Take your photography to the next level.

A hands on course for intermediate and advanced photographers. Committed beginners are welcome, you will be expected to have the basics sorted (an understanding of the effect of aperture and shutter speeds on your images). This course will teach you how to understand the creative process and your thought processes. It will focus your energy and production of photographs into bodies of work around central themes. You will develop your photographic composition, and understanding of the possible creative tools at your disposal for creating collections of stunning images.

You will become involved in a photographic community and will make new friends. You will learn to focus your creative energy into meaningful projects. Your skills in critiquing photographs will be developed. You will complete a number of exercises, practising the concepts and techniques to help you become unconsciously competent with your camera. This is a practical course. You will be producing new photographs each week. There will be homework, you will be required to be disciplined and focused, though your photographs don’t have to be in focus.

Each week you will learn new information about photography with a presentation by Len on a set subject. You will be given the opportunity to ask open questions and work through personal process / photography technicalities. You will bring in your work regularly and have it critiqued by the group and by your mentor / tutor. You will have practical classroom photography exercises and numerous field excursions to practice what you are learning in class. There will be regular field trips, demonstrations and practice.

Finally we will concentrate on presenting your photographs as meaningful products. Looking and researching outlets for sharing your work. The course will be a mixture of presentations, classroom exercises & activities, groups work, videos, homework (including lots of creating images), personal research, and personal photographic projects. You will be looking for and researching outlets for sharing your work.

This course includes a student exhibition at the end of the year.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course you will:

• develop a photographic community
• identify, develop, document and produce a number of photographic projects
• practice and improve photographic critiquing skills
• explore and analyse master photographs
• de-construct photographic artworks
• explore and understand your creative and thinking processes
• have been challenged
• critique photographic compositional devices
• experience camera love
• meet and network with fellow photographers
• have been held accountable for your photographic projects
• progressed
• presented your photographs
• immersed yourself in photography for a year
• grow your visual literacy
• complete a number of photographic exercises
• write an artists statement
• be inspired
• be encouraged
• photograph under the guidance of your tutor and mentor
• photograph a professional model
• visit a photography gallery

During the course you might:

• design and produce a book
• complete a photograph a day challenge
• complete a self portrait project
• curate your own exhibition
• produce and design a website of your work
• develop a business plan
• make new friends
• laugh & enjoy yourself
• start a new career
• take lots of photographs
• develop and maintain a photoblog
• build a website
• publish your photographs
• prepare a portfolio of your work

This course starts with basic camera competence image processing and printing. All photographic formats, forms, genres and techniques are welcome.

You will need a camera and a means of printing your work, time to work on your photography, enthusiasm / passion about photography, an open mind and some paper. It is recommended that you have a computer and an internet connection at home.

The course includes tuition, mentoring, tea & coffee, notes, certificate of completion & 12 months e-learning access to Len’s School.

= 32 sessions

= 4 x 8 week terms comprised of

2012 full year- Day class (includes full practical sessions, photoshoots and excursions)

This class has started, but there is still room in it if you would like to join in.

Includes one group exhibition in November 2012 in Sydney CBD.

9.30 am  – 3.30 pm – finish times vary (sunset shoots & excursions as required for best lighting conditions)

Thursdays – Willoughby Starts 9th February 2012

Investment: $995.00 per term (4 terms in the year) or $365.00 per month for 11 months

2012 Night Mid Year Start (does not include full practical sessions, photoshoots and excursions)

Tuesday evenings 6.30 – 9.30 – Willoughby Starts 26th July 2012

Investment: $495.00 per term (4 terms in the year) or $190.00 per month for 11 months

Excursions, practical sessions, exercises and photoshoots add extra $495.00 per term – times and dates to be determined by demand – (ie weekends or another week night) 8 x 3 hr sessions

Deposit of $200 is required to secure your spot on the program, which will be credited to your term 4 fees.

By booking on this course you are committing to a full year of 4 terms.

Classes are kept small to maximise your learning.

It is recommended that you do one of Len’s short courses or photographic tours and have good control of your camera prior to starting this unique program.

Note: Len reserves the right to modify and change the program to suit the group and his own best judgement. The fees do not include your photographic consumables or project costs incurred throughout the year.

For more information please use the contact from and you will be sent a detailed flyer and course outline.

Student testimonials

“Len is a master of adult education to the point where you assimilate information without even realising it. I was guided to focus in new areas of photography revealing strengths that I did not know I had. It challenged and stretched me well beyond any of the photographic courses I had done before.
I am completing the course with a much greater depth of knowledge; of skills; of confidence and a vibrant excitement with photography. The dynamics of the group, gently guided by Len, contributed greatly to the best course I have ever done.”
Paul Hulbert

“Len’s fantastic ability to make everyone feel comfortable was vital, especially when critiquing other people’s work. The bond between the class members is very strong and supportive. This was even more apparent on our outings. The days were not just for learning and sharing knowledge, but were for having fun.

The homework and projects that were set not only enabled us to use the information learnt in our own work, but allowed Len to guide us to produce some outstanding work throughout the year. This culminated in an end of year exhibition. This was daunting at the beginning of the year, but with the extra knowledge and confidence gained throughout the year, it became an exciting prospect.

Len’s teaching and leadership has helped me to create a style of my own that I am comfortable with, but I’m also willing now to try different ways to communicate with my audience. I have learnt to watch the light more and be patient, both with myself and the subject. I believe I will continue now to grow as a photographer thanks to Lens class. I cannot thank him enough.”  
Dot Radley

“The course this year has been fabulous. When I reflect on what I have learnt, it is very difficult to describe.  At one level it is easy.  I have learnt many new techniques and I have  connected with a much broader photographic community than previously.  

The aspect that is more difficult to put into words, is the way I have grown and matured as a photographer.   Your course has given me structure, it has challenged me in ways that I have never been challenged before, it has made me think in a new ways and it has given me the confidence to take risks with my photography.  

In your own quiet way you have allowed me to discover a photographer within that I had not previously been confident enough to recognise.  I am now attempting different types of photography than before. You have helped me discover what my strengths are, or more importantly, what my photographic strengths can be.  I find myself speaking about my work with more confidence than ever before.  I’m not afraid to use photographic and artistic language in discussions about my work.  You’ve given me language I can use and you’ve believed in my photography enough for me to feel pride in what I’ve produced this year.  This in itself is a major outcome.  I started the year knowing I loved photography but not knowing if I had the potential to be really good at it.”
Shirley Steel

“Learning how to critique images and put said skills into practice on our own and our groups work has been invaluable  in making me think more about all the different elements that make up a good image. Having weekly homework and setting a goal for the end of term makes you get out of your comfort zone and try new things.

Many thanks Len for your hard work and caring attitude. With your guidance I feel my skills as a photographer has grown along with my understanding of the art form and its many aspects.”
Anne Baker