Photography Basics Course in Manchester

I am now looking into the possibility of running a short course on the basics of photography in the Manchester(UK) area sometime in the new year.

At the moment it is no more than a possibility depending on costs and facilities etc, but I would like to get an idea of the amount of interest.

So, if you are from the Manchester area and would like to be kept informed about if and when the course might run, then please contact me via the contact form on this site. That way, I can easily keep you all up to date.

You can also leave a comment on this post and let me know the type of thing you would like to learn on the course. I would imagine it would be about 6 weeks long, 1 evening a week. I have no idea of a price though as that depends on the costs of room and equipment hire.

I would aim to cover the following subjects:

  • basic camera functions, going beyond fully automatic
  • composition
  • using light, both natural light and flash
  • simple photo editing in photoshop (this is very much dependent on what equipment I can get)
  • emailing and uploading photos to web sites

So there you go. If you are interested, let me know and I will see if I can make it happen.

UPDATE: I have now removed the newsletter form from this site as the service from Zookoda really isn’t living up to what they say they offer. SO please just contact me via the contact form on this site if you are interested in the course.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 2nd, 2007 at 11:09 am and is filed under Photography Course. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

100 Responses to “Photography Basics Course in Manchester”

  1. Peter Rawson says on November 5th, 2007 at 1:51 pm :

    Hi - There are precious few photography courses nationally, and they’re frequently fully booked for up to a year. Without going on a degree course, it’s hard to see how to get started on doing some serious photography. I would be very interested in the course you have in mind. Although I’ve had an interest in photography for years, I’m still very much a beginner.

    I hope you get enough interest in the course to make it happen.

    Good luck

  2. Garry says on November 5th, 2007 at 3:03 pm :

    Thanks Peter, I hope it goes ahead too. It’s true that courses are becoming hard to find due to a lot of budget cuts from education funds, so instead they have to focus on core skills, maths, english etc etc which means creative stuff like photography gets put to the back of the queue.

  3. Iker Fernandez says on November 6th, 2007 at 6:43 pm :

    I am interested in subscribing myself for the Photography Basics Course, but I dont know why the box for the email in the RHS does not recognize my email address. Could you add it on, please?
    About commenting about the course, what I am looking for is to use the SLR digital camera better and to learn on composition and very important as well lighting. I am interested in the digitall imaging edition, filters and in any post-shot skills.
    Thank you very much and hope to know from you,
    Iker.

  4. Garry says on November 7th, 2007 at 10:48 am :

    Hi Iker, I’m not sure why your email address is coming up as invalid, I will make sure you are added though and get that problem with the form fixed.

  5. claire says on November 17th, 2007 at 12:52 pm :

    Hi, Yeah im having the same problem with email!
    I have been trawling through so much information on basics/what camera and how to get started that I am really confused and it would be great to have a basic course that could bring it all together..I would definately be interested x

  6. Garry says on November 17th, 2007 at 1:55 pm :

    There does seem to be a problem with my newsletter subscription form, I’ve told the company about it (it’s out of my control I’m afraid) so we’ll see what they can do.

  7. Caroline says on November 19th, 2007 at 10:00 am :

    Hi there,

    I would be very interested in the course. I have just left my job to start up my own online ladies fashion boutique and really need some coaching in taking amazing product shots and styled photos…I have tried all over to look for a basic photography course but the only ones in Manchester started in September. Please keep me updated about the class.

  8. kate says on November 20th, 2007 at 11:52 am :

    Hi Garry,

    This sounds really interesting - as somebody who works full-time and has been getting to grips with her digital SLR via trial and error for the past two years and is looking for a bit more direction, this sounds right up my street!

    Unfortunately I’m having problems signing up for your newsletter too but count me in the interested parties…

  9. Garry says on November 20th, 2007 at 7:20 pm :

    Hmm that pesky email form. I’ll have to find a better solution.

  10. Cathy Williams says on November 21st, 2007 at 11:04 am :

    Hi Garry

    I’ve had the same problem with the email address unfortunately but I would definitely be interested in a basic course. I am a complete beginner in photography and have quite a few manual options on my digital camera which I have no idea how to use! I would love to learn how to take good pictures and use the different settings on the camera.

