FAQ London Photography Courses

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering one of our London Digital Photography Courses, we know you may have a few questions or worries as to whether the course is relevant for you, and whether you have the right equipment. We have put together the following frequently asked questions to help you out. If there is anything else that you need to know then please feel free to CONTACT us, you can also find out more information about the requirements of individual courses on the COURSE home page.

What courses do your School offers?
If you wish to see all our photography courses and workshops please visit our courses page here.

What course / workshop level should I attend?

The Photography Course Beginners is suited for those who have no or little experience. The course is for total beginners, for those willing to take a refresher course in the basics of digital photography and digital cameras or for those going on holiday who want better results. You do not need any experience to enrol on the Digital Photography Course for Beginners.

The Photography Course Advanced is suited for those who have a basic understanding of camera commands, have a basic understanding of manual and semi-manual exposure modes including aperture, shutter speed, ISO and have a basic understanding of lenses and exposure.

At our Photography School all other specialised Photography Courses and Workshops are open to those who have a basic understanding of camera commands, have a basic understanding of manual and semi-manual exposure modes including aperture, shutter speed, ISO and have a basic understanding of lenses and exposure.
See more about requirements here.

What camera can I bring?

Both Digital SLR (DSLR) and Professional Compact Cameras with Full Manual Exposure mode are covered in the beginners’ course. For the intermediates level you will need a Digital SLR (DSLR) camera. If you don’t have a DSLR camera yet but still want to attend the courses you can use one of our spare semi-professional DSLRs for the duration of the course. Please let us know in the booking form if you wish to use one of our spare cameras.

Do you offer advice on buying a camera?

Yes we do, we offer valuable advice during all our courses and workshops in terms of equipment purchase according your budget and photography style.

What does DSLR stand for?

DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex, those cameras with the capability to remove the lens and replace it with another. This is what sets these cameras apart from others. Please see below some examples of DSLR cameras:

Nikon D60, Canon EOS 1000D, Sony A200, Pentax K-m, Olympus E-420, Canon EOS 1000D, Canon EOS 450D, Canon EOS 500D, Canon EOS 50D, Canon EOS 550D Canon EOS 5D MKII, Canon EOS 7D, Nikon D3000, Nikon D300S, Nikon D5000 Nikon D700, Nikon D90, Nikon D90, Sony Alpha a330

What is a Professional Compact Camera?

A Professional Compact camera is a Compact Camera with Fully Manual Exposure Mode which offers you control over the ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture values. Please see below some examples of Professional Compact Cameras:

Canon Powershot G10, Canon Powershot G11, Canon Powershot SX1, Leica D-LUX 3 SIGMA DP1, Nikon Coolpix P90, Olympus SP-550UZ, Fujifilm Finepix s1000FD

Who are the tutors?

Please visit our Photography School tutors page for info about our tutors.

How will I be taught?

At our Photography School you will be taught with professional methods, in professional venues including power point presentations projected on a large screen, physical examples, practical exercises, impromptu demonstrations, tests, assignments, home work, etc. You will get to go out and practice with the camera in Central London on the South Bank along the river Thames. You will receive a PDF version of the full course materials for each course.

What are the times of the courses?
Times of the courses are:
weekends 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM.
weekdays 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM.
evenings 6.00 PM to 9.00 PM.
one to one – flexible options, any times, please make contact to discuss your requirements

Will I have a chance to give my views on the course?
Photoion Photography School provides a comprehensive evaluation form for each student for each photography course which you will fill in at the end of your course. These are monitored in depth and help us to continually improve our courses and our tutors teaching style. All your comments and suggestions will be fully taken on board.

What is the maximum number of attendees?
The number of attendees for all courses varies from 4 to 8. Photoion Photography School limits the number of the attendees to 8 to ensure maximum effectiveness of the intensive hands-on training.

What do I need to bring?
You only need to bring your camera, lenses (at least one lens), battery and memory card. You will have to be curios, keen to learn and get involved. If you haven’t got a camera yet but still want to attend the course you can borrow one of our spare semi-professional DSLRs + lenses + flashgun + tripod for the duration of the course. If you are planning to buy a new camera, we can offer advice on what camera and lenses to buy according to your budget and the photography style you wish to pursue.

Is there any Support and Advice after course?
Following the course our tutors are happy to help and assist with any further questions you may have (unlimited follow-up email advice). Your satisfaction is important to us and we are very interested to follow your photographic evolution after the course. You can get in contact with us with any questions you may have and submit your photographs for feedback and discuss your work with our tutors and other students online.

Is there any Early Bird Discount Available?
Yes, if you book your place at least 2 months in advance we will give you a 5 % discount. Please choose your course here and contact us; we will provide you with a discount code via email.

Can I buy an Open Date Photography Gift Voucher?
You can purchase open date gift vouchers for friends or family members here. Please complete the booking form providing the name of the person that you buy the voucher for choosing the type of the course (or make contact). Subsequently, you will be sent the voucher via e-mail. The voucher is personalised and consists of a PDF file containing the name of the recipient and a greeting message which can be personalised. Subsequently the recipient will get in contact with us to discuss availability and decide on the dates. The voucher has unlimited
period and it can be used whenever the recipient wishes to.

I want to book for a group of people and use my own venue. Do I get a discount for using my own venue?
Yes, if you want to book the course for a large group and want to use your own venue a discount applies. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

How do I pay for a course / workshop?
If you choose to pay by Internet Bank Transfer / Cheque (preferred payment options), Postal Order or cash, the payment details and address are provided in the confirmation email. We can also provide you with an invoice. We also accept all major credit and debit cards online but please note that we will be charged £10 for each online card transaction so we prefer to receive the payment via bank transfer.

Can I pay only a deposit to reserve my place?
Yes, please contact us to discuss this option.

What happens after I booked my course?
You receive a booking confirmation via e-mail within the next few minutes. Soon after, you will receive full joining instructions, maps and directions including the pre course materials via e-mail.

Do I take breaks during the courses?

Yes, there are short breaks (5 minutes) for refreshments and 30 minutes lunch breaks during all courses and workshops.

Can I get a certificate?
We offer a Certificate after completing all our courses and workshops, you just need to ask the tutor during the course or please contact us.