Event Archives – 2017
Here are the details of all the events that have been run by Ian’s Studio in 2017. If you missed an event or enjoyed an event and would like to see it rerun at the studio please let me know.
Click the following links for archives from other years: 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
This event works differently to other sessions we run at the studio. The maximum number of photographers is three (but we can run the event with just two but the price would then be £150 per photographer).
Once we have three photographers on board with the event, I will set up a group discussion between myself and the three photographers. In this discussion, we will decide on what the goals are for the session. (ie what each person wants to get out of it). Those discussions include what genres and styles of photography you will shoot during the day, it will also include what levels you want the model to work to (Usually this has included nude levels).
I will help the photographers come to a decision on a suitable model for the session. The price of the event includes a budget to cover the cost of hiring a model for the day.
Depending on the objectives for the event, I may be able to provide lighting sheets and in some cases notes.
Suitable for: Any photographer wanting to learn specific techniques. This is bespoke training on a budget. It is also excellent for those photographers who thrive on developing themes collaboratively
[BOOK HERE]
Another of our full-day messy days at the studio. At this event you have the chance to create photographs or video with a messy theme to them.
Typically at these days, there will chances to shoot at least four different messy set-ups and scenarios. At past events, these have included art nude with multicoloured slime, messy diner, messy decorator.
The set-ups will be tailored to suit the type of “Wet and Messy” styles the attendees wish to wish to shoot. It is expected that a significant number of the set-ups will appeal to photographers who enjoy shooting “splosh” / WAM fetish images.
The model for this event has been changed. The model will now be Rahel (http://purpleport.com/portfolio/rahel/?referrer=ianbutty). I have worked with Rahel before on a messy shoot – you can see examples from that shoot here: http://photos.imb.biz/model/shoot/rahel-messy1
Our model will be getting messy both fully clothed and nude.
Please note that we are working with messy substances at this shoot and it is advisable that photographers wear old clothes, just in case!
Price: FROM £85
The price for this event will depend on the number of photographers wishing to attend.
4 or 5 photographers – £85 each
3 photographers – £110 each
2 photographers – £150 each
1 photographer – £180
This session covers different techniques for creating art nude images involving a paint/slime mix being poured over a models body. We have two different set-ups one involving a single colour slime and the other using multiple colours. We use the same simple lighting set up for both. At this session, you will learn the techniques for creating the paint/slime mix, and will learn the techniques for applying/pouring the mix that create the finished effect.
The session is a practical session and you will have the opportunity to practice these by photographing a model. You will be provided with lighting diagrams for the lighting set-up taught at this session.
I am really pleased to announce that the model for this event will be the amazing Emma Darling – http://purpleport.com/portfolio/vintagebelle/?referrer=ianbutty
Please note: That we have a number of Art Nude sessions. Each session is designed to teach different techniques, with the minimum of overlap. The sessions can be done in any order and no previous studio experience is required for any of the sessions.
Suitable for: Anyone wanting to learn how to art nude photography in the studio. Your camera must have a standard hot-shoe to accommodate the lighting trigger. You will need to be able to set your camera to manual mode and select an aperture in the range f/5.6 – f/11. No prior studio experience is necessary.
We will be working with paint/slime you may wish to wear old clothes in case you get any of it on you.
The maximum number of photographers for this event will be six
A minimum of three photographers booking will be required to run this event.
| Don’t forget, Academy Members get a £5 discount on this event. Why not join the Academy today? |
This session covers the essential for photographing sports and wildlife. The two topics are covered together because equipment wise they have a lot in common.
We look at the essential pieces of equipment for both, and offer advice on camera settings and photographic techniques. As part of this session, we will also set aside time to provide feedback on any sports or wildlife images you wish to bring to the session. You can bring images either as prints or as digital files.
Suitable for: This is very much an introduction to the topic and is aimed at those who are just starting out shooting either sports or wildlife. It is assumed that you have a knowledge of exposure and exposure compensation.
A minimum of two photographers booking will be required to run this event.
| Don’t forget, Academy Members get a £6 discount on this event. Why not join the Academy today? |
This is the one of a series of sessions teaching art nude lighting and photography techniques. The sessions can be taken in any order.
This session covers three lighting techniques for Art Nude photography. Each technique uses just one light. The lighting set-ups covered at this session are:
- Grey background: Single light across the body
- Softbox silhouettes
- Black background: Strip light from above
The session is a practical session and you will have the opportunity to practice these types of lighting by photographing a model. You will be provided with lighting diagrams for the lighting set-ups taught at this session.
The model for the event has now been confirmed as Ahsatan – http://purpleport.com/portfolio/ahsatan/
Please note: That we have a number of Art Nude sessions. Each session is designed to teach different techniques, with the minimum of overlap. The sessions can be done in any order and no previous studio experience is required for any of the sessions.
Suitable for: Anyone wanting to learn how to art nude photography in the studio. Your camera must have a standard hot-shoe to accommodate the lighting trigger. You will need to be able to set your camera to manual mode and select an aperture in the range f/5.6 – f/11. No prior studio experience is necessary.