    Thanks

  11. Kapil says on November 23rd, 2007 at 12:07 pm :

    Hi Garry

    I am interested as well. I am a novice photgrapher and I have exhausted all the manual options on my Kodak Digicam currently so, planning to graduate to a Nikon D80 this Christmas and I definitely want to learn more.

    Would appreciate some support through your course surely. So, count me in.

    Cheers
    Kapil

  12. Garry says on November 23rd, 2007 at 1:16 pm :

    Great stuff Kapil, you won’t regret making the leap to a DSLR, although if you get the lens buying bug, it can get expensive!
    With all this interest, I’ll be doing my best to get a course going. If anyone knows of a room available to hire for the course, preferably with PCs available, then please let me know.

  13. chris walker says on November 23rd, 2007 at 10:09 pm :

    sounds just what I want. A good basic course including a guide to photoshop. Look forward to hearing from you.
    Chris

  14. Diane Kenworthy says on November 25th, 2007 at 8:58 pm :

    Would like to buy this as a present for my husband. Please do let me know if you go ahead. His b day is in Jan !!

  15. Angela says on November 25th, 2007 at 9:59 pm :

    Hello,
    I would be really interested in your course as I know I can get more out of my camera, also a complete beginner with photoshop!
    Please do keep me posted, hope you manage to get this going.
    Angela

  16. Garry says on November 25th, 2007 at 10:29 pm :

    Not too much pressure then Diane hehe
    I’m still trying to track down a room at the moment and have a couple of places to try. As you can imagine, there is a fair bit to sort out, so January might be a bit early, but I’ll do my best to get something sorted as early in the year as I can.

  17. WildKid says on November 27th, 2007 at 10:36 am :

    Really good and really interesting post. I expect (and other readers maybe :)) new useful posts from you!
    Good luck and successes in blogging!

  18. Louisa Hill says on November 28th, 2007 at 2:05 pm :

    Hi Garry

    Not sure my email subscription worked but please keep me informed, this sounds great..been wanting some basic tips for ages!

    Lou

  19. Cat says on November 29th, 2007 at 6:15 pm :

    Hello Gary,

    I too am very excited by the prospect of this course. I’m not sure whether the Central Manchester City Learning Centre on Cambridge street can be used by people other than schools but it might be worth a try. Have you also tried Manchester City college for venues?

    Good Luck!

    Cat

  20. Garry says on November 29th, 2007 at 8:47 pm :

    Thanks Cat, I tried the learning centre at Parrs Wood, but they didn’t seem particularly interested. I’ll give those places you mentioned a try and see what is available. I’ve also been told about somewhere on Oldham Road, so need to chase that up too.

    With all this interest, I might have to run two courses!!

  21. CIARA LEEMING says on December 3rd, 2007 at 10:53 am :

    Hi Garry, I’d also be interested if you get anywhere with putting the course on…I’ve just come back from India and have been quite encouraged by some of the pictures I took, now want to learn how to use a camera properly.. good luck with it, Ciara

  22. Garry says on December 3rd, 2007 at 11:29 am :

    Hi Ciara, with all this interest I am definitely going to run a course as long as I can get the right sort of facilities for the right price.
    I’ll keep you all posted when things progress a bit more.

  23. Mary Dooley says on December 3rd, 2007 at 2:33 pm :

    Hi there,
    I have been thinking of doing a course for sometime, and have found it difficult to get any info. I work full time and am looking for a course that runs one night a week anytime from 18:00hrs, to start in the New Year. If the ‘price is right’ please keep me updated.

  24. Garry says on December 3rd, 2007 at 3:34 pm :

    Hi Mary, the plan would be to run the course one night a week for 8 or 10 weeks, and it would be full timer friendly, so starting at around 7pm ish….. that’s what I anticipate anyway.

  25. paul says on December 6th, 2007 at 10:00 pm :

    wow sounds fab idea have been searching for all that you describe,have absoloutely no knowledge what so ever about photography though,but have taken some pictures i love and would like more! please keep me imformed many thanks Paul.

