Learning
One to one or small group workshops on location in London, tailored for beginners and amateurs. These classes take place on location, so you'll get hands-on experience as you learn.
One to one teaching sessions are suggested if you want an in-depth view on photography and we can personalise the session to learn what it is that you particularly want to know.
I will give you my personal advice through in-depth conversations and on-location photography practice.
If you are interested in a follow up review of your work you can request this option to be included.
Please get in touch with me directly with your preferred dates and I will get back to you with my current availability.
Beginner’s class
Request dates availability
What is the course about?
This class will help you master the basics, embrace the learning process, and start photographing with confidence.
Each participant on this course will learn how to fully operate their Digital camera as well as understand the fundamentals of photography, such as how to make correct exposures and understand the relationship between Aperture, Shutter speed and ISO.
PS. I’m a Nikon user, but the basics are standard for all types of cameras.
What will we cover?
The basic mechanics of photography, including but not limited to:
Choice of camera
Exposure and taking light readings
Shutter speed settings
Apertures (f-stops) and depth of field
Lenses
Composition and light
Creative approaches to photographing different subjects.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Use the manual functions of your camera
Understand the terminology surrounding photography
Identify and use different sources of light eg. daylight and artificial light.
Create visually interesting photographs.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You don't need any previous knowledge to join this course; it's for complete beginners or anyone needing a technical refresher.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be happy using numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.
How will I be taught?
You will be taught using a range of techniques including mini-sessions, short talks, demonstrations, and individual assistance.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your DSLR or Mirrorless camera to the class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
I run different practical and theoretical photography courses. Feel free to browse the website or message me to find out.
Portrait in Natural Light
What is the course about?
Learn how to catch the best natural light for your portraits, and how to work in collaboration with your subject. The session will focus on using backgrounds and natural light to create portraits, how to identify different types light outdoor. In order to create a portrait that accurately represents our subject's personality and sense of style, we will discuss how we may collaborate with them. You will be working with myself, and a model, on practical exercises outdoor in both the urban, and the natural environments (minutes walk away from Hampstead Heath).
What will we cover?
How to Choose Lighting and locations for Portrait Photography
How to work in collaboration with your subject
Ways of seeing and looking at your subject
How to Choose Camera Settings for Portrait Photography
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Enhance your skills of photographing a subject
Use natural light outdoors effectively
Mix flash with ambient light to alter the existing light condition
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an intermediate course and suitable for those who are capable of photographing with their digital DSLR or Mirrorless camera. As such it is ideal for those who have completed any Photography for Beginners course, we just need you to understand ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance and how to change these on your digital camera. You must have manual functions on your camera (i.e. be able to change the aperture and shutter speed settings).
How will I be taught?
You will be taught using a range of techniques including mini-sessions, short talks, demonstrations.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your camera and any pre-owned equipment you find worth having with you during the class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
I run different practical and theoretical photography courses. Feel free to browse the website or message me to find out.
“Very nice atmosphere, Matteo followed the plan of the meetup despite distractions from us (like asking unrelated questions). Lots of very practical tips, advice. Loads of opportunities to practise tips we discussed. Overall, a very good way to learn. Matteo is a really good coach - patient, understanding and knowledgeable. The meet up was incredibly informative - thank you! ”
“The event was structured well and started on time our course tutor was very knowledgeable patient and friendly. We had a small group so the tutor was able to help us individually with our cameras and explain the different functions & settings and we had time to practice taking photos. ”
Flowers & Gardens
What is the course about?
Discover the aesthetic beauty of gardens all year round. This meet-up will be divided in several mini- sessions to give you an introduction to flowers and gardens photography covering subjects such as: the Vista, Plant Portraits and Close-ups, Plant and Foliage Associations, Pattern and Abstracts, Architectural Features and Garden Ornaments.
What will we cover?
Key tips on Natural Light, colours and focus
Choose the correct focal length
Ways of seeing and looking at the Garden
Using on-location environment backgrounds
Identify patterns
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Enhance your technical skills of photographing flowers and gardens
Use natural light outdoors effectively
Increase awareness of the ways of seeing flowers and gardens
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an intermediate course and suitable for those who are capable of photographing with their digital DSLR or Mirrorless camera. As such it is ideal for those who have completed the Photography for Beginners course. We need you to understand ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance and how to change these on your digital camera. You must have manual functions on your camera (i.e. be able to change the aperture and shutter speed settings).
How will I be taught?
You will be taught using a range of techniques including mini-sessions, short talks, demonstrations.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your camera and any pre-owned equipment you find worth having with you during the class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
I run different practical and theoretical photography courses. Feel free to browse the website or message me to find out.
“Matteo was an excellent instructor, very knowledgable and helpful. My understanding of flower photography greatly improved . The location chosen was excellent as well.”
“Despite the rain it was a really enjoyable and insightful event, covering technical aspects but also how to “see” and approach photography in a more open-minded way. Really excellent and I’ll certainly attend more events in future.”