Ways for you to improve your photography during lockdown
So, another month of lockdown has passed and still no certainty about the “when” but all indicators are going in the right direction so let’s hope it won’t be for too much longer before we can meet and venture out properly again.
I am sure you can appreciate that the uncertainty is making scheduling workshops and courses an almost impossible challenge. However, I remain optimistic and hope to resume semi-normal activities again at some point in the spring and certainly well in time for the bluebell woodland workshop season at the end of April.
Meantime, I have extended the online Zoom classes for another month through to the end of March and added lots of additional topics and lessons to cater for all levels of experience and interest.
Beginners Classes - Zoom
As the normal Kenilworth/Coventry evening classes for beginner’s photography and beginners Lightroom have been postponed until those venues can re-open, I have been running the individual modules as online Zoom classes. These 2hr bite-size topics cover the essentials required for those who are new to photography and those who never had any formal tuition and need a refresher.
Get off Auto Class
Get Off Auto - Class 1
This introductory 2-hour online photography class is for beginners wishing to absorb new skills and techniques to improve their photography. You will learn about exposure and how to use and control Aperture, ISO and Shutter rather than relying on Automatic Mode.
Camera Craft
Camera Craft - Class 2
This 2-hour online photography class is for beginners to learn how to use more of the camera’s functions and understand the key settings to get sharp photos that are well exposed every time
Composition
Composition - Class 3
This 2-hour online photography class is for beginners. If you struggle to get composition/framing right or sometimes just don’t see the shot, this lesson is for you. Learn to recognise all the elements that make a balanced and interesting composition.
Bracketing & Filters
Bracketing & Filters - Class 4
This photography class will explain how to expand the dynamic range of light recorded and improve tonal range in your photos through the use of filters and or bracketing your shots. Alan will talk you through why getting good exposure is essential and how to achieve that with simple techniques in camera.
B&W Photography
Black & White - Class 5
This class not only aims to teach you how to identify great opportunities for mono photographs before you even pick up the camera but in breaking down the vital elements for mono photography it will also greatly improve your eye and design of colour images too. Learn the requirements for good technique, composition and B&W conversion
Getting started with Adobe Lightroom
Getting started with Adobe Lightroom Classic - Class 6
Learn how to get started in Adobe Lightroom Classic to store, manage and edit your photos. You will learn about; Overview of Lightroom Modules, Importing your photos and folder structure and doing basic adjustments and edits to photos.
Intermediate to experienced - Classes Zoom
I decided not to just repeat the same topics/lessons/webinars from the last full lockdown. Whilst they were quite popular for a period, I felt after a while they had served their purpose and interest dwindled. If you are interested in one of the previous sessions and it’s not listed let me know and I’ll consider scheduling it.
Instead, I have added some new topics and classes that I think will appeal to several people.
1 Month Photo Project
1 Month Photo Project - 5 weekly classes, 2hrs each
From intention to completion - this mini-project will provide you with a framework and timetable to help you focus on developing a theme, style and collection of images that form a series. Having a clear intention is not just a nice to have or something that you have to do for the RPS - it represents an essential creative phase that occurs before you reach for the camera and even before you step a foot outside on location.
Monthly Photo Critique
Monthly Photo Critique
Suitable for any level - Submit two photos (edited + original for each) and Alan will provide a photo critique on technical execution, composition and editing. This is a great way to see how to develop critical thinking about your images.
Lightroom Surgery
Lightroom Surgery
This online zoom class is designed to help you solve your problems in Lightroom Classic. Alan will provide an initial brief introduction into his own set-up and configuration, pointing out the benefits of a good workflow and organisation structure. This will be followed by a collaborative discussion and Q&A of your issues: (an email will be sent out prior to the class asking you to list (bullet form) the topics and issues you want to resolve.
RPS Accreditation Mentoring Course
RPS Mentoring for Accreditation
Having supported many clients through a journey of development and improvement, with their photography, over the past few years, this mentoring course is for those who are already technically competent (or at least are on the path to mastering it) and are able to demonstrate good design and composition in their photography and who wish to apply for the RPS accreditation at licentiate or associate levels. Six classes are taken within 12 months.
1-2-1 Zoom Lesson
1-2-1 Zoom Session
1 and 2hr private 1-2-1 Zoom meetings to tackle any issue you want support and help on. Photo Review/Critique, Lightroom/Photo Editing, Camera Technique or any other topic you want further support and training on.
Finally, thanks for taking the time to read this post and get in touch if there is anything you want to discuss or book up for.
1hr - £35
2hr - £60
Take a look at my composition viewing frames to help you improve your composition