Photography Courses in Leigh, Manchester

My photography courses cater to all skill levels, ensuring everyone can develop their talent.

Get Off Auto & Shoot Like a Pro
(Studio Photography Lessons)

Learn to Shoot Like a Pro – One Step at a Time

If you’ve ever wondered how to take complete control of your camera, master lighting, or capture portraits that truly stand out, these focused 2-hour photography modules are made for you. Taught in my fully equipped studio at Spinners Mill, Leigh, each lesson is hands-on, relaxed and designed to help you learn quickly — without the jargon or confusion.

Whether you’re a beginner wanting to finally get off Auto mode, or a keen enthusiast ready to explore studio lighting, lenses, or working with models, you’ll gain real practical experience that makes a difference. Each session builds your confidence behind the camera and gives you clear, repeatable techniques you can use immediately — in the studio, outdoors or at home.

With small groups, individual attention and plenty of time to shoot, you’ll leave each module not just with new skills but with images you’ve created yourself — and the know-how to do it again and again.

Gift vouchers are available for photography lessons, please use the enquiry form below for more details.

photography courses Leigh Wigan Manchester Bolton Warrington

Module 1: Get Off Auto – Master Your Camera

Duration: 2 hours
Level: Beginner
Price: £50

This beginner photography course is the best starting point if you are new to photography or still relying on Auto mode. I will show you how to take control of your camera settings so you can make deliberate choices instead of hoping the camera gets it right.

You will learn how shutter speed, aperture and ISO work together, how to use Manual mode, and when Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority may be useful. We will also cover exposure, motion blur, depth of field and sharpness, with practical exercises so the information makes sense in real shooting situations.

Module 2: Lenses, Composition and Better Photographs

Duration: 2 hours
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Price: £50

This photography course looks at how lens choice changes the look and feel of your images. Many beginners assume a lens simply brings the subject closer, but focal length, perspective, compression and depth of field all affect the final photograph.

I will show you the difference between wide-angle, standard and telephoto lenses, and how each can be used for portraits, landscapes, studio work and general photography. We will also cover composition, including framing, balance, leading lines, backgrounds and how to make your images look more intentional.

Module 3: Studio Lighting Made Simple

Duration: 2 hours
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Price: £50

This practical photography course introduces studio lighting in a clear and simple way. Studio lighting can seem complicated at first, but once you understand light direction, distance, height and softness, it becomes much easier to control.

You will learn how to use softboxes, umbrellas, reflectors and studio backgrounds, along with simple one-light and two-light setups. The aim is not to overwhelm you with technical jargon, but to help you understand how to shape light for stronger portraits.

Module 4: Working with Models and Posing Techniques

Duration: 3 hours
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Price: £150 including model fees

This module is for photographers who want to become more confident photographing people. It is one of my more advanced photography courses because it covers both the technical and communication side of working with a model.

Working with a model is not just about camera settings. It is also about direction, preparation, posing, confidence and making the person in front of the camera feel comfortable.

We will cover how to plan a model photoshoot, how to use mood boards, how to give clear direction, and how to avoid awkward posing. You will learn simple posing principles for shoulders, hands, angles, expression and body position, with guidance for portraits, fashion-style images and lifestyle photographs.

The session includes a live model shoot with individual feedback, giving you the chance to practise directing, shooting and adjusting as the session develops.

Module 5: Lightroom and Photoshop Basics

Duration: 2 hours
Level: Beginner
Price: £50

Some photography courses stop once the photograph has been taken, but editing is an important part of the process. This module introduces the basics of Lightroom and Photoshop so you can organise, edit and export your images properly.

I will show you how to import your photographs, manage files, make basic adjustments, crop and straighten images, improve exposure and colour, and export files for print, websites or social media.

The aim is to give you a simple editing workflow that you can repeat at home without feeling lost.

Private One-to-One Photography Courses

If you want more focused help, I also offer private one-to-one photography courses tailored around your camera, your ability and the type of photography you want to improve.

These sessions can cover camera settings, studio lighting, composition, portraits, product photography, working with models, editing, or any specific problem you are struggling with. A private photography course is often the fastest way to improve because the session is built around you rather than a fixed group structure.

Specialist Photography Courses

I also offer focused 2-hour photography courses for photographers who want guidance in a specific area. These are priced at £120 for two hours and can include:

Dog photography
Iris photography
Family portraits
Wedding photography basics
Headshots
Product photography
Studio lighting
Portrait photography

These specialist photography courses are practical and honest. I will show you what works, what to avoid, and how to approach the subject properly in a real-world setting.

Photography Course Prices

Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5: £50 per 2-hour session
Module 4, Working with Models: £150 for 3 hours including model fees
Specialist 2-hour photography courses: £120
Photography Business Coaching: £250 for 2 hours

You can book a single photography course or combine several modules depending on what you want to learn.

Thinking of Starting a Photography Business?

If you’re thinking about turning your photography into a business, it’s easy to get overwhelmed — and even easier to waste money on things you simply don’t need.

This Business Module coaching session offers a frank and honest appraisal of what it really takes to get started. No fluff, no gimmicks — just straight, real-world advice based on experience.

You’ll gain a clear understanding of:

  • What you actually need to begin
  • What you don’t need (and where most people waste money)
  • How to approach pricing, clients, and building your reputation

The session is completely flexible and tailored to you. We can cover any topics you want, including:

  • Advertising that works (and what to avoid)
  • Networking and finding your first clients
  • Marketing strategies to get noticed locally
  • Equipment — what’s essential vs what’s unnecessary
  • The best places to buy gear without overspending

Whether you’re just starting out or still in the thinking stage, this session gives you clarity, confidence, and a realistic plan moving forward.

👉 If you’re serious about starting a photography business, this could save you hundreds — if not thousands — in costly mistakes.

One off cost £250 for 2 hours of honest and valuable advice.

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beginners photography lessons Leigh Manchester Wigan