A0967 - Creative Essentials: studio lighting and portraiture (beginners)

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Start Date: 24/09/2026      End Date: 26/11/2026        Start Time: 18:30      End Time: 21:00        Hours per Week: 2.00      No of Weeks: 9
Fees:      £180.00 (tuition)     £315.00 (overseas)     £74.00 (concessionary)
Tutor: Rick Cordell        No of Places: 12
Shadwell Centre

Course Overview

Course Overview
Curious about studio photography but not sure where to begin? This welcoming, hands-on course is designed especially for adult learners who want to build confidence and creativity while learning something new.
In a relaxed and supportive studio environment, you will explore how light works and how to use it to create striking portraits. Through practical activities and guided exercises, you’ll learn how to take control of your camera (or smartphone), experiment with lighting setups, and capture images you can feel proud of.
Whether you’re looking to develop a new hobby, meet like-minded people, or take the first step into portrait photography, this course offers a friendly space to learn, share, and grow your skills at your own pace. No prior experience needed — just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!

What will you learn and be able to do?

What will you learn and be able to do?
* Set up and use a basic studio lighting arrangement (e.g. single light source) to photograph a portrait subject safely and effectively.
* Use a camera or smartphone to capture sharp, well-exposed portraits by adjusting focus, exposure, and positioning.
* Demonstrate simple lighting techniques (e.g. front lighting, side lighting) to create at least two different portrait styles.
* Compose and frame portrait images that clearly present the subject, showing awareness of background, positioning, and perspective.
* Produce a small set of edited portrait images (minimum 3–5) that demonstrate improved lighting, clarity, and presentation.
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
None, but a willingness to learn new photography skills.
Prosp User 8

Equipment required

Equipment required
A digital camera or smart phone. A notebook and pen to take notes. The instruction book for your camera, if you have one, will be helpful.
Prosp User 9

How will you know you are making progress?

How will you know you are making progress?
You will have an ‘Individual Learning Plan’ where the course learning outcomes are shown and where you can set your own learning goals and monitor your own progress.

You will need to evaluate your own progress and manage your time.

Your tutor will give ongoing feedback and will keep you informed of your progress.
Prosp User 12
You will complete a self-assessment at the beginning, middle and end of the course.
The tutor will carry out informal assessment to check your understanding, there is no exam.

Your tutor will let you know how you are getting on throughout the course with continuous feedback, noting areas for improvement.

At the end of the course you will receive written feedback.
Prosp User 11

Progress opportunities - your next steps

Progress opportunities - your next steps
You will be able to progress on to any of our digital photography courses, at Ideastore learning, depending on your level of photographic ability, or similar photographic providers.
Prosp User 10

Other info

Other info
To maximise your chances of benefiting from the course fully we expect you to attend all scheduled sessions and that you do so punctually and are ready to begin learning at the start of the class.
Prosp User 13

Extra Support

Extra Support
If you have declared a learning difficulty, disability or support need whilst enrolling and you require support/assistance in class or to complete your course, please discuss your needs with your tutor at the first lesson.
Prosp User 14