As the title suggests one of my images has won a bronze award in the image of the month competition and I’m so happy that I wanted to share it with you all:
With thanks to Jenn Davies for modelling.
As part of the research for my workshop ‘Marketing and Branding for Photographers’ I put together this colour palette template which allows you to drag and drop your image in to the Photoshop document (drop it at the top of the layer stack) line it up over the big black image space, right click on the image layer and click ‘create clipping mask’ so it fits within the blacked out space and then from there you can go down to the adjustment layers, double click on the left hand black box (in the layers palette) and the colour picker will appear, pick a colour from your chosen image and it should fill one of the boxes below with that colour.
You can download the template below.
Repeat for as many of the boxes that you wish to fill to mix and match colours originating from your image. You see these templates being used on www.Pinterest.com and I think they are great for helping to get your businesses branding and colour schemes sorted.
Share your new colour schemes in the comments below and a link to your website.
We had a lovely day for photos and Claire’s family were very hospitable and friendly. We got a good variety of shots of the group and also of Claire’s little boy, who gave us some very cute expressions to work with.
Last night I had the pleasure of giving a talk at The Plymouth District Camera Club. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming and listened intently to my presentation on Street Photography. I’m booked in to go back again next year and I’m really looking forward to chatting to new contacts made on the night and to checking out peoples work. If any camera club attendees are reading this post please post a link to your flickr, facebook and website in the link so I can have a nose at your work :) Thanks!
This shoot was so much fun! I had a lovely lady who contacted me wanting to get to grips with studio lighting for pets. More specifically, to photograph the sheen on fur by using effective lighting. We had a great session and I managed to get a few rabbits in for the shoot with the help of Okehamptons pet shop https://www.facebook.com/okiepets/ which meant we could practice shooting long hair animals too.
Here are some of the photos from our session:
Let’s face it, everyone loves their pets, they’re cute, soft and fluffy (apart from reptiles and fish of course..) What’s not to love? But sometimes it can be tricky to photograph animals and to get a good shot, especially if they are black or white as it’s hard to get the detail in their fur.
Devon Photography Training can help you overcome your problems when photographing animals.
On this workshop you will learn:
We can either shoot in the studio or I can come to your home.
Studio sessions with equipment hire are £179
Home visits (using natural light) are £169 additional fuel costs may be incurred if outside of Honiton
All sessions include worksheets and homework tasks to support your learning and a range of memorable practical and theory based learning activities.
Continuing support is available via email or through our popular Facebook training group where we hold free weekly lives, competitions, share our work and socialise with other photography students.
Image Credit: Svetlana Jones (Taken on a pet photography Workshop)
For more information or to book yourself in on a course with me, enter your details below.
If you bring a friend to learn with you one of your sessions will be half price!
This is an outdoor session where we will learn how to use our surroundings, natural light and posing to get a good variety of well lit, flattering portraits.
The topics we cover in this session are:
This is a 3 hour 1-2-1 session. You will need to bring a notepad and pen. One to one sessions are £189 with model hire or you can bring someone to model for you and the session will be £139.
Fill out your details below if you would like to book/enquire:
Photo Credit: Gemma Varney
Model: Nikita Crombie
We will call you back as soon as possible to discuss your session. Thanks.
“I have today had another one to one corporate training session with Gemma. A great session so much learned. Gemma has pointed me in the right direction and provided some very valuable advice. I will be booking a studio session very soon!”
“I have today had my training session with Gemma who has kindly reviewed my website and portfolio. I have received some really valuable advice and information which has renewed my passion for photography. A great session thank you very much.”
“I had a one to one session with Gemma on studio lighting and shooting models. Great! Everything I’ve been trying to learn fell into place. A very relaxed session, with lots of fun and plenty of Jaffa Cakes! I’ll definitely be repeating the experience and will also recommend Gemma to others.”
“I had an amazing Photoshop tuition today, with all the great shortcuts, a must for any budding photographer, and Gem came to my house so we worked on my PC, even better thank you again!”
“Just had an amazing Photoshop one to one with Gem, I’ve done course at our local college, but felt rushed and got left behind, in this one day course I learnt so much, and more importantly the things I wanted to learn, not just the things some one thinks I need to know, highly recommend a course with her for any budding togs out there, or like me a make up artist, always good to learn a new trade, thank you once again for not treating me like a numpty, and having the grace of patience looking forward to putting all this to practice xx”
“I travelled to Devon for a really enjoyable and productive one to one workshop with Gem yesterday. As she has been editing my pics for some while now she knows my style and characteristics as a photographer. We covered many topics and her knowledge is amazing. She is very easy to talk to and I learnt a lot from her. If you haven’t worked with Gem before I strongly recommend that you do. Thanks again Gem! Definitely recommended.”
“I have modelled numerous times for Devon Photography Training’s workshops in various locations throughout the South West.
She is an absolute star, Gemma always provides a great day and ton of fun. She has great comms before and after workshops and is extremely organised. Gemma is very professional and I cannot fault her at what she does best! She has a great eye for photography and is just as good as a tutor.
I will never pass up on an opportunity to work and shoot with Gem. She is a delight and good friend to me.
Always looking forward to our future collaborations, and thanks for everything Gemma.
Nikita x”
“I spent a Saturday in early December on a conceptual “Madame Butterfly” studio shoot with Gemma at Devon Photography Training on one of her workshops in Okehampton. It was a fascinating and enjoyable day. A huge amount of thought and creativity had been put into the shoot yet at the same time the atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and informal with Gemma always keen to impart knowledge and advice to us. There were 6 of us photographers enrolled and we each had plenty of time to get the shots we wanted. Not least, Gemma had arranged a fantastic model to work with. Overall, thoroughly recommended – I had a great time, