Bristol Photographic Society

Category: Photography Course

  • Photography Course – BPS Members Booking Form

    Photography Course – BPS Members Booking Form

    Book your space Today!

    Please complete all parts of the form below to book your place.

    • Address
    £132

    You’ll be redirected to PayPal to complete your order.

  • Membership Application (Photography Course)

    Membership Application (Photography Course)

    Photography Course

    As Part of the Photography Course, you are able to take up our offer of a year free membership to Bristol Photographic Society.
    To take this offer up, please complete the below Membership Application form.

    Officers of the Society will send official communications and other information to you by email. Please select one of the following (please "click" in the appropriate box):

    We will hold the following personal information about you:

    • Name
    • Photographic honours
    • Address
    • Phone number
    • Email address
    • Membership number
    • Date of joining

    In accordance with data protection requirements, you may contact the Membership Secretary at any time to update or see what information is held about you. We will not share any of the information we hold on a member without obtaining that member’s express permission.

    Notes

    1. Bristol Photographic Society is a Company limited by guarantee. It does not have a share capital. Every member of the Company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Company in the event of the same being wound up while he or she is a member, or within one year after he or she ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Company contracted before he or she ceases to be a member and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves, such amount as may be required not exceeding one pound.
    2. The Company is registered in England (Registered No. 2004478)
    3. The Company’s registered office is: Unit 13, Montpelier Central, Station Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5EE
     
    4.  Subscription rates for 2022/23:
     
    Full member:
    £65
    If the member is the spouse or partner of a member living at 
    the same address, the normal rate for the second member is:
    £47
    Full time student holding Student Union Card:
    £47
    Member living more than 50 miles from Bristol:
    £21
    New member, for one three-month period only:
    £26

    (leaving your initials is legally equivalent to a signature)
  • Photography Course Portal (2020)

    Photography Course Portal (2020)

    Photography Course

    Course Update;

    Course lectures will be delivered through Zoom, see below for Zoom Meeting Details.

    Lecture via Zoom

    Click title ⌃ to quickly attend lectures – Next Zoom Lecture is on Tues 10th Nov
    Meeting ID: 840 4593 4640
    Password: 644722

    If you are looking to take up the Membership Offer, please click here to complete BPS Membership Application form Online.

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    BPS Photography Course Programme 2020

    1 file(s) 243.10 KB
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    Trips Information;

    Saturday 19th September > Clifton Village

    The aim of this session is for you to put into practice what you have learned about composition and camera settings. Tutors will be there and on all field trips to support you with this. We want you to take photos which show what you like about Clifton.

    You’re free to take photos anywhere in Clifton. 

    Meeting time: 10:30 am
    Meeting Location: Outside Christ Church Clifton, Clifton Down Rd, Bristol BS8 3BN

    Saturday 10th October > Blaise Castle/Hamlet

    Landscape photography features in several of the lectures during the course and this is an opportunity for you to put this into practice, again with tutors on hand to give help if and when needed. We hope this trip will coincide with the autumn colours. If in doubt about camera settings then ask!!

    Meeting time: 10:15 am
    Meeting Location: Blaise Car Park near the Café

    Saturday 17h October > Bristol Docks

    The aim of this session is to capture the variety of activities that are taking place around the docks area. You will need to demonstrate this by both panoramic/wide angle shots and detailed representation.

    Meeting time: 10:30 am
    Meeting Location: Car Park of SS Great Britain

    **POSTPONED** >>Sunday 8th November > Clifton Village

    This field trip often concentrates around the landmark Clifton Suspension Bridge. However, shooting after sunset will offer various opportunities for you to practice using camera settings suited to low light situations. Your tutors will recommend camera settings to get the best results.

    Meeting time: 15:55pm (TBC) as Sunset is approx. 16.32pm
    Meeting Location: Outside Christ Church Clifton, Clifton Down Rd, Bristol BS8 3BN

    Download Lecture notes;

    Course/Lecture notes will be available to download as soon as possible after the lecture.

