One-Day Seminars - Composition and Postprocessing for Landscape Photography

As photographers, it's very easy to get bogged down by the technical aspects of using the camera. In these special one-day seminars I'll be taking a step back from that. Instead, we'll focus on composition (pun, I'm sorry to say, intended) and using postprocessing tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to get the most out of your images.

There are three seminars, one on composition and two on postprocessing: a beginners and an advanced level. It's important to note that these are indoor seminars. I'll be demonstrating techniques and concepts on a projector, so you don't need to bring your own cameras.

Seminars are run in both Cork City and in Dublin. Running time is from 10am to 5pm with an hour break for lunch at 1pm.

The Cork City venue is UCC, and the Dublin venue is UCD. Specific details will be sent out to attendees closer to the dates.

Composition

The goal of the composition seminar is to give you insight into the way I make my images and how you can learn to see as I do.

I invite each participant to bring one image (in digital format) with them, which I will critique and demonstrate by cropping how it might be improved.

Skill Levels

Suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.

Topics Covered Include

• The rules of composition explained, and knowing when to break them.
• Seeing in different formats - don't be a slave to the shape of your sensor.
• Using perspective to your advantage.
• Knowing what to exclude from your images.
• Learning how to previsualize.

Postprocessing (Beginners)

This seminar will give you an introduction to the basics of postprocessing. I will be showing techniques using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Photoshop Elements will also be covered. While not all editing software is identical, these skills will be transferrable to pretty much any other programme.

I invite each participant to bring one image (in RAW format) with them, which I will critique and demonstrate how it might be improved with simple postprocessing.

Skill Levels

This seminar is suitable for rank beginners - no prior knowledge of postprocessing is assumed. It would also appeal to those who are more advanced and have some knowledge of Photoshop, but for whom RAW processing is a bit of a mystery.

Topics Covered Include

• Understanding RAW and why you should be using it.
• In-depth look at RAW converters and how they can make your life much easier.
• Understanding the histogram.
• Exposing to the right for maximum detail.
• A basic postprocessing workflow to get the most from your images without complex Photoshop techniques.

Postprocessing (Advanced)

This seminar is for those who have taken the beginners seminar and are hungry for more, and for those who already have a basic grasp of postprocessing but who are looking to expand their skills in Photoshop. Lightroom and Photoshop Elements will also be covered.

I will be making extensive use of layers and masking to make subtle adjustments to images.

I invite each participant to bring one image (in digital format) with them, which I will critique and demonstrate how it might be improved using the techniques I'll be showing you.

Topics Covered Include

• Using Photoshop for more subtle and powerful adjustment to your images.
• Using layers effectively in Photoshop, including layer masks.
• Panoramic stitching.
• HDR processing.
• Sharpening - from capture to print.
• Printing workflow, including colour management and soft proofing.

Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

To book, simply click the link above. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me on 01 685 3000. Alternatively, you can email me.

Once you've booked your place, I'll be in touch with further details about the day.

Testimonials

"Excellent seminar. Very easy to understand. Look forward to next one."

— Theresa Moynes

"The pace was very good. I really enjoyed this informative seminar. Very good value."

— Margaret Brown

"Very much appreciated your honesty in showing photos straight from camera to final image... Thank you so much - please do more!"

— Anonymous

"Excellent & informative - would love to do another one."

— Breda Jackson

"Thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot. Need now to go back and rework some images ... properly!"

— Sean Roche

"Extremely enjoyable & informative. Peter's photographs were spectacular & I will be looking into attending more courses/seminars of his. Thank you."

— Jane Campbell