“Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.” – George Eastman" - Photography For Parents - Shooting With Flash Next course starts on Monday 12th Feb 2024 Scared of Flash? Never got good results from it? Not sure how it works with your camera? Thinking it’s bound to be complicated and just for studio work? This is the course for you! We show you how to work your flash and your camera – on and off camera! - to get great, natural looking results. In this course you'll discover how to use flash not just to supplement light in dim spaces, but to use it creatively, to help you create images you wouldn't be able to capture with just natural light. KEY COURSE INFO: Course type: Instructor-led Course duration: 4 weeks Course format: Online course with interactive live webinar classes, feedback on your learning and support group WHAT YOU LEARN: You will learn how to make your flash work with your camera and how to control it so that it gives you beautiful, natural looking light You will learn to work with the flash off camera - giving you the freedom to position your light wherever it will most suit your subject rather than relying on what you have with natural or indoor light You will learn to play with flash to capture a variety of creative outcomes and apply it to lots of shooting situations - from learning to fake pretty window light to freezing motion with Flash understanding flash equipment learning to shoot with on-camera flash earning to shoot with off-camera flash learning to bounce the light for natural looking results using flash as a sole or supplementary light source freezing movement with flash where the shutter speed wont allow it THIS IS THE COURSE FOR YOU IF : You find yourself struggling with light especially in the darker autumn / winter months, and there never seems to be enough ISO or aperture to get you what you want You can already use your camera in manual and want to add mastery of detachable flash to your skillset - so you can never worry about insufficient or poor light wherever you are, or whatever unknown space you go into You want to be able to make flash images look natural rather than sporting that famous 'deer in the headlights look. A good flash image never 'looks' like a flash image You want to learn how to capture creative images using a flash - such as freezing motion, creating dramatic shadows, or adding a splash of light to specific areas of the frame. You want to add this versatile skill to your toolbox so you can adapt it to different shooting scenarios. ESPECIALLY if you're considering taking up photography professionally or semi professionally, this is an immensely useful skill to have. Next Shooting with Flash course starts on 12 Feb 2024 4 core course modules Support Facebook group Weekly live webinar Weekly practice assignment Feedback on your images Why shoot with flash in the first place? “Don’t use Flash – it will wash out your child”“Flash will make your photos look horrible”‘You can’t control flash – no control over what your photos will look like” You may have heard those statements, maybe even uttered them yourself. And to a degree – they can be true – but only because, if you don’t know how to control and work any tool, it’s likely to give you terrible outcomes – remember how much poorer your photos were when you first started with your camera on full auto? Here is how I see Flash, and what this course is about: Flash lets me bring light where there would normally be not enough light available to take a well exposed photo – and let me tell you – in glorious British weather, that’s more often that I would like! Flash lets me shape the light to suit my needs – I can make it moody or bright, I can even make it look like natural light ( yes really) Flash lets me neutralise ugly light and make it look good ( anybody else cursed with ugly spotlight lights in their home? no? just me? ) Flash lets me be in control, especially in unknown venues and locations, spaces where I won’t get a chance at that second shot. Flash helps me fill in shadows when shooting in very bright light – the goal is not to stop using natural light, but to help create a balanced image where natual light alone can't cut it COURSE PREREQUISITES YOUR SKILLS: We recommend that you are comfortable in shooting in full manual mode. It's possible to use flash in priority modes of course, but you don't have full control of its strength and level. YOUR EQUIPMENT: You will need to have a detachable flash for your camera make. This could be the same brand as your camera or a compatible third party flash manufacturer. You will also need a way of triggering your flash OFF camera - in some cases, you may be able to do this directly from camera or via an additional remote trigger / controller. Click here to see our Flash buying guide below Shooting with FLASH Book your space now: COURSE STARTS : 12th Feb 2024 ( 4 weeks)COURSE COST : £179 ( payment plans available )What’s included: 4 weekly modules with step by step tutorials weekly live class online class ( also recorded) - on Tuesday evenings feedback and advice on your photos private support group PDF workbook Join our next group to learn how to never have to deal with insufficient light and discover a whole new area of photography! INSIDE THE MODULES - aka WHAT DO YOU LEARN? Module 1: Getting Started with Flash In this module we introduce you to the principles of making your flash work with your camera. We show you how the two work together in layering exposures, how you can control both the flash and natural light side and how to achieve predictable outcomes from your flash. This is the biggest learning curve because the way you work your camera with flash is very different to how you do this with just natural light and understanding the control side of things will let you get creative afterwards. Major Takeaways: At the end of the module you will have gained an understanding of how to work your flash ON your camera. With that, you will have learned how to balance your key light and your fill light, how to combine flash exposure