As my second portraiture session, I have to admit I was feeling quite amateur, but Ahsan and the rest of the group were wonderfully approachable and put me at ease. I particularly liked how everyone helped one another out with ideas or lighting and everyone shared both knowledge and equipment. Alex herself was lovely and an absolute pro and it meant I grew in confidence after the first set. I got some amazing shots and I found she really brought a spark into the photos and seemed to really enjoy herself at the same time, chatting away to us in breaks meaning there was a lovely chilled atmosphere. I felt there was a warm, supportive and professional air to the afternoon and I’ll definitely be doing this again. Thank you for a lovely day 🙂
— Kerry

I have organised over 140+ workshops since August 2019. Currently, 1050+ members, you will find, committed, passionate beginner and professional photographers alike. 

Our group is welcoming and collaborative. I have loved watching each photographer assist others on shoots by offering to hold lighting or recommending a great setting or angle. 

Don't take my word for it! Check our videos on our Instagram account @thecreativeeyephotographers. 

What experience do I need to have?

You may have an Instagram account and would like to post your photos every day. You might be completely new to photography. 

If you are not sure how to use your camera or how to pose a model, then workshops are a perfect match for you. You will build your skills and confidence with time. Practice makes perfect! 

Seasoned professional are regulars on our workshops. Their insights and skills are unique and bring so much to the photographic experience. So if you consider yourself a pro, come and shoot with us! 

What are the aims of our photography workshops?

To be a great photographer, you need to understand posing. Learning posing will help you when you are working with potential future clients. 

There are three steps to posing success with any subject. These are:

  1. Communication

  2. Planning

  3. Skill

Communication

Conversing with your subject is essential so that you can capture what you would like for your portfolio. Participating in group workshops gives you a fantastic opportunity to work and converse with like-minded photographers. 

You can find out what works and what doesn't work. You can find out more about what the best settings for your camera are or which model to work with in the future. The possibilities are endless. 

Most importantly, you will have your own 1-to-1 time with the model. I always recommend that you imagine what it might be like to be the subject. 

How would you like to be approached? How would you like to be photographed? Now turn that back on yourself and talk to your model. 

The more you communicate, the more relaxed your subject will be, and you will capture some beautiful pictures. Always be the energy you want to receive! 

Planning

In the lead up to the shoot I will share with you: 

  • Information about the model 

  • Exact location details 

All the logistical aspects of the shoot will be covered. To benefit the most from the workshop, you will need to:

  1. You plan out your route in advance, so you arrive ahead of schedule.

  2. Please do some research on your model, e.g. follow their Instagram to see what they post. It is an excellent indicator of how they like to be photographed.

  3. Follow our Instagram @thecreativeyephotographers and see our previous shoots. It is an invaluable resource! You will find carousels of images along with full settings to go with it. Bookmark any photos you enjoy, and then you have your library of settings to go to if needed!  

  4. Create your own Pinterest Account and start adding saving images that appeal to you. Download the app for your phone, and then you can use them to show others on the shoot what you are looking to capture! You can see ours here.: https://pin.it/6kjMEn6

On the shoot, you will learn how to shoot a model direct, pose and shoot a professional model in an unfamiliar setting. 

I will bring my Profoto Off-Camera Lighting for additional support. Profoto makes some outstanding lighting equipment. (Don't worry I'm not a brand ambassador!) You will have the option of using this on the shoot. However, be warned! It is very addictive! 

Skill

You will not become a professional by coming to one or even a few shoots. Some experts say it takes 10,000 hours others to develop and learn a skill; others say it only takes 20 hours. 

I'm not a scientist or a psychologist so I cannot promise how long it will take you to become an expert! With patience and regularly practising, you will get better each time. That's how I learned! 

Working collaboratively with others will accelerate your learning and give you the drive and motivation to improve. 

I have seen over the past year some fabulous new photographers who are now super confident in shooting on their own! Check out these photographers who started with us:

Ben: https://b-alexander.co.uk

Ffion: www.ffionjamesphotography.com

Finally

Photography is an art, and as such, it relies on working collaboratively with others. Energy and enthusiasm can be infectious, so come with a smile and show us your skills! 

Where will the shoots be held?

The shoots are held at different locations across the City of London. You will find out about the exact location the evening before the shoot. 

Locations can vary from gardens, church ruins to urban landscapes. On occasions, we will also do some studio shoots! 

All shoots are based Central London (Zone 1) if otherwise stated. Details are shared with paid attendees.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to bring with you:

  • Your DSLR/Mirrorless/Film Camera (No phones or bridge cameras!)

Optional items that you may want to bring along include:

  • A spare battery - just in case! (Especially for Mirrorless users!)

  • Your favourite portrait lens. 

  • A wide-angle lens for experimentation

  • Props to diversify your shots

  • A spare memory card (SD or CF). 

  • Depending on weather; an umbrella or some sun-screen!

Finally, my recommendation is to invest in good footwear. You will be moving and walking several different locations, so look after your feet, and the photos will look after themselves! 

When is the next workshop?

Due to Covid-19 and the current lockdown restrictions shoots are on hold. 

As soon as the government regulations allow, I will post up workshops on here! Watch this space.

In the meantime, follow us on Instagram @thecreativeeyephotographers.

DM if you would like to get in touch with ideas for shoots or any questions you may have!