A minimum of three photographers booking will be required to run this event.
| Don’t forget, Academy Members get a £6 discount on this event. Why not join the Academy today? |
Another is our ad-hoc series of table-top event. The theme this time will be commercial photography and we will be looking at different ways to shoot interesting product shots.
As ever for the table top nights bring your tripod (although I do have ones you can borrow), if you have macro lenses or extension tubes please bring those too (I have canon versions that people can borrow).
Some of the techniques are all done in camera but other techniques, such as the image on the eFlyer use a small amount of photoshop/post-production work. For those who want to see the photoshop techniques I use, I will spend a short while at the end of the event (10pm till about 10:45pm) demonstrating how I process and combine images together.
A minimum of Three photographers booking will be required to run this event.
| Don’t forget, Academy Members get a £5 discount on this event. Why not join the Academy today? |
A chance to practice shooting in available light. Meet at the studio and then walk two minutes to the local Vernon Park where we will shoot our model. This is designed to be an informal session where you are encouraged to bring your own gear and work with your own lights, and reflectors. If you don’t have any then don’t let that put you off – you are welcome to use the ones belonging to the studio.
Depending on the weather on the day we will work with reflectors, speedlights or a mixture of both. As the sun sets more emphasis will be given to working with flash. You will have the chance to experiment with both on-camera flash and off-camera flash.
I have booked Em450 (http://purpleport.com/portfolio/emred/?referrer=ianbutty) for this event. Em is also modelling at the “How to create your own strobist studio” training session earlier in the day.
A minimum of three photographers booking will be required to run this event. (I have set the maximum number to 12 – if we get more than 7 photographers booking I will book a second model for the event).
| Don’t forget, Academy Members get a £5 discount on this event. Why not join the Academy today? |
This session is the natural follow-on to “PR302- Off Camera Flash” and/or “CR104 – Off Camera Flash and Strobist Techniques”. However, you don’t need to have attended either event to get the benefit of this session.
If you have ever wanted your own home studio but don’t have either the space of money to create your own, then this session will explain what is possible using just speedlights. In this session, you will learn how easily available items such as Venetian blinds can make great backgrounds.
You will learn several different lighting set-ups ranging from one to three speedlights. All the lighting setups used are based on just three modifiers, 1 x grid, 1 x umbrella and 1 x softbox.
The session is a practical session and you will have the opportunity to practice these types of lighting by photographing a model. You will be provided with lighting diagrams for the lighting set-ups taught at this session.
The model for this event will be Em450 (http://purpleport.com/portfolio/emred/?referrer=ianbutty)
Suitable for: Any wanting to learn set up their own home studio with just speedlights, also suitable for anyone wanting to create studio type effects with speedlights. No prior studio or strobist experience is necessary. Your camera must have a standard hot-shoe to accommodate the lighting trigger. You will need to be able to set your camera to manual mode and select an aperture in the range f/5.6 – f/11.
A minimum of three photographers booking will be required to run this event.
| Don’t forget, Academy Members get a £5 discount on this event. Why not join the Academy today? |
This is the first of a series of sessions teaching art nude lighting and photography techniques. The sessions can be taken in any order.
This session covers three simple lighting techniques that can be used for Art Nude photography. The lighting set-ups covered at this session are:
- White background: Softbox as key light, Fill light plus blown out white background (model seated with back to camera)
- Grey background: “Badger Lighting” two lights either side of the model gives a range of effects depending on how you pose your subject.
- Black background: Sandwich Lighting
The session is a practical session and you will have the opportunity to practice these types of lighting by photographing a model. You will be provided with lighting diagrams for the lighting set-ups taught at this session.
The model for this event will be Ahsatan (http://purpleport.com/portfolio/ahsatan/?referrer=ianbutty). Ahsatan was last at the studio for our Friday Night Taster Event in October – you can see images of her at that event here: http://photos.imb.biz/model/shoot/ahsatan-taster
Please note: That we have a number of Art Nude sessions. Each session is designed to teach different techniques, with the minimum of overlap. The sessions can be done in any order and no previous studio experience is required for any of the sessions.
Suitable for: Anyone wanting to learn how to art nude photography in the studio. Your camera must have a standard hot-shoe to accommodate the lighting trigger. You will need to be able to set your camera to manual mode and select an aperture in the range f/5.6 – f/11. No prior studio experience is necessary
A minimum of three photographers booking will be required to run this event.
| Don’t forget, Academy Members get a £6 discount on this event. Why not join the Academy today? |
In this session, we look at creating pin-up / vintage style images. We will work with an experienced pin-up/vintage model and we will have access to a number of vintage props. We explore some of the classic pin-up poses and techniques for shooting pin-up. We will use the following lighting set-ups
- Single large umbrella on coloured background
- High key lighting with a blown out white background
- Sandwich lighting with gridded light on coloured background
The session is a practical session and you will have the opportunity to practice these types of lighting by photographing a model. You will be provided with lighting diagrams for the lighting set-ups taught at this session.