with a natural light exposure, how to supplement or even replace light with flash light. You will also make first steps into bouncing the light to give it a more natural appearance. Module 2: Taking your flash OFF camera In this module we teach you how to make your flash work when detached from your camera. We look at different techniques and methods or shooting off camera as well as any additional equipment you may need for this. We teach you how to use that off camera flash for a number of practical and creative examples Major Takeaways: You will be able to use the flash off camera - whatever your preferred off camera methos. We will explore using off camera flash as the key light - creating low key and high key images, as fill light and as a supplementary light to provide additional dimension to the images. Module 3: Making flash look natural In this module we learn to recognise how you can adjust the very quality of your flash to create natural looking images. We learn how to bend - or bounce the light - on and off camera, to create the kind of images that noone would ever suspect of being taken with flash. We also introduce you to a number of light modifiers and show you what you can expect from them as well as what might work in the way you take the photos. Major Takeaways: Learn how to modify your flash to achieve soft or hard light look. Discover how to bounce your flash and where from and how the angle of those flash bounces will give your subject very different looks. Learn about light fall-off and how to apply this principle to achieve more or less contrast filled images when using flash/ Module 4:Flash and motion In this module we show you how to use flash when trying to freeze your subject - whether it is your child bouncing on the soufe in dim Novemeber light or an inanimate object making a splash. We also introduce you to a few way you can play with flash and your shutter speed to achieve fun and creative outcomes. Major Takeaways: You will learn how to freeze movement with flash - even on very slow shutter speeds or in very poor light. You will learn how shutter and flash work together and how you can achieve great creative outcomes such as high speed photography or freezing rain. Next course starts on 12 Feb 2024
Join us at our special fundraiser event to celebrate Blankets for London 2023 and support us for next year! Craft Forward Christmas Party celebrating Blankets for London 2023 🌟 Date: Sunday 17th December 2023 🕔 Time: 5pm - 8pm 📍 Location: 3Space International House, 6 Canterbury Crescent, SW9 7QD Craft Forward invites you to a heartwarming celebration of Blankets for London 2023 and all the remarkable achievements we've accomplished together. This fundraising event will be an evening of creativity and community as we come together to celebrate what we have accomplished so far and to fundraise for Blankets for London 2024. Two awards to be won: 🧶 Creative Champion Award: Be prepared to applaud the artistic minds behind our cosy blankets! We will be awarding one creative champion for their exceptional contribution in crafting the most squares for Blankets for London this year. 🧣 Wear Your Creations Award: Show off your handmade creations by wearing your beautifully crafted garments, accessories, and more. The event is your runway, and we're giving away a prize for the best-dressed individual! You'll be able to silently vote through the evening for your favourite outfit. A very special raffle: Feeling lucky? Participate in our special raffle for a chance to win a luxurious blanket kit from Wool and the Gang. It's a knitting and crocheting enthusiast's dream come true, and every penny raised through the raffle will contribute towards Blankets for London 2024. BYOC (Bring Your Own Craft): Of course this wouldn't be a Craft Forward event without some crafting! Bring your work in progress, your most recent finished project, the handmade object you're most proud of. Every penny raised during this event goes towards funding Blankets for London 2024, helping us continue our mission of spreading warmth and love to those most vulnerable in our community. Join us for a memorable evening of warmth, creativity, and community: let's craft a brighter, warmer future, one stitch at a time! Tags United Kingdom Events Greater London Events Things to do in London London Parties London Seasonal Parties #social #networking #party #art #craft #fundraiser #knitting #crochet #christmas #forward
Come join us for a fun day of dancing and nature walking in Happy Valley with Shégitu Dance X She Runs It! - 8km adventure awaits! Shégitu Dance X She Runs It! Nature Walk 8km - Happy Valley Come join us for a fun-filled day of dancing and nature walking at Coulsdon South! This event is perfect for those who love to move their bodies and enjoy the great outdoors. Get ready to groove to the beats of Shégitu Dance and then hit the trails for an 8km nature walk with the She Runs It! community. It's a great way to stay active, connect with nature, and meet new friends. Don't miss out on this exciting event - sign up now! Get your 10,000+ steps with us as we take in Sunset and the breath-taking, versatile surroundings of Farthing Downs and Happy Valley. We will be teaching some engaging and aligning dance methods as well as fun training games from the 'She Runs It!' team This short, circular walk is the perfect opportunity to connect, explore, strengthen, and enhance your well-being. Here's what you can expect: Beginner-Friendly: Ideal for beginners who may be unsure of their mileage capabilities or new to bodyweight exercises. We'll provide a supportive environment where you can comfortably complete the distance and learn the fundamentals of bodyweight training. Whether you're a beginner, getting back into training, or advanced, our walks cater to all fitness levels. Playfulness: Expect laughter, conversation, music, and a chance to embrace the joy of being active in nature while challenging yourself with fun exercise. Come along to improve your fitness, explore nature, and meet incredible individuals while incorporating new forms of training into your routine. Suitable for 18y+ (If you are under 18 and would like to attend, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult) SUNDAY 17TH MARCH 2024 This is a circular route starting and ending at Coulsdon South Station Meeting Point: Coulsdon South Railway Station, Brighton Rd, Coulsdon CR5 3EA (There is a car park on site) Meeting Time: 14:45pm (We do appreciate your punctuality as we are aiming to align our walk with the sunset) There are regular direct trains to Coulsdon South from London Victoria and London Bridge We will be starting the walk by 15:00pm Distance: 8KM // 4.9 Miles Duration: 3.5 hours (approx. 