FAQ
How many delegates to each workshop?
The Intro to Composite Photography is an individual 1-to-1 workshop. This will be just yourself and the tutor (Robert Prenton Jones). Both of the other workshops (Fine Art/ Composite and Advanced Workshops) are group-based with a maximum of six people in each and will be run jointly by Sharon and Robert Prenton Jones.
Where are you based?
The workshop will be run from our home in Upper Colwyn Bay in North Wales. The specific address and directions will be supplied to each delegate once the booking has been made.
Do I need to bring a camera and tripod?
You will need to bring a camera, tripod and card reader (and cable release if you have one) to the Fine Art/Composite Workshop, but not to the other two workshops. For this workshop, it is a good idea to make sure you have an empty memory card and a fully charged battery in your camera. Better still, bring a spare memory card and battery if you have them.
Do I need to bring lighting and triggers?
Lighting will be used for the model shoot as part of the Fine Art/Composite Workshop but all lighting equipment will be supplied and set up before you arrive so you do not need to bring any lights or triggers with you.
Do I need to bring a laptop computer?
Yes, you will need to bring a laptop computer and charger to each workshop. Don’t forget your mouse and mouse mat!
What time does the Workshop start and finish?
The workshops will run from 9.30 until 4.30 with a short break for lunch (bring your own packed lunch - tea and coffee will be supplied throughout the day). The studio and all equipment will be set up and tested before the start time, so we will not keep you waiting once you arrive. To be fair to all delegates the workshops will start and finish promptly.
Do you supply food?
No, you will need to bring a packed lunch, but there will be plenty of beverages and biscuits supplied.
Do you send out documentation before the workshop?
Yes, before the workshop we will send out, by email, a full documentation pack including how to reach our venue, schedules, and what to bring with you. It should answer any question you might have, but please feel free to contact us if you need to check anything.
What skills do I need to have before I attend a workshop?
Each workshop requires a different level of skill. What follows is a general description of the skills needed for each workshop but in all cases please feel free to contact us beforehand if you are not sure whether a particular workshop is suitable for you.
- Intro to Composite Photography:
For this workshop you will need basic PC skills such as how to use a mouse, open and save a file, etc. You do not need any specific Photoshop skills, but it would be useful if you have at least opened and played with Photoshop to ensure that it works properly on your laptop. The idea behind this training is that it provides a beginner’s introduction to Photoshop specifically for creating composites. Although this workshop provides a stand-alone training in composite photography, it is also deal for anyone who might want to brush up on their existing skills before attending the Fine Art/Composite Workshop.
- Fine Art/Composite Workshop:
For this workshop you will need to be able to use your camera in manual mode and be comfortable with changing shutter speed, aperture and ISO settings. You do not need previous experience photographing models as we will be covering some hints and tips about working with models specifically for composite photography. After the model shoot, we will be working with Photoshop and Camera Raw and you will need be comfortable with Raw Conversion software and with using the major tools in Photoshop (especially layers, layer masking, selection and cloning).
- Advanced Workshop:
For this workshop you will need to be comfortable using RAW and Photoshop tools and already have some experience with composite photography. This workshop will teach advanced hints and tips when using blending modes, colour replacement, digital make-up and working with light and shade. In addition to Photoshop, you will need to have the NIK plug-in installed onto your laptop. You can download a free trial before you come and then decide afterwards whether or not you would like to purchase it. The NIK link is: https://nikcollection.dxo.com
What makes our Workshops unique?
- Our workshops are run by tutors who regularly achieve high-level awards in national and international photography exhibitions and who are widely known for their composite and creative photography skills. A day’s training involves a unique mix of high-level professionalism and simple fun.
- Depending on the workshop chosen, the training itself is either on a one-to-one basis, or in a small group setting (maximum of 6). As there are two tutors in the group workshops, this gives a ratio of 1 to 3 with plenty of time for individual tuition.
- Although we pride ourselves on the informality and friendliness of our approach, we have a very strong sense of professionalism and respect for anyone who chooses to train with us. Everything runs to time, there is no hanging around waiting for equipment to be set up, and there are frequent breaks to keep the levels of energy high. If you are not sure which workshop to attend, simply contact us in advance to discuss what is on offer: you won’t get the ‘hard sell’ if you do. Rather, we will honestly outline what is on offer so that you can make an informed choice about whether the training is for you.
Do you hold a waiting list for workshops?
We do not hold a waiting list for all workshops. For the Fine Art/Composite and Advanced Composite Workshops, once PayPal has booked six delegates it will not take any further bookings. If this happens, and you would like to be added to a waiting list for that specific workshop, please email us and we will add your name to the list. If we receive a cancellation, we will contact people on this list and ask if they would like to take the place. We will not, however, carry the names forward to any subsequent workshops.