Great Western Photographic Exhibition (BPE) is NOW open for entires  –  CLICK FOR MORE INFO

Our Photography Course is open for Bookings – Click here for info & Book your place TODAY!

Bristol Salon is NOW open for entires  –  CLICK FOR MORE INFO

Membership Application (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.

Photography Course Portal (2020)

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 […]

Annual Photography Course

Are you ready to take your photography skills to the next level? Bristol Photographic Society welcomes you to our 2025 Annual Photography Course. This established and successful course has been running for over 50 years. Our Course is now closed for this year, do keep checking back for more updates for next years’ course. This comprehensive […]

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.

Night Photography

Twilight, Golden hour, Blue hour, Street light, Neon/Shop light, Light from buildings and street furniture, Light direction/shadows & silhouettes, Bokeh, Starburst, Light Trails, Light (strobes, torches, & LEDs) Light painting, Sky (stars, moon, Star Trails, Fireworks)

Travel Photography

Capturing the essence of the people, place, and culture, be it at home or abroad.  Street photography.

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.

Natural History Photography

Wildlife photography involves unique challenges. Selecting the right cameras and lenses enhances the experience, and understanding how to use them in various conditions is crucial. Creating impactful wildlife portraits requires a combination of creativity and technical skill. Blurring backgrounds highlights subjects, while capturing action requires the right settings and understanding animal behaviour for the perfect shot.

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.

Exploring the Different Types of Available Light

This session explores the various factors that influence photography and lighting. Atmospheric conditions can vary from overcast to sunny, which affects the appearance of shadows. The direction of light is crucial for determining whether to emphasise shadows or highlights. Understanding both direct and indirect light, as well as interior lighting, also impacts exposure decisions. Using exposure compensation can help achieve the desired effect under different lighting conditions.

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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