I am pleased to announce that the model for this event will be Rahel Kapsaski http://purpleport.com/portfolio/rahel/?referrer=ianbutty – Rahel is an experience vintage/pin-up model who will be bringing a variety of looks including some vintage/pin-up lingerie. When replying to my casting call Rahel said: “The style I always chase after doing is vintage and pin up as this is where my heart lies at” – one look at her profile and she was booked for this event within minutes. This should be a fantastic shoot.
Suitable for: Anyone wanting to shoot pin-up or vintage images in the studio. Your camera must have a standard hot-shoe to accommodate the lighting trigger. You will need to be able to set your camera to manual mode and select an aperture in the range f/5.6 – f/11. No prior studio experience is necessary.
A minimum of three photographers booking will be required to run this event.
| Don’t forget, Academy Members get a £5 discount on this event. Why not join the Academy today? |
Stock photography is all about shooting images ‘on spec’ and submitting them to photographic libraries, where hopefully buyer pick your images and give you money.
Stock photography used to be a good way to make a living as a photographer, now with the overabundance of good digital images available it is more difficult than ever. However, if you shoot the right material and upload it to the right libraries you might be able to make a little income.
In this session, we look at what is involved in shooting stock, the question of licences, model releases and property releases.
We also give advice on how to double your chances of a sale by careful thinking at the time you make your images in camera.
Suitable for: Anyone who wants to try selling images. Not suitable for anyone who thinks stock photography is a get rich quick scheme – because it isn’t!
A minimum of two photographers booking will be required to run this event.
| Don’t forget, Academy Members get a £6 discount on this event. Why not join the Academy today? |
Bring images to be critiqued. Get answers to photography questions. See how YOUR photos can be enhanced in post-production.
Tonight’s Friday Night at the Studio event will be a little different. When I have been lecturing on the cruise ships on of my most popular sessions has been my Photo Doctor sessions. I’m now going to run one of these sessions as a Friday Night event.
The format of the session is simple, come with images. They don’t have to be your best images, the session works best with images that didn’t quite work – and perhaps you don’t know why. Come with photography related questions, is there a technique you want to understand, is there some photography advice you need.
We will load images into Adobe Lightroom, and go through them, looking at them projected on the studio wall. We talk about what works and what can be improved. If appropriate we then look at post-production techniques that can be used to enhance the images.
Interspersed between the images, I will do my best to answer your photography questions, explaining techniques and helping you learn new skills. Perhaps you have the solution to someone else’s photo issues and can help them. There will be a chance to share and help each other too.
Not only will you get answers to your own questions and advice on how to improve your photographs, but you get to hear the questions and answers from other photographers. It should all make for a fun evening where we can all learn more. This event will be free for Academy Members but there will be a charge of £7 for non-members.
A minimum of two photographers booking will be required to run this event.
| Don’t forget, Academy Members get in for FREE (and save £7). Did you know that it only costs £6 to join The Academy for one month? So why not join the Academy today and save money on this event? |
In this session, we look at creating glamour images using the studio’s ‘red set’ which consists of a red background, red sofa, and red Venetian blinds. In this session, you will learn techniques involve creating voyeuristic style images shot through the blind, images of the model looking through the blinds and images where shadows from the blinds are cast on the model.
Although the lighting and set-us are specific to this particular set, the skills (such as how to create shadows through a Venetian blind, are easily transferable to other studio photography shoots)
The session is a practical session and you will have the opportunity to practice these types of lighting by photographing a model. You will be provided with lighting diagrams for the lighting set-ups taught at this session. At this event, our model will be working at a range of levels from clothed to nude.
The model for this event will be the ever-popular Rhiana Grey – http://purpleport.com/
If you would like to see the types of images we will be creating at this event please look at this gallery: http://photos.imb.biz/model/genre/redset (Also NSFW).
Suitable for: Anyone wanting to learn how to shoot glamour images in the studio, that are not just a model on a plain paper background. Your camera must have a standard hot-shoe to accommodate the lighting trigger. You will need to be able to set your camera to manual mode and select an aperture in the range f/5.6 – f/11. No prior studio experience is necessary.
A minimum of three photographers booking will be required to run this event.
| Don’t forget, Academy Members get a £5 discount on this event. Why not join the Academy today? |
At this event, we discuss some of the things to think about if you planning to make photography your business. From insurance requirements to tax matters.
We look at some key questions to ask commercial (business) clients to ensure that you understand what it is they are asking you to do.
We investigate how to calculate work out what to charge, to ensure that you don’t end up doing the job at a loss.
The session includes looking at some case studies of work carried out for different commercial clients.
We also have a brief introduction to stock photography and examples of the types of images that sell as Stock.
We also take a brief look at the topic of marketing.
Suitable for: Any wishing to convert his/her photography hobby into something that earns them money…. Or at the very least is less of a drain on your finances!
[BOOK HERE]
“Friday Night at the Studio” events are returning to Ian’s Studio. If you have never been to one of these events before this is the chance for you to come along and find out they are all about. If you used to come along, this is a chance to be in at the start of their revival.
