Ref: D1D36761
Architectural Photography Discovery Day This one-day workshop, starting at West Dean London’s Bloomsbury campus, introduces beginners to architectural photography through guided exploration. Using any camera—from smartphones to DSLRs— you will capture Brutalist and modernist landmarks, followed by a studio review session. Core Principles and Preparation The day begins in one of West Dean’s studios with a concise overview of composition, perspective and texture. You will learn to analyse structural rhythms through reference images, then learn to optimise your device’s settings for high-contrast urban environments. Smartphone users will receive tailored tips for maximising sensor capabilities. Architectural Walk David will guide the group to local sights, which may include the St Paul’s area, exploring contrasts like the Brunswick Centre’s concrete geometries and the British Museum’s glass expanses and many more. This will give you the opportunity to practise framing techniques to emphasise scale and light dynamics, capturing abstract patterns in façades and courtyards. David will demonstrate balancing human elements with architectural grandeur. Curated Critique and Reflection Back in the studio, you can enjoy a review session, by selecting three key images for group analysis. The review focuses on compositional intent, technical execution and impact, drawing parallels to the work of others. Designed for all skill levels, this workshop sharpens observational skills through the local built environment. No specialised equipment is needed—just a camera and curiosity. West Dean’s supportive studio environment fosters creative growth, embodying the College’s legacy of merging craft with experimentation.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Daily Timetable
Course teaching: 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive: 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching: 11am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching: 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm
David Clapp is one of the UK's most successful landscape, travel and architectural photographers. A jack of all trades, he began working as a writer, contributing imagery and words for photography magazines. This lead to a career as a full-time professional in 2009, amassing a strong position as a global stock photographer
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
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