Digital photography – create prize-winning pictures with Tracy Calder

Ref: SWE32968

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2 places available

About this course

Creating powerful, prize-winning pictures is well within your grasp. Together we will analyse a selection of award-winning pictures to determine what makes them successful, and then apply this knowledge to our own photography via a series of short, fun exercises. This course is suitable for anyone wishing to improve their composition skills.

Course Description

Creating powerful, prize-winning pictures is well within your grasp. Using knowledge gleaned from expert judges of some of the world’s most prestigious photographic competitions, you will discover insider tips and techniques for improving both your image-making and your chances of winning photographic competitions, and then you will apply this knowledge to your photography via a series of short, fun exercises.

You will also analyse some of the most frequently cited rules, including those regarding digital manipulation, copyright and image specifications, and look at how entering competitions can improve your photography, secure global exposure and lead to commercial opportunities.

This course is suitable for anyone wishing to improve their composition skills, not just those looking to enter photographic competitions.

To succeed on this course you need to have a basic understanding of camera technique and some basic knowledge of editing tools in Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, as minimal guidance will be given in these areas.

Please bring a note of your own Adobe ID login. If you don’t already have one, please register for a free account at www.adobe.com prior to the course, and remember to bring the details with you.

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course, the tutor will supply some of the materials (aside from camera equipment and accessories).

What students need to bring

  • Digital camera and lens
  • Memory cards
  • Batteries and charger
  • Tripod (or other support if available)
  • Camera-to-computer cable
  • A notebook and pen
  • Clothing suitable for outdoor use (walking boots and waterproof trousers if available)

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

General Information

Tutors

Photography by Tracy Calder (nee Hallett)

Tracy Calder

Tracy Hallett (Calder) is an award-winning photographer and magazine journalist. She has written a number of photography books and hundreds of magazine articles. Her work has been exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery and The Photographers’ Gallery in London. 

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.