Just because you can afford to buy a grand piano doesn’t mean that you are a concert pianist! The piano is just a tool to help the pianist express their creative interpretation of a piece of music. A good pianist can achieve great effects even with a relatively modest instrument, although there are of course occasions when only the best will do.
Similarly with photography. A camera is just a tool that helps us to realize our artistic vision, and even very basic equipment can deliver superb results in the hands of a master. However, the converse is also true: our creative vision can be frustrated if we are not in full control of our camera’s settings and therefore not able to make the right decisions in any given situation.
On my photography experiences my aim is to help you improve your camera skills and techniques AND to help you develop your creative vision. At the end of our time together you should see an improvement in both these aspects of your creative photographic practice.
I offer a range of photography experiences across the UK and Africa, from half days to several weeks. Subjects include landscapes, wildlife, portraits, macro and travel.
My digital photography workshops are suitable for both beginners and serious amateurs/professionals.
The workshops are run in small groups (maximum 8 people) so that you have ample opportunity to ask questions and learn from fellow enthusiasts. I also offer one-to-one sessions for a more personal and tailored experience; if this is of interest please contact me for a no obligation discussion of your requirements.
Locations in the UK include London, Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Norfolk, Northumberland, Dorset, the Lake District, the Peak District and North and South Wales. I also run safaris in Kenya and South Africa. For the latest schedule please have a look at Experiences section of my Shop.
On my photography experiences you will learn by doing, but in terms of theory we may cover any or all of the following topics:
shutter speed, aperture, ISO & relation between them — shutter priority/aperture priority — exposure compensation — common types of cameras & sensors — types of lenses — depth of field — manual focus vs. autofocus — hyperfocal distance — metering methods — the sunny F/16 rule — histogram — colour temperature & white balance — RAW vs. JPEG — filters — previsualisation — composition — digital processing and printing
If there is anything you’d like particular help with, please let me know in advance and I’ll do my best to make sure we cover it in the time available.
Although we take our photography seriously, we also aim to enjoy ourselves! Photography experiences are great opportunities to meet and learn from like-minded enthusiasts.
My photography experiences will give you valuable insights into important aspects of photography, so that you will be prepared to make the most of future photographic opportunities, whether it’s taking pictures of your back garden or the Grand Canyon!
All levels of experience welcome.
For short courses you will need your camera(s), lenses, tripod (for landscape work), weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable walking shoes (Wellies for early morning shoots and rainy weather). It could also be useful to bring your camera’s manual, if you have it. For longer courses and safaris I will contact you for a more detailed discussion of requirements.
Full joining instructions will be given on booking.
Adriaan certainly knows his stuff. He is very patient and knowledgeable. It was good to be with someone who knows the area and wildlife habits. A great morning, well worth it, got some lovely images. Recommended 🙂
Heather Buckley, RHS Photographer of the Year 2013, Brighton
All-in-all I thought the workshop was terrific and I would have no hesitation to recommend you to others.
Peter Butler, Sevenoaks
I went with Adriaan to Northumberland and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. His knowledge of the area is excellent, the accommodation was great and even the weather was kind to us. I came home with some lovely pictures and very happy memories. I am looking forward to my next trip to the UK when I hope I will be able to go on another workshop with Adriaan.
Jenny Stillwell, Johannesburg