Architectural Photography Discovery Day This one-day workshop, starting at West Dean London’s Bloomsbury campus, introduces beginners to architectural photography through guided exploration. Using any camera—from smartphones to DSLRs— you will capture Brutalist and modernist landmarks, followed by a studio review session.

Core Principles and Preparation The day begins in one of West Dean’s studios with a concise overview of composition, perspective and texture. You will learn to analyse structural rhythms through reference images, then learn to optimise your device’s settings for high-contrast urban environments. Smartphone users will receive tailored tips for maximising sensor capabilities.Architectural Walk David will guide the group to local sights, which may include the St Paul’s area, exploring contrasts like the Brunswick Centre’s concrete geometries and the British Museum’s glass expanses and many more. This will give you the opportunity to practise framing techniques to emphasise scale and light dynamics, capturing abstract patterns in façades and courtyards. David will demonstrate balancing human elements with architectural grandeur.Curated Critique and Reflection Back in the studio, you can enjoy a review session, by selecting three key images for group analysis. The review focuses on compositional intent, technical execution and impact, drawing parallels to the work of others.

Designed for all skill levels, this workshop sharpens observational skills through the local built environment. No specialised equipment is needed—just a camera and curiosity.

West Dean’s supportive studio environment fosters creative growth, embodying the College’s legacy of merging craft with experimentation.

What students need to bring

Camera and lenses or phone, spare memory card and fully charged spare batteries/power bank as appropriate for the camera or device you are bringing

(Optional) Only a laptop if you feel this is necessary to review your images at the end of the day

Additional Information:

• Bring decent walking shoes and a waterproof coat
• Please come prepared to walk several miles over the day, at a steady pace

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Daily Timetable

Course teaching: 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive: 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching: 11am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching: 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions