33 Courses

Adobe Lightroom Classic helps solve two of the main problems that afflict digital photographers: how to organise all your files, and how to edit them without spending all of your spare time at a computer screen. Lightroom Classic is a convenient and flexible desktop programme that helps you to organise and sift your photographs into collections, and also gives access to a powerful set of tools that edit, enhance and export your pictures. You can use intuitive pre-set tools, you can create your own favourite adjustments, you can edit large numbers of images with one click of a mouse, and you can fine-tune your image-editing by selectively working on parts of a picture. And you can experiment, secure in the knowledge that you are working in a non-destructive environment and that your pictures are safe. This practical short course will introduce you to the principles of file organisation and image-editing, giving you the knowledge and confidence to choose when to work with this convenient and flexible programme, and whether or not you need the full power of Photoshop Creative Suite. Sample picture files will be provided for you to work with, or you can bring a selection of your own. If you work in RAW, please also bring JPEGs on a memory stick, external hard drive or cloud storage such as Dropbox. Please note this course does not cover the new version of LightRoom CC (which is specifically designed for mobile devices) and only uses the most recent version of LightRoom Classic. Morning You will get to know the Lightroom layout and workspace, importing a set of files into the catalogue and starting to organise the files into collections and adding useful file information. You will explore the opportunities for viewing and aids for analysing the pictures. You will start to use the convenient ‘quick develop’ editing tools. We will then explore the digital image-editing workflow. The usual flow is to correct and optimise before we enhance, interpret or exaggerate. The basic areas to consider are cropping, cloning, colour and tone. Taking each in turn, we will correct and clean up the pictures in a measurable and controllable way. We will investigate techniques to control digital noise, colour distortions and lens corrections. We will work on individual files and also start applying corrections to batches. We will create and apply pre-set corrections. Afternoon Having corrected and optimised the picture files, we can start interpreting, enhancing and exaggerating – the fun part of image-editing! We can try colour to black-and-white conversions, using the many pre-sets to guide; we can selectively boost or restrain colours; we can add grain and textures, vignettes and split tones; we can mix and match these effects and create and save our own favourite effects. We can apply adjustment effects to selected picture areas. Image editing is all good fun, but how do we know where to start? Or when to stop? We‚’ll have a look at some photographic styles and techniques from photography’s rich history to give us some ideas and then try to replicate them. We will discuss ways of using the programme and the technology to develop photographic projects. And we will look at how Lightroom can help us to export those projects as books, prints and slideshows. Designed for those who are already familiar with some digital photography processes but who want to pursue a particular aspect and develop skills in a specific genre. This course is the perfect follow-on from our Digital SLR training courses and will support you in building upon your existing knowledge of camera skills and allow you to work confidently on your own projects. Some prior digital SLR photography experience is therefore recommended.   Courses are subject to minimum enrolment. Please register early, within five days of the start date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy before booking. Students, anyone over the age of 65, and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout.