  26. Garry says on December 6th, 2007 at 11:38 pm :

    will do Paul!

  27. Ange says on December 14th, 2007 at 8:35 pm :

    Hi

    I would be interested in a beginners/basic skills course in the Manchester area. I have always liked taking photos but would now like to learn the skills and hopefully get to professional level in the future.

  28. Garry says on December 14th, 2007 at 10:52 pm :

    I will add you to my list of interested people. Practice makes perfect though so keep taking lots of images and experiment with your camera’s settings as much as you can.

  29. Craig says on December 21st, 2007 at 1:36 pm :

    Hi Gary,

    I would be really interested in the course. I also happen to be a lecturer at a local University who may be interested in helping you put on a course for the public.

    Craig

  30. Nigel says on December 22nd, 2007 at 11:48 am :

    I’d be very interested in this. I’ve been messing about with cameras for ages but strictly trial and error with the inevitable consequences. Please let me know if it’s going to happen. Thanks

  31. Bunmi says on December 22nd, 2007 at 3:17 pm :

    Hello I would also be interested in this course . I am a beginner keen developing my skills in photography.

  32. Dionne says on December 27th, 2007 at 9:57 am :

    I would really be interested in this course, I have just got a canon SLR and my dad has donated a couple of his lenses so now I just need to work out how to use it properly!

  33. Nick says on December 30th, 2007 at 10:28 pm :

    HI, also really interested in the possibility of a course in the new year! Hope i’m not too late! Would love to start from the begining with the whole photography idea.

  34. Mark Clinton says on January 6th, 2008 at 3:56 pm :

    Hi,
    Just echoing what everybody else says above, beginner, just bough dslr, would love to know how to use it properly!!

  35. hedge says on January 6th, 2008 at 9:01 pm :

    hi,

    I’m also interested in your course,i hav a very keen interest in my photography and i currently looking for some basic skills using my nikon d50 before i look at further education.

  36. Jenny says on January 7th, 2008 at 3:54 pm :

    Hi, also interested in the course, can’t seem to find one anywhere! Currently a student at University of Manchester and an evening course would be excellent.

  37. Sasha Kwan says on January 9th, 2008 at 8:23 pm :

    Hi I would be interested as well. Got a Canon 400d and want to know how to use it properly plus photoshop training.Work fulltime so cant go college.Please start course 7pm plus if you can as has a way to travel back to citycentre from work

  38. Patricia Tracey says on January 11th, 2008 at 5:02 pm :

    Hi, I would also be interested in your course. Do you have to have an SLR or will my Fujifil Finepix S8000fd suffice? I have only just got the camera and it seems as if it will be really good once I know how to use it!! also just got Photoshop Elements 4.0 for my Mac, help with that would also be great.

  39. Garry says on January 11th, 2008 at 5:39 pm :

    Hi Patricia. The course I am planning would be suitable for any type of digital camera, whether it’s an SLR or point and shoot. The same fundamentals apply to all photography so it doesn’t matter if you have a £100 camera or a £1000 camera, it will all apply. As for photoshop, yes, that will be covered, but that’s the thing I’m trying to find for the course, a room that’s available that will have a computer with photoshop for each person. I’ll keep you posted.

  40. Krista says on January 13th, 2008 at 5:42 pm :

    Hi, I’m definitely interested in taking a photography course. I’m really interested in photography and would really like to develop some basic skills in lighting and composition.

  41. Garry says on January 18th, 2008 at 1:09 pm :

    just out of interest, did anyone receive an update email from me this week giving more info on the course? I sent it out to 45 people and haven’t had one reply yet so am not sure if it actually got to you.

  42. Samantha Sharples says on January 21st, 2008 at 9:27 pm :

    I would love to be involved with your course please email mne any info - im currently browsing the web for this very thing! Hope to hear more soon!

  43. Garry says on January 21st, 2008 at 10:32 pm :

    Will do Samantha, I hope to have something organised very soon, the room is proving to be a bit trickier to find than I thought, but I’ve got a few options I’m chasing at the moment.

