Photography

What will the course Cover?

This course guides you through the theory and practice of shooting after dark, combining controlled studio work with guided outdoor shoots around Hammersmith. You will learn how to manually expose for low light, use long-exposure techniques for cityscapes and light trails, and experiment with light painting. Studio exercises and guided night shoots (riverside, bridge, and nearby streets) will help you build confidence and control. In the final session, you will review and refine your images in a short post-production workshop, leaving with a small portfolio and enhanced technical and creative skills. Topics include: • Camera settings for low light. • Creative lighting and control. • Long exposure, motion blur, and light painting. • Composition and colour at night. • Post-production workflow for low-light images.

Who is this course for?

This course is for photographers who are confident using manual mode and want to build their skills in low-light and night photography. It is ideal if you already understand aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and are keen to explore portraiture, long-exposure cityscapes, and creative lighting. You should be comfortable working both in the studio and outdoors at night, including short walks during shoots.

What skills, knowledge or experience do I need to start this course?

You will need a working knowledge of manual camera settings - aperture, shutter speed, and ISO - and be confident using them. Experience with basic composition and lighting will help you get the most from the course. You need to be willing to work in low light / after dark and to follow safety guidance for night shoots.

What should I be able to do by the end of the course?

By the end of the course, you will be able to confidently control exposure in low-light and night settings using aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and metering. You will apply creative lighting techniques like light painting, and produce well-composed night cityscapes, portraits, and motion studies using long exposures and stabilisation. You will also understand how to work safely and responsibly during night shoots, including legal and ethical considerations. In post-production, you will learn how to reduce noise, recover shadow detail, and enhance colour. You’ll develop a personal style and critical eye for evaluating night photography, and leave with a small, coherent portfolio that reflects your technical and creative growth.

How is the course organised?

The course combines short talks, hands-on studio exercises, and on-location night sessions. You will receive constructive feedback on your photographs and be encouraged to contribute to discussions on each other’s work.

What extra study or practice is expected outside of the class?

To maximise your learning, it is recommended that you practice between sessions.

How will my progress be assessed?

Through tutor feedback, one-to-one and in-group discussions. Progress will be recorded on an Individual Learning Plan.

What can I expect to go on to after this course?

You may choose to further develop your skills through intermediate or advanced photography courses, explore specialised areas such as portrait, landscape, documentary or studio photography, or experiment with editing software to enhance your images.

Are there any other costs and what do I need to bring?

Digital mirrorless, DSLR or bridge camera with full manual controls. Sturdy tripod and (recommended) remote shutter release. Warm, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear for outdoor sessions. Optional but useful: a fast prime lens (e.g., f/1.8 or faster) and portable continuous LED torch or coloured lights.

What support is available?

Help with literacy or numeracy is available through the basic education programme and the ESOL programme offers help for speakers of other languages. Additional support can be provided for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Details of all available support can be found on our website (hfals.co.uk), in the Guide, the Student Handbook, or from teaching and reception staff.

Tutor - Jad Oakes

Jad is a multi disciplined artist whose work draws inspiration from memory and time. Lens based media has formed the foundations of his practice, utilising over 20 years of experience working within the eclectic range of disciplines that make up the photographic industry. Over this time Jad has had the opportunity to work on both film and digital, 35mm to large format. As a commercial photographer he has been commissioned to produce work for advertising campaigns, corporate institutions and the creative arts industry both on location and in the studio. His experience is not only limited to the role of the photographer, having had the opportunity to work in diverse roles of photographic production. From assisting photographers to creative post production, budgeting, contracts and working in a photographic lab. His ongoing artistic practice, presented as ongoing projects or completed series, uses both found photographic imagery, staged studio photography and moving image.