Courses in Photography

January 7th / 8th Wedding Course.

Our most popular course, with a mixed group of delegates, some have photographed wedding before some have not. Charlotte our model did well, as the weather was extremely cold! Tasks were set the group, for using fill flash and balancing light indoors.

January 9th Business Course.

A one to one business course for roger, who is due to leave the forces soon. Has been a photographer with the forces for many years, and is now set to start on a new career.

January 14th / 15th SWPP Annual Conference Coventry

A fa Winning Digital Photographer of teh Yaer in 2005 ntastic weekend and a very bust one too. We had a stand there and it was great to see many of our past delegates coming up to the stand. Quite a few of them told me that they have now given up their jobs and have gone full time into photography, thanks to me!
We were very busy, much better than last year and that was busy. Phil and Juliet who run the SWPP have worked so hard at making it a success and next year it will be bigger again. This time it is being held in Novotel L Kelly at Conference 2005 ondon West Hotel and will be on three floors. They are expecting 5000 to attend. It will be called Convention 2007 and will be Europe's largest event for photographers. Make a note in you diary now, and do not miss it. Oh and the date is the 12th / 13th / 14th January 2007.

A great evening, much busier than last year with many more trade stands. Seminars went on till late in the evenings there was so many! The Sunday evening was the main entertainment, with the awards dinner taking place. It was great to see so many young photographers collecting awards, with a few exceptions! I sat next to a lovely young lady called Kelly, who's car struggled to get to Coventry, limping along the motorway at 30mph! Still she only just made it and the evening would not have been the same without her.

Len Bateman: Photographer of the Year 2005 Digital Art.

Len has won photographer of the year for an image taken on one of his courses. The image was taken at Milford Haven, and enhanced with Photoshop. The award was presented to Len at the Awards Dinner held at Coventry with the SWPP. Len was also awarded a R2400 printer from Epson. Thank you Epson. During the year Len has won as many of six monthly awards for his Environmental Photography, Portraiture, Digital Art, Landscape and Pictorial. I think Walt Malone won so many, that I lost count! Well done Walt!

Portraiture Course. January 17th / 18th. 2006

Rushing back from the convention on Monday t Old Building Milford o greet the new arrivals for a two day Portraiture course.
The first day we went on location using an old building for a back drop and got some great results. Some of which was taken will win awards, I have no doubt! The second day it was decided to do more Studio work, using a variety of lighting set ups. Starting with one light then two, adding a hair light, then using high key lighting.
A lot was learnt in a small space of time and being able to see the end results each time we were able to improve very quickly.

January 21st / 22nd Weekend Special Landscape Course

A busy weekend, with a the course being full for some time. The weekends special are where your partner comes free, but does not attend the course. On this course we teach students how to "see" into an image, using lines and composition. Then afterwards show various stages to go through before producing that final image. "To be able to see that end result, you will need to see all over again, through a different pair of eyes".
Location work was along the coast towards Porthgain, where we stopped for lunch. Some of the class were up at 06.00 to get the sunrise across the School House grounds. They were hoping to catch the otter on the ponds. They did hear a large splash as they approached, but were unable to see what it was.

January 24th / 25th Business Course

Covering how to get started in running a successful photography business, from running promotions to budget sheets. Lots of useful tips of what works and what dont work. Some practical work was also undertaken to show use of digital and Photoshop.

January 28th / 29th Wedding Course.

Another weekend course, which are becoming more popular that the mid week courses at the moment. The is plenty of time allocated to take pictures for your portfolio during these courses. We supplied a Bride, Groom, and two bridesmaids for the delegates to take pictures as most of them had not taken any wedding pictures before and needed some work to get them started. Normally we supply a Bride only and explain more about lighting, business, flash and location work. Because the numbers of the courses are limited, the content of the course is discussed with yourselves beforehand.

January 31st / Feb 1st / Feb 2nd Careers Course.

A three day careers course covering business, getting started, equipment, web page, weddings, schools, portraiture, lighting and suppliers.
Models were supplied to create some stunning images, remembering that its not the images that matter but how you market those images. What you take to gain recognition if deferent to what you sell to pays the bills.
A very intense course, covering all type of photography and discussing what markets are out there.

February 7th / 8th Video Course.

A two day course teaching the basics of wedding video. Camera skills, business, sequence making, music, order of the day, attending church. Our video's are different, which we have won awards for and will pass the secrets of how we do it on to you.

February 14th / 15th Wedding Course.

This course has been full for a while, so we have added other courses to the list. There is one in March which is now nearly full, so we might have to introduce another for the 7th / 8th March. These courses are our most popular, and great value for money. I have had feed back form people attending the course, and they say they have been to other training organizations and have spent thousands of pounds. We give you the information you need, no waffle!

March 4th / 5th Landscape Course.

A great weekend for it, with lots of lovely sunshine and cloud about making ideal conditions for landscape photography. An early morning shoot for the Sunday morning to photograph the sun rise of Milford Docks. Then to Neyland for a hardy breakfast.
Back to The School House to look at the work before heading back out again to the north coastline, with lunch at Newgale overlooking the sea.

March 7th / 8th Wedding Course.