2 1/2 hours walking time) What to bring: - Water - Wear light layers of clothing - A light rucksack if you are carrying anything - Scarf (satin or similar, to put around your hips) - Please wear waterproof shoes/hiking boots (Remember to bring a spare pair of trainers to change into at the end of the session, in case it's muddy) Please note; - If you can no longer attend after you book, please cancel your space so somebody else can fill in. - If you have any injuries or suffer from any conditions that may affect you while training, please drop us an email and we will do our best to accommodate you. Website: www.shegitu-dance.com Email us : info@shegitu-dance.com Like us on FB: https://www.facebook.com/shegituDance Follow us Instagram: @shegitudance @sherunsitldn @tashakeating @lidiaanamusic If you have any questions or would like to reschedule, get in touch. Looking forward to see you!
Course Duration: Half-day or full-day (can also be delivered as a 3-part virtual workshop series) Target Audience: Professionals in non-technical roles (e.g. executive assistants, HR, marketing, project managers, operations staff, trainers, and admin support) who want to use generative AI to enhance their work—without needing coding skills. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand what generative AI is and how it works in plain language. Identify use cases relevant to their role or industry. Use popular generative AI tools (like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot) confidently. Write effective prompts to get better, more relevant results. Apply AI ethically and responsibly in the workplace. Course Outline Module 1: Demystifying Generative AI What is generative AI? (Plain language explanation) How AI models like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini work Examples of what generative AI can (and can’t) do Myths, risks, and benefits of AI in non-tech roles Module 2: Everyday Use Cases for Professionals Time-saving applications: Drafting emails, reports, meeting summaries Creating checklists, plans, or SOPs Enhancing creativity: Brainstorming ideas for events, campaigns, or training Writing social media posts, newsletters, or job ads Organising information: Summarising documents Structuring spreadsheets or creating templates Supporting communication: Improving tone and clarity Translating or simplifying content Module 3: Prompting Essentials What is a “prompt” and why does it matter? How to write clear, specific, and effective prompts Prompting frameworks (e.g., “Role–Task–Goal” method) Live practice: transforming a vague prompt into a powerful one Troubleshooting: when AI gives poor answers and how to improve them Module 4: Hands-On Exploration Try-it-yourself exercises using ChatGPT or Gemini (guided) Real workplace examples and team challenges Create an AI-generated email, checklist, or idea list Optional: use industry-specific examples (e.g., HR, admin, events, comms) Module 5: Responsible AI Use at Work Understanding AI limitations and biases Protecting privacy and sensitive data When not to use AI Workplace policies and guidelines (customisable for your organisation) Ethical use: attribution, transparency, and human review Module 6: Getting Started in Your Role Tools overview: free vs paid options (ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini) Building your own AI toolkit Tips for staying up to date as tools evolve 30-day challenge: how to build AI into your daily workflow Delivery Style Highly interactive, practical, and low-jargon No coding or tech background required Hands-on demos, guided practice, and scenario-based activities Group discussion and peer learning Course Materials Provided Quick-start guide: Top 10 prompts for non-tech roles AI Prompt Library for your job type Do’s and Don’ts for ethical use of AI at work “AI in Action” workbook with examples and checklists Personal AI Action Plan Optional Add-ons Team-based AI hackathon (mini workplace challenge) Tailored follow-up webinar for Q&A and deeper use cases Co-branded playbook for organisational AI use Integration with digital transformation or innovation initiatives
Course Duration: Half-day or full-day (can also be delivered as a 3-part virtual workshop series) Target Audience: Professionals in non-technical roles (e.g. executive assistants, HR, marketing, project managers, operations staff, trainers, and admin support) who want to use generative AI to enhance their work—without needing coding skills. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand what generative AI is and how it works in plain language. Identify use cases relevant to their role or industry. Use popular generative AI tools (like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot) confidently. Write effective prompts to get better, more relevant results. Apply AI ethically and responsibly in the workplace. Course Outline Module 1: Demystifying Generative AI What is generative AI? (Plain language explanation) How AI models like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini work Examples of what generative AI can (and can’t) do Myths, risks, and benefits of AI in non-tech roles Module 2: Everyday Use Cases for Professionals Time-saving applications: Drafting emails, reports, meeting summaries Creating checklists, plans, or SOPs Enhancing creativity: Brainstorming ideas for events, campaigns, or training Writing social media