Learn about some of the techniques and equipment we use for our professional photography and fine art prints.
Keith’s personal photography training is One-2-One and aimed at professional or amateur photographers.
Intended for more advanced photographers the courses are completely bespoke and are tailored to your level of experience and cover what you want to cover…
Keith is a qualified adult tutor (C&G 7307) and university lecturer and has a popular YouTube channel that focuses on photography related help, advice, tutorials, hints, tips and practical, hands-on product reviews.
Personal photography training topics
Sessions can cover both the technical and aesthetic elements of photography.
Our bespoke personal photography training can cover any of the topics listed below – OR you can build your own bespoke course from a reasonable combination of any of the general subjects or specific areas detailed.
The list is not exhaustive and if there’s something you’d like Keith to cover but it’s not in the list, please just ask – we may be able to help.
Intermediate photography skills
Including: choosing the right lens for the job; optimal settings for your lenses; working with light; developing your eye for composition; optimising exposure for print
Advanced photography skills
Including: camera colour management; composition for wide angle photography; stitching and composite images; making high resolution multi shot composite photographs; shooting for [subtle] HDR
Architectural photography
Including: learning to use manual exposure and camera settings; perspective control; choosing the right focal length; using the right tripod and camera support; finding the right view; making use of people in your architectural images; managing ultra-long exposures; use of shadow as a compositional element; balance and proportion in your photos; photographing detail
Understanding and using tilt and shift lenses
This is one of Keith’s specialist areas of expertise and he is a published author in the field – so we have a dedicated page for this training topic
Landscape Photography
Including: lens choice; camera settings; framing the subject; composition using light and the weather; composition for colour and black and white; learning about negative space; white balance and exposure; the image as a print; special lighting; taking your time without losing spontaneity; the importance of detail
Black and White photography and printing
Including: the optimal camera settings for black and white; taking the right photo for black and white conversion; getting the right tone and balance in your composition; lighting directions; processing colour images for black and white printing; paper choice and contrast; colour management for black and white printing; using a black and white test image to understand your printer; local versus global contrast; handling detail in black and white prints; contrast and depth in black and white prints
Macro and close up photography
Including: camera settings; lens choice; specialist macro lenses and why you would use them; close-up lighting; controlling reflections and shadow; focus staking (manual and motorised); lighting for detail; lighting types and their uses
Fine Art printing
Including: choosing the right shot for printing; image editing for print; setting up and getting the best from your printer; monitor calibration and getting your print right; printing and using profiles; choosing the right paper; re-sizing and sharpening; optimal printer settings; making large prints; printing strong colours
Colour managing your workflow
Including: colour management from camera to print; why your prints don’t match your screen; ensuring your prints are not too dark; camera profiles; choosing your working colour space; editing tools; monitor calibration and profiling; printer profiling; choosing your rendering intent; understanding gamut; print lighting and evaluation; colour management for the black and white workflow; creating your own custom printer profiles; using test images to improve your prints
Panoramic photography
Including: lens choice; panoramic composition; camera settings – the importance of manual exposure; stitching images; panoramic photography with a shift lens; using the right tripod/ camera support – and when not to use either; projection geometry choices; printing your panoramic images
Personal photography training:
The kit & equipment you’ll need
A ‘Full Frame’ DSLR or mirrorless camera is recommended – and don’t forget your memory cards.
For printer training you’ll need – as a minimum – a good quality A3 printer, although A2 and larger is preferred.
For editing, you’ll need Photoshop – although the very latest version is not needed. Lightroom is fine for initial editing, but not for print work at the highest levels – also the training can include the use of various plug-ins, some of which may only work with Photoshop.
We very specifically don’t sell cameras, printers, accessories or software, but, if you want or need to upgrade your kit, we are happy to offer buying advice before you book a course.
After your personal photography training…
If you’ve been on one of our courses, we don’t expect every detail to stick. That’s why we’re happy to respond to questions or equipment purchase queries following your session.
Personal photography training from Keith Cooper.
Client testimonials
"We booked a day with Keith for some bespoke professional printing and scanning training. I cannot speak highly enough of Keith, his knowledge is second to none. Keith was able to undertake the training at our studio using our Epson scanner and Epson P7500 printer ensuring we maximised his time and our money. Worth every penny, 5 STARS!!!!"
Rebekah Findlay"I spent a great day with Keith on a 121 basis covering topics from setting up a photography business, post production and printing. All elements were very useful and especially the parts on printing where I learned a lot. Keith really knows his subject matter and real world applications, very worth while investment."
Simon OPhotography training costs
Half Day Training£379 |
Full Day Training£599 |
All prices are for single sessions, please also see our Terms and Conditions for training services.
A half day is up to 3.5 hrs of training time, a full day up to 6.5 hrs.
Hotels and expenses (if required) are charged at cost.
Our training courses are held at your own preferred location, where you will be taking your own photographs
Expenses: £0.69 per mile for all courses outside of Leicestershire PLUS £30 per hour travel expenses for all courses more than 2 hours from our base in Leicester. We charge nothing for the first 2 hours (in each direction) then £30 per hour, rounded up to a full hour.
For a more accurate idea of costs, please contact us to discuss your exact requirements and we'll be happy to send a detailed quote.
Please note: payment is required in advance of training session(s), unless payment on the day is arranged (by prior agreement only).
If you are a commercial business looking for training, please contact us directly to discuss your requirements.
Using a tilt/shift lens for architecture
Commercial training
Please note that the personal photography training courses described above are different from our wide range of commercial photographic training courses run for companies and on behalf of our corporate clients, where we work throughout the UK and speak at international seminars and conferences.
Northlight Images provides bespoke, on-site hands-on training courses for companies, for up to 4 trainees, OR training for larger groups in seminar or lecture settings.
For the different types of corporate training, see details on our main training for business pages.
Services for training providers
As well as commercial and personal photography training, Keith Cooper provides specialist photography training options for course organisers at training locations throughout the UK and abroad.
An affordable enhancement to your own range of course options – rates vary, dependent on location and course content.
Bespoke photography training courses can include any of the individual topics listed on this page, or a combination of subjects tailored to you specific needs.