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    BPS Photography Course Handout – Composition

    1 file(s) 32 MB
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    BPS Photography Course Handout – Know Your Camera

    1 file(s) 2.55 MB
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    BPS Photography Course Handout – Holiday & Travel

    1 file(s) 3.97 MB
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    BPS Photography Course Handout – Image Editing 1 (Edit Walk-Through)

    1 file(s) 1.47 MB
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    BPS Photography Course Handout – Image Editing 1 (slides)

    1 file(s) 1.12 MB
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    BPS Photography Course Handout – Available Light and other Special Situations

    1 file(s) 5.93 MB
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    BPS Photography Course Handout – Available Light and other Special Situations (Slides)

    1 file(s) 10.98 MB
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    BPS Photography Course – Editing Image Notes

    1 file(s) 519.87 KB
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    BPS Photography Course Handout – Portraiture / People (slides)

    1 file(s) 1.41 MB
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    BPS Photography Course Handout – Nature Pt1 (slides)

    1 file(s) 16.02 MB
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    BPS Photography Course Handout – Nature Pt2 (Slides & Notes)

    1 file(s) 30.54 MB
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    BPS Photography Course Handout – Street Photography

    1 file(s) 3.97 MB
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    BPS Photography Course Handout – SPORT & ACTION​

    1 file(s) 5.51 MB
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    BPS Photography Course Handout – Next Step with Lenses

    1 file(s) 102.07 KB
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    Additional info:

    Extract from Amature Photographer on Image Editing Software – Aug 2019

    extract image from amateurphotographer.co.uk

  • Annual Photography Course

    Are you ready to take your photography skills to the next level?

    If you want to take photos that fill you with pride and that you and others love, whether you have never picked up a camera before or if you have experience but want to improve, this superb and carefully crafted photography course is a must for you.

    Bristol Photographic Society welcomes you to our 2026 Annual Photography Course. This established and successful course has been running for over 50 years.

    Key Facts:

    11 weeks

    7:30-9:30pm Tuesday evenings between 1 Sept and 17 Nov 2026.

    Practical field trips*

    Expert Tutors

    Multiple Genres / styles covered

    Feedback on your photos

    Bristol Photographic Society

    Unit 13 Montpelier Central, Station Road, Montpelier, Bristol BS6 5EE

    All this and more for £247

    12 month Membership included (worth £85)**

    We are now closed for new entires for this years’ course

    This comprehensive photography course, running from September to November, provides an ideal blend of theory and practical experience, including field trips in a friendly, informative, and social environment. During each session, four or five volunteers will be present to help with practical activities and answer your questions about the topic, providing you with the essential skills to start your photographic journey.

    The 2-hour weekly sessions are relaxed and welcoming, with a tea and biscuit break halfway through, providing time to chat with fellow students and tutors. Some of our field trips have even been known to end in the pub.

    Classes will take place in the dedicated studio facilities of the Bristol Photographic Society. Additionally, the tuition fees cover a full year’s membership to the Bristol Photographic Society, which will commence in September 2026. 

    Photography Lecture Topics;

    Practical Sessions & Workshops;

    • Practice Composition & Camera Settings
    • Landscape Photography
    • Night Photography
    • Studio Photography

    Plus, regular interactive review sessions.

    View our 2026 course programme..

    Meet the Tutors

    * with 3 to 4 weekend workshops/trips with information released closer to the time
    ** Membership starts from September, there maybe some exceptions that may not apply such as no free entry to Bristol Salon and other exceptions which is subject to Chairmans decision

    Course testimonials
    Really enjoyable course with a great range of photographic subjects covered with something for everyone. The field trips were fun and informative and would recommend the course.
    Rhys 2023
    I loved this course and looked forward to the sessions each week. I’d previously done a one-to-one photography workshop elsewhere, but three hours just wasn’t enough. This course offered far more time to learn and develop—it’s incredibly comprehensive and excellent value for money, with over 20 hours of tutorials plus at least 8 hours of on-location sessions.
    Melissa2023
    It’s delivered by a knowledgeable core team, with additional support from other experienced photographers, so there’s as much personal guidance as you need. Sessions on location and in the society’s fully equipped studio were a real highlight. I’d recommend this course to anyone looking to deepen their photography skills and understanding.
    Melissa2023
    I retired a few ago and decided to take the course, which started in the September. The course was excellent and encompassed everything related to photography. I was concerned that maybe my skills were too weak and that I would need more experience before taking the course, but my worries were put to one side once I experienced the first lecture and the friendly nature of the trainers. Most people on the course had different cameras, and some had an iPhone. The team running the course could not have been more helpful, and step by step, they took us through all of the elements of photography and trained us on how to deal with a broad range of issues. There were also some proficient photographers on the course. They were brushing up their skills, and everyone helped each other out.
    Tim2019
    I was photographing custom motorcycles as my main interest and just couldn’t get to the standard I was seeing in magazines. I also constantly saw photo’s of landscapes, wildlife, insects in great detail that were fantastic and wanted to learn how to achieve the same. If they could do it, then so could I, with the right teaching. I attended the course a few years back and learned all aspects of photography in the great settings and friendly atmosphere of the BPS clubhouse. Putting into practice everything I learned about composition, lighting and what makes a good photo in the different genres actually significantly improved my Bike photography, so that a few years down the line, I successfully and regularly get published in top magazines around the world.
    Del
    I was fortunate enough to complete the BPS photography course in 2023. The course provided an excellent introduction to capturing better images, while also covering all the technical aspects of camera settings and composition. Since then, I have been actively engaged in photographing a variety of subjects, making good use of my membership and entering some of the monthly competitions for digital images and prints, achieving surprising results. The support and encouragement from BPS has been instrumental in my photographic journey, particularly in boosting my confidence and enhancing the quality of my images.
    Ibrahim2023

