Photography Courses 2008/09

All our photographic tutors are qualified to degree level within their field of excellence, as well as being qualified lecturers. They have taught courses up to Masters Level for South Kent College, West Kent College, Ashford School of Art and Design, Learndirect and The University of Kent.On our photography courses we keep our student to tutor ratio to a maximum of 4:1 so we can give really personal tuition. On arrival we will discuss what you wish to get out of your course and how we can help you achieve this. Using this method we can cater for varying levels of expertise, be it novice or expert.

We also offer the facility of organising your own private photography course. These can be arranged at the location of your choice (within reason). Why not have a chat with some friends, and let us organise a great few days away.

Photography Courses Subject Key

A: Composition.
This lecture will cover the basics of photographic composition and "seeing the image".

B: Creative camera control.
This lecture covers the creative potential of using shutter speed and aperture.

C: Photoshop for photographers.
This session will explore the importance of using an image editing program such as Adobe Photoshop or Elements. This is a practical session where you will have the opportunity to work on your own images based on a digital workflow enabling you to extract the best from your photographs. You will also be able to explore the potential of black and white conversion.

D: Studio practice.
This session with explore professional studio practice. You will have the opportunity to create differing lighting effects whist using simple, affordable lighting equipment.

E: Digital workflow.
This lecture will introduce you to the concept of a digital workflow. You will be shown the basics of Adobe Photoshop enabling you to make basic adjustment to your images and feel comfortable within this environment.

F: Landscape photo shoot.
This is a chance to put into practice the skills learnt from the lectures.

G: Structured photo shoot.
This is a chance to put into practice the skills learnt from the lectures, under controlled conditions.

H: Advanced practitioners only.
You will work independently from the main group of students, creating a body of work built around a set brief. The brief will be given to you at the time of booking, allowing time for planning and consultation with both the tutors. At the outset of the Masterclass you would present your photographic aims to the group. You will be expected to be self critical of your work and working ethos at all stages. You are of course welcome to sit in on the morning photographic lectures if you feel in need of a refresher course, but this isn't a requirement. You may also wish to join the group for the organised photo shoots, but we recognise that you may prefer to work on your own, in pre-decided locations at specific times of the day. Each afternoon/evening you would rejoin the group for the critique, and present your ongoing work to the tutors, and the other students. You will of course receive ongoing constructive criticism as well as guidance for the progression of your work. On the final day of the Masterclass you will be expected to present a body of work the the group. We recognise that this will not be a fully completed set of images, and that you will wish to finalise your work over an extended period. With this in mind we will offer you a written critique of your final body of work. We would also feature your work on our online gallery.

I: Black & White Photography
This lecture will explore the potential of black and white photography, as well as exploring various techniques of conversion.