Why Choose Vray for Maya Essentials Course?  Learn V-Ray's power for stunning 3D visualizations. In design and architecture, it's essential for effective idea communication, offering an intuitive interface and efficient rendering, ensuring faster images and animations. Click here for more info: Website Duration: 10 hours Training Approach: 1-To-1 Sessions. Schedule: Customize your schedule by pre-booking a convenient hour of your choice, available Mon to Sat between 9 am and 7 pm. Module 1: Introduction to Vray for Maya (2 hours) Understand the significance of Vray and its integration with Maya. Installation and setup of Vray for Maya. Familiarize with the Vray interface, workflow, and materials overview. Module 2: Lighting with Vray (2 hours) Explore various lighting techniques in Vray. Understand different Vray lights and their settings. Master the creation and control of Vray sun, sky, dome lighting, and IES lights. Learn efficient lighting workflows with Vray. Module 3: Vray Camera (2 hours) Grasp Vray camera settings and exposure control. Work with Vray depth of field and create camera animations. Understand Vray frame buffer functionalities. Module 4: Vray Materials (2 hours) Explore Vray materials, realistic material creation, and custom material libraries. Utilize Vray material overrides for enhanced customization. Module 5: Vray Rendering and Post Production (2 hours) Dive into Vray rendering settings and techniques for both images and animations. Enhance post-production skills using Photoshop and Vray frame buffer. Learn the art of compositing Vray render elements and utilizing Vray denoiser. Additional Topics Covered: Global Illumination in VRay: Exploring techniques such as Irradiance Map, Light Cache, Quasi-Monte Carlo/Brute Force, and Environmental Lighting. Image Sampling: Understanding Fixed, Adaptive QMC, and Adaptive Subdivisions for optimal rendering quality. VRay Lights: Mastering Plane Light, Dome Light, Sphere Light, VRay Sun, VRay Shadow, Image-Based Lighting HDRI, and Object-Based Lighting. VRay Camera: Manipulating Focal Length, Film Speed, and Shutter Speed for precise camera control. VRay Materials: Customizing Diffuse Color, Reflection, Refraction, and Blurry Reflections for lifelike material creation. Rendering Test Scenes: Practical application by rendering interior and exterior scenes for a hands-on learning experience. V-Ray-Maya Trial  https://www.chaos.com Master Vray for Maya to create high-quality renders. Apply various lighting techniques for realistic and visually appealing scenes. Control Vray camera settings and create dynamic shots. Create and customize realistic Vray materials for 3D scenes. Optimize rendering settings for high-quality output. Enhance renders with post-production techniques in Photoshop. Establish an efficient workflow with Vray in Maya. Gain hands-on experience and access valuable resources for further practice. Vray Proficiency: Master Vray tools, interface, and workflows in Maya for advanced 3D visualization. Advanced Lighting Skills: Expertise in diverse lighting techniques, including Vray sun, sky, and IES lights. Camera Control: Proficient manipulation of Vray camera settings, exposure, and animations. Material Customization: Create and customize realistic materials, utilizing custom libraries and overrides. Rendering Excellence: Skills in rendering images and animations, post-production, and compositing techniques. Global Illumination Mastery: Understand advanced global illumination methods for realistic scene lighting. Potential Jobs: 3D Lighting Artist: Specialize in illuminating scenes for films, games, or animations. 3D Visualization Specialist: Create realistic architectural or product visualizations. 3D Rendering Specialist: Focus on rendering high-quality images and animations. 3D Animator: Animate scenes within the context of realistic lighting. 3D Modeler: Develop detailed 3D models, ensuring realistic rendering. Visualization Consultant: Provide expert advice on visualization techniques. Freelance Vray Artist: Work independently on diverse projects, rendering scenes with exceptional realism. Expert Guidance: Receive guidance from certified tutors and industry professionals, benefitting from their deep expertise and practical insights. They will share valuable tips and techniques to enhance your rendering skills. Flexible Learning: Choose between in-person or live online sessions, tailored to your preference and location. Schedule training at your convenience, available Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 8 pm. Lifetime Assistance: Access lifetime email support, ensuring continuous guidance even after course completion. Our dedicated team is committed to addressing your queries and helping you overcome challenges. Unlock Your Potential: Enroll in our V-Ray for Maya Training Course to harness the power of this industry-leading rendering engine. Elevate your visual effects and animation skills, unleashing your creativity with stunning and lifelike renders.

