Find photography classes near me Leeds

Photography is an artistic process for creating images through the action of light to represent the world around us: etymologically, this term was created by John Hershel (1792-1871) - a pioneer of photography - who referred to the use of light to result in an image. It is also said that taking photos consists of "painting with light".

With the many technological advances made during the 19th century, the history of photography dates back to January 7, 1839. This date marks the moment when the French MP - François Arago - presented to the Academy of Science the invention of the daguerreotype, a photographic process for fixing an image of reality on a flat surface.

It was the French Nicéphore Nièpce (1765-1833) who managed to achieve a few years earlier, the first photograph in history: by drilling a small hole (pinhole) in a dark room, and letting appear on the wall of the box, after a setting time of several days, an inverted image of reality. But the precursors of photography faced a notorious physical constraint: the lack of brightness of the pinhole camera.

Indeed, the fineness of the details produced by light is made according to the size of the hole in the dark room (camera obscura in Latin). The smaller it is, the sharper the image will be, but the image is not very visible since it allows very little light to pass.

The daguerreotype of 1839 received an enthusiastic welcome from the general public, who quickly competed fiercely to have this new tool for themselves. After this, photography evolved rapidly whereby researchers worked on reducing the exposure time (by increasing the brightness of the lens), better stability of the print, and a reduction of the price and size of the cameras.

During the 20th century, the history of photography is still evolving with the Internet, digital photography and small format. With a digital camera, the photographer can take several thousand pictures with the same camera, change the sensitivity and tone of the image at will, edit their photos with a software image editing, all at a cost generally lower than using a 35mm film camera.

Why learn photography in Leeds?

You want to learn the basics of photography, or progress further in digital and film photography? Want to capture holidays or unforgettable moments with your family?

While it is possible to become a self-taught photographer in the Leeds area, our photography classes will help you to improve your knowledge of the technical aspects of photography: adjust the iris, discover the shutter speed, the framing and the focal length, white balance, adjust your digital camera settings, etc.

Introductory courses in photography may be necessary if one is considering specializing. Often, we train in different kinds of areas - landscape photos, night photos, street, urban, fashion, portrait photography - it's fun, and it's hard to improve your skills as well on your own.

By taking advanced courses, the student will be able to improve his depth of field, learn to fine-tune their technique, discover the practice of blur or other photo techniques, and especially to improve in two photography fundamentals: creativity and expression.

Learning photography can include learning to translate the beauty of a moment, an impromptu situation, lighting that catches your eye, or a perfect angle. This visual art includes transforming the surrounding world into a poetic and artistic playground.

With a photograph, we can relive events that one might have forgotten, tell a story, evoke an emotion or just share the beauty and art that you see around you.

The city of Leeds offers a large number of photographic locations: Clarence Dock, City Square, Headlingley Stadium, urban graffiti, Kirkstall Abbey, the Japanese Gardens, the Cow & Calf Rocks and more!

Becoming a photographer in Leeds: what can you do?

Another reason to learn photography in Leeds with our private lessons: to become a freelance photographer.

Learning to photograph can indeed become a springboard to make a professional switch to the profession of photographer. What better than to mix one's passion with earning an income (selling ones photographs online, to magazines, blogs and more, or giving photo lessons yourself to other students)?

After taking classes with Superprof and acquiring your professional photography skills, the next step will be reaching out with cover letters and photo portfolios to your favourite locations to work.

Leeds has become the largest legal and financial centre in the UK, outside London, and the 3rd largest manufacturing centre. With a population of just under 500,000 people, even an amateur photographer has a strong potential demand for their photos and artistic practices (image reporter, graphic designer, photojournalist, etc.).

Photography allows one to explore the art of studio portraits, to teach in a photography school, take animal or nature photos, wedding photos, fashion, urban and street photography... the list goes on.

To take beautiful photos, it's necessary to learn to adjust one's photographic environment: how to use natural light and artificial light, how to adapt to the subject, the foreground and background?

Natural sunlight, for example, can create areas of darkness and light, strong contrasts that reduce sharpness, giving a dark or bright rendering depending on the sensitivity of the photographer.

In short, taking photo classes will ignite the photographic creative eye you have in you!

Tips for getting started in photography in Leeds

In order to get the best out of your shots, it is essential to master and know how to use your device. Here are some beginner photo tips to get acquainted with this fascinating art and to understand some more about it.

First of all, it is not enough to have an impressively technical and high-end device to take successful photos.

Above all, it is necessary to have the eye, to seize the right angle and the light to make the most of the subject or landscape.

Get into the habit of always taking your camera with you because unusual situations or moments can arise at any time: the social life of Leeds in the urban landscape, an incredible sunset, etc.

The more spontaneous, unexpected and impromptu photos are, the more beautiful they will be: practising photography allows you to blossom through improvisation.

Certainly, capturing a landscape in a photograph is a practice that everyone can learn. Nevertheless, deepening beyond this is necessary if you want to learn more in-depth photo techniques.

Just as V. Hugo or E. Zola used the rules and techniques of literature, the best photographers have all gone through photographic training.

It will, therefore, be necessary to master three main things: the shutter speed of the sensor, the aperture of the diaphragm and iso sensitivity, and framing and composition (the rule of thirds in particular).

The advantage is that the learning is empirical: unlike music theory courses in music school, a budding photographer will need to go out and test their new device to apply the basics of photography they are currently learning.

Last key tip: practice, let go and do not judge yourself! As the saying goes, practice does make perfect.

A photo is unsuccessful? It's the opportunity to find out why, through asking your teacher or private photography tutor.

Take private photography lessons on Superprof Leeds

On the digital platform Superprof UK, there are plenty of great private photography teachers in the Leeds area.

With an average hourly rate of 20 pounds per hour, you can take lessons from experienced and passionate photographers.

Prices range from £ 14 to £ 30 per hour: how to explain such a gap?

It is the teacher's experience that determines the hourly rate. As a beginner, you could choose to start working with a young private teacher, an amateur, intermediate level, or student.

On the other hand, it will be better to work with a professional photographer if one wishes to progress further and learn the skills needed as a professional photographer (but the course will be more expensive).

It is understandable that ambition impacts the choice of the teacher, for example depending on whether you plan to do photojournalism, become a wedding photographer, master studio photography or if you just want to learn photography for the pleasure, etc.

All training to become a professional photographer is often very expensive and it takes several thousand pounds. Admittedly, it will be a tailor-made training.

By working with our photographers on Superprof, the learner can truly receive a complete training, adapted to the student's goals and requests: practical exercises to crop and take pictures in Leeds, use a photo software such as Photoshop to learn digital retouching, learn image processing, black and white photography, etc.

Who would have thought that private photography lessons could be such a fun way to explore the city of Leeds?