  44. Vanessa Webb says on January 23rd, 2008 at 3:45 pm :

    Hi Garry, I’m also really interested in a basic photography course, I’ve been looking for one for ages! I have had a Canon 300D for years and I still don’t really know what I’m doing with it. I’d also like advice on equipment, I’d like to buy a wide angle/ fish eye lens for sports photography but think I should probably learn the basics first! If you could add me to your list that would be great. Thanks!

  45. Garry says on January 23rd, 2008 at 5:08 pm :

    Hi Venessa, I have added you to my list and will be contacting everyone shortly with more info. A wide angle or fish eye for sports photography eh, what sort of sport will it be? The only reason I ask is that with wide angles and fish eyes, to get anything large in the frame you have to be very close to it.

  46. Vanessa says on January 24th, 2008 at 1:52 am :

    I would love to be involved in your course. I have recently acquired a Nikon D40 SLR and I’m aiming to gather a portfolio together so I can take Photography at University.

    Any more information on this would be wonderful!

  47. adam harris says on January 24th, 2008 at 8:29 pm :

    hi ive just found out about the course u would like to run, i hope its not to late but i would like to come to the class. where abouts in manchester is it going to be situated?

  48. Garry says on January 24th, 2008 at 9:29 pm :

    Hi adam, the location is still to be confirmed. It’s a been a bit tricky so far. I will keep you up to date on further news.

  49. Raj Patel says on January 27th, 2008 at 6:12 pm :

    Please add me to your list of interested people and let me have details

  50. W.EDWARDS says on January 29th, 2008 at 4:20 pm :

    HI
    I HAVE TRIED TO USE THE CONTACT FORM TO NO EFFECT, SO I VERY MUCH HOPE THIS E-MAIL REACHES YOU, AS I WOULD LIKED TO BE INFORMED ASAP AS TO WHEN THE COURSE IS AVAILABLE.
    THANK YOU !!
    ED

  51. bridget mccreery says on January 29th, 2008 at 7:18 pm :

    hi garry. im very interested in your course too. but worried that if you have all this interest that we wont all get the attention we need. this happened when i joined a night course in stockport. are you just looking to do an evening course. hope this is not too late.regards bridget

  52. Garry says on January 29th, 2008 at 7:26 pm :

    Hi Ed, I have added your email address to my ever growing list. So I’ll let you know as soon as I have more info for you. Did the caps lock key get stuck? :-)

  53. Louise says on January 29th, 2008 at 9:44 pm :

    Hi Garry,

    I too would be very interested in the course, please let me know the details.
    Thanks,
    Louise

  54. Garry says on January 29th, 2008 at 10:45 pm :

    Hi Bridget, I will add you to the list. Yes, the amount of interest I have had has surprised me and I am a little concerned I’m not going to get everyone on the course straight away. I don’t want groups larger than 12 people to try and keep it manageable and make sure I can give everyone the attention and help they deserve. If all goes to plan, I should be able to run two courses a week, so that’s 24 people, then hopefully people will still be interested after the first 8 weeks for the next batch of courses. If it’s as popular as it looks like it will be, then I will be a very busy person!!

  55. Garry says on January 29th, 2008 at 10:46 pm :

    Hi Louise, you email has been added to the list.

  56. jiveen says on February 2nd, 2008 at 12:22 pm :

    Hi Garry,

    I too would be interested in this photography course. Please can you add me to your list.

    Jiveen

  57. Garry says on February 2nd, 2008 at 1:08 pm :

    consider yourself added Jiveen

  58. Darren says on February 3rd, 2008 at 1:55 pm :

    same here, did send you an email, but would love to join,

  59. Jane says on February 8th, 2008 at 3:37 pm :

    Hi Garry,

    Please could I be added to list, if I’m not too late.
    Many Thanks,

    Jane

  60. Garry says on February 8th, 2008 at 4:57 pm :

    You aren’t too late Jane, I’ve added your name to the ever growing list.

