This course is about learning to use your digital SLR camera with confidence and skill. Explore aperture, shutter speed and megapixels through to white balance, ISO ratings, histograms and much more! With a blend of technical tuition, demonstration, practical assignments and group discussion, you will discover how to unlock your camera’s full potential and take better pictures.
If you don’t have a digital SLR we can often provide one for you – please select from dropdown at time of booking. You can also use your interchangeable or fixed lens system, mirrorless or rangefinder camera on this course. Bridge cameras without interchangeable lenses can be used too, but please note that they may not allow the full range of camera controls.
Computer experience is beneficial.
Day 1: Features of your Digital SLR camera.
Areas covered include aperture, shutter speed and megapixels through to white balance, ISO ratings, histograms and all the rest. There will be time to ask questions and demonstrate the advantages of each feature, getting to grips with the “how’s” and “why’s”
We will put into practise all the features that have been discussed and demonstrated in session one on a walk around town with your cameras. We will come back to the gallery, learn a little about methods of downloading and viewing photographs, and explore some basic Photoshop tools.
Day 2: Exercises, Assignments and Review
Question time. There will be a few formal exercises set up to practise on and time to discuss the elements learned in day one. We will also discuss in more detail the more compositional aspects of photography, and prepare for the afternoons’ assignment.
You will carry out your assignments outside the gallery and be given a time to return with your completed assignments. Assignment presentations, troubleshooting and review. The last half will involve editing and viewing the photographs, open discussions and asking any final questions.
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.
Delivered In-Person in EdinburghEdinburgh + more
£199
Groove Back Dance class (Adults beginners) online & in-person
This short course will help you take your images from the screen to final professional-quality prints. We will walk through the processes and techniques needed to take the mystery out of this often daunting and overlooked part of the creative process.
By the end of the day you will have gained the skills and confidence to take digital files through preparation in Photoshop, optimisation, and onto physical test printing, adjustments and final output on Stills’ large format Epson inkjet printer. We’ll cover areas critical to the desired outcome including screen and print calibration, paper choice and ICC profile use. By the end of the day you will have two A3 prints on premium Hahnemule matt or gloss papers.
Participants should have a basic understanding of Photoshop and attend with a selection of their own RAW files or high resolution TIFFs to work with through the practical exercises.
Morning
We will begin with evaluating our images and processing the file to maximise print quality output.
We will then use Adobe Bridge, Adobe Camera Raw & Adobe Photoshop for the optimisation process.
Participants will be guided in preparing their images ready for test printing, before evaluating and adjusting.
Discussion will cover using ICC profiles, screen and print calibration, colour rendering, canvas sizing, and sharpening for final print output on various media.
Afternoon
We will then put the skills we have learned into practice, producing and evaluating test prints before undertaking our final A3 digital inkjet prints. Each participant will finish the session with two finished prints. There will be plenty of opportunity for participants to ask questions at every stage, so that you feel confident and can make informed decisions throughout the whole process.
This course is 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. It is the perfect follow-on from our Digital SLR training courses and will support you in building upon your existing knowledge and allow you to work confidently on your own projects.
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.
This module focuses on developing leadership confidence through self-discovery, emphasising the importance of understanding one's unique leadership style and personal philosophy. Participants will explore their core identity as leaders and learn strategies to enhance their influence, credibility, and relationships within their organisation. Exploring the link between self-discovery and effective leadership, focusing on developing confidence to lead from within.
Testimonial: “Without guidance, personal branding can quickly become an exercise in aspiration and competition; letting the carefully curated public personas of others dictate our own validity and definition of success. Clarity on who we truly are, what matters to us and therefore how we position ourselves in the world takes reflection and time. Rachael’s work in this area has inspired the nearly 100 delegates who have been part of our HR Leadership Academy over the past 8 years, and I have no doubt will continue to resonate with future cohorts.” MD, Nina Metson - Suffolk
Delivered In-Person in Bishop Stortford + 9 more or UK WideBishop Stortford + 9 more or UK WideFlexible Dates
At times, everyone involved with a business will find themselves in a position where they are faced with difficult decisions. Being able to deal with these situations effectively and confidently is an important interpersonal skill.
This is especially true for managers who will be forced to make tough decisions on a regular basis, but need to ensure that the business continues to perform both during and after the difficult decisions have been made. The manner in which they approach and implement these decisions can sometimes be the difference between success and failure.
Course SyllabusThe syllabus of the Dealing with Difficult Situations with Confidence course is comprised of four modules, covering the following:
Module OneSelf Awareness
Attitude towards challenges - self-resilience
Going into a challenging scenario - how to prepare
Recognising the signs of contention
Giving feedback constructively
Module TwoHaving Difficult Conversations with Confidence
Behaviour labelling - preparing the approach
Assertiveness techniques
Dealing with a difficult issue focussing on behaviour & consequences
Keeping objective and professional throughout
Module ThreeExamining Your Preferred Communication Style
Recognising the different communication styles
Analysing your preferred style - Paradigm FitIn Profiler review
Identifying the most appropriate situations for each style
Module FourHelpful Interpersonal Skills
Effective questioning techniques
Active listening
Body language
Recognising and dealing with behaviours
Displaying and creating positive attitudes
Remaining Assertive and in control
Delivered In-Person in Bardsey + 3 more or UK WideBardsey + 3 more or UK WideFlexible Dates