You can choose six modules from the following 10, in any order. It’s fine to decide on which one you’d like to tackle next after you’ve finished the previous one, so you don’t have to choose them all up front:

 

1. Off-Auto

Ideal for beginners, or for ‘returners’ who need an initial run-though on aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focusing - and on how to set up their specific camera model to make it as easy to use as possible, but still with full control. This gives you an initial practise session to help you become more familiar with your camera, and with basic settings, but is entirely optional depending on your current level.

 

2. Landscape Photography

This module covers a variety of compositional techniques, along with advice on handling extreme lighting conditions, and making the most of available light. We will also touch on post processing, including stitched panoramas – and how to ensure you have captured all of the necessary image data in order to make the most of the image afterwards, if you choose to do so.

 

3. Architecture and Urban Photography

Understanding how light and shadow enhances an urban or architectural shot can make all the difference. We will look at how using man-made structures can create impact in your images, as well as considering how different angles and compositions can work together to create more unique and abstract images. This module will also include elements on black and white photography.

 

4. Street and Documentary Photography

How, when and why to create street and documentary shots. This module explains what ‘street photography’ is and why you might want to try it – as well as looking at how you document a moment in time, to really tell a story. Making use of light and shadow is also a key part of this module, as the right lighting conditions can turn a mundane scene into something that is worthy of being printed and hung on the wall.

 

5. Night Photography

This is all about dealing with the technical challenges of shooting in the dark – as well as how to use available light sources to add drama to a night shot, and understanding which subjects work best when photographed at night. We will also cover choosing and using a tripod, and how to ensure that your night shots are sharp, clear and as dramatic as you want them to be. Note, this module does not include astro photography.

 

6. Long Exposure Photography

Creating long exposures is one of the most interesting and unique aspects of photography, and very much a ‘creative’ process. This module provides advice on equipment, and what is/is not actually necessary, as well as talking you through the different settings that are required, in order to ensure you get the effect you were aiming for. There is some overlap with the Night Photography module in relation to tripod use.

 

7. Black and White Photography

Depending on your age, you may very well have started your photographic journey in black and white (I certainly did!) - but over time, as colour has become mainstream, the impact and importance of shooting mono can get forgotten. This module covers everything you need to consider, including how shape/form and light/shadow become far more important in the absence of colour.

 

8. Portrait Photography

Even if you never plan to become a portrait photographer, there are still times when it would be nice to be able to take a good image of family or friends, that is more than a snapshot. We’ll look at lens, aperture and focal length choices, and what the different options are is when shooting individuals or groups - as well as making use of natural lighting and backgrounds to enhance your portrait images.Note, this module does not include using flash.

 

9. Artistic and ICM Photography

This module is definitely for the more creatively minded! Over the last few years, artistic techniques such as ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) and Multiple Exposure have become more and more popular - giving us the ability to use light, colour and shape to create unique and dynamic images. We will look at how these images are created, and which subjects can be used to develop the most effective result.

 

10. Advanced Post Processing in Lightroom

The conversation about editing your images will definitely come into many, if not all, of the other modules. But this more in-depth module will go into far more detail about how to turn a good image into a great image, as well as how to store, review, cull and manage all of your work - to ensure that you don’t end up ‘drowning in data’ as your photographic journey develops.

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Back to course overview.

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About me

I started teaching photography in 2016 after being asked by a friend if I could show them how to use their camera, and realising how much I loved helping people to develop in their own photographic journey. Alongside my ‘day job’ as a commercial photographer, I have worked with hundreds of people at all levels, from off-auto through to advanced skills - including post-processing and overall image management using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

 

In 2017 I published a coffee table book of images of my home town of Milton Keynes, called Unexpected:MK, as part of its 50th birthday celebrations. It was sponsored by 15 local businesses and organisations and went on to sell 1,700 copies, and also led to me being interviewed on BBC Breakfast and various other TV and radio stations!

 

I have recently won the People's Choice Award in the 2024 British Photography Awards, in the low light photography category. I have also been Highly Commended in the International Urban Photographer of the Year Awards, Commended in the Scottish landscape Photographer of the Year awards, and received Gold and Silver placings in the International Epson Pano Awards.