Whio is this Course for? Essential to Intermediate Adobe Illustrator Training Ideal for beginners, this course covers vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations. Learn typography, color theory, and compositions. Our certified tutors offer personalized guidance, and flexible scheduling options are available to accommodate your needs. Click here for more info: Website Duration: 6 hours Approach: 1-on-1 sessions and custom-tailored content. Schedule: Available Mon to Sat from 9 am to 7 pm, designed to fit your convenience. Course Title: Essential Adobe Illustrator Training Duration: 6 Hours Session 1: Introduction to Adobe Illustrator (1 hour) Overview of Illustrator interface and tools Understanding vector graphics and their advantages Creating and managing artboards Basic shape creation and editing techniques Session 2: Mastering Shapes and Paths (1 hour) Advanced shape manipulation: Pathfinder and Shape Builder tools Working with the Pen tool: curves, anchor points, and handles Creating complex shapes and compound paths Understanding the Appearance panel for object styling Session 3: Typography and Text Effects (1 hour) Text formatting: fonts, styles, and spacing Working with text on paths and shapes Applying text effects and blending modes Creating stylized typography and lettering Session 4: Image Tracing and Live Paint (1 hour) Image tracing techniques: converting raster to vector Live Paint feature for intuitive coloring of objects Creating detailed illustrations using traced images Incorporating images into your vector artwork Session 5: Advanced Illustration Techniques (1 hour) Gradient and pattern fills: customization and application Advanced brush techniques for artistic effects Using the Appearance panel for intricate object styling Incorporating 3D effects and perspective tools Session 6: Project-Based Learning and Q&A (1 hour) Guided hands-on project incorporating learned techniques Instructor-led review and feedback on projects Open Q&A session to address participant queries and challenges Upon completing this course, participants will have gained proficiency in essential and advanced Illustrator techniques, empowering them to create intricate vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations efficiently and creatively. Learning Outcomes: Upon completing the course, participants will: Master Illustrator Tools: Proficiency in essential Illustrator tools for vector graphic creation. Creative Expertise: Advanced skills in typography, image tracing, coloring, and intricate illustration techniques. Problem-Solving: Develop problem-solving abilities for complex design challenges. Job Opportunities: Graphic Designer: Create branding materials, logos, and marketing collateral. Illustrator Artist: Produce detailed digital artwork and illustrations for various media. UI/UX Designer: Design user interfaces for websites and mobile applications. Freelance Illustrator: Offer custom vector illustrations for clients and projects. Logo Design Specialist: Craft unique and memorable logos for businesses and brands. Skills Acquired: Participants in the Essential to Intermediate Adobe Illustrator Training will acquire fundamental to intermediate skills in vector graphic design, drawing, and illustration using Adobe Illustrator. Key skills include: Basic to Intermediate Vector Graphic Design Drawing and Illustration Techniques Precision Path Editing and Typography Skills Job Opportunities: Upon completion, individuals can pursue roles such as: Junior Graphic Designer Illustrator Assistant Layout Designer Marketing Material Creator This training lays the foundation for a career in graphic design, enabling participants to contribute effectively to design teams, advertising agencies, and creative projects. Featuring certified instructors with extensive professional expertise in the application. Attend in-person sessions at our center or join live online classes. The training is interactive and practical, blending theory with step-by-step demonstrations on Illustrator software. Delegates practice techniques on both Windows and Mac computers, ensuring universal compatibility. Upon completion, receive a comprehensive Illustrator training guide in your preferred format: printed or PDF. Earn an e-certificate as proof of completing the accredited course. Enjoy lifelong email support for any post-training queries. No prior Illustrator knowledge is needed. Our commitment includes delivering exceptional value, ensuring comprehensive learning, and accommodating both the 2023 version and recent releases of Illustrator.

Would you like to immerse yourself in your personal yoga practice? To refresh and inspire your personal approach to yoga? If, like many of us, you feel the need to take time out, dive deep into your personal practice and replenish your energy levels, then join us for this year’s Scaravelli Inspired Yoga & Wellbeing Immersion. This year, we’re focusing on feeling good. Exploring how and why yoga helps to lift our mood and downregulate our nervous system. Each day, we’ll practice yoga, breathwork and meditation. We’ll walk across the downs and down to the beach for a swim, maybe light a bonfire as the sun sets.

A full day retreat for women to teach you how to access the healing power behind your true, authentic Voice.

A full day retreat for women to teach you how to access the healing power behind your true, authentic Voice.

Applying the Family Constellations approach and more, Silvia Siret - who is a certified, trauma-informed, Holistic Life Coach, Relational Counsellor and Mindfulness Teacher - will intuitively and gently guide the group through a deep mind-body process to greater understanding, a wider perspective, and ways forward.

