3rd July until 7th August – 6 weeks for £65 inc booking fee
Monday evenings – 8.00pm – 10.00pm
After taking a break in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic we returned in 2021 with a very successful course with most members staying on in the club.
It is highly likely to be oversubscribed so if you are interested in attending please sign up as soon as possible.
The course is both practical and theoretical with the simple aim that by the end of the course you will take better photographs.
Over the years hundreds of people have attended, enjoyed, and gained from taking part in the course.
We find that people attend for a whole variety of reasons with common reasons being;
- Stuck in a rut of taking snapshots and wanting to take quality photos instead
- Buying a dSLR and never taking it off the automatic setting
- A rekindling of an interest in photography
- Technique and science of photography
- Photographic outings
- Practical assignments
There will also be one weekend outing in Lloyd Park where attendees can practice techniques and ask tutors questions.
Additionally each week practical assignments will be set which relate to what has been covered that week in the course.
This practical work is optional and whilst reviewed this is done anonymously. Many people find this the best aspect of the course as it stretches photographic skills into areas they may not previously have taken.
We find that most people tend to own dSLR cameras but bridge or compact cameras are often owned. In the Society many people use bridge or compact cameras including competition winners.
The price of the course is only £65 including booking fee
This includes membership of the Society until 31st December 2023 (worth £35)
Outline Timetable
Week 1 – July 3rd
Overview of the course content and learning objectives
A quick look at camera types and how they work
The rules of composition and how to create a visually interesting image, including the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing and selective focus.
Practical session
Week 2 – July 10th
Understanding exposure, camera settings and the three key elements of photography: aperture, shutter speed and ISO
Practical session and review of images (composition homework)
Week 3 – July 17th
Introduction to basic photo editing techniques such as cropping, adjustments and retouching
Practical session, in groups, using laptops, plus review
Week 4 – July 24th
Wildlife and pets: an introduction to animal and bird photography both indoors and out
Portrait photography techniques using available light and studio lighting
Street photography: how to capture interesting moments on the streets and tell stories through your photographs
Week 5 – July 31st
Landscape photography: How to capture the beauty of the natural world, including an understanding of composition, balance, and light, and useful apps to use
Weekend travel photography: moving on from holiday snaps
Introduction to black and white photography. Understanding light, contrast and texture in black and white
How to edit and enhance black and white photos
Week 6 – August 7th
Mobile phone photography and social media
Additional ideas: infra red, intentional camera movement, night time photography and more.
Students showcase their best photos and receive feedback
Course review, questions, and what students can do next to continue developing their photography skills
Students will present (if they want to) their favourite photo they have taken during the course.
A bit about the Society and how it can benefit your photography.
Testimonials;
“I did not arrive with any particular preconceptions or specific expectations. Course has been very enjoyable and I am very happy with the content.”
“From my perspective the course has had a nice balance. I have sought to attend on Monday evenings and to participate in the field events.”
“As a novice I have learnt a great deal about photography and camera settings”
“I joined the 2013 Walthamstow Photographic Society Summer School. Prior to this my photography was limited to trying to get better holiday photos than my friends, and I had never taken the camera off auto.
“At the Summer School I learnt about the different settings on my camera, how to technically take a good photo, how to be creative taking photos, and most importantly from the homework I was encouraged to try photographing a whole range of different subjects pushing me out of my comfort zone.”
“Two years later, thanks to the start given at the Summer School, my photography and confidence has come on in leaps and bounds.”
“I enjoy entering the club competitions and interclub competitions and in 2015 I won the 1 in 100 interclub competition had 6 acceptances for the Southampton International Exhibition.” – Caroline Preece
Previous attendees have come from Walthamstow, Leyton, Leytonstone, South Woodford, Woodford, Wanstead, & Chingford.