“Friday Night at the Studio” events are flexible learning sessions. Each event has a theme to it, and you will have the chance to learn techniques associated with that theme. The sessions are let by Ian who ensures everyone gets their fair share of time shooting. If you have particular techniques or ideas you wish to try, providing they are in keeping with the theme, we will do our best to accommodate them. If no one has any ideas Ian will set you going with a few suggestions that will help spark your own ideas.
For this taster session we will have four different themes for the evening:
- Film noir portraits
- Pin-up
- Silhouettes
- Bodyscapes
Additionally, we hope to set-up a table studio in the office, for those who want to have a go at some macro photography.
I am pleased to announce that the model for this event will Ahsatan (aka Tasha) – http://purpleport.com/
Tasha will be working to nude levels for part of the silhouettes section and for the bodyscapes section of the event.
As an added bonus for this event, I will be also be giving attendees copies of the lighting sheets/lighting diagrams for each of the set-ups we are working with.
A minimum of three photographers are required for the event to go ahead. (Maximum number will seven)
[BOOK HERE]
PLEASE NOTE – This event has been postponed by 1 week to 29th September.
In this session we look at the different output options within lightroom including:
- Export dialog
- Publish collections
- Printing
- Slideshows
- The Book Module
- The Web Module
We will look at the use of presets for export, third party plugins for publishing. We will look at some of the options available for printing and briefly look at slidshow, book and web modules.
Suitable for: Lightroom users who want to find better ways at getting their images out there.
This event is one of a series of training events that together make up our Lightroom Training Course – events can be stand-alone training events or all sessions can be taken as a comprehensive course.
- CR006 – Introduction to Digital Image Management and Editing
- CR501 – Lightroom: The Library Module
- CR502 – Lightroom: The Develop Module
- CR510 – Lightroom: Turbo Charge your Workflow
- CR515 – Lightroom: Output Options
Night photography means a lot of different things. There are a lot of different types of night image and just as many techniques involved in shooting. In this session, we look at a number of different types of night image and how to shoot them. In addition to the traditional illuminated building at night, we look at “day for night” portraits, painting with light, photographing fireworks and even photographing the northern lights.
Suitable for: This is an intermediate level session that will be of interest to anyone who wants to shoot night images. For most of the techniques discussed here, you will need a tripod, and your camera will need to be able to do long exposures. For the techniques that do not require a long exposure, you will need to be able to shoot with off camera flash (see CR104).
[BOOK HERE]
In this session we look at the topic of macro and table-top photography. We look at the equipment you may need. Including macro lenses and/or devices that permit you to focus close up.
We look at the need for a good tripod and the different tripod heads that are available. We also look at focusing rails and why they are helpful for macro photography.
The problem of very shallow depth of field is addressed and how we can use focus stacking to overcome this limitation.
For table-top photography we discuss a number of set-ups and lighting techniques using either studio lighting or off camera flash. We consider the problem of reflective objects such a bottles and how to light for them. We also look at the use of light-tents.
Suitable for: Anyone interested in macro or table-top photography. It is expected that you will have at least a basic knowledge of exposure.
[BOOK HERE]
In this session we look at how using keywords, and smart collections can help you manage and speed through your workflow. We also look in more detail how presets of all kinds can be used to speed up your workflow and save you time.
The workflow involves spending time up-front to configure keywords, collections and presets. The first part of the session will walk you through this set up. The second part of the set up will walk you through using the managed workflow.
Suitable for: Those who are familiar with Lightroom but who find they are losing track of what images they are working on, or who are finding that processing with Lightroom is taking too long.
This event is one of a series of training events that together make up our Lightroom Training Course – events can be stand-alone training events or all sessions can be taken as a comprehensive course.
- CR006 – Introduction to Digital Image Management and Editing
- CR501 – Lightroom: The Library Module
- CR502 – Lightroom: The Develop Module
- CR510 – Lightroom: Turbo Charge your Workflow
- CR515 – Lightroom: Output Options
This session covers the different aspects of theatre photography. We provide advice for settings to choose for shooting theatre and look at a number of different settings that you could select, depending on how the production is lit.
We look at other aspects of providing images for a theatre company – in addition to the production photographs, we examine the need for headshots, publicity images and the challenges of photographing backstage.
The session also covers some of the cultural aspects of the theatre – such as superstitions, so that you don’t offend the people you are there to photograph.
For any attendees who have previously done any theatre photography there will be an opportunity, as part of this session, to have your work critiqued.
Suitable for: This is an intermediate level session designed for anyone who has an interest in theatre and thinks they may have an opportunity to be involved in providing photography to a theatre. It is expected that you will be familiar with exposure techniques.
[BOOK HERE]
Please note: We have changed the date of this event to Saturday 29 July.
This session builds on the previous session, CR105 – Understanding Studio Photography. In this session, we look at working with models. We explain how to book models and the different terminology that models use for levels and genres.
We look at the perceived differences between art nude and glamour. We also look at other genres such as boudoir. We also cover shooting models in locations other that in a studio.
The course notes for this session include lighting diagrams and an art nude posing guide.
For any attendees who have previously worked with models, there will be an opportunity as part of this session to have your work critiqued.
Please note: The notes for this session include images of nudity. Also, this is a classroom based lesson and does not involve shooting any models.