  61. rebekah rankin says on February 10th, 2008 at 11:29 pm :

    If you get this course up and running it sounds exactly what I have been looking for, please can you keep me updated if anything happens..

    Ta

  62. Garry says on February 11th, 2008 at 12:42 am :

    will do rebekah. I am hoping to hear more about the room this week. Once that’s got the all clear, then I can give you all more info, then you all fight it out to get on the course. With over 50 people expressing an interest so far, it’s going to be tricky fitting you all in!

  63. Charlotte Bedford says on February 20th, 2008 at 5:53 pm :

    Hi,

    I am also very interested when you get up and running with a course.

    I have been interested in photograhpy for about 15 years, and have dabbled a bit with old style dark rooms and B/W photography when I was back in school. Would love to discover the next step and also advice on what camera to progress to for different styles of photos. Look forward to hearing from you soon. Keeping fingers crossed!

  64. Garry says on February 21st, 2008 at 10:23 am :

    Hi Charlotte, I am working on the course now. I’m now planning a photography basics course first, then a follow on photoshop basics course. If you’ve already done a bit of photography then you may know the basics, but I’ll keep you informed.

  65. gina says on February 26th, 2008 at 12:23 pm :

    Hi, can you add me to the long list of people who want to do this course. Thanks
    gina

  66. Garry says on February 26th, 2008 at 6:47 pm :

    Consider yourself added Gina.

  67. Dasvini Mistry says on February 26th, 2008 at 9:27 pm :

    hi i’ve been looking for a beginners photography course and I’m interested in the course you are thinking about setting up. Keep me informed!! I’ll keep checking back

  68. Garry says on February 26th, 2008 at 10:59 pm :

    Hi Dasvini, I’ll add your email address to my list and let you know when things get organised.

  69. Megan Jones says on February 28th, 2008 at 2:07 pm :

    Hi Garry,

    I’m very interested in doing a photography course so can you add me to your list to. it must be very long by now! If there are too many people for one are you considering running two? Also have you got any closer to finding a venue? And have you got an idea of how much it will cost yet?

    Thanks, Meg

  70. Zoe Tyson says on March 4th, 2008 at 3:03 pm :

    Hi There,
    Please could you add me to your ever growing list. There don’t seem to be many if any courses around the Manchester area.
    Thanks Zoe

  71. Garry says on March 6th, 2008 at 9:17 am :

    Hi Zoe, my ever growing list has grown some more now you’ve been added.

  72. Paul Sykes-White says on March 6th, 2008 at 12:33 pm :

    Hi Garry, just stumbled on to your website after searching courses for beginners in photography in Manchester. I can see you have a lot of interest already. Please include me in the list and keep me updated. I work full-time rotating shifts so I’l try and work around the course. If there is a wait to join due to demand then thats ok but obviously the sooner the better. Look forward to hearing from you with any updates.
    Paul

  73. Ben Mappin says on March 6th, 2008 at 2:23 pm :

    Hi Garry, i would be more than interested in the beginners course in photography if it all goes ahead?i have been trying to find a beginners photography course for months now, without success. have got no real experience at all, but am really wanting to learn. if you could keep me informed i would be more than grateful if the oppurtunity for the course arises! cheers Ben

  74. Garry says on March 6th, 2008 at 3:59 pm :

    Hi Paul and Ben. I’ve added your names to the list. Yes, there is a lot of interest in the course, over 70 people on the list now. As soon as I have more info I’ll let you know. I’ve been snowed under with work the last few weeks but I’m doing my best to get things organised as soon as possible.

  75. April Lu says on March 8th, 2008 at 6:55 pm :

    Hiya, I just sent something via the contact form, but thought I’d leave a msg here too.. Just in case! I’m quite interested in taking a course in basic photography, and would be grateful if you could keep me updated!! Thanks, April

  76. Garry says on March 9th, 2008 at 12:30 pm :

    message received April, and I’ve added your name to the list to be updated when more info is available.

  77. Chloe says on March 11th, 2008 at 6:36 pm :

    I would love to do this

    i am 16, doing my a levels next year but there is no where that does a photography course for a levels that i can find

  78. Garry says on March 11th, 2008 at 7:21 pm :

    Hi Chloe, I will add you details to my list and let you know as soon as something is set up.

