STAFF REVIEW: BEGINNERS’ PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS IN LONDON

Even though Connor and I use our camera for every experience we go on to capture the best moments, we still decided to go on a beginners’ photography course for a recap and potentially learn new skills as we thought it could be handy for us.

Personally, photography is one of the things I really enjoy doing in my own time, but it really is not as easy as it seems, especially when you have a professional camera with loads of different functions; even if you're not running a photoshoot it can be frustrating to not know how to take good pictures. This is why we thought of trying this course. 

Arriving at the photography centre we were welcomed by a member of staff and directed to the photography classroom which included computer desks, a presentation screen, the other participants and of course our photography professor. 

We began introducing ourselves to the class with our names, where we were from, the name of our camera and what we specifically wanted to learn during this lesson. As soon as the introduction was over, we all sat down and began the class with a PowerPoint presentation and our knowledgeable professor began the course. 

During the class we discussed various aspects of photography such as the history, tips and tricks for taking good pictures, and all the different functions of the camera. It was a very useful class and we felt like we learned plenty of new things about the world of photography. 

Now it was time for the workshop. Using our cameras, we were given 3 different exercises to apply all the new knowledge we acquired during class. The first exercise given was to take pictures of our professor, who was posing in a dark corner.

The goal was to use the light function (IOS) and the structure option (P) and apply them at the correct level for the best results. Connor and I both took turns and felt very comfortable with what we were doing. It was a good way for us to remember those important functions. 

The second exercise was slightly more precise. We had to take pictures of our professor in a different spot of the centre, but this time with a brighter light and a white background. 

The goal for this exercise was to achieve a close-up portrait with the correct lighting function (IOS) and use the rule of third as the background was high in contrast, meaning the picture had to be taken at the right angle using the right functions. Connor did well in this section of the workshop; I think he felt in his own element. On the other hand, I had to retry several times, but our professor was patient and helpful which really helped me go at my own pace. 

Finally, the third and last exercise was more of an expressive one. Our teacher told us to go find a place in the facility to take pictures using the correct functions depending on the lighting and the structure of our photoshoot spot. Connor and I were more than excited to try this exercise as we knew we would be able to pose extravagantly!

We chose the kitchen, which was a very fun area to pose in. Connor was the first one to pose and I am telling you, he was enjoying himself and looking just like a model. He could make it onto the cover of Vogue Magazine, without a question. I mean look at this stare, I feel nervous. 

Anyways, enough with the compliments, I was taking his pictures and he was the one taking mine. Then came my turn and tried different poses so that we could show our professor a complete portfolio. We then moved to the corridor for a different lighting and background and had close up face pictures, in front of a navy-coloured painting. It was a very fun experience, during which our professor gave us good advice and we felt like we were ready to apply it to all our upcoming experiences. 

Overall Connor and I had an amazing time in this Beginners’ Photography Class and would like to say thank you so much to our tour professor and the group! We learned so much about the world of photography and useful camera techniques. I would recommend this experience to any photographer who would like to discover more about the functions of their camera, or beginners who would like to start learning.