MTFP COURSE MODULES
You can choose six modules from the following 10, in any order*. It’s fine to decide on which one you’d like to tackle next after you’ve finished the previous one, so you don’t have to choose them all up front:
1. Off Auto Module
Designed for beginners, or for ‘returners’ who need an initial run-though on aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focusing. This gives you all of the information you need in order to move away from shooting in auto, and with basic settings, but is entirely optional* depending on your current level.
2. Landscape Module
This module covers a variety of compositional techniques, along with advice on handling extreme lighting conditions, making the most of available light, and how good planning can transform your photography. Image editing/post processing is also discussed – including how to ensure you have captured all of the necessary 'data' in order to make the most of the image afterwards, if you choose to do so.
3. Architecture and Urban Module
Understanding how light and shadow enhances an urban or architectural shot can make all the difference. This Module looks at how using man-made structures can create impact in your images, as well as considering how different angles and compositions can work together to create more unique and abstract images. It also includes advice on using light to your advantage, and covers some elements on black and white photography.
4. Street and Documentary Module
How, when and why to create street and documentary shots. This Module explains what ‘street photography’ is and why you might want to try it – as well as looking at how you document a moment in time, to really tell a story. Making use of light and shadow is also a key part of this module, as the right lighting conditions (and good editing!) can turn a mundane scene into something that is worthy of being printed and hung on the wall.
5. Night Photography Module
This is all about dealing with the technical challenges of shooting in the dark – as well as how to use available light sources to add drama to a night shot, and understanding which subjects work best when photographed at night. This Module also covers choosing and using a tripod, and how to ensure that your night shots are sharp, clear and as dramatic as you want them to be. Note, this module does not include astro photography.
6. Long Exposure and ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) Module
Creating long exposures is one of the most interesting and unique aspects of photography, and very much a ‘creative’ process. This Module provides advice on equipment, and what is/is not actually necessary, as well as talking you through the different settings that are required, in order to ensure you get the effect you were aiming for. There is some overlap with the Night Photography Module in relation to tripod use.
7. Black and White Module
Depending on your age, you may very well have started your photographic journey in black and white (I certainly did!) - but over time, as colour has become mainstream, the impact and importance of shooting in mono can get forgotten. This Module covers everything you need to consider, including how shape/form and light/shadow become far more important in the absence of colour.
8. Portrait Module
Even if you never plan to become a portrait photographer, there are still times when it would be nice to be able to take good images of family or friends, that are more than just snapshots. We’ll look at different lens options, including aperture and focal length choices - as well as posing, managing your subjects, and making use of natural lighting and backgrounds to enhance your portrait images. Note, this module does not include using flash or other artificial light sources.
9. Travel Photography Module
This Module is best chosen at a time when you know you are going to be travelling - either on holiday or just locally, but where you will be taking photographs somewhere other than at home. To an extent, Travel Photography is a mix of the all other types in this course, but carried out in the context of an unfamiliar environment, where you are aiming to capture the essence of that location and its people, and what makes it unique.
10. Image Editing Module
The conversation about editing your images will definitely come into many, if not all, of the other Modules. But this more in-depth module will go into far more detail about how to turn a good image into a great image, as well as how to store, review, cull and manage all of your work - to ensure that you don’t end up ‘drowning in data’ as your photographic journey develops.
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*If you are new to photography and currently using auto, then I strongly recommend that you complete the Off Auto Module first. The other Modules are all written for participants who have at least a basic level of knowledge on aperture, shutter speed and ISO - so you will need to have some knowledge of this in order to get the most from the course.
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About me
I started teaching photography in 2016 after being asked by a friend if I could show them how to use their camera, and realising how much I loved helping people to develop in their own photographic journey. Alongside my ‘day job’ as a commercial photographer, I have worked with hundreds of people at all levels, from off-auto through to advanced skills - including post-processing and overall image management using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
In 2017 I published a coffee table book of images of my home town of Milton Keynes, called Unexpected:MK, as part of its 50th birthday celebrations. It was sponsored by 15 local businesses and organisations and went on to sell 1,700 copies, and also led to me being interviewed on BBC Breakfast and various other TV and radio stations!
In 2024 I won the People's Choice Award in the 2024 British Photography Awards, in the low light photography category. I have also been Highly Commended in the International Urban Photographer of the Year Awards, Commended in the Scottish landscape Photographer of the Year awards, and received Gold and Silver placings in the International Epson Pano Awards.