Learn to applique, learn what tools and tricks you need to really make this work for you. Also get to grips with the really free and artistic free motion machine embroidery technique. Set your machine free to draw with it, combined with applique you can make stunning art! This is a very practical and hands on class which will see you appliqueing & free motion stitching in no time, the techniques are easily mastered so you can spend your time creating. Part of a 4 day quilting course, but suitable as a stand alone course too.
This is a 13-week term. * Notes on 2-Person Classes Both the Tuesday 8.05pm class in Euston, and the Saturday courses in Westminster will focus on: Learning how to relax The use of the movements in Tai Chi Form (applications) Applying the movements so that you maintain your own integrity (centre of balance) Finding & working from the centre/core/Dantian Developing the sense of ‘feel’ when working with someone else Connecting your centre to your hands Turning a partner’s energy around so as to unbalance him/her We will also work on a 2-Person Tai Chi Form in order to understand applications of moves Posture, Balance, and Intention. By far the most important part of these classes is developing the ability to sense and be aware not only of one's own posture, balance, and intention, but also that of another person. Relaxation. Many of the exercises are ultimately about the ability to act from a very relaxed body and mind, so that (for example) if someone pushes towards you, you don't 'lock up' (the instinctive reaction), but instead you sense the push, and divert it. Initially it is this 'locking up' (which in effect makes you unable to move), that we are working on undoing. This is about getting more control of your sympathetic nervous system (fight & flight), the 'stress' system, so that in difficult situations, you 'roll with the punches' better.
Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. ... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything. - Aaron Sisking For the kind of photos that are worthy of the memories Because we just don't get do-overs with kids. There is no such thing as second-first steps. Because all their little quirks, all the big and little moments that shape their lives and their childhoods are something that only YOU as parents see and appreciate fully. And they are the thing that make them who they are. There is simply no outside photographer who can come in and capture those unique things because nobody knows your children like you do. Photography For Parents Fundamentals Our flagship 6 week Photography course designed to help you learn all the key photography skills that you will need to drastically improve your children's photos. KEY COURSE INFO: Course type: Instructor-led or self paced Course duration: 6 weeks Course format: Online course with Interactive weekly live classes, personal photo feedback and support group WHAT YOU LEARN: Our hands-on online instructor-led approach helps guarantee that you will quickly learn the key camera and photographic storytelling skills while keeping the focus on photographing children. From camera know-how, light and composition, specific recipes to help you capture typical situations and getting it all right on the fly - yeah, our kids don't sit still either LEARN WHAT'S INCLUDED IN EACH MODULE Key Camera skills Working with natural light Capturing kids on the move Photo composition Portraits and details Photo storytelling HERE IS HOW YOU LEARN WITH US: If you have bought an online course before, then gave up half way through because ... life.. - well, we are a bit different. This is A LOT more than a bunch of random tutorials. This is a proper, well designed, supported and paced course that genuinely delivers. HERE ARE THE INGREDIENTS THAT MAKE OUR COURSE DELIVER The one with all the materials: 5 core course modules, introduced on a weekly basis, plus a bonus wraparound module ( more on that below) - courses accessible online and in pdf version The one with all the people: You're not going through the course on your own - as part of the course you join an online peer support group, moderated daily by the instructor, where you connect, get help and go through this journey together with other parents like you. The one with all the answers: Every week we run an live online class which is where your instructor goes through the key parts of your course, answers live questions and demonstrates techniques and additional illustration photos. The Live classes are run in the evening ( after the kids are in bed) and are always recorded in case you couldn't join in live The one that's all about you: Every week comes with homework to help you practice the elements we introduce in the modules. You submit those images to your instructor on a weekly basis and receive thorough, photo-by-photo, video feedback from your instructor - so it's all about you and your progress, nobody else's The one with the bonuses: A PDF workbook to help you go through the materials and practice the skills, handy cheat sheets formatted for your phone so you can whip them