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Our photography courses 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.
Creative Portraits
In this fun photography course, you will develop your ability to create exciting and accomplished portrait photography.
Landscape and Still Life
In this photography course, you will develop your ability to create stunning and more sucessful flora and fauna photography.
Creative Portrait Photography
During this photography course, you will learn creative and effective techniques in order to develop your skills in portrait photography.
In essence, this course is aimed at all ability levels and will suit novice photographers and the more experienced photographer alike.
The course offers fun and practical techniques in order to take your photography to the next level.
The photography course 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 course you will have the opportunity to:
- Explore different viewpoints and compositions
- Effectively use shape and negative space
- Work in both Indoor and outdoor settings
- Work with natural and artificial backgrounds
- Learn how to create drama and more romantic images
- Use natural and artificial lighting effects
- Create shadow and silhouette effects
- Learn how to create low key imagery
- Use props to create more interesting compositions
- Explore movement
- Shoot through transparent surfaces
- Play with mirrors
- Learn how to use a photography sphere
- Create vignettes
- Generate prisms
- Use a bubble maker
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 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 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. |
| 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 course, you have become more fully conversant with the subject matter and have become inspired to complete further work in portraiture. |
| The course will conclude at 3:30pm |
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 Course
A 2-day course which includes professional tuition, refreshments and all course materials for just £170
To discover the next scheduled course and to book your ticket, please visit our Events & Bookings Page.
Landscape and Still Life Photography
The emphasis of this photography course will be on producing effective photography with a focus on nature.
You will have the opportunity to explore the stunning surrounding scenery found in nearby nature reserves and woodlands. These are Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Sites of Special Scientific Interest due to their diverse and rare flora and fauna.
Furthermore, you will learn how to create more professional looking imagery by exploring composition and artistic effects.
Lastly, 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.
- You will also learn how to shoot outdoors and create beautiful imagery with interesting focal points and depth of field.
- Furthermore, we will explore creative and fun effects for more professional looking and artistic imagery.
- Fundamentally, you will learn how to create varied and effective compositions.
- During the weekend, you will also explore the use of studio setups where you can experiment with different types of lighting, reflective surfaces and backdrop ideas.
- Lastly, you will be fully tutored in how to explore and use different camera settings.
| Day | An example itinerary of the still life and landscape photography course. Please note that this schedule may be adjusted in order to suit weather conditions: |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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, exploring varied compositions including more close-up viewpoints. Furthermore, we will explore creative effects in order to achieve more interesting and professional looking imagery. The session will conclude at 3:30pm |
Summary of what to bring to the photography course:
- DSLR or mirrorless Camera and kit lens.
- Suitable clothing for walking within open countryside, woodlands and weather conditions.
- 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.
To discover the next scheduled course and to book your ticket, please visit our Events & Bookings Page.
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
Backbury House Retreats
Backbury House
Checkley
Hereford
HR1 4NA
sbrookes@bhretreats.co.uk
07584 081970