teaching
I've been teaching Photography part time at Birmingham's lovely Botanical Gardens since January 2007. I currently lead 4 courses per term plus one day workshops (See the "Links" page for Botanical Gardens). I taught NCFE Photography Level 2 at Stratford-upon-Avon College in 2009/2010 and now teach two courses at mac (Midlands Arts Centre).
I also run my own courses and workshop events from Fotofilia and, increasingly, at private or business premises. Other tutors are sometimes brought in to provide specialist training. Group bookings may be undertaken (and increasingly are) as well as 1-1 or 2-1 sessions (especially suitable for Photoshop tuition).
FORTHCOMING EVENTS: (Further details available on request)
Documentary Masterclass With Andrew Jackson (7-9pm) – 6 Weeks Starting Wednesday 18th January. RUNNING/FULL
In this 6 week course at fotofilia, acclaimed documentary photographer Andrew Jackson will take you on “a personal journey that will give you an opportunity to explore the world around you as much as it will enable you to explore that personal world inside that affects your world view. These next few weeks then should be viewed as a challenge, an opportunity for you to push yourself and for you to question too the world around you and your place within it. Price: £95 (£90 CLUB/f2 members)
Portrait Photography (10:30-2:30) – Thursday 23rd February
A four-hour guide to the lighting, posing, settings and psychology of photographic portraiture, with a model to practice your new found skills on. Price: £55 (£50 CLUB/f2 members)
Live Boxing Shoot: 8-11pm. Friday 24th February
Photograph all the action of a real boxing competition (organised by Priory Park ABC) from ringside. This is a real challenge for your skills and reflexes. You will also need a “fast” lens (at least f2.8). A proportion of your fee will go towards sponsoring the great work that Priory Park ABC do with local youth. Price: £45 (£40 CLUB/f2 members)
Night Photo Safari: (7:30-10pm) Sunday 26th February
A return for this popular event. Guided, safe, night photography in the streets of the Jewellery Quarter with a model brought along to also try your low-light portraiture skills. You will need a tripod but we have a few spares if you don’t have one (reserve one in advance). Price: £25 (£20 CLUB/f2 members)
Get Started In Photoshop (7pm – 9:30pm) Monday 27th February and Monday 5th March
A two-session shove into the wonderful world of Photoshop. Learn about cropping, re-sizing, contrast, levels, colour, layers, file types, borders, dodging, burning, filters, and all manner of digital tweaking. You will need to bring your own laptop with a version of Photoshop CS or Elements already installed (you can download a month’s free trial version from the Adobe website). You can bring along your own images to work on (although I can supply images if you’d prefer). For absolute beginners. Small group size. Price: £40 (£35 CLUB/f2 members)
Dance-themed Studio Evening: (7:30-10pm) Sunday 11th March
Similar format to the usual studio evenings: specially selected models, studio lighting, small group, support and advice, low pressure supportive environment, fun – but with a dance theme. So expect some ballet and tango shots. Price: £50 (£45 CLUB/f2 members)
Studio Lighting Crash Course (10:30am-4pm) – Tuesday 20th March
All you need to know to get you started in the studio. So if you don't know your butterfly from your clamshell, or your high key from your house key, or your softbox from your lunchbox, this might be the place to start. Starting with the absolute basics, you'll progress to shooting and directing live models. Learn to understand and control studio lighting to produce quality results. Note: Lower rate for this weekday slot! Price: £70 (£65 CLUB/f2 members)
Studio Evening: (7:30pm-10pm) – Wednesday 28th March
2 specially selected models, studio lighting, small group, support and advice, low pressure supportive environment, fun. You'll need an SLR/DSLR to hook up to the flash. Price: £35 (£30 CLUB/f2 members)
Vampire Shoot: Monday 23rd April
You must be aware of the raft of “new vampire” films, series and literature that have been seeping into popular culture over recent years. Well, this is a chance to photograph specially selected models in appropriate make-up and outfits under suitably dramatic lighting. The shoot will be mainly studio-based but may also involve some outside shots if the conditions are suitable. Go on, stick your neck out. Price: £45 (£40 CLUB/f2 members)
Coming Soon (Various Dates)...
Introduction to Digital Photography NEW FORMAT A five-hour all-you-need-to-know introduction to the wonderful world of digital photography with simply explained theory consolidated with practical sessions. Like before, but different. Price: £95
Portrait Photography NEW A four-hour guide to the lighting, posing, settings and psychology of photographic portraiture, with a model to practice your new found skills on. Price: £55
iPhoneography Workshop NEW Got an iPhone or iPod Touch? Then you have a powerful and creatively versatile piece of technology. Learn how to make the most of it in this four-hour iworkshop. Many photographic principles still apply so learn from advanced practitioners. Price: £55 (plus you will need to download apps costing no more than £7 in total.
Fotofilia also has its own two photographic societies: THE CLUB, which began in September 2010, and f2, which began in April 2011.
To Book: Phone or email initially to reserve your place and then payment will be required as soon as possible to secure.
Please note that mac and Botanical Gardens courses must be booked through their own websites and booking systems.
MORE DATES WILL BE ANNOUNCED VERY SOON...