Photo Courses for weddings and portraits

[ArtierSquare]

Hi all,

I have been looking around for a decent 4 day (residential) course in the uk to learn digital wedding and portrait techniques. (searched google high and low). I'm looking for the sort of course which is intense and demanding but still fun and which I can later build on (perhaps by a return to an advanced course!).

Has any of you any experience of such excellent establishments, the kind which could impart to me their vast knowledge and skills. I have been on these courses before, but they've lacked focus and often leadership and challenge. And it is difficult to know just which are the good places and those that are not so good...

Thanks in advance

[CateUK]

Hi, I did a two day course (but there are four day options) at

www.thephotographyschool.co.uk (http://www.thephotographyschool.co.uk) with Freddie Walker (quite a renowned photographer and one of the first UK photographers to adopt digital)

It's in Reading, so I don't know where you are but one of the girls on the course flew in from the Netherlands!

I found it really good, Freddie is lovely, knowledgable and I also really admired his work so it was a pleasure to learn from him.

Hope this helps!

[ArtierSquare]

Thanks Cate,

Following your recommendation, I have emailed them for details.

If others have similar experiences it would be helpful and I should be most indebted

TIA

[ArtierSquare]

I did look at the one course recommended on an earlier post:

http://home.universalclass.com/i/crn/6599.htm

I looked at the photo of the person taking it. Is it me or is that a really bad example of a tutors photo?

[hypnotic]

Hi ArtierSquare

I am also looking to take a course so that I can move on from the beginner stage.

I do like the sound of the course in Reading. It helps that I only live 20 miles away!

I have also requested more details. I may see you there.

[Yella Fella]

I looked at the photo of the person taking it. Is it me or is that a really bad example of a tutors photo?

looks like its taken from a web cam or phone cam :lol:

[ArtierSquare]

It's bizzar that someone advertising these skills and crredentials should produce that quality of photo for her website!

hi hypnotic... it would be a pleasure to hook up on a course. I've had no feedback yet from any of these courses but i expect to in the next day or two.

i'm intregued to know what everyone on the forum has done for their training. i can see why our friends on distant shores haven't contributed, but what about here... are you all self taught or what? I have been taking pictures for 28years now but still feel there must be benefits to a course. There has to be a ton of stuff i've not kept up with and even if not, its always great meeting up with folk who share a passion such as this!

[hypnotic]

looks like its taken from a web cam or phone cam :lol:

"The photo above is of your instructor taken by an 11 year old former student on her barbie digital camera. The photo was then digitally enchanced with photo imaging software."

Not the sort of image I would want to put forward to promote my website!

Think that I may give this course a miss

[hypnotic]

Almost a week and still waiting for a reply from www.thephotographyschool.co.uk. Even tried to phone them but no reply.

Not looking too good

ArtierSquare ..... Did you get a reply to your email?

[Arnie1]

Try the Peak District Photography School.

I did a 3 day course there, not bad at all!! I found the Portrait and business side to be the strongest, the practical wedding is a little traditional for my style.

[Phil V]

Annabel Williams does great courses, there are a few more that advertise in the back of Practical Photography (have a look next time you're in WH Smiths) also try the back of Professional Photographer.

[liza]

Why don't you just train with a professional photographer for about a year? You'd gain more useful skills in that manner than from taking a course.

[hypnotic]

Just managed to book a course with www.thephotographyschool.co.uk.

Got a last minute cancellation for this weekend with Freddie Walker.

My learning curve starts here!

[CateUK]

Hoorah!

I'm glad he got back to you I was surprised to see you hadn't had a response, hope it goes well

[puddinz]

Hi - I did both courses with Freddie and learned loads. He has a unique teaching style very laid back and informal which coming from a teaching background I did find quite wierd. I must say though that my photography improved 200% best of luck with the course and I look forward to seeing the results

[kamilla]

Hi Everybody.


Hi all,

I have been looking around for a decent 4 day (residential) or so course in the New York area to learn digital wedding and portrait techniques. (searched google high and low). Thanks in advance.

[hypnotic]

Finished the two day course last weekend. Had a lot of fun and managed to learn a few things.

It was pretty hard going for me at first because it was a steep learning curve from just having my 30d on auto. Quite a lot packed into the two days.

I now feel in control of my camera instead of it being in control of me!

I have managed to squeeze onto a further two day course on portrait photography with Freddie later this month.

Since getting home and practicing more I wonder why I did not do this ages ago.

I cannot recommend Freddies course highly enough.