Our photography courses and retreats are suitable for all ability levels. This is due to the fully-guided programme which is designed to help develop confidence and experience in photography techniques.
There are two photography programmes to choose from: “Creative Portraits” and “Still life and landscape“. In addition, you can choose from a Saturday Introduction Experience or a full weekend package.
Please note that our courses differ from retreats as they do not include social activities or accommodation. Furthermore, retreats offer a more fully immersive experience including evening activities.
Creative Portrait Retreat
In this fun photography retreat, you will develop your ability to create exciting and more interesting portrait photography.
Still Life and Landscape Course
In this photography course, you will develop your ability to create stunning and more sucessful still life and landscape photography.
Creative Portrait Photography Retreat.
During this photography retreat, you will learn creative and effective techniques in order to develop your skills in portrait photography.
In essence, this retreat is aimed at all ability levels and will suit novice photographers and the more experienced photographer alike.
The retreat offers fun and practical techniques in order to take your photography to the next level.
Briefly, the photography retreat will cover:
- Initially, you will learn the fundamentals of portrait photography and become aware of the do’s and don’ts.
- You will also develop your technical ability and confidence to be able to compose better images and use lighting more effectively.
- Furthermore, you will experiment with creative approaches to capturing portraits which deliver more interesting results.
- Lastly, you will develop an interest or renewed vigour for portrait photography.
In summary, during the photography retreat will have the opportunity to explore:
- Exploring different viewpoints and compositions
- Being aware of shape and negative space
- Working in both Indoor and outdoor settings
- Working with natural and artificial backgrounds
- How to create drama and more romantic images
- Natural and artificial lighting effects
- Creating shadow and silhouette effects
- How to create low key imagery
- Using props to create more interesting compositions
- Exploring movement
- Shooting through transparent surfaces
- Playing with mirrors
- How to use a photography sphere
- Creating vignettes
- Generating prisms
- Using bubbles
Please note that all lighting, props and sets will be provided. In addition, practical tips will be offered on how to achieve professional effects using items that can be found around the home.
| Day | An example itinerary of the portrait photography retreat: |
|---|---|
| Fri | Arrival at Backbury House Studio for 12pm for welcome refreshments and introductions. Following this, we will have an introductory workshop with practical demonstrations on technical matters associated with shooting portraits. This will be a fun and informative workshop for you to get to grips with the basics. |
| Evening | You will be invited to stay for a sociable BBQ. You may also be lucky enough to spot the resident wildlife. You are also welcome to explore the Backbury House estate which encompasses six acres of varied pasture and woodland. The views from the property are particularly worthy of exploring. Following the evening activities, you will be free to adjourn to your hotel accommodation. |
| Sat | Arrival at Backbury House Studio for 10:30am for morning refreshments. Following this, we will undertake practical activities exploring a range of creative and experimental approaches to shooting portraits. The focus will be on studio work exploring backgrounds, props and compositions. You will be given full demonstration and guidance on each technique. The session will conclude at 3:30pm. |
| Evening | You will be invited to one of the excellent local hostelries for an evening meal. This will also be an opportunity for you to discuss and share your experiences of the day. Following the meal, you will be welcome to adjourn to your hotel accommodation. |
| Sun | Arrival at Backbury House Studio for 10:30am for morning refreshments. We will continue to explore more fun and creative techniques with the focus on outdoor settings. It is hoped that, by the end of the retreat, you have become more fully conversant with the subject matter and have become inspired to complete further work in portraiture. |
| The retreat will conclude at 2:30pm |
Summary of what to bring to the photography retreat:
- Required: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with kit lens.
- If possible: bring lenses suitable for portrait photography such as prime lenses 35mm, 50mm or 85mm.
- Optional extras: bring a tripod and a remote shutter release.
If you do not own all of this equipment, please don’t worry, the workshop can be successfully completed without.
Testimonials
“As a confident wildlife photographer, but new to portrait work, this was a great workshop. Sharon made the session relaxed and fun, and also provided many creative ideas to take away and develop further”.
Amanda Graham
“Sharon organised a great workshop on studio portraits, creating a friendly atmosphere to experiment with various creative techniques. The session was great fun and I was amazed by the results you can achieve just using simple everyday materials if you get the light right. Highly recommended”.
Alan Jones (enthusiastic amateur photographer)
Creative Portrait Photography Retreat
- A 3-day photography retreat with professional tuition, all course materials, meals and 2-nights luxury accommodation for just £605.
- Or choose the 2-day course option which includes professional tuition, refreshments and all course materials for just £170
- Or choose a 1 day introductory experience for just £85.
Still Life and Landscape Photography Course.
The emphasis of this photography course will be on producing effective still life and landscape photography with a focus on nature.
You will have the opportunity to explore the stunning surrounding scenery of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and undertake a photo walk.
You will also have the opportunity to undertake practical workshops in a studio setting where you will develop your ability to use different lighting and still life set-ups.
Practical techniques that we will cover throughout the course will include:
- Initially, and depending on your experience level, you will learn/review the basics of how to shoot in manual mode and how to adjust camera settings.
- How to shoot outdoors and create beautiful imagery with better focal points
- Exploring how the masters do it to gain inspiration
- Exploring working in daylight and artificial lighting conditions
- Developing ideas for varied and effective compositions
- Exploring studio setups where you can experiment with different types of lighting, reflective surfaces and backdrop ideas
- Exploring the use of different camera settings
| Day | An example itinerary of the still life and landscape photography course: |
|---|---|
| Sat | Arrival at Backbury House Studio for 10:30am for morning refreshments. Following this, we will undertake practical activities exploring a range of creative and experimental approaches to shooting still life. This will be a fun experimental day with a good degree of challenge. Demonstrations and guidance will be given by your course tutor as well as on hand support throughout the day in order to build confidence and knowledge levels. The session will conclude at 3:30pm. |
| Please note that you can also opt for a Saturday Introductory Experience when booking. | |
| Sun | Arrival at Backbury House Studio for 10:30am for morning refreshments. After refreshments, we will undertake a photo walk in order to explore the wonderful flora and fauna surrounding the studio in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You will have the opportunity to learn how to take effective shots of landscapes as well as more close-up viewpoints. The session will conclude at 3:30pm |
Summary of what to bring to the photography course:
- DSLR or mirrorless Camera and kit lens.
- Optional extras to bring: zoom lens, macro lens, tripod, remote shutter release.
If you do not own all of this equipment, don’t worry, the course can be successfully completed without the optional extras.
Still Life and Landscape Photography Course
- A 2-day photography course with professional tuition, all course materials and refreshments from just £170.
- Or choose a 1 day introduction for £85.
Please note that accommodation is not included within this package. Please visit our accommodation page to explore places to stay within the area.
Quick links to alternative weekend courses and retreats