  79. barbara says on March 13th, 2008 at 8:20 am :

    Hi I have been looking for a beginners course and this seems ideal - I am very interested

  80. Lee Powell says on March 17th, 2008 at 10:33 am :

    I am very interested in a Digital Photography course for beginners.

  81. kathy says on March 17th, 2008 at 11:54 am :

    The course sounds ideal. I would love to join in hope of getting to grips with my dSLR and all the stuff it can do if only i knew how to let it.
    Hope you are getting nearer to knowing whether the course can run. please keep me updated.
    Thanks, Kathy

  82. Jenny says on March 21st, 2008 at 9:58 pm :

    Hi, The course sounds great please let me know if something gets organised. Many thanks

  83. Cherie Foster says on March 23rd, 2008 at 1:55 am :

    I am very interested inn the course if you get it up and running. Could you please let me know if and when you plan to run the course.

  84. Rachael Taylor says on March 29th, 2008 at 7:08 pm :

    Here, here! I am very interested and would very much like to be added to your list. Thank you.

  85. Garry says on March 29th, 2008 at 11:08 pm :

    You have been added Rachel, and a great email address you have too :)

  86. Aminah says on March 30th, 2008 at 3:11 pm :

    I Am interested too!
    Is this course available?
    Thnksss =]

  87. saleh al-ali says on March 31st, 2008 at 11:54 am :

    I am also very interested in joining a photography course so could you please keep me informed.

    thanks

  88. Danan says on March 31st, 2008 at 2:02 pm :

    although i am not from manchester i am willing to join the course if it’s available

  89. Garry says on March 31st, 2008 at 2:32 pm :

    will do saleh al-ali

  90. Garry says on March 31st, 2008 at 2:41 pm :

    Danan - I think you may be a bit too advanced for the course judging by the great photos on your deviant art web site, but I’ll keep you informed anyway.

  91. Ian says on March 31st, 2008 at 11:19 pm :

    I think it would be best for you to do the course online because I do not live near the Manchester area. And I am sure you would get much more people interested in this course online than in a small classroom located in the Manchester area. And it would be much easier for everyone who owns a laptop or a desktop to take notes, see examples and much more.

    What do you think Gary?

  92. Garry says on April 1st, 2008 at 8:57 am :

    Ian - I am actually building up to an online course, but I also want to run courses locally too, and the classroom courses will be a good test for the material which I can them move online :)

  93. Daredevil says on April 16th, 2008 at 11:56 am :

    What a great idea! I’d love to join!

  94. Alison says on April 17th, 2008 at 9:07 pm :

    Hi Garry,
    I would be very interested in your course…please could you add me to the list and keep me posted?
    Thanks.

  95. Garry says on April 18th, 2008 at 7:41 am :

    Will do. Both Daredevil and Alison are now on my list

  96. Dave says on April 19th, 2008 at 1:41 pm :

    Hi, Very interested in the course that you are going to do? Any Idea when you might be starting and where? I am just starting out in the world of photography! So a great course would be ideal as all the courses localy to me are all booked up! Please could you keep me posted.

    Cheers

    Dave

  97. Garry says on April 20th, 2008 at 5:29 pm :

    Hi Dave, I will add your name to my list.

    Just a note for everyone still waiting for news (sorry), things have been a bit busy but I am once again searching for a suitable training room. That is the only thing holding me up. I keep getting good leads but they go nowhere. I will update you all as soon as I have found one.

  98. Nicola says on April 23rd, 2008 at 8:05 pm :

    Hi, i’ve just got a flash new camera and don’t really have much of a clue on how to use it so i’m defo interested in joining!

  99. Carl says on April 28th, 2008 at 9:54 am :

    Sounds like the perfect start for someone like me who is interested in photography but who is in desperate need of learning the basics.

  100. Rita Gavin says on April 28th, 2008 at 10:51 am :

    Hi there

    I am interested in doing the course you are going to set up..
    please forward any details

    cheers

    rita

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