In today's digital world creating a good image, short film or creative animation is at your fingertips when you come on a short course at West Dean College. Learn how to use your digital camera to lift the quality of your photographs, and how to use creative software. The college's expert tutors will show you how to get the best out of your subjects. The college has something for everyone from beginner to advanced but on most courses you will need a good level of computer competence.

Discover the secrets of photographing people in the urban environment. Gains insights into successful photojournalism and improve your travel photography on two different locations, and using different lenses for unique looks and more. Digital street photography with freelance photographer Roy Matthews (17 - 20 June, long weekend, £340, suitable for all).

Professional freelance photographer, Andrew Hasson, will show you how to get the best out of your subjects in any situation, whether on the street, at home or at a special occasion using your DSLR camera. Digital portrait photography using natural light (13 - 16 May, long weekend, £345, intermediate).

Explore the power of black and white photography with fine art landscape photographer, Iksung Nah. We live in a world of colour but when it is removed attention shifts revealing an abstract world. Discussion and image analysis are used to engage with this topic. Camera know-how is required for this course. Black and white photography (3 - 5 June, weekend, £232, intermediate).

Editorial and garden photographer, Jacqui Hurst, will help you to explore the essence of an event, place or person by looking, experimenting with different camera settings and making the most of available light. Learn what makes an appealing composition and interesting visual effects with your DSLR or advanced compact camera, as you photograph in both colour and black and white. Ways of looking - finding the image through the lens (23 - 29 July, Summer School, £712, intermediate).

Gain an insight into the use of Adobe Photoshop to create unique patterned fabric designs based on photographs. Learn how to take the right sort of photographs and explore the design process through a series of exercises. Leave with your digitally-saved designs ready to send off for printing on fabric. Digitally printed textile design with printed textile designer, Emma Burton, RCA (12 - 15 August, long weekend, £340, beginners/intermediate).

Maximise the quality of the images you capture by investigating the multitude of features on your DSLR camera. The mystifying layers of technical jargon are stripped away as your confidence and skills are developed. Gain control of your DSLR camera with Tim Savage, digital photographer and author (23 - 26 September, long weekend, £340, beginners/intermediate).

Accommodation at West Dean

Wake up to beautiful views over the Sussex Downs. The bedrooms at West Dean College are a mixture of contemporary and traditional styling. From £102 per person for 2 nights (twin occupancy).

SPECIAL OFFER

For more information about Short Courses at West Dean, to browse the digital brochure or book a course visit www.westdean.org.uk. First time bookings receive a 10% discount (telephone bookings only call +44 (0)1243 818300).

Friends of West Dean College
If you are passionate about the creative arts and conservation join the vibrant community and enjoy all West Dean has to offer by becoming a Friend of the College.

Notes to editors

• West Dean College is part of The Edward James Foundation, a charitable trust, also comprising West Dean Gardens, West Dean Estate and the West Dean Tapestry Studio. Charity No. 1126084.
• All photography is free to use for editorial purposes.
• West Dean College is situated on the A286, six miles north of Chichester and within easy access of Portsmouth, Guildford, Brighton and London.