Suitable for: Any who is thinking of working with models, and wants to understand the practicalities and terminology used. The session may also be of interest to anyone wanting to get advice on lighting and posing models.
[BOOK HERE]
Please note: We have changed the date of this event to Saturday 22 July.
This session goes through the equipment you will find in a typical studio. We go through the different types of lights available in studio and explain what the different modifiers do. We talk about techniques for setting up lights and how to meter the lights to get the correct exposure.
We look at shooting and posing guidelines. Advice on how to shoot different kinds of portraits and how to pose your clients or subjects.
This training will also provide you with a collection of lighting diagrams that you can use when working in the studio.
For any attendees who have previously shot in a studio, there will be an opportunity as part of this session to have your work critiqued.
Suitable for: Anyone new to studio photography. This session will provide you with a good grounding on all the information you need to know to get the best of working in a studio. The session is designed primarily for those who are interested in shooting portraits.
[BOOK HERE]
In this session, we go through Adobe Lightroom’s Develop Module in detail. Looking at each of the panels in turn, we look at what it does and how best to use it to process your images.
The training will cover some of Lightroom’s hidden functionality, explaining how a number of options change their functionality when used while holding a key on the keyboard.
We will also look at saving and using presets and some options for batch processing.
Suitable for: Those just starting to learn Lightroom, and those who feel they don’t yet use the full power of the Develop Module.
This event is one of a series of training events that together make up our Lightroom Training Course – events can be stand-alone training events or all sessions can be taken as a comprehensive course.
- CR006 – Introduction to Digital Image Management and Editing
- CR501 – Lightroom: The Library Module
- CR502 – Lightroom: The Develop Module
- CR510 – Lightroom: Turbo Charge your Workflow
- CR515 – Lightroom: Output Options
This session is the natural follow on to “PR301- On Camera Flash” and/or “CR104 – Off Camera Flash and Strobist Techniques”. However, you don’t need to have attended either event to get the benefit of this session. In this session, we look at the essential techniques of working with one or more off-camera flashes (speedlights).
In this session, you will get to see the techniques talked about in “CR104” put into practice. You will get to shoot with a model to create protraits. We will create images using just one speedlight and some with multiple.
The actual lighting set-ups used on the day will be dependent on the weather conditions as this will affect where we can shoot outside, and whether or not the sun can be overpowered or not.
Dragging the shutter techniques will also be taught at this session.
The session is a practical session and you will have the opportunity to practice these types of lighting by photographing a model. You will be provided with lighting diagrams for the lighting set-ups taught at this session.
The model for this session will be Lynne – https://purpleport.com/portfolio/lynnesel/?referrer=ianbutty
Suitable for: Anyone wanting to get familiar with off camera flash (strobist) techniques. No prior strobist experience is necessary. Your camera must have a standard hot-shoe to accommodate the lighting trigger. You will need to be able to set your camera to manual mode and select an aperture in the range f/5.6 – f/11.
[BOOK HERE]
PLEASE NOTE: The date and time of this session has been changed to 17th June at 2pm
In this classroom session we explain and show a range of equipment that can be used from off camera flash photography. We explain the various options available for off camera flash / strobist lighting.
The session includes explanations of a range of lighting set-ups and an explanation of some less well-known techniques such as using white balance and coloured gels to effectively shift the colour of the sky or background.
Please remember this is a classroom based training event and deals with the theory and practicalities of strobist work, but it doesn’t include shooting with a model or subject.
This session is one of several events that make up our Intermediate Photography Course.
For any attendees who have previously shot using off camera flash there will be an opportunity as part of this session to have your work critiqued.
A follow-on practical session with model Lynne has been organised for Friday 23rd June
Suitable for: Anyone thinking of getting into off camera flash shooting and looking for advice on what buying choices they need to be aware of. It is also suitable for anyone who just wants to learn some new techniques that they can try in their own time.
See also: PR302 – Off camera flash essentials; PR303 – How to create your own strobist studio; PR304 – Night Photography Workshop
[BOOK HERE]
The Lightroom Library Module is where we organise and manage our images. In this session, we look at how to use the import dialog and what the different options in it mean. We also look at ways we can use import to finally get a grip on the multitude of images stored on our computer system.
Once images are in Lightroom we look at assigning metadata and keywords so that we easily locate our images again in the future. While looking at adding metadata we also cover the use of the Map Module for assigning geographic metadata.
We look at the use of collections and smart collections as methods for organising our images. We also look at some of the lesser known facilities in the library module such as using the painter tool.
Suitable for: Those just starting to learn Lightroom, and those who feel they don’t yet use the full power of the Library Module.
This event is one of a series of training events that together make up our Lightroom Training Course – events can be stand-alone training events or all sessions can be taken as a comprehensive course.
- CR006 – Introduction to Digital Image Management and Editing
- CR501 – Lightroom: The Library Module
- CR502 – Lightroom: The Develop Module
- CR510 – Lightroom: Turbo Charge your Workflow
- CR515 – Lightroom: Output Options
This is a beginner session on how to manage all your digital images. The session starts by looking at the difference between shooting JPG images and shooting RAW images, and the pros and cons between them.