out on the go plus a Bonus wrap-up module with swipe files of photo ideas for children at different ages, handy checklists and more! The one after it's over: We don't just leave you on your lonesome after the course is over - you get access to a=our Alumni group - a Photography for Parents Clique if you will - which is where we continue supporting you, answering your questions, encouraging you to take photos through weekly and monthly challenges and peer support Next Fundamentals course starts on 15th January 2024 5 core course modules Support Facebook group Weekly online Live class Personal Feedback on your images BONUS: extra module with ideas bank for photographing children of all ages BONUS: PDF course workbook BONUS: Printable and mobile friendly Pocket Guides HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL LEARN WITH US: How to finally, actually, properly use your camera - no more cryptic buttons and the 'oh no! what have I pressed now?!' panic. Life's too short to be intimidated by your camerant The precise steps and 'recipes' to help you capture all sorts of different situations - whether your kids are indoors on a dark and dreary day or tearing through the park in the sun How to see the world and your children through a photographers eyes and learn to compose your photographs on the fly so they truly reflect the beauty you see How to get great photos CONSISTENTLY - I mean the spray and pray method is fine, but wouldn't it be nice to have confidence your images will turn out the way you want them? How to learn to notice and capture the little details, the big picture, the whole story of your children growing up. BEAUTIFULLY. "Absolutely, without a doubt, the best money I have ever spent on anything kid related. I so wish i had done these courses 6 years ago, just before my 1st was born. My photography has improved significantly and I'm just sad the course are over, I have loved everything about them!" Hannah Slater "The most enjoyable online course I ever done" I cannot recommend this course highly enough, and I am so grateful for Ania for creating this amazing course and community, teaching busy parents how to document their family storied beautifully! DALIA SEABORNE "I'm amazed at how much my photography has improved " I have learned so much and am amazed at how much my photography has improved - they are brilliant value for money considering the level of personal attention you receive! I've come away with a whole lot more technical knowledge as well as a heap of inspiration and ideas. LUCY GRIFFITH "The most wonderful entry into the incredible photography world" I am seeing things that I have never noticed before, I am using the DSLR to capture precious moments with my family and am signed up to two further courses because the instructors, modules and supportive community are amazing and I think I might be addicted KIRSTY FINNIE Photography for Parents FUNDAMENTALS Next course starts on 15th Jan 2024 All the learning resources, all the community, all the support, all the personal help. Virtually failproof 5 core course modules Bonus Idea Bank module PDF course workbook Pocket reference guide Support group Weekly online live class Personal Feedback on your images Access to Photography For Parents Alumni community But will it work for me? - our guarantee: GUARANTEE We know our course works. We have seen a few thousands of students go through our courses and really improve. BUT, if you find that after the first couple of modules that it just doesn't work for you, you haven't learnt anything new, it's the wrong level for you, you haven't improved, or you simply don't get on or engage with it - we will simply refund you in full. Simple as that! INSIDE THE MODULES - aka WHAT DO YOU LEARN? Module 1: See what your camera sees Our first module is dedicated to breaking you our of the snapping habit and giving you a fresh perspective. We show you how your camera sees the world differently than what you might expect in three major ways - the optics. the focus and the light. Major Takeaways: At the end of the module you will have gained full control of your focus - no more guessing game and kids turning out all blurry, you will also gain an insight of how to use your lens ( there is a skill to it) and how to let the light help make your subjects stand out. What's included: The importance of focus and what it does to our brain Taking control of your focus - the Where and HOW your camera focuses Mastering focus formula - a process to help you determine what settings to use for each occasion To zoom or not to zoom and how it changes what and how your camera sees Learning how your camera sees the light and how to make it better, especially with tricky light Learning how to shoot against the light - like a bright window and NOT end up with the person looking all dark Module 2: On exposure and all things sharp and blurry In our second module we take you off the auto setting and dive deep into learning about exposure - i.e. making sure that your images are not too dark or bright or blurry. But not only that, we pay special attention