Technique
“Don’t be afraid to ask for contact details of satisfied customers”
5 HOWWILL THEWORKSHOP MEETYOUR OBJECTIVES? Before you start looking at what’s available, work out what you want to achieve. A workshop is an educational exercise and it should be well organised, with clearly communicated learning outcomes. 6 IS POST-PRODUCTION IMPORTANT TOYOU? Some workshops include post- production, but many of us are reasonably proficient with image editing. It’s worth considering whether you want to use workshop time doing something you already know or could learn on YouTube. 7 AREYOU DEALINGWITH AN ESTABLISHED BUSINESS? A ‘pukka’ business has a businesslike approach with an informative website, a specific email address (rather than a Hotmail), a fair cancellation policy, public liability insurance and a professional manner when dealing with customers. Also, do you like the way the business communicates with you? Is the approach articulate, helpful and friendly? The way companies
handle initial customer interactions is a clear indication of how the workshops are actually run. 8 CANYOU READ REVIEWS FROM SATISFIED CLIENTS? Testimonials on review sites, such as Tripadvisor or Trustpilot, tend to be well regulated and therefore fair and accurate. Don’t be afraid to ask for contact details of satisfied customers, and beware of a long list of glowing testimonials that are signed off by the likes of ‘Dave from London’. 9 DOTHEY OFFER A RANGE OFWORKSHOPS? Can you do a follow-up workshop, maybe at intermediate or advanced level? Are there workshops in different locations, at different times? 10 IS THERE MEANINGFUL FOLLOW-UPAFTERWARDS? A good workshop provider follows up with additional information, advice and, ideally, critique. The latter is a crucial part of the learning process and should be a basic component. Beware of the business that walks away, never to be heard from again.
SHOOT, REPEAT, SHOOT, REPEAT These photographers were on a portrait workshop, where the backdrop was St Mark’s Basilica in Venice (above). The beauty of using paid models is that you can shoot, shoot and shoot again until you are happy, while learning and experimenting with techniques, with the support and guidance of an expert PHOTO GENIUS AT WORK Brian Lloyd Duckett (right) on a street photography course in London. The day started with a briefing and a chat on the ins and outs of street photography, including set-up, legalities and what to look for
Based in Stratford-upon-Avon, The Photographic Academy offers a wide range of courses to inspire photographers and help them grow. During the pandemic, it went online – and these courses will continue for the foreseeable future – but full-day, face-to- face training courses will also be available. A wide range is on offer. For example, there are online and in-person workshops coming up in July and August on macro photography, shooting infrared, Lightroom technique and better printing. Prices for online learning workshops start at £39.99, with face-to-face courses from £79. For in-person training, the safety of all attendees is important, so precautions will be taken to ensure everyone has a safe learning experience. Face-to- face courses are limited to nine clients – and everyone on the day will have their temperature taken, face masks must be worn and seating is socially distanced. Food and refreshments are pre-packaged. Check out what’s on offer at the website. thephotographicacademy.co.uk The Photographic Academy
ON COURSE The Photographic Academy runs a range of courses from its Stratford- upon-Avon HQ, as diverse as macro and art photography (above), infrared (far right), and converting and printing
monochrome images (right)
Photography News | Issue 90
26
photographynews.co.uk
Powered by FlippingBook