posts, newsletters, or job ads Organising information: Summarising documents Structuring spreadsheets or creating templates Supporting communication: Improving tone and clarity Translating or simplifying content Module 3: Prompting Essentials What is a “prompt” and why does it matter? How to write clear, specific, and effective prompts Prompting frameworks (e.g., “Role–Task–Goal” method) Live practice: transforming a vague prompt into a powerful one Troubleshooting: when AI gives poor answers and how to improve them Module 4: Hands-On Exploration Try-it-yourself exercises using ChatGPT or Gemini (guided) Real workplace examples and team challenges Create an AI-generated email, checklist, or idea list Optional: use industry-specific examples (e.g., HR, admin, events, comms) Module 5: Responsible AI Use at Work Understanding AI limitations and biases Protecting privacy and sensitive data When not to use AI Workplace policies and guidelines (customisable for your organisation) Ethical use: attribution, transparency, and human review Module 6: Getting Started in Your Role Tools overview: free vs paid options (ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini) Building your own AI toolkit Tips for staying up to date as tools evolve 30-day challenge: how to build AI into your daily workflow Delivery Style Highly interactive, practical, and low-jargon No coding or tech background required Hands-on demos, guided practice, and scenario-based activities Group discussion and peer learning Course Materials Provided Quick-start guide: Top 10 prompts for non-tech roles AI Prompt Library for your job type Do’s and Don’ts for ethical use of AI at work “AI in Action” workbook with examples and checklists Personal AI Action Plan Optional Add-ons Team-based AI hackathon (mini workplace challenge) Tailored follow-up webinar for Q&A and deeper use cases Co-branded playbook for organisational AI use Integration with digital transformation or innovation initiatives
A powerful program for teams to participate in together in order to: Develop high-performance teamwork Work together to achieve team goals Assume responsibility and accountability Handle challenges through team communication Create mutual trust, support, and collaboration
Our Welcome day workshop where our New starters are welcomed to the Brand, to our culture and by our People
Build successful and effective multi-cultural teams with our practical, bespoke training courses. Help team members to embrace and harness the skills and abilities their different ages, nationalities, generations and life experiences bring. Courses include: Knowing your team Communication styles Communicative competency in multi-cultural teams Cultural intelligence – understanding our strengths A global mindset Breaking down barriers for better team working Experiential learning – a session in a second language Team dynamics
The work of a technical team is invariably challenging and often unpredictable. Definition of the work can be problematic, timescales can be hard to estimate and the right technical approach difficult to select. Staff involved in this type of work usually have very high levels of specialist knowledge in their field and have high expectations of those who lead them. In addition to the challenges of the work, the team leader often has to balance the need for professional excellence with financial and commercial considerations and to ensure that team goals are realistic by being an effective negotiator with other project and senior managers. These characteristics make technical team leadership a demanding and complex activity. This programme aims to help participants develop the skills needed to become an effective technical team leader. The objectives of this programme are to help participants: understand the significance of leadership skills and their impact on team performance review the key skills needed to be an effective, 'multi-dimensional' team leader and learn how to develop, adapt and apply them in practice learn how to identify the preferred leadership style for the context and organisational culture and how to develop personal style versatility understand the role of the project leader in building an effective team and the skills required to promote and sustain team performance gain a better understanding of the interpersonal skills needed to motivate individual team members and harness the full potential of the team DAY ONE 1 Technical teams and leadership What is a leader? How much can leadership be learned? The team environment and the impact of leadership skills The characteristics of high performance teams and their leaders Some useful models and theories of leadership explored Types of leadership; choosing how to use leadership power Evaluating personal leadership style; how to develop style flexibility 2 Essential skills for team leaders 3 key dimensions of effective leadership: inwards, outwards and upwards Developing and promoting a 'team vision': strategic thinking skills The vital role of communication skills and how to develop them Understanding others; emotional intelligence skills Being a visible leader; behavioural and influencing skills Building effective relationships; the importance of trust and respect DAY TWO 3 Leading inwards to build the team The role of leadership in developing team performance Understanding individuals in the team; recognising team role preferences Managing conflict and promoting positive team dynamics Setting standards, maintaining discipline and rewarding performance Harnessing team potential: building motivation within the team Promoting team learning; the team leader as coach / mentor 4 Leading outwards and upwards to support the team Negotiating realistic team goals; effective influencing skills Gaining empowerment and support from the key stakeholders Leading upwards: knowing when and how to take the initiative Building team credibility within the organisation; helping the team deliver Becoming an effective team player in leadership teams Building and maintaining rapport with influential stakeholders