Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently (or at least Occasionally) Asked Questions

Are your classes suitable for beginners?

The 3 hour class is aimed particularly at beginners. No previous knowledge is assumed or required. Many participants have just bought their first SLR and often their first camera of any kind!

The 1 day and 2 day workshops also start with the absolute basics before going in to more detail. There is also more time to put everything into practice.

Where do classes take place?

We meet at the Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park. The classes take place in and around Hyde Park, The Domain and the Botanical Gardens. There is a small amount of walking involved but the classes are not at all physically demanding.

Is my camera suitable?

"Compact" cameras are designed to be very simple to use, however they lack direct control of functions such as shutter speeds and apertures. To get full value out of one of the workshops you really need to use a camera with more control.

I would be happy to lend you a suitable camera (a DSLR) if you would like to learn more about digital photography. You may well wish to buy that type of camera after you have done a course.

Which SLR should I buy?

When choosing a digital SLR remember the lens is the most important part of any camera. DSLRs come with a variety of lenses of varying quality. If you are working to a budget get the best lens you can afford and then put it on to any camera that will work with it.

At the DSLR entry level the Canon 500D, Pentax K200D, Nikon D5000 and Sony A300 are all terrific cameras and will do a great job as long as you buy them with a decent lens. Remember the lens is the most important part of any camera, unfortunately manufactures sometimes cut corners on "kit" lenses to keep prices down.

If you have a bigger budget you might want to look at the Nikon D90 and the Canon 50D. These "mid-range" models are built to be a bit more robust. Some features that are buried in menus on cheaper models have their own dedicated buttons. Once you have done one of the workshops you may find that it is worth paying the extra for the quick access to some of the more advanced features.

What do I need to bring to the classes?

In addition to your camera and lens(es) don't forget to bring your memory card, fully charged camera battery and (if you have it) the instruction manual for your camera. Please also bring a pen and paper.

How do I make payment?

Regarding payment you can either; 1.Pay in advance via PayPal (I will send you a payment request) using your Mastercard or Visa on the PayPal website. 2. Pay Cash on the day. Whichever is easiest for you.

Do you do Private Lessons?

As I only have limited time for private lessons I now only offer them to people that have already done a class and just need to fill in some specific extra bits of more specialised knowledge.

What happens in the case of Bad Weather?

In case of poor weather for classes held on Saturdays or Sundays we will move indoors to a conference room. We will look at photographs and discuss how to improve many aspects of your photography. If we get periods of suitable weather we will go out to do some practice.

Remember good photography does not require "good" weather. Portraits for example are very suited to overcast conditions (because of the diffused light).
Rain, Hail or Shine there will be plenty to do and you will learn lots of good stuff.

Please note that mid-week classes may be rescheduled if the weather is looking bad.

Where is the remote control for the television?

Have a look down the side of the settee, it has probably slipped down between the cushions.

Have you always looked like that or were you mauled by a bear?

Unfortunately I have not been blessed with good looks but fortunately I can hide my face behind a camera.