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Beginners Courses

Are you just starting in photography? Come on a short One to One beginners course from £100 - you'll be amazed how much you can learn in such a short time!

Creative Photography Wales offers short courses for beginners looking to learn more about their camera and how to compose and capture better photographs. You'll also get the chance to explore the gorgeous Welsh countryside!

Whatever your level of photographic experience, our courses are designed to suit your needs. Our Beginners courses assume no previous experience and will enable the complete beginner to learn the fundamentals of photography in a fun and informative atmosphere. Nigel will ask you to complete a questionnaire and design the course around you so you'll NEVER feel out of your depth!

You'll also get a set of comprehensive course notes (with a set of practical exercises) in both paper and digital form to take away with you which means you can practise what you've learnt over and over again!!

As one of our course members has said ‘this course makes you see things in a different way’ !

Please note that our courses are not Photoshop courses. Nigel’s expertise is in location based photography and we limit the studio based time and only use photoshop to process and print images taken during the outdoor sessions.

Please also note that minors and those with disabilities can be accompanied by parent / assistant for the day at no additional cost.

Beginners' photography courses start by teaching students to understand their cameras and how to get the best results from them. They cover cover the camera and its controls, how exposure and focussing works, composing images, photoshop editing and printing.

What does it cost?

£100 for a Half Day for one person or £140 for 2 people booking together
£175 for a Full Day or £225 for 2 people booking together

Who are the courses for?
Anyone with an interest in photography irrespective of age or level of experience. Ideal for the beginner.. Of great assistance to GCSE, A level, City & Guilds, LRPS, ARPS and Art College Degrees.

Will I be out of my depth?
No!! Whatever your level of photographic skills, our courses are designed to suit your needs. You will be given a questionnaire in advance of the course so you'll learn exactly what you need to.

What equipment will I need?
Any DSLR, or Compact/Bridge camera with settings that can be changed is required. 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 our courses. However cameras are available to be borrowed FREE OF CHARGE for a specific course. Wet weather clothing and a packed lunch is required for the outdoor part of the course

Further Details

A typical Full Day lasts about 8 hours and comprises the following:
• Studio based tutorial: technical and creative aspects
• Practical sessions on location (3-4 hours)
• Studio based feedback and photoshop session

A half day lasts for 4.5 hours and is a condensed version of the above.

You will get:
• Expert tuition from a qualified photographer
• Comprehensive course notes in paper and digital form
• 3 A3 size prints of the your best images during the day (FULL DAY ONLY)
• The chance to explore 2 of Wales's great National Parks!

While the courses are bsed on your questionnaire answers, we typically cover Technical skills:
• Getting to know the essential settings on your camera
• Taking control - using manual settings.
• Taking control - Focussing and Depth of Field
• Using different focal lengths and their effect on your image

We cover Creative understanding
• Eliminating basic errors
• Top 10 guidelines to effective composition
• Understanding Light and Colour
• Photographing moving water and long exposures

We cover Digital camera and processing techniques:
• How to prepare an image in Camera RAW
• Converting images to black & white
• Adding contrast or colour / tonal change to an image
• Removing unwanted objects!

.......and much more!!

While courses are aimed at One to One or Two people, if sufficient numbers are interested we're happy to get a small group together at a reduced rate. In a small group we’ll cover a range of subjects of common interest but also allow plenty of time for individual attention when you need it! You’ll get the advice you want to address specific needs with an experienced tutor who is familiar with working with large groups, often with varying levels of experience and understanding. We will start and finish at a café or pub conveniently situated for the beginning & end of the course.

“The course makes you see things in a completely different way” - Jason, Pontypool, Brecon Beacons, September 2010

“An excellent opportunity to explore, alongside others, the range of relationships between self, camera and landscape, under the guidance of a generous and enthusiastic tutor” Jenny, Bournemouth, Pembrokeshire Course, September 2011

Book Your Course Now!

Why not make the most of your trip with a Short Break Package?

Read our short break section for more details on these courses or to find out more about locations and dates of courses in 2012 drop Nigel a message.