An understanding of the potential of what can be created in-camera greatly increases the photographer’s personal repertoire and ability to express their personal creativity. Through presentation and practical demonstration, a series of techniques will be covered over the weekend using the West Dean House, College and Gardens as our location.

The course will also cover an introduction to using Adobe Lightroom as an editing tool and conclude with a group critique of the images shot during the weekend.

Techniques covered:

• Motion blur/long exposures – tripod and hand-held
• Panning/Zoom blur
• Light drawing/painting
• Abstraction, macro and reflections
• Multiple exposure
• HDR (high dynamic range)
• Panoramas
• Focus stacking
• Defocus

What students need to bring

• A DSLR or mirrorless camera and all the lenses you have, ideally covering from wide angle to telephoto. Camera instruction manual (if available).
• Any lens filters you have, e.g. a circular polarizer, would be useful but is not essential. Either a fixed 3 stop ND filter or a variable 1-5 stop ND filter would also be useful. Please ensure that any filter size is correct for the lens you will be using.
• A tripod – essential
• Fully charged and spare camera batteries – and charger
• Camera memory cards
• Camera to computer USB leads
• Cable release or remote (can also use self-timer on camera if you do not have these)
• Laptop (optional)
• USB (with capacity to back up all your raw files ideally) or portable hard drive storage device (plus connecting leads)
• Bring a note of your own Adobe ID login. If you don’t already have one, please register for a free account at www.adobe.com prior to the course, and remember to bring the details with you.
• Be prepared to work outdoors so bring appropriate clothing, including waterproofs and suitable waterproof footwear
• Pen and paper

Available to buy

Available from shop: USB Memory sticks

Additional information

It is essential that you have computer skills for this course. Familiarity with Adobe Lightroom software would also be an advantage. The course is for up to eight participants. You will be allocated a PC in the College's digital computer suite.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

Terms & Conditions