Photography courses - artistic development (4 workshops)

Street photography for all

Does this genre excite your curiosity and are you eager to learn more about its history and practice? Would you like to capture the moment but your inhibitions put obstacles in your way? Then this class is definitely for you!

This 3.5h class was designed for people wishing to learn street photography, by discovering its history, its great figures, and through accompanied practice.

The curriculum will be developed in three parts, each necessary to begin effectively in this photographic art:

• Firstly through inspiration; by discovering the history of Street Photography, and the great photographers who made it, you will have a glimpse at the diversity of approaches and aesthetics of this genre.
• Before starting shooting, technical tips and tricks will be given, exclusively designed to optimise your technical management in the context of the street and to take photographs "on the fly".
• Finally, the time of practice - the heart of this class. Thanks to precise exercises, with very clear objectives, your instructor will teach you methods of discreet approaches and various tips of compositions for your street photographs to succeed.

At the end of the class, you will approach this practice in a more serene way and with the necessary inspiration to flourish on the awesome playground that is the street!

Portrait

Sometimes, the simplest photos are the hardest ones to take. How do you take an impeccable portrait of a loved-one or of a friend on the spot, and only with the help of natural lighting? How do you end up with an expressive and successful portrait without the aid of a studio?

It is essential to take the environment into consideration when composing a portrait. Managing the background's colours and graphics, choosing the point of view, directing the model - these are all points that will be covered during the course.

Light control is an equally important aspect; in particular, analysing a given moment's light and using it wisely are elements that will be explained to help you make a successful portrait.

This workshop will teach you:

• How to observe the environment so as to guide your aesthetic choices: point of view, directing a model
• How to "read" light and place your subject accordingly
• How to correctly define parameters in your camera according to your desired result
• How to frame and compose an image to highlight the subject

The workshop includes a theoretical explanation, a main "practical" part, as well as a class debriefing at the end. The class takes place outdoors and the debriefing takes place at a coffee shop. The exact meeting place will be communicated to enrolled participants. The workshop is composed of a theoretical part, practical training and a debriefing.

Composition for all

The objective of this course is to teach the guidelines of composition to new photographers. Although many established photographers tend to think that there is no such thing as “correct composition”, you will learn why these guidelines exist and can then choose if you will abide by them or not.

After you learn about composition, your eyes will start to notice the interesting shapes surrounding you. Once you have become aware of them, all you have to do is appropriately position yourself to see them appear in your viewfinder. We will discuss where the theories of composition derive from in order to have a better understanding of how relevant they are in making an interesting photo.

This workshop will teach you:

• The theories of the rule of thirds, filling the frame, perspective, balance, leading lines, symmetry, patterns, background, depth, and cropping
• The history of the theory of composition

You will leave the class trusting your photographic judgment, maybe even feeling that the composition guidelines are second nature to you.

The workshop is split into three sections: a theoretical explanation, a hands-on practice session, and a debriefing of the class at a nearby café. During the debriefing, we will review and discuss the class’ photographs. The workshop is composed of a theoretical part, practical training and a debriefing.

Black and white

If you like black & white rendering and wish to improve your monochrome photography skills, this workshop will teach you how to sublimate your black & white compositions with the help of a professional photographer.

To begin, your teacher will explain the different settings that can be applied to your camera to optimise monochrome rendering and develop a style that is unique to you.

The workshop will also be an opportunity to review some of the great photographers who have worked in black & white. Iconic images will be analysed and you will understand how monochrome rendering has served their photographic practice.

The shooting will be the main part of the course; a phase during which you will be able to put into practice the technical and compositional tricks taught by your trainer.

This course will teach you how to:

• Read light and contrasts
• Choose your subjects for optimal black & white rendering
• Manage exposure for shadows and highlights
• Optimise black & white conversion on your device

At the end of the workshop, we will offer you a complete debriefing to share your images taken during your training. This collective review, carried out by the teaching photographer, will allow each participant to ensure a good understanding but also to draw inspiration from the achievements of the other students.