Contact Us

Using the Contact Form

If you have any questions please contact us using the form on the right, selecting a recipient from the dropdown menu.

Please Note: If you are contacting the Society with information that you would like circulated to all members, please send your request to the Newsletter Editor ONLY.

By Post

Unit 13
Montpelier Central
Station Rd
Montpelier
Bristol, BS6 5EE

Still Life

Design elements such as composition, symmetry, and the hero object are important in storytelling because they highlight key themes and emotions. You will learn how colour theory plays a role in this by affecting mood and perception. Together, all these elements create a clear visual language that effectively shares ideas and engages the audience.

Portraiture

This session covers techniques for studio photography, emphasising controlled environments with artificial lighting. It addresses camera settings, lighting arrangements, and posing strategies for various subjects, including portraits and products, alongside a practical session.

Creative Editing

Compositing and editing are important in digital media, showing what is creatively possible. Compositing is the process of combining different visual elements into a single picture, while editing involves changing and organising these elements to tell a story or convey a message. Together, they provide a smooth experience for viewers and
expand the possibilities of creativity in visual storytelling.

Basic Editing

In this session, we’ll explore basic editing techniques such as cropping, straightening, changes to contrast, colour, saturation, conversion to black and white, removal of distractions, etc, using Adobe Lightroom. This will include a live demo on some of your photos.

Natural History Photography

Part 1 – Optimising opportunities to get closer to wildlife subjects, offering hints and Aps for achieving this goal. Providing fieldcraft techniques and practical advice to help create ideal situations for photographing various subjects. The emphasis will be on UK wildlife and subjects that can be more easily observed locally.

Part 2 – Application of technical fundamentals of photography to nature subjects – build on what you have learned so far. Explore what makes a good nature image, and how to achieve that. 

Motion Photography

Key photography techniques such as freezing motion, motion blur, panning, and intentional camera movement play a crucial role in capturing dynamic scenes and enhancing visual storytelling.

Phone Photography

How to Capture Professional-Looking Photos with Your Mobile Phone

In today’s smartphone era, anyone can become a skilled photographer. By incorporating a few simple tips and tricks, you can elevate your mobile photography expertise and produce stunning images that effectively tell your story.

Finding Light 24 hours a day

This session looks at photographic opportunities throughout the day and night. We’ll explore different weather and atmospheric conditions, sunny, cloudy, misty, shadows and shade, interior, early morning, late evening, and into the night finding artificial lighting from buildings, street furniture, adding light with strobes, torches, LEDs, before
rounding up with the night sky, stars, moon, star trails, aurora and ending with a bang capturing fireworks.

Aperture & Depth of Field

To effectively manage depth of field (DoF) and shutter speed, it’s crucial to consider both the subject distance and lens focal length.  Analysing images taken during field trips can provide valuable insights into how these factors influence photo composition and overall quality.

Exposure Triangle

Mastering photography requires understanding the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Knowing camera modes like Program (P), Manual (M), and Aperture/Shutter Priority (Av/Tv) allows for effective manipulation of these settings. Practising these concepts will improve your skills in capturing stunning images under different lighting conditions.

Composition

An awareness of photography concepts, such as the Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, Framing, and symmetry, is essential for creating impactful images. Focusing on your intended subject and leaving out distracting details can dramatically enhance your images. Understanding negative space and balance enhances composition, while Perspective and Viewpoint influence the perception of the subject. Incorporating Depth and Layering adds dimension to photographs. These techniques will be practised in a later session for better understanding. 

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Our Photography Course is open for Bookings

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