to how to make some of the things in your image sharp and others blurry through the use of specific combinations of settings Major Takeaways: How to work your camera in priority ( semi-manual) modes, how to capture detail or portraits with a great separation of sharp and blurry to make these elements stand out. What's included: Understanding the mechanics of your camera - how does a photo actually happen inside Taking your camera firmly OFF the Auto settings - learning the key factors ( aperture, shutter speed and ISO) and how they interact with one another How to capture portraits and those precious detail shots beautifully Switching to Aperture priority and controlling your aperture - the how and the why Taking control of what in your image will be sharp and what will be blurry - hello full control over blurry backgrounds, blurry foregrounds and pin sharp subjects in between. Module 3: Capturing movement One of my favourite modules, dedicated to helping you capture your kids in motion - whether they're wriggling babies, speedy crawlers, wobbly toddlers or perpetual-motion-machines that most children are. We learn how to match your focus settings, your shutter settings and your composition to capture great movement photos. Major Takeaways: Learn how to capture your children on the move, SHARP but also how to use blur and speed to really showcase and highlight movement. Big AH-HA moments here! What's included: Switching your camera to shutter priority and mastering MOVEMENT Learning how to capture moving things SHARP - yes, that includes those fast movingbaby arms and legs Learning how to capture moving things BLURRY - and why would you want to do it? Learning how to highlight action and energy and speed in your images and how to help yourself with composition Creative techniques like night time light trails or panning or creative blur How to use your focus settings on top of your shutter settings to help capture things sharp Module 4: See what your camera sees Although we introduce elements of photographic composition throughout the course, this is the module entirely dedicated to it. We look at composition not just as a set of arbitrary rules, but more as something that helps you express what you really see and feel. We look at photographic storytelling and helping your images get look more impactful and stronger Major Takeaways: Good photographic composition principles to help you really show the magic you are seeing. At the end of this module you will say goodbye to boring flat photos and will instead start taking rich images with lots of depth and eye catching composition. What's included: understanding how we 'read' photographs and how to compose so that the magic YOU see translates into what the others see when they pick up that photo fundamental rules of photo composition - we started you off with the rule of thirds but there is MORE Good crops, bad crops, crazy crops and everything in between storytelling through your photographs - how to make your images mean something and show something real, beyond 'my child looks cute here' getting creative and expressing yourself through photographs learning to go beyond your usual compositions and discovering different styles Module 5: Photographic composition and storytelling Although we introduce elements of photographic composition throughout the course, this is the module entirely dedicated to it. We look at composition not just as a set of arbitrary rules, but more as something that helps you express what you really see and feel. We look at photographic storytelling and helping your images get look more impactful and stronger Major Takeaways: Good photographic composition principles to help you really show the magic you are seeing. At the end of this module you will say goodbye to boring flat photos and will instead start taking rich images with lots of depth and eye catching composition. What's included: Understanding how we 'read' photographs and how to compose so that the magic YOU see translates into what the others see when they pick up that photo Fundamental rules of photo composition - we started you off with the rule of thirds but there is MORE Good crops, bad crops, crazy crops and everything in between Storytelling through your photographs - how to make your images mean something and show something real, beyond 'my child looks cute here' Getting creative and expressing yourself through photographs Learning to go beyond your usual compositions and discovering different styles BONUS Module 6: Idea Bank : Photographing children at different ages This last module is a bit different. We us it to give you lots of ideas for photos with children of different ages - from photographing milestones to capturing what's unique about them at a particular stage and really getting into their world to capture where they're at. The module is packed with ready to take ideas and will let you take all that you have learned in the first 5 modules and apply it in real life sitautions. We also help you think ahead to the next steps in your photography education - should you want to continue.
