Photography for Parents

FUNDAMENTALS

AKA : HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR KIDS BEAUTIFULLY

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

next course starts on 25th Sept 2023

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

  •  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 25 Sept 2023

  • 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 25th Sept 2023

Ready to start clicking? There are two 2 ways to learn with us:
OPTION 1: Fully immersed : 
Where you get all the materials, all the personal support, all the bonuses. It's THE best way to learn and get the most of our course if you ask us! 

OPTION 2: Light touch

All the core learning materials and bonus materials but excluding the interactive elements such as our live class, personal feedback on your images  - perfect for the more independent students  

recommended

Fully immersed

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

£259

Self-paced

Core learning resources and follow on access to  Photography for Parents community 
  • 5 core course modules 
  • Bonus Idea Bank module
  • PDF course workbook
  • Pocket reference guide 
  • Access to Photography For Parents Alumni community
  • Support group 
  • Weekly online live class
  • Personal Feedback on your images

£129

Photography for Parents Fundamentals

Next course starts on 25th Sept 2023

Ready to start clicking? There are two 2 ways to learn with us:
OPTION 1: Fully immersed : 
Where you get all the materials, all the personal support, all the bonuses. It's THE best way to learn and get the most of our course if you ask us! 

OPTION 2: Light touch

All the core learning materials and bonus materials but excluding the interactive elements such as our live class, personal feedback on your images  - perfect for the more independent students  

        recommended

Fully immersed

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

SPRING SALE 

Ends Monday

15th May

£259/£159

Self-paced

Core learning resources and follow on access to  Photography for Parents community 
  • 5 core course modules 
  • Bonus Idea Bank module
  • PDF course workbook
  • Pocket reference guide 
  • Access to Photography For Parents Alumni community
  • Support group 
  • Weekly online live class
  • Personal Feedback on your images

£129

But will it work for me? - our guarantee:

SATISFACTION
100% 
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!

Frequently asked questions

What photographic knowledge do I need to start the course?

For our Fundamentals  course, you’ll be absolutely fine even if you’ve never picked up a camera before. If you have, but aren’t 100% comfortable with your settings, you’ll find the course will help you structure your knowledge and you will quite likely pick up a few new tricks as well.

If you’re relatively familiar with the camera’s manual settings, but want to try out new techniques and develop your composition – our Advanced, Level 2 course is the one for you. If you’re not sure where your knowledge puts you, just get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help.

I can't tell if I need a Fundamentals or Advanced course

We created a placement quiz which should help you decide which level is right for you. Download it here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kgxf0cn64b7uq9z/Fundamentals%20or%20Advanced.pdf?dl=0

What do I need for the course?

  • A camera with manual controls – it doesn’t have to be an SLR, a mirrorless or a bridge camera are absolutely fine – get in touch if you’re not sure if yours is up to the job. These days, most cameras beyond the simplest of point-and-shoot ones ( does anyone even buy these anymore?) tend to do just fine. 
  • Ability to spend approximately 2-4h per week ( not necessarily in one go) on your photography practice. We suggest spending at least 15min daily for best results
  • Access to the internet ( that’s a given but we had to mention it )
  • A child / children you can practice your photography on
  • What happens in the course? How does it actually work?

    The course consists of 6 modules, each focusing on a different aspect of photography - 5 core modules and a bonus last module : Idea Bank with advice on follow on practice and development. 

    New materials release

    Every Monday morning, we will release the module's core materials for you to access and read at your leisure. You don't have to be online when they are released - when you log into your learning space, the materials will be waiting for you. The modules include little 'Try it now' exercises which you can follow to immediately put in practice what we explain in the materials.

    Home assignments

    On top of that, you get given weekly homework - nothing strenuous, we usually ask for a few photos which illustrate the skills we teach in that module. Usually, our students tend to spend weekdays on the module and the little practice exercises and do the home assignememt at the weekend. We give you personal, detailed video feedback on those homework photos. Our students often say that this feedback is one of the absolute best things about our course.  Please note that we do not provide feedback in our Light Touch version of the course. 

    Live webinar

    Every week, typically on Wednesday or Thursday evening, we run a live webinar class, during which we cover and expand on all the key elements of that module, we answer your questions, we provide additional explanations and illustrations. These sessions are scheduled in the evening and always recorded, so that even if you couldn't join live, you can always relay them.  Please note that this element os not available to our Light Touch students.

    Support group

    Finally, there is also our private group - for the students of your course only. The group ia a great opportunity to share your images, ask questions, chat to your fellow course mates. It's also where we post any additional materials and info and / or run little additional video demonstrations when needed. 

    Each course is run by an experienced instructor - professional children's photographer who is your main point of contact to answer your questions, provide your feedback and talk to in your FB group and in webinars. They're there to help and nurture and cheer you on in your photo journey. 

    What camera do I need? Does it need to be a Pro camera?

    No. You DO need A camera. And your camera needs to allow you to make changes to some of the manual settings ( going beyond the ‘landscape’. ‘portrait’, ‘fireworks’ modes). You’ll often be able to tell if your camera has those just by looking at it - if it has a wheel with letters M, A, S, P or M, Av, Tv, P on it you’re good to go. Some modern cameras do not have that though, but still let you change those settings, so just drop us a line with your camera’s make and model and we’ll happily advise. We even have a few cameras for rental if you need. 

    Will I improve? I’m not an ‘artist’ type 

    Ah. The question not many people actually ask, but nearly all want to know. Obviously - I don’t know you or your ability BUT I have seen over 1000 students go through our courses ( in person or online) and every single one of them improved. Some improved more than others, some really got the ‘photography bug’ and moved on to start their own photography businesses, some just kept it as their hobby and a way to get better photos of their kids. Not everyone can become the next Annie Leibovitz but everyone can learn how to use the camera to deliver the kind of results they want ( like that blurry background in images or being able to capture your kids on the move - sharp!) and everyone can learn how to master their camera and principles of composition and light which make your photos much stronger. So yes, you will improve, even if you don’t think of yourself as an artist.

    INSIDE THE MODULES - aka WHAT DO YOU LEARN?

    • MOdule 1

    • Module 2

    • Module 3

    • Module 4

    • Module 5

    • Bonus Idea Bank

    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

    Ready to start making friends with your camera?