All the delegates on this course have never photographed a wedding before! By the end of the course they have the confidence to do so. Bad weather was the order of the day, as it rained during the two days. Photographs were still taken as we would have had to if it was a real wedding. Indoor lighting, alter returns were discussed and demonstrated at one of our local churches.

March 21st / 22nd Business Course.

Now a very popular course as Len has so much experience to pass on, having run three very successful studios in the past. Topics covered were, budgets, marketing, getting work, web page design, running promotions, time management, how to win competitions, and creating your own style.

March 28th / 29th Wedding Course.

All aspects were covered in relation to wedding photography. Most on the course have never photographed a wedding before. The m Amy ain question people wanted to know was how to use flash, fill and available light. I must say that some of the images I've seen taken by the delegates on this course were fantastic, and we should them winning some awards soon!

April 4th / 5th Portraiture Course.

Most people on this course has been with us before, either on a business course or wedding courses. We have a new model called Aimee, who is just 15 years old. She has modeled in the past and has shown some good potential. She did really well for her first day with us, especially braving the cold for the out door shots!
This course provided lots of hands on, with the weather being fine we spent more time out on location showing the use of subtractive lighting.

April 11th / 12th Wedding Course.

This course has been fully booked for a while, with one delegate coming all the way from Sweden, just for the course. Three of the delegates are staying on to do the business course which is following on Thursday and Friday.

April 13th / 14th Business Course.

Covering budgets, marketing, insurance's, web page design, Photoshop, school photography, running promotions, and use of key words. Lunch at Neyland on the second day, with a stop after lunch to show the use of subtractive lighting. Now proving to be a popular course as it is designed especially for photographers.

April 29th / 30th Wedding Course.

A new model called Charlie starts today, really natural. Aimee our other model is getting the hang of some of the posing and is making it too easy for people!! Again we covered lighting, showing how to control the light both indoor and outdoor. Use of Photoshop was also demonstrated showing what we would do with the images later. We are looking at getting delegates to think about created their own style, this we encourage on all the courses.

May 6th / 7th Wedding Video Course.

Looking at how to Video a Wedding using the lastest equipment. Hands on with cameras at a local church putting together sequences. Lighting, sound, order of events and sequences taken during the day were all covered. How to market yourself, promotions, pricing was also covered.

May 9th / 10th Portraiture Course.

A two day portraiture course, running through lighting, both studio and outdoor. Looking at setting up your own business and running promotions. Our models Charlott and Charlie we excellent as usual, with Charlott just coming back from the States on holiday. The morning was spent discussing lighting and types of portraiture, before setting up a studio to demonstrate additive lighting. Lunch at Neyland Marina, then afterwards taking more images using subtractive lighting. Back at The Old School House The girls! we demonstrated the use of Photoshop.

Its the first time we have had a course with all women on, I was out numbered six to one. Amy our other model joined us for the Sunday shoot, giving each deleagte their won model! Where else could you get that sort of service!

May 13th / 14th Wedding Course.

Anothe Wedding subtractive lighting r course that has been fully booked for about two months. Most of the delegates are looking at starting a career in wedding photography, most of which have attended weddings of friends and have had a go. We pack the course full of information for you, covering everything you will need to know about how to photograph a wedding. Our models were Charlotte and Charlie for the first day, and Charlotte and Amy for the second day.

Careers Course. 16th / 17th / 18th May.

Careers courses are over three days and will cover marketing, budgets, data bases, web pages, portraiture, weddings, schools, running competitions and much more. The courses are run with smaller numbers, so we can cover topics on a one to one basis.
Models are supplied if required. If you are thinking of starting a business, then this course is a must and will put you on the right road to becoming successful. Len and Charlotte

May 20th / 21st Wedding Course.

Another wedding course that has been added to cope with the demand shown for these courses. On this course we cover lighting. How to light a wedding from start to finish. Looking at all types of lighting, from available to fill flash.
This is our Charl with Len demonstrating the correct use of lighting in our Studio set up!

May 27th / 28th Landscape Course.

This course is designed to show you how to see into an image. When you look through the lens you will be able to see the end result. Working with Photoshop to show you what we can do with the images, once getting the basics right to start with.

June 6th / 7th Portraiture Course.

Looking Window Light at lighting and posing. The weather is fantastic, so we took the opportunity to go outdoors and show the use subtractive lighting. The standards of images taken on these courses is of a very high standard. If you are thinking of becoming professional, then we will show you what is required to become successful.

June 12th / 13th Wedding Course

Looking at lighting again, posing and working with digital. We will show you how we work with Photoshop and how to create your own style of work. Standards are high and work taken would be good enough to gain awards.

June 27th / 28th Wedding Course.

Another wedding course covering posing and lighting. The use of fill flash, available light, subtractive, additive, balancing light, reflectors and natural light were explained in depth. Models were supplied to explain and demonstrate the use of these different lighting situations.

July 11th / 12th Wedding Course.

Looking at lighting again, going through all the different lighting situations one should expect to have to handle on the wedding day. Looking a bad weather and how to cope when it rains. Pricing and presentation was also discussed. Nice to see out model Lizzy back, and our Charlotte is getting really professional in her posing.