The next section of the session covers naming conventions and filing conventions and why it is important to settle on a standard that works for you.
The final part of this session is an overview and walk-through of Adobe Lightroom. Lightroom is the tool we recommend for managing and processing your images.
This session in conjunction with CR001 – CR005, CR007 – CR008, make up what used to be our “Introduction to Digital Photography” Course. It is also the foundation session for our series of Adobe Lightroom training sessions.
This session may be taken as a standalone session or in conjunction with the other introduction course sessions or in conjunction with the other Lightroom sessions. As with all Academy Events – printed training notes will be provided.
Suitable for: Beginners or anyone struggling to manage their ever-growing collection of digital images. Not all cameras are capable of shooting in RAW mode, but if your camera is and you don’t yet shoot in RAW this session will help convince you to make the switch. The overview of Lightroom is intended to be a very quick overview giving a flavour of what Lightroom can do. For detailed Lightroom training see events:
- CR501 – Lightroom: The Library Module
- CR502 – Lightroom: The Develop Module
- CR510 – Lightroom: Turbo Charge your Workflow
- CR515 – Lightroom: Output Options
This session is the natural follow on to “CR103 – Planning to Shoot a Wedding” However you don’t need to have attended that session to get the benefit of this session. However, this session alone is not sufficient to prepare you to shoot your first wedding.
At this session, you will have the opportunity to practice taking wedding photographs. The session is designed as mentoring rather than instruction. You are encouraged to use your own speedlights. If you are planning to shoot with ‘off camera flash’ at a wedding we encourage you to bring and use your own triggers.
We will have available for you to use speedlights, modifiers, triggers, reflectors, stands and a light meter.
Depending on the numbers of photographers booked for this event you will have either a model bride or a model bride and groom to shoot. In the case of a very large group, additional models will be hired to be other members of the wedding party, and additional instructors will also be available to help so that photographers can work in small groups.
Model TBA
Regardless of the weather, we will shoot some or all the images outside. The models will have the use of white golfing umbrellas if it is raining. Photographers, please be prepared for bad weather just as you would be if you were shooting a real wedding.
Suitable for: Photographers who are already comfortable using their equipment. The session is not designed to teach topics such as getting the right exposure or how to use on or off camera flash. It is assumed that if you are planning to shoot a wedding you know this already! The session is designed to give aspiring wedding photographers the opportunity to practice.
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This session covers all the practical information that you need to know before shooting a wedding. We cover all the stages from the initial meetings with the bride and groom through to delivery of the final product.
We provide advice on how to put together a shot list, the essential things to take with you on the day, and the all-important questions to ask the bride and groom a week or so before the big day.
This session is one of several events that make up our Intermediate Photography Course. It is also part of our mini-Wedding Photography Course
Suitable for: Anyone thinking of shooting a wedding. Although this session does provide images to inspire and shot lists, this session is not about camera settings, it is assumed that if you seriously contemplating shooting a wedding that you know how to use your camera!
See Also: Practical session PR305 – Wedding Photography Practice.
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PLEASE NOTE: We have changed the date of this event to Saturday 13th May.
In this session, we look at photography using available light as the primary light source. We cover in detail techniques for supplementing and modifying available light. Including the use of diffusers, reflectors and fill-in flash.
We look at techniques such as using a reflector to make the sky darker, and why using on camera flash can be the right thing to do even on sunny days.
Please note that this is classroom based training, we will not have a model present at this event. If time and the weather permit we may venture outside to demonstrate some of the techniques but this cannot be guaranteed.
This session is one of several events that make up our Intermediate Photography Course.
Suitable for: This is designed for Intermediate level photographers, you will be expected to have at least some grasp of how exposure works. If you are not sure about exposure you should consider sessions CR003 and CR004, before attending this session.
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This session provides practical advice on how to improve your travel photography. We look at things to think about before you go and what to take with you. We cover the important question of how to backup images while you are travelling.
Practical advice is given on how to deal with crowds and people while creating travel images. We also provide general suggestions on what to shoot to improve your travel photography. And we specifically cover the question of how to get great travel images while on an organised tour.
This session is one of several events that make up our Intermediate Photography Course.
Suitable for: Anyone interested in creating images while on holiday or when travelling. The majority of the advice and information is relevant to all camera users, regardless of the type of camera that you are shooting with.
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In this session, we give practical advice on how to keep on improving with your photography. We will look at ways you can challenge yourself and ways to become inspired to shoot.
We provide guidance on buying new kit – when do you need a new camera or a new lens? What about tripods? What about flash guns?
We look at camera care including sensor cleaning (this is also covered in CR002)
Each attendee at the session will be encouraged to set themselves goals for the next month, 3 months, 6 months and year. Practical advice will be given to help you achieve those goals.
We will also give a brief overview of any suitable academy events which will help you to meet your goals.
There will be opportunities in this session to have your images critiqued. Please bring along up to SIX prints or digital files. The number of images that we will critique / assess will be dependent on the time available and the number of attendees.
