parklands
Give the Gift of Photography
Looking for a unique gift idea?
Photography lesson gift vouchers are perfect for:
✅ Birthdays
✅ Retirement gifts
✅ Christmas presents
✅ Mother’s Day
✅ Father’s Day
Give someone an experience they’ll remember long after the lesson is finished.
Half-day Gift Voucher
Ready to Take Better Photographs?
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced photographer looking to improve your skills, I’d love to provide personalised guidance to help you achieve your desired outcomes.
Self-portrait in front of my computer