Digital SLR Photography Lessons

Do you own a digital SLR camera and wish you could use it like a pro? Would you like to take photographs with more punch and eye-catching composition? Perhaps you'd like some pointers on technical issues like lighting and exposure or simply want to get to grips with the basics of aperture and shutter speed?

Well if any of that sounds familiar, now you can do something about it in a fun and relaxed environment with a professional photographer. Instead of reading a manual you can learn from me in a practical hands-on session. I also teach businesses how to use their company cameras and can come to your offices or place of work.

I launched my DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera lessons in response to clients who wanted to learn how to take better pictures themselves. After tutoring a client and a few friends, I gave my first official lesson in January 2009. Soon I was approached by Digital Photographer Magazine who asked me if I would give a lesson to a reader and allow them to write a feature around it.

Nick was chosen as my student and we met on a glorious Spring day in Regents Park with journalist Josie Reavely watching our every move. We soon forgot she was there and before long Nick was using his camera with confidence and having fun too. Nick gave me a great review and emailed me afterwards to thank me personally and I was chuffed. You can read the full article for yourselves at Digital Photographer Magazine.

Since then I have taught lots of happy students and received some great customer feedback.

If you're feeling inspired and interested in booking a lesson for yourself, your friends, your business, or as a gift, please see my prices and options.

For group lesson dates, please click here.

For directions to the lesson point, please click here.

And finally a few practicalities and my policy on cancellations.

Group lessons are a fun affordable way to learn and private lessons are flexible and can be tailored to suit you. I also teach Adobe Photoshop and general photo processing if requested but If you’re not sure exactly what you’re looking for, just call me for chat or email me . I look forward to hearing from you.

Booking

To book lessons please call me on 020 7263 2239 or 07766 241763.

Or email me on info@susannahfields.co.uk.

Pricing and Options

Group Lessons:

Lessons are tailored for 3-5 people and last three hours. The pace is set according to all those on the lesson and group activities will encourage everyone to learn something, whatever their ability. However, please note the lessons are beginner lessons, designed for those switching from film to digital, picking up an SLR for the first time, or comfortable shooting on programme or auto-modes only and wanting to learn more. Group beginner lessons are also a great opportunity if you know most of the settings, but are not comfortable with how to use them.

Group lessons will only go ahead if a minimum of three people are booked on. Everyone must be contactable on the morning of the lesson, in case of wet weather. If the lesson is called off you will have the option of a full refund or re-booking on an alternative date.

Group lessons will be back in summer - please register your interest or set-up your own private groups.

Private Lessons:

The standard private photography beginners lesson is your lesson, booked around your timetable, and tailored exactly to your requirements. You can also share it with your own partner, friends and colleagues. Availability on lesson dates is flexible according to your schedule. I can do week day evenings in summer, and week days and weekends throughout the year.

Price: £150 for a 2-hr lesson (suitable for 1-2 people) & £200 for a 3-hr lesson. (suitable for 3-5 people).

A separate quote will be given for bespoke lessons tailored for businesses (to cover the planning time and travel to your offices). And if you want something in particular like a series of lessons, Photo-Shop or computer set up, please ask for a tailored quote.

Group lessons are ideal if you have a group of friends/colleagues who want to learn together and you can ask me to tailor a specific lesson for you. I can also visit your club/group if you’re interested in having a photography session. Please call or email me with your requirements and l will send you a quote.

Vouchers for lessons can also be purchased as gifts and are redeemable for up to 3 months. Vouchers purchased during Nov-Feb (ideal for Xmas gifts) will allow for bad weather and if we get a cold spell, can be extended, as long as you get in touch.

Group lessons for Spring and Summer 2012 will be scheduled in after March. Please check back here or send me an email to register your interest.

Directions

Unless another location is arranged, photo lessons take place near Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath, Gospal Oak.

The meeting point is on Highgate Road, on the corner of Woodsome Road, NW5 - Outside The Bull and Last pub -opposite the C2 & C11 bus stop - there are wooden picnic benches outside where we meet each other. (Sat Nav or Streetmap: NW5 1QS).

The nearest overground train station is Gospel Oak (0.4 miles - approximately a seven minute walk) .

The nearest tube station is Kentish Town (0.6 miles - approx a 10 minute walk, or jump on bus C2 towards Parliament Hill Fields or Bus 214 towards Highgate Village / North Road and get off opposite the pub).

From Tufnell Park tube station (0.5 miles - approx an 8 minute walk).

On street parking is also available - free on Sundays and Saturdays and after 12pm weekdays - on Highgate Road, Woodsome Road, Saint Albans Road and surrounding roads. There are meters in the car-park by the Parliament Hill Lido, Gordon House Road, if you are meeting me on a week day before 12pm. (Sat Nav or Streetmap: NW5 1LP).

Other local options are Kenwood House and Waterlow Park (Highgate Hill), for private lessons. I can also come to your home for a surcharge of £5 per mile from my place to yours which covers travel time and costs.

Practicalities

Please wear comfortable footwear as we will be on the Heath - but nowhere too muddy, or too taxing, so don't worry!

Please note we won't have anywhere to put bags, (except the ground near us), so please travel lightly and use a back-pack if possible so your hands are free.

Lessons are fairly relaxed so if you need a break Just ask. Mainly however we just stay where we on the Heath. It is recommended therefore that you bring your own drink/snack if you think you might want one. There are toilets and a café nearby.

You must bring with you a digital SLR camera (if you haven’t got one because you are taking lessons before you buy, you can use one of mine but please mention at time of booking).

Please familiarise yourself with the function buttons on your camera. Although I am a professional photographer, I do not know how to locate all the function buttons on every make of camera! If you are unsure, it is advisable to bring your manual, so we don’t waste too much lesson time and can locate buttons easily.

If you are running late for the lesson time, please phone me on my mobile: 07766 241763. If its a group lesson it will start without you, but I can tell you how to find us.

Regardless of the time you arrive, the lesson will still finish at the original time intended and if you don't turn up; your fee will not be refunded.

You will be given a comprehensive handout at the end of the lesson, so you shouldn’t need to take notes, but it's your lesson and we go at your pace, so feel free to bring a notepad and pen if you prefer to write some things down.

Cancellations

If it's raining on the day of the lesson (private or group) or looks like rain, we will call off and re-schedule at no extra cost to you (we will make a decision over the phone before you leave home). Please provide a mobile number in case of this eventuality. If you are unsure, call me before you leave home.

If it starts to rain once the lesson has begun, we will have to continue, there is some shelter on the heath near where we do the lesson and I cannot be held responsible for dramatic changes in the weather.

The lesson fee is paid upfront (cheque or bank transfer) - refunds are not given. Lessons can be transferable.

For private lessons, you can transfer the lesson to another date at no extra charge, if you give me more than 24 hours notice.

For group lessons, you can transfer the lesson to another date at no extra charge, if you give me 2 week's notice. If you give less than 2 week's notice, you will only receive a refund if I can replace you, or if the minimum requirement of three students has been met.

If you are buying a voucher for a friend, they will need to book their lesson within 3 months of the voucher date and then the same cancellation terms and conditions will apply.

Occasionally I will have to cancel a lesson because a commercial photography job has come up, in this instance you will be offered a full refund or a chance to reschedule. This doesn't happen often as I usually choose the hours and locations of my jobs, but sometimes I get asked to cover an event that is already fixed. I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but it is the nature of my work.