Suitable for: All levels of photographer from beginner to professional. Be prepared to share what you want to achieve with your photography so that we can help you achieve it.
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In the first half of this session, we look at a case study from Ian’s professional career where Ian had to shoot images of Rome during 9 days of bad weather and how those images became his best selling photographs.
The second half of the session looks at other difficult conditions that as photographers we might have to deal with and some of the techniques and setting that we may use.
This session in conjunction with CR001 – CR006, CR008, make up what used to be our “Introduction to Digital Photography” Course. This session may be taken as a standalone session or with the other 7 sessions. As with all Academy Events – printed training notes will be provided.
Suitable for: Beginners and intermediate levels. The first half will be relevant to photographers of any level and doesn’t require a great deal of technical knowledge. In the second half we talk about camera settings including exposure and exposure compensation (as discussed in CR003 and CR004).
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This evening’s Friday Night at the Studio will be all about creating and finding abstract images. We will have a number of different set-ups in the studio ranging from small table-top set-ups to some larger items which can be used to create fantastic abstracts. As part of this session, we will explore how you can use coloured light to create interesting abstract images.
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This is a beginner session on how to manage all your digital images. The session starts by looking at the difference between shooting JPG images and shooting RAW images, and the pros and cons between them.
The next section of the session covers naming conventions and filing conventions and why it is important to settle on a standard that works for you.
The final part of this session is an overview and walk-through of Adobe Lightroom. Lightroom is the tool we recommend for managing and processing your images.
This session in conjunction with CR001 – CR005, CR007 – CR008, make up what used to be our “Introduction to Digital Photography” Course. It is also the foundation session for our series of Adobe Lightroom training sessions.
This session may be taken as a standalone session or in conjunction with the other introduction course sessions or in conjunction with the other Lightroom sessions. As with all Academy Events – printed training notes will be provided.
Suitable for: Beginners or anyone struggling to manage their ever-growing collection of digital images. Not all cameras are capable of shooting in RAW mode, but if your camera is and you don’t yet shoot in RAW this session will help convince you to make the switch. The overview of Lightroom is intended to be a very quick overview giving a flavour of what Lightroom can do. For detailed Lightroom training see events LR001 through LR003
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This session covers different techniques for creating art nude images involving a paint/slime mix being poured over a models body. We have two different set-ups one involving a single colour slime and the other using multiple colours. We use the same simple lighting set up for both. At this session you will learn the techniques for creating the paint/slime mix, and will learn the techniques for applying/pouring the mix that create the finished effect.
The session is a practical session and you will have the opportunity to practice these by photographing a model. You will be provided with lighting diagrams for the lighting set-up taught at this session.
Please note: That we have a number of Art Nude sessions. Each session is designed to teach different techniques, with the minimum of overlap. The sessions can be done in any order and no previous studio experience is required for any of the sessions.
Suitable for: Anyone wanting to learn how to art nude photography in the studio. Your camera must have a standard hot-shoe to accommodate the lighting trigger. You will need to be able to set your camera to manual mode and select an aperture in the range f/5.6 – f/11. No prior studio experience is necessary.
The model for this event will be studio regular KarenR. ( https://purpleport.com/portfolio/karenr/ ). Selected Karen as the model for this event because she is a very experienced art nude model (She is the model I used when creating an art nude posing guide). The best paint/slime images are created with models who can create interesting shapes as they pose. Karen is one such model.
We will be working with paint/slime you may wish to wear old clothes in case you get any of it on you.
The maximum number of photographers for this event will be six
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At this session we explore the versatility of work with a grey background in the studio. A grey background can be virtually any colour. At this session you will learn how to colour a grey background using gels and how to make it appear black by controlling the light using flags and grids. We also look at using it as a grey background with a vignette. We will be working with the following lighting set-ups
- Key light and fill plus two coloured background lights (same colours and different)
- Using flags and grids to create black background
- Key light, gridded rim light, optional fill light and gridded background light on grey background
The session is a practical session and you will have the opportunity to practice these types of lighting by photographing a model. You will be provided with lighting diagrams for the lighting set-ups taught at this session.
Our model for this event will be local model Emma (See: https://purpleport.com/portfolio/emred/?referrer=ianbutty ). As you can see from her portfolio Emma is a very experienced model and her red hair will work exceptionally well when shooting against a grey background.
Suitable for: Anyone wanting to understand the versatility of a grey background paper in the studio. Your camera must have a standard hot-shoe to accommodate the lighting trigger. You will need to be able to set your camera to manual mode and select an aperture in the range f/5.6 – f/11. No prior studio experience is necessary.
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Light is the fourth variable which goes to make up our exposure. In this session we look at “White Balance” – how the colour of ambient light affects our images and simple steps to take to correct the colour of our images and the time we don’t want to colour correct.
We look at different types of light source (ambient, flash, always on lights) and the pros and cons of each light source. We also look at simple ways in which we can modify it (the use of reflectors and diffusers).
We also look at fill-in flash, basic painting with light techniques and the use of filters for your camera lenses.
