Digital Photography Tuition
I give one-to-one tuition in digital photography; from camera basics, transferring photos to your computer and sending them to your friends; through to more advanced photography, manual camera settings, composition, and post processing.
Appointments are of either two or three hours duration, and take place at your home or office.
My tuition comprises of attentive guidance, illustration, photo critique and answers to your questions. I don't offer expensive field trips, tours or workshops - just flexible and cost effective learning.
Whatever your experience, I prioritise your potential creativity, and helping you to become a better photographer; I don't dwell on technicalities that won't improve your photos.
I can help you to set up your DSLR, advanced compact, or system camera, explaining what each setting does and discussing the options for your particular requirements and preferences. Once we've set-up your camera, I'll explain how to get the best photographs.
In addition, you may wish to learn how to edit and prepare your photos. This could be simple editing of JPEG images for printing or uploading to the web, or more extensive work-flow - getting the most from optimised RAW files with non-destructive editing.
If you're thinking of buying a digital camera and aren't sure what type would suit you best, I can bring along a few different types, and explain the pros and cons of each. You can also arrange an appointment for me to accompany you whilst shopping for a camera to ensure you buy a suitable model. In the meantime, you could read my comprehensive camera comparison.
Topics Covered:
Beginner
- Different types of digital camera - outlining their comparative merits and limitations
- Setting up your camera and taking photos: Exposure, metering and auto-focus modes; image file type, size and quality; and your best routine when taking photos
- Composition - the most important part of photography!
- Transferring files from camera to computer and basic image preparation using photo editing software
Intermediate
- Explanation of camera controls for metering and exposure
- File formats - JPEG, Proprietary RAW, DNG, TIFF and PNG
- Lenses and magnification: how they affect objects in photos - perspective expansion and compression
- Focus and depth of field (DOF): Where to focus - how to maximise DOF for landscape work, or use compositional, selective focusing
- Light: Colour temperature, white balance, dynamic range - shooting in low and contrasting light
- Intermediate photo editing: Brightness, white balance adjustments, colour, contrast - levels and curves; barrel and perspective distortion correction; cropping for improved composition; cloning out distractions; and preparing for the internet or print.
Advanced
- Shooting RAW, and using the histogram to capture maximum "information" and dynamic range for optimal post processing options, exposure latitude and image quality
- RAW work-flow: Lossless archive file editing - master working image - preparation of purpose dedicated images for internet and print
- Lossless editing using LightZone: the Relight and ZoneMapper tools; the Tool Stack - selective editing using Regions, blending mode and colour selection; using pre-set Styles; switching on and off and adjusting the percentage effect of each tool; tone and colour balancing; noise reduction and sharpening algorithms; and more ....
- Introduction to High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography - pro's, con's and subjectivity
Enquire - discuss your requirements
If you wish to enquire about my photography tuition, please feel free to contact me to discuss your requirements and arrange an appointment.
Costs and Payment
Costs
A two hour photography tuition appointment will cost £60, and the three hour alternative is just £80.
Payment
I collect payment in cash on conclusion of each appointment and forward a receipted invoice by email on my return. Other forms of payment, such as BACS, PayPal (including major credit and debit card payments), or cheque, are available by arrangement.
Gift Vouchers
A gift voucher for photography tuition would make an excellent present for a friend or relative!
Simply complete the form below, and I'll email you the payment instructions, together with an invoice. Once payment is received, I will email the voucher, or post it, either to you, or the recipient, in accordance to your chosen preferences. (Please check the "Where" section to ensure that the recipient of the voucher is located in one of the areas I cover.)
Alternatively, you can post me a cheque, and I'll send you a receipted invoice, together with the voucher, by return post. Click here for my contact details.
Vouchers are valid for a full 12 months from the date printed on the voucher and are non-refundable.
Appointment Times
Appointment times are between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
Where?
I am based in Irlam and cover most areas of Greater Manchester and Cheshire including Glazebury, Hollins Green, Cadishead, Irlam, Eccles, Worsley, Monton, Walkden, Swinton, Pendlebury, Salford, Trafford, Urmston, Flixton, Carrington, Stretford, Sale, Altrincham, Wythenshaw, Cheadle, Hale, Lymm, Culcheth, Warrington and Leigh.
Further afield, I also cover areas of Bolton, Bury, Heywood, Rochdale, Oldham, Aston-Under-Line, Hyde, Stockport, Wilslow, Knutsford, Northwich, Runcorn, Widness, St Helens, Newton-le-Willows, Wigan and Skelmersdale.