July 13th / 14th Advanced Wedding Course.

Looking at photographing a complete wed Len and Lizzy ding, with a required list that demands certain shots being taken. There is a Bride and Groom, Mum and Dad, four Bridesmaids and guests. Starting at the house, then arrivals at the church, photographs inside and then group shots before heading back to the reception for the cake cutting.
I had to play the part of the Dad for the day, which I did not mind at all. Better than one of courses that I went on, when the Bride did not turn up, they drew staws and it turned out that it was me who had to pose up as the Bride for the day!! Pictures taken by Andrew Gransden.

July 29th / 30th Landscape Course.

The first day the weather was a bit on the dull side, with some rain at times. Delegates said they would not bring their cameras out of the case when the weather is like this! The aim of this course was to show that there are images all around us, if we learn to see through the lens and "see" the end result. Porthgain
Looking at some of the results, it was amazing to see what images were taken. The other amazing fact is that, we all went to the same places and all came up with different images!!
The next day the weather was fantastic, the clouds dancing in delight across the rocky coastline. Plenty of opportunity to get soem great images of this spectacular coastline.

August 8th / 9th Portraiture Course.

Looking at different styles of Portraiture and developing you own style. Models supplied for the two days to try out different styles of lighting effects, both indoor and outdoors.

August 12th / 13th Wedding Course

Another Coast at Pothgain full course, covering all the different types of lighting you would expect to come across during a wedding. Plenty of hands on experience and chances to get a portfolio together.

August 15th / 16th / 17th Landscape / Digital / Natural History.

A three day one to one course, with a trip across the Island of Skomer arranged. Covering the basics, lighting, composition, photoshop, and some business.

September 5th / 6th Wedding Course.

A two day course, again covering lighting in a big way Natalie . I will be lecturing "The art of lighting a Wedding" at the SWPP conference in London next year. Not to be missed. Get you tickets for it now, will be one of the biggest shows of the year!
Natalie shown on the right was our new model for the course, she has never modeled before but did a great job, as you can see from the picture. Well done Nat, you did really well.

September 7th / 8th Digital Course.

The art of working with images, looking into the picture are seeing the end result. Working with Photoshop, with plenty of hands on experience, something which you need to have when using Photoshop. At the end of the course students were producing some award winning images.

September 12th / 13th / 14th Careers Course

A thre Ice, Digital monthly winner e day course covering, business, weddings, portraiture, composition, finding your own style, school photography and how to run competitions. A unique course and worth every penny, setting you out on the right road to becoming a professional photographer.

Looking at how to see into an image and beyond the original scene to produce some stunning effects. Also looking at how to create some award winning images, that Len Bateman is becoming well know for within the SWPP. Only last month he won digital photographer of the month with the picture shown here, called Ice. The seagull is called Jonathan and lives on the Island of Skomer.

Nat, our model is getting better by the day! Milford Harbour Here is a shot taken at Milford Haven old harbour during our careers course.

September 26th / 27th Portraiture Course.

A two day course with Racheal coming back from Texas to do another course with us. Her last course was a few weeks back and since then she has been to Venice to do an Artistic Photography course. Natalie was our model again for today, that you Natalie. Studio work was covered using all the different lighting set ups for indoor work, including use of available lighting.

October 3rd / 4th Video Course.

Designed especially for wedding videos. This course will run through everything you will need to know about how to shoot wedding videos, but with a difference. Want to know how to be different? There are lots of new ideas, sequence making, sound, and music.
Hands on experience will be available during the course by adding the creative touch to your videos.

October 7th / 8th Wedding Course.

Another two day wedding course, with one young lady Michelle coming back again after doing our portraiture course earlier on in the year. Plenty of one to one covering lightng and use of equipment.
We have now introduced a new 5 and 7 day course for those who want to become professional photographers, covering all aspects of photography.

Natalie has joined the company as a PR Manager. She will be dealing with your inquiries as well as myself. Natalie is also one of our models. Natalie Mobile: 07823 884909

November 8th - 17th Careers Course.

A nine day careers course to cover all you w Low Key studio lighting ill ever need to know about how to get started in Professional Photography. Covering, Business, Portraiture, Weddings, Lighting, Equipment, Composition, Digital, Presentation, Style, Marketing, Web Page design, Promotions, Child Portraiture and much more. Most of the course is a one to one, covering exactly what you want to know.
The young lady is Paula and have come all the way from Turkey to do the course. She will properly be moving back to South Africa to start her own business.

November 14th / 15th Digital Course.

A two day course on digital, showing masking, layers, levels, color change, paint effects, boarders etc. First day showing how to see into an image, using lines, lead in, thirds, depth, framing.

November 21st / 22nd Wedding Course. Natalie lying down on the job!

Another busy wedding course, covering all you are going to need about how to light a wedding. From using direct flash, fill, available light, subtractive, additive, window light, lighting inside a church, house and reception.

News from Delegates.

December 5th / 6th

Combined Portraiture / Digital Course, one to one. Covering camera controls, speeds and aperture settings. Fill and balancing flash, with table top still life photography.

Wishing all our clients a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.