SMART Improvement Planning & Implementation
In this class we are doing the Wu style Competition Routine. This is a 45-move set of movements using all the features that make Wu style tai chi different to other styles of tai chi. We also do a set of Qigong exercises in this class. This is a 13-week term.
In this class we work on the Yang 24-Step Tai Chi Form. This is a 'standardised' set of movements that is performed in the same way throughout the world. We also occasionally look at the 'applications' of the movements - how they can be used for self-defence in a gentle non-confrontational way. This is a 13-week term.
In this class we work on the Yang 10-Step Tai Chi Form. This is a 'standardised' set of movements that is performed in the same way throughout the world. We are specifically focusing on the 'energy' side of tai chi in this class - how energy rises and falls in the body. We are also working on a set of Qigong exercises called the 'Ba Duan Jin' or '8 Strands of the Brocade' - one of the oldest sets of Qigong. This is a 13-week term.
Notes on the Wudang Taiji Sword Class Both the Monday 6.05pm class in Euston, and the Thursday 6.35pm class in Sevenoaks will be continuing the Wudang Taiji (Tai Chi) Sword. The set of movements falls into ‘Sections’ and we have only done Sections 1 & 2 (out of 6). If you’d like to join, we will be mainly working on the 2nd & 3rd Sections but will also constantly be revising Section 1. It’s therefore not too late to join. This uses the double-edged sword (‘jian’), and if you’d like to try the class out you are welcome to borrow a sword. We’ll be taking time in getting through the set of movements, and if you’ve never tried any weapon form before, this is a great one to try out to expand your repertoire. The Wudang Taiji Sword Form is a lively form with both slow and fast movements. This is a 13-week term.
Adobe authorised live online course with study materials and certificate of completion included During this 1 day intermediate level course you will learn how to utilise the powerful image editing capabilities of Adobe Photoshop. Building on the topics covered in our Introduction to Photoshop, you will learn how to work with multiple layers, use layer masks, learn how to use smart objects, add sophisticated filters. Re-touching and repairing, montages and image correction techniques are also covered. Description Completing this course will enable you to do the following and more: Work with Smart Objects Understand Image Input and Output Navigate Shortcuts Work with Selections Enhance or correct an Image Use Layers efficiently Work with Multiple Layers Work with Masks Paint and Retouch Images Using Textures and Imported Graphics Creating Stunning Special Effects with Glows and Filters Design Page Layouts Creating Artwork for Print and Web Use Adobe Bridge Automate Workflow For the full course content please download the course information pdf listed above. Who is this course for? This course is perfect for existing Photoshop users who want to further develop their skills and abilities with the application. Requirements Attendees should have a basic knowledge of Photoshop. You will need a broadband internet connection to participate in this live online course. Certificates Certificate of completion Digital certificate - Included
Adobe authorised live online course with study materials and certificate of completion included Our advanced Adobe Photoshop course has been developed especially for Photoshop users who want to harness the full potential of the programme. You will learn advanced techniques for replacing colour, professional image retouching methods and complex blending techniques for integrating textures. You will also discover power user keyboard shortcuts and the advantages of different techniques for masking complex objects, plus much more. Description Completing this course will enable you to do the following and more: Use advanced image retouching Use advanced image restoration techniques Work with Smart Objects Learn Quick and effective techniques for masking complex objects Use Advanced retouching techniques using blending layers Work with Textures Use Texture integration using advanced blending techniques Implement Non-destructive transformations using smart objects Work with Advanced sharpening and noise reduction techniques Record, import and execute actions Make Selections from colour and alpha channels Improve your workflow Use Power Shortcuts Access Repousse and 3D layers For the full course content please download the course information pdf listed above. Who is this course for? This course is perfect for existing Photoshop users who want to learn how to make use of more of the applications powerful features and improve their workflow. Requirements Attendees should have a good working knowledge of Photoshop. You will need a broadband internet connection to participate in this live online course. Certificates Certificate of completion Digital certificate - Included