Sacred Kakaw Ceremony and Sound Journey You are warmly invited to join us for this autumnal gathering in the Sunhouse, guided by Annabelle and Arjuna. We will begin by sharing a kakaw ritual together before flowing into a long sound medicine journey to deeply relax, release, rejuvenate on a cellular level and experience a vaster state of awareness. Instruments include a Chiron gong, crystal singing bowls, drums, flutes, voice, kora, handpan, chimes, rattles and more. KAKAW RITUAL We will share a ceremonial brew of the plant Kakaw (a Mayan spelling of Cacao), with honour to traditions Toltec and Mayan. Kakaw opens the heart, connecting us to the ancestral wisdom in our blood, to our sensuous creativity and inspiration, and to the unseen realms. She is a grandmother plant for bringing about equilibrium and elemental connection, for supporting emotional expression, illuminating the shadows, and celebrating the bliss of existence. The Kakaw we will be communing with comes from an ecological plantation in the ancient Lacandona jungle of Chiapas, Mexico, where it is lovingly tended by a Mayan family and prepared with the intention for it to be shared ceremonially. SOUND MEDICINE A deep meditative journey, vibrating the material of our being to bring us into a more harmonious flow. Amongst other things, it supports our bodies in relaxation and stress release, circulation, detoxification, and cellular rejuvention. Meditatively, it can guide us into waking dream states whereby we can reconcile subconscious memories, receive clarity and guidance, and journey into the unseen. YOUR HOSTS ANNABELLE CHARANBANI My path is devoted to the healing and creative arts, supporting people to come into greater presence and to engage with life with more passion, ease, curiosity and confidence. For this, we work towards optimising physical health, creative flow, connecting with spirit, and allowing the heart and soul to lead with greater clarity. I primarily serve with kundalini yoga and meditation, sound medicine, intuitive storytelling, ritual and holistic massage, accompanied by various plants. This line of work is ultimately about finding balance. Of solar and lunar, personal and impersonal, infinity and finity consciousness, earth-water-wind-fire-ether. It includes detoxing physically and emotionally, reconciling and releasing tired memories, finding greater flow with creative energy and joy, and stimulating sensuality. We develop our relationship with the soul, and we become more awake to the ways in which wisdom and guidance is being transmitted in each moment. I’m in deep gratitude to my many teachers and guides – human, plant, animal, mineral, angel and other – with whose perspective and company I’ve had the fortune to be gifted. ARJUNA MAGEE I am a multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of experience in music performance, recording, and teaching drums across the UK and abroad, and was raised in Glastonbury. From an early age I developed a passion for music and rhythm. I was born into a bhakti tradition, and whilst on a family holiday to India at the age of 10 I fell in love with the ecstatic heartfelt folk music, kirtan. This began my journey of music education, receiving lessons on the Mridanga, the Harmonium, the drum kit, the African djembe, Indian, Irish and Japanese flutes, guitar, hand pan, kora and singing. Since the age of 14 I’ve been performing with bands around Europe, playing and exploring many styles including Funk, Jazz, Reggae, Rock, Soul, Folk and World music. As well as making music, a lot of my focus is now directed toward studying music and rhythm therapy and offering this in care homes, hospitals and hospices.

Introduction to mixed media landscape art at The Arienas Collective in Edinburgh City Centre

