John Freeman Photours has launched a series of studio-based photography workshops. Day courses cover techniques such as lighting, still life and digital workflow and a five-day starter course, called the ‘Five day learn nearly everything course’, gives a thorough introduction to photography for beginners wanting to kick start their hobby; and even perhaps turn it in to a lucrative career. The courses take place in East London. Prices start at £195 for one-day workshops and £925 for the five-day course.

Website: John Freeman Photours

JFP Press Release

John Freeman Photours Launches London-based Studio Photography Workshops

London 26 March 2010: John Freeman Photours has launched a series of studio-based photography workshops in addition to its luxury photography holidays. Day courses cover techniques such as lighting, still life and digital workflow and a five-day starter course, called the ‘Five day learn nearly everything course’, gives a thorough introduction to photography for beginners wanting to kick start their hobby; and even perhaps turn it in to a lucrative career.

Courses are designed to help photography students, no matter what their experience, develop their skills under the tutorship of award-winning photographers, while working with experienced, professional models and make-up artists. Places are limited to keep workshop groups small to ensure a significant amount of one-on-one time with instructors. All courses are practical, with students spending nearly 100 per cent of their time in the studio, constructing and shooting photographs - and all work towards production of a final print that can be used as part of a portfolio of work.

Course places in the following workshops are available from March – June 2010:

Basic Lighting Workshop: one-day

Designed for those with no, or minimal, studio experience the Basic Lighting Workshop gives an introduction to the main studio equipment, such as lighting heads, monoblocs and flash meters. It covers techniques including how to achieve the right quality of light for portraits and how to build the light to shoot an effective portrait, with a desired effect. At the end of the day, students will know how to construct the studio from scratch and understand the uses of all the lighting equipment – plus have a portfolio-ready, professional-looking shot to take away.

Advanced Lighting Workshop: one-day

This course is for those who have attended the Basic Lighting Workshop, or who have some photographic experience. It looks at creative ways to use standard studio lighting attachments to achieve complicated lighting set-ups and varying lighting effects. Throughout the day, students will experiment with a range of different stands, booms and specialist backgrounds as well as with back-lighting and floor-surfaces. Students will spend time directing professional models and make-up artists to perfect their shot, and experiment with different view-points and focal lengths.

Still Life Workshop: one-day

This course assumes some knowledge of studio lighting. It begins with students building a simple pack shot, and moves on to explore what can be achieved with extension tubes, and shift and tilt and macro lenses, with the emphasis on seeing how discreet changes in angle or position of light or camera can radically alter the shot. Students then work through a series of more elaborate lighting set-ups, discovering how effective shots can be achieved with minimal, even improvised, kit and experimenting with different objects and backgrounds. Some specialist areas covered include shooting black against black, liquids and ice and glass and bottles. The aim of this course is to give a thorough grounding to those considering a career in product photography.

Artistic Nudes: one-day

This course begins by exploring the benefits of having complete control over lighting; seeing how a single light-source can affect the mood of the picture. Students go on to work with more sophisticated lighting set-ups using multiple flashes and accessories plus props and backgrounds to build the desired result. A professional hair and make-up artist will offer guidance on how to get the best from models, with instruction on everything from creating a desired look to concealing blemishes or unwanted tattoos. Once again, this course assumes some prior experience of lighting photographs.

Digital Workflow: one-day

This course is designed to guide participants through the basics of establishing an effective digital workflow. From editing, backing-up images and calibrating monitors to processing RAW files and using Photoshop to retouch a portrait – for example to remove unwanted blemishes to enhancing skin and highlighting eyes. Finally, the course looks at how to get the best from a printer and the secrets of effective colour management.

Five Day Learn Nearly Everything: five days

This course has been designed to give new photographers a thorough grounding in photography – which they can then take with them to simply take better photographs of friends and family, or to set them on a course to a potential new career. The workshop starts with all the questions we’re always afraid to ask – covering the very basics - and then moves to camera function, through to good studio practice and shooting on location. Students will learn how different kit and accessories work and when to use them, and will gain the courage to shoot on location, working with available light and other variables. Finally, the course covers digital workflow and using Photoshop to get the very best output.

Courses take place in East London. Prices start at £195 for one-day workshops and £925 for the five-day course. Lunch and refreshments are provided throughout.

For more information visit www.jfphotours.com or call 0800 298 8190.

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