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otooleg
30th April 2006, 06:47 PM
Critique
Hello all I would like to pass on my experience of a course I had last week at the Peak District Photography Centre in Buxton, Derbyshire, United Kingdom.
Aims.
I attended the course to learn from a professional, learn from my colleagues on the course, and hopefully return with more confidence in my abilities as a professional photographer.
Course Content.
Day one.
Studio photography – all aspects discussed and demonstrated including the use of professional models. All equipment utilised including soft boxes, lights with filter and barn doors as well as umbrellas.

Different backdrops were used and the actual setting up discussed at length.
Day Two
Wedding photography.
All aspects discussed and demonstrated including working with models at a church and a local park. Different techniques and equipment demonstrated.
Day three
Setting up a Photography Business.
All aspects discussed, (wish I had been on the course before setting up my own business)!
I found this part of the course particularly useful to me personally.
Also Photoshop – working on the images we had shot in the previous days.
Day Four
Back to the studio. We requested working with two lights as this was the current status of all our current abilities, I cannot praise the tutor enough for listening to our request and fitting this in.
Photoshop – worked examples through to completion.
In summary.
I wish I had been on this course before setting up my business. I found the knowledge gained invaluable and I know it will help me become a better photographer.
Facilities – (All marks out of 10) 9/10
Tutor – 10/10
Arranged accommodation – within the Peak District National Park.

It can only be 10/10 because I have never met a more willing host.

Overall – 10/10 and yes I would highly recommend any course run by this organisation.

Regards

Spanner.
:wave3:

Lorelei
30th April 2006, 08:46 PM
Ooh, do you know if there are any more courses this year George, i live 30 mins from Buxton :grin: *don't know if i could afford it but hey :blum2: *

Could you also tell me where the Peak District Photography Centre in Buxton actually is? I'm always on the look out for places like this... never heard of it though. xx :pcs

Wineman
30th April 2006, 10:33 PM
It sounds great! I am really pleased you got so much out of it.

I have one question for you - it reads as though the most valuable aspect of the course for you was the business element. Was this the case? Or did you learn more about the photography?

I only ask as I came to photography from having 10 years working for myself. I am sure that this helped me lot as you can be the best photographer in the world, but if you can't manage a business you are going to come unstuck at some stage.

What do you think are the three most important things you learnt were?

otooleg
1st May 2006, 10:00 AM
Okay answers in order:

Courses are available all the time especially Landscape and Digital. You might have to wait for a portrait and wedding photography course - but it is worth waiting for - see there website at the link below:
www.peakphotocentre.com - please confirm my personal recommendation, and no I am not on commission!

With regard to the actual course.
Because I have just started trading I found the business element of particular interest to me. However what I learnt about portraits & weddings on the actual course was just as valuable; that, along with the interaction with my fellow course members.


Regards

George:swoon: