From the Concept to the Perfect Shot
Why do some photos look technically perfect, while others—despite having good subjects—appear blurry, poorly exposed, or unbalanced?
In this one-hour seminar, master photographer Jan Dittmer demonstrates how to consciously plan a shot and execute it technically flawlessly even before pressing the shutter button. The focus is not on camera models or the latest technological trends, but on the photographic fundamentals that have been producing powerful images for decades—regardless of whether you’re shooting analog or digital.
Using specific examples, Jan Dittmer explains how photographers analyze a subject, identify the key areas of the image, and use that information to make the right photographic decisions. You’ll learn how composition, exposure, focus, and perspective work together—and why technical precision begins right at the moment the shot is taken.
A special focus is placed on the topic of exposure. The course also introduces Ansel Adams’ famous zone system—a method originally developed for analog photography, but whose basic principles continue to provide valuable guidance for digital photography today.
In addition, Jan demonstrates how the choice of aperture affects depth of field and the overall look of the image, the role that location plays in composing a shot, and how to avoid technical errors even before taking the picture.
This workshop is designed for photographers who want to compose their images more thoughtfully and gain a better understanding of the technical aspects behind a successful shot. Analog photographers in particular will benefit from the methods presented, since direct control over the result is often not possible in this medium. However, digital photographers will also gain valuable tools to achieve better results right from the moment the shot is taken.
Here’s what you can expect:
- The Most Important Basics for Technically Sound Recordings
- Using Visual Design and Site Selection Strategically
- Understanding and Controlling Exposure
- Introduction to Ansel Adams’ Zone System
- Understanding Depth of Field and Aperture Selection Better
- Avoid Common Mistakes Before You Even Start Recording
- Valuable Tips from Decades of Photography Experience
A workshop for anyone who wants to leave less to chance and instead understand why a photo works from a technical standpoint—and how to apply that knowledge specifically to their own photography.
About Jan Dittmer
Master Photographer and Managing Director of bilderfürst GmbH, born in 1967, resides in Fürth
- Apprenticeship as a photographer; master’s examination in 1990
- In 2001, Jan Dittmer purchased Bilderfürst in Fürth, marking the third generation of the Dittmer family to work as entrepreneurs in the photography industry.
- 2010: Opening of the world’s first official Leica Boutique in Fürth.
- 2012: Spin-off of the digitization division into a separate company.
- 2017: Opening of the Leica Store and the Leica Gallery in Nuremberg (as a branch of bilderfürst Fürth GmbH & Co KG)
- 2017: Renovation of the main store in Fürth at Alexanderstraße 2 to become Fine Art Printer and the first Fuji X Store.
- 2020: Opening of “home of X photography” – Fuji-Store.de in Nuremberg.
- 2020: Renovation of the Bilderfürst store on Alexanderstrasse in Fürth into an analog store featuring a photo lab and analog cameras.
Seminar information
- Speaker: Jan Dittmer
- Suitable for: Beginners and advanced
- Minimum number of participants: 10
- Maximum number of participants: 74
- Duration: about 1 hour
- When: Friday, October 2, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Where: Nuremberg Exhibition Center, NCC West, Room Madrid, 1st floor (barrier-free)
- Price: 25€
- Note: The seminar fee does not include a weekend ticket for the trade show.
Experience more at Imaging World 2026
Imaging World 2026 is much more than a single workshop: you can expect a whole weekend full of photography, content creation, video, creativity and inspiration – with exciting program items, strong brands and many opportunities to try out new things directly.
With a weekend ticket, you’ll have access to the entire trade show, including:
- further workshops and events in the fields of photography, video, lighting, business and content creation
- exciting stage program with lectures, live talks and inspiration for your photography
- creative playgrounds where you can directly experience technology, sets and new image ideas
- leading exhibitors and brands from the photo and imaging industry
- Imaging World photo competition, where you can submit your best pictures
- Free camera check & clean for your equipment on site
This will turn your workshop visit into an entire trade fair experience: you will learn new techniques, gather creative ideas, test equipment, meet like-minded people and take home lots of inspiration.
Plan your personal Imaging World weekend now and discover all the highlights around workshops, stage, playgrounds, exhibitors, photo competition and free services.