This session in conjunction with CR001 – CR004, CR006 – CR008, make up what used to be our “Introduction to Digital Photography” Course. This session may be taken as a standalone session or with the other 7 sessions. As with all Academy Events – printed training notes will be provided.
Suitable for: Beginners and intermediate level. You will need a basic understanding of exposure (material covered in CR003 & CR004). Most cameras will have some sort of white balance settings. Not all cameras can take filters on their lenses, DSLR, Bridge and most mirrorless cameras can. Most cameras have some sort of flash built-in, however most compact cameras won’t give you fine control of the flash so only some of the techniques discussed will be applicable. For paining with light your camera will need to be able to do long exposures of 15-30sec. You will also need a tripod or another means to secure your camera.
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Join us for a fast-paced shooting evening. Shoot against the clock and decide how many minutes to allocate to each of the evening’s set-ups
The evening has been designed to be fun, but also to allow you to learn how to shoot under pressure.
Our model for this event will be Rhianna Grey. You can see Rhianna’s profile here: http://purpleport.com/portfolio/rhiannagrey/?referrer=ianbutty and previous images created at the studio here: http://photos.imb.biz/model/shoot/sgs-rhiannag
Rhianna will be working at a range of modeling levels and genres including fashion, lingerie, topless and implied nude.
The maximum number of photographers for this event will be SIX
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The lesson follows on from CR003 “What the f?!?” – while it is not mandatory to have attended that lesson, you need to understand the topics covered in it.
In this session we look at exposure and how the three variables of aperture, shutter-speed and ISO work together. We look at various techniques for how you can calculate the exposure for the image you wish to create. We look at how the camera can help us, and how a camera can easily get it wrong – and what to do about when the camera does. (exposure compensation)
We look at some typical exposure problems, such as limited dynamic range and what to do about it.
We then look at the different exposure modes on your camera: evaluative, centre-weighted, partial and spot
This session in conjunction with CR001 – CR003, CR005 – CR008, make up what used to be our “Introduction to Digital Photography” Course. This session may be taken as a standalone session or with the other 7 sessions. As with all Academy Events – printed training notes will be provided.
Suitable for: Beginners, anyone who is looking to get their camera off auto. You will need a camera with aperture priority (Av or A) mode, and shutter priority (Tv or S) mode to be able to put this into practice. All DSLRS, bridge cameras, and ‘mirrorless’ cameras have these modes. Many compact “point and shoot” cameras have these modes. If you use your phone as your camera you may need to download an app that gives you that capability. Almost all cameras have some form of exposure compensation (phone cameras may need to download a camera app to give them exposure compensation). Not all cameras will have all exposure modes.
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We look in detail at the three main variables which make up an exposure: f-stops/aperture, shutter-speed and ISO. We then consider how each affect the images you create.
We at how the three variables relate to each other. Look at camera modes including those which allow us to adjust each of the three variables
This session in conjunction with CR001 – CR002, CR004 – CR008, make up what used to be our “Introduction to Digital Photography” Course. This session may be taken as a standalone session or with the other 7 sessions. As with all Academy Events – printed training notes will be provided.
Suitable for: Beginners, anyone who is looking to get their camera off auto. You will need a camera with aperture priority (Av or A) mode, and shutter priority (Tv or S) mode to be able to put this into practice. All DSLRS, bridge cameras, and ‘mirrorless’ cameras have these modes. Many compact “point and shoot” cameras have these modes. If you use your phone as your camera you may need to download an app that gives you that capability.
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In this session we look briefly at different types of camera and how cameras work, we look at how to clean and care for your camera – including a discussion on sensor cleaning.
We explain what a “crop factor” (or focal length multiplier) is and how it affects the images we take.
We look at two characteristics of lenses: “focal length” and “speed”, and how changing the focal length affects an image. We consider the optimum focal length for different types of photography and how we can use focal length to introduce foreshortening and distortion into our images.
This session in conjunction with CR001, CR003 – CR008, make up what used to be our “Introduction to Digital Photography” Course. This session may be taken as a standalone session or with the other 7 sessions. As with all Academy Events – printed training notes will be provided.
We conclude the session with a look at the different focusing modes on your camera.
Suitable for: Beginners through intermediate. It is also helpful information to assist you in determining what kind of camera is right for you. Also suitable for anyone wanting to understand what the focal length of a lens is and how it affects an image. This applies to all cameras including (phones, point and shoot and DSLRs). If you are looking to add additional lenses to your kit this session will give you information to you understand what type of lens works best for what type of photography.
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We look at what makes a great image. We consider the rules (guidelines) for composition including a three-step approach to help you when creating any photograph. We also look at the subject of point of view and perspective and how and why changing point of view can make an ordinary image into an extraordinary one.
This session in conjunction with CR002 – CR008, make up what used to be our “Introduction to Digital Photography” Course. This session may be taken as a standalone session or with the other 7 sessions. As with all Academy Events – printed training notes will be provided.
As part of this event there will be an opportunity to receive feedback and critique on up to three images.
Suitable for: All levels from beginners to experts (good to be reminded about composition from time to time). What we look at here can be applied to any camera from phone to DSLR
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