Photography course overview
I offer one day or half day photography courses based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Teaching is on a One to One basis (or two people booking together) and can be tailored to suit your individual photographic needs.
Photography classes typically comprise two parts; a studio based theory element and time spent covering practical photography on location in Cheltenham.
Lessons are ideally suited to beginner and intermediate photographers with digital SLR cameras or advanced compact cameras. I provide technical knowledge but also simple tips for better holiday photos.
Detailed course outline
Typical elements covered in the photography courses are detailed below. Please note however, your existing knowledge and/or the amount of time spent with me will depend on how much of the course outline can be covered.
Knowing your camera (theory)
- How a digital camera works. Basic and advanced modes.
- Lens choices: How lens focal length effects your photo?
- Photography accessories: Useful additions to your camera bag.
- Understanding shutter speeds, apertures and ISO. What are the correct settings to get a perfect photo?
- Depth of field: How to control depth of field in your photograph?
- Exposure: What is the correct exposure? Camera metering explained.
Practical photography (theory and location)
- Photography disciplines.
- Black & White photography. It’s not necessarily an in camera decision.
- Composition: What makes a good photograph?
- Using natural light. Direction, quality and colour temperature of light.
- Low light photography and flash photography.
Photography critique
- Location critique of your approach to taking photos
- Classroom critique of your photos
Digital photography tools (studio based)
- Interpreting your camera’s histogram
- File types and photo management/storage
- An introduction to Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
- Post processing images: Colour correction and digital darkroom techniques.
Photography course options
Half day one to one course £195 (3 1/2 hrs)
Ideally suited to an introductory beginners photography course. This will mainly cover ‘Knowing your camera’, with the possibility to include some elements of ‘Practical photography’ – time depending.
OR
A focused session (for intermediate photographers) looking only at specific areas of the course outline. This does assume you already have a basic knowledge of photography and how to use your camera.
Full day one to one course £295 (5 1/2 hrs)
Ideal for beginner or intermediate photographers. Having more time simply means a fuller course outline can be covered. Once you’ve mastered the basics, a full day allows for a critique of your work with suggestions on how to further improve, plus any Q&As on specific topics you wish to know more about.
Please note: The course cost can be split between two participants attending at the same time, if applicable.
If you wish to enquire about booking one of the photography courses, please call 07929 645139 or contact me through my website or by email.
Photography course reviews
Hi Matt,
Just wanted to send you a follow up email to thank you for your expertise on the one to one photography course in November. It has proved to be very worthwhile. Everything is being shot in manual and Landscapes and Portraits are all in RAW and everything is being processed via Lightroom (bloody great tool). Recently had an image and an article on me put in a photographic magazine!!!
Thanks for your help, Regards Phil
Hi Matt,
Just wanted to send you a thank you for the photography course Steve and I attended back in May. We both had a lot of fun and gained so much from the time we spent with you. Just returned from our holiday in Florida and put so much from the lesson into practice. I used the manual setting on the camera the majority of the time and have come back with some photos that I am so happy with.
Hopefully once I have practiced more they will get even better and I will be ready to come and learn some more advanced photography techniques.
Thanks again, Steve & Helen
Hi Matt
I am so sorry it has taken me so long to write to thank you for such a fantastic lesson you gave me….I loved it and came home so inspired and rearing to go….suffice to say I have only had a few chances to put your teachings into practice (you can imagine me standing in a playground with my piece of paper with all the exposure advice on it…muttering to myself and making adjustments on the camera, by which time Matilda has moved from her “great position” and the moments passed!)
Anyway….the few photos I have taken have had mixed results…namely just getting all those blinking settings right- but it has certainly produced some better pics and more in focus which is great. So must just keep practicing!
Thanks, Kate
Hi Matt
Just a quick line to say that Andy really enjoyed his one to one photography courses with you and it really lived up to his expectations. Many thanks for all your help. I’ve told him that next time I get married, I’ll call you to be my photographer for the day – that didn’t go down too well!
Cheers Amanda
Good Morning Matt
Just a brief message to thank you for the Excellent Photography Training Course which I thoroughly enjoyed. The information was presented in a well and thought out manner which was easily understood. Just need to put all the techniques learnt into practice. Thank you very much Matt I will be in touch later to book a date when you can come down here and help with Lightroom.
Kind Regards Ian James
Dear Matt,
Many thanks for the photography course yesterday, it was lots of fun and plenty to practice.
I have now downloaded the pictures off my camera, which I can see have made a huge difference to what I was taking previously.
Many thanks for the edited photos too, they have come out lovely.
Hopefully see you again soon.
Kind regards, Mark & Jessica
Hi Matt
I have been trying out the techniques we went over and it has really helped. I bought a 35mm prime lens and I’ve been getting some pretty OK results I think – using Lightroom now too? (my camera is permanently on manual now you’ll be pleased to know!) I also got a light box which has helped out drastically. Many thanks for great lessons Matt, it was superb.
Best Regards, Chris