Our Team Building Programmes are 'simply excellent' (quote from Unilever). They always deliver much greater energy' motivation and efficiently accelerates to a galvanised, integrated team for their Manager/Team Leader. They're great fun and very commercially orientated - the best of both key elements to a successful and long-lasting high performance team. A successful company is always made up of successful teams. Teams that can work autonomously with a clearly defined set of goals, roles, vision, responsibility and culture will always reach for and achieve far greater success than a team that works just as a group of individuals. Our team building solutions are individually built and geared towards teams at any level within an organisation, providing an independent and objective perspective to promote a common purpose such as the creation of a 'high performance team'. Out With The Old Traditionally, team building events have been restricted to certain levels of management where they head off site for a bit of archery, quad biking and paintballing or something along those lines. Then over some coffee and cocktails, business plans and more efficient ways to work are casually discussed. Whilst being out having fun instead of being at work may improve an individual person's mood, the effect will only be short-term, and will not go far in creating permanent and cohesive teams who are able to overcome challenges together and drive the business forward when back in the workplace. In With The New Today's business thinking is more strategic and certainly has to look for returns on the investment. That is why Dickson Training Ltd's team building programmes are bespoke and built to your requirements through research, understanding your business and, most importantly, what results and achievements you are looking to get out of the programme. Once "what success looks like" has been established, we create tasks and activities that will test your leadership, problem solving, communication and team work skills. When the tasks have been completed, the learning - both practical and theory - is debriefed to the group as well as how it will translate back in your business. Not only are our events great fun, but they provide participants with learning points they can act upon to improve or enhance the working practices/environment. Team Building That Gets Results We have a highly innovative team who design team builds to suit all budgets and time or space restrictions. Large or small, we will develop the perfect event to meet your commercial objectives, keeping in line with your values and company culture. More recently we have combined team galvanising events with ways to engage the participants with and support their local communities. This solution has proved extremely popular with our clients and we are continuing to develop more and more programmes doing exactly this. " Phil did everything in a very professional and focused manner, without losing sight of the overall aims or having 'fun'. When I moved to Airbus UK and subsequently European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), I had no hesitation in recommending Phil and the team to deliver the required training and team events.  Without doubt Phil and his team are excellent providers of training, to suit even bespoke requirements, and I would not hesitate in recommending the team to any business in the future. " Glenn Brown, Systems & Expertise Manager, Airbus Personnel Service Augmented Skills – an Essay by Phil Dickson All of you, who are reading this, and all the people you meet and work with will have – ‘Augmented Skills’. So – if you are an IT Engineer or a Pharmacist; perhaps you are, or know, a Departmental Leader and you work with a Logistics Project Manager; these roles will demand core skills, whether they be technical know-how or qualifications in the discipline. But to be that bit better; more reliable; more effective & productive and therefore more valuable and, frankly, marketable – capitalizing on ‘Augment Skills’ comes into play. The I T Engineer who was a Chess Champion at Uni, which would indicate that they possess some key ‘Augmented skills’ including how they plan 3 steps ahead and are always prepared for the unexpected. The Pharmacist, who is a keen sportsperson in their private life, will likely be tenacious, team-orientated and disciplined – again these are superb qualities to have in this – or any – role. Your colleagues, as well as yourself, will have ‘Augmented Skills’ that will be an asset if only they are explored and applied to their role and indeed, career. Everyone has their own 'Super-power' If they love gardening, they are probably strategic, patient and inclined to research; if they cook or bake, they are usually well organized and comfortable with multi-tasking. A big reader will tend to be considered and possess good critical thinking faculties, and an amateur mechanic or keen DIY person will often be practical, resourceful and very determined. I have observed that many new Parents discover they have ‘Augmented Skills’ they didn’t know they had... such as getting order out of chaos and displaying industrial amounts of patience and good grace when they really do not feel like it. They very often become far more compassionate and empathetic. Most people have their very own ‘Superpower’. Invite your team members to offer their ‘Augmented Skills’ to your work-place – and just watch as it elevates the motivation levels and improves results. It’ll be very rewarding for all concerned – and for meeting the Team’s objectives, to encourage the person who is a talented artist to be a sounding board on some of the marketing imagery and layouts; for the team member who is great at Maths or resolving crosswords to be asked for their input to solving a problem that is causing logistical or operational headaches. Never exploit a Team member’s unique special skills at their expense I would like to stress, however, that it must never be an area where a team member gets exploited by harvesting their unique special skills to coerce them into taking on greater responsibilities and tasks without providing them with the commensurate salary and status. To do so would be immoral and, ultimately, counter-productive as it would lead to resentment and disenfranchisement. This is about encouraging people’s capability and inviting their input to boost confidence and enhance the team’s capability. Often, we need to be more than what our Job Description says It is also important to highlight that whatever a person’s role or function is – they will definitely need to have additional capabilities to be effective. The best example of this is when we designed and delivered a range of ‘Advanced Customer Care skills’ training sessions for the Met Office a few years ago…we met so many remarkably super-bright Meteorologists, many of whom were having to make significant adjustments to answering questions from Customers that seemed to be illogical and often, obtuse. It wasn’t enough for these Meteorologists to be highly skilled at interpreting data and identifying patterns – they needed ‘Augmented skills’ to make that information accessible to members of the public (and Council workers and Air Traffic controllers and Shipping agents) and many other people, as to what that particular weather system was going to be like in their area and at what time. They have to know how to ‘de-jargonise’ the material and provide succinct, clear, and yet temperate, descriptions without ever appearing exasperated, impatient or judgmental in response to sometimes quite silly questions. For a highly trained scientist – that can be counter-intuitive. Being Philosophical... and a wee bit pretentious At the risk of being a little Philosophical (and probably a wee bit pretentious) – in my own role of Trainer – my core skills have to include – being a very good communicator, an active listener and have innovative and engaging ways to convert an idea, or a model, into practical application that my Delegates and Clients gain tangible benefits from. This is how it applies to me... I really enjoy composing short, light classical-style piano pieces. Now, to do this well, you need to be able to find a transition from one chord or melody to a different theme or key. It has to be worked out very carefully to have incremental transitions and pleasant-sounding developments as the piece unfolds. I think I have become better at this as I have honed my skills as a composer. But I have realized that these very same skills have ‘Augmented’ my ability to help a Manager, or a Team, move from a state of conflict; tension; disfunction; disenfranchisement; lack of confidence to a place that is more harmonious with far greater productivity. The very same process of careful listening, considering options, taking well-considered steps, having a creative, sometimes brave, move towards a resolution are at play in both Training and Piano Compositions! Scheduled Courses Unfortunately this course is not one that is currently scheduled as an open course, and is only available on an in-house basis. Please contact us for more information.