? Frequently asked questions and a little about the courses?

View and Download PDF Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the courses for?

Anyone with a genuine interest in photography who is seriously looking to improve or learn from scratch, irrespective of age. Ideal for the beginner; get it right now and save years of frustration and disappointment.



Of great assistance to GCSE, A level, City & Guilds, LRPS, ARPS and Art College students. My courses are approved by the MOD and qualify for full SLC credits.



Will I be out of my depth?

No. Whatever your level of photographic or computer skills, my courses are designed to suit you. Beginners are very welcome and will appreciate my patient approach to helping you learn. The more experienced photographer enjoys a fun but informative day encouraging you to take your photography to a higher level.



What equipment will I need?

Any DSLR, or compact/Bridge camera with settings that can be changed. You must be able to control both the aperture and shutter speeds of your camera. "Compact" cameras, without adjustable f-stops, focus and shutter speeds will have their limitations on my courses. If you have not yet bought a camera I can provide DSLR equipment if necessary and advise you about what equipment would best suit you related to the type of photography you enjoy.



For the intermediate (especially LRPS/ARPS) and advanced levels you should bring any lenses and filters if you have them, a sturdy tripod, a remote shutter release or know how to use the self timer. A few images of your work (submission portfolio for LRPS/ARPS) for an honest and objective assessement. Go to RPS here

What do the courses involve?

My courses have been carefully designed to guide you through every aspect of the subject in a clear and logical way, yet encouraging individual creativity. Beginners will be shown how to set-up your camera and how to use the manual controls to achieve better results than always using 'auto' or 'P'. The main emphasis will be on composition and how to see 'photographically' an art (or skill) that needs expert guidance and practice to get right. My simple yet extensive rules will help you for the rest of your image taking life.

I will ask you to complete a questionnaire before the course. This will allow me to precisely tailor the course content. After an initial course introduction the emphasis is on practical application and will be on location mainly in Bristol. You will learn picture composition, depth of field, choices of lens and filters and camera settings for creating images that will make you smile.

But more importantly I will teach you how to avoid walking past a hundred good shots or taking a hundred that you will want to delete. You will learn the vital elements of what works and what doesn't.



You will be personally monitored and assisted at every stage. The emphasis is always on making you look upon your work with a critical yet constructive eye. In this way you will quickly learn to appreciate the effect a lens or exposure will have on the finished print. Mistakes are quickly identified and corrected.

The Photoshop courses, allow you to learn the use of techniques such as RAW conversion, use of layers and masks. You will learn how to build up your pictures to produce exciting and creative images. It is fun learning!

What about the winter - isn't it too cold?

This can be the best time of year to be taking pictures. The low sun and stormy clouds are a dream to capture and produce moody images and long shadows. Being wrapped-up on a sunny cold winter day can be very exhilarating. All courses can be rescheduled if the weather is poor, at no extra cost. The winter months are a great time to learn Photoshop!



Do you do night photography?

Yes. By request your course could be taken in the evening and would cover most of what you need to know to capture city night scenes including moving traffic, water reflections and sunsets.



What about Gift Vouchers?

It's a great idea and you can buy one by going to the Fees Page. A huge proportion of my students have received a Gift Voucher that allows them to arrange their own date for their course bought for them by a friend or relative.

Why are my students so successful?

I have been teaching photography locally for four years and during that time have made many friends from my students. Several continue to enrol on courses purely to enjoy their photography. Many students come back for refresher courses and go on to help others. Some have even become professional photographers, both freelance and employed.



What about ongoing support?

When you have completed your course it doesn’t end there. I provide ongoing support to help you with anything related to photography. I will objectively look at your creations and provide any advice or assistance you need, even helping you choose equipment.

Why should I enrol on your course?

Apart from my own vast photography experience I have four years of evolution and development teaching photography. I will teach you what you need to know to improve your photography, not esoteric techniques far beyond your current level.

I understand the need to build upon concepts and not overwhelm you with jargon.

I strike a balance between the technical aspects of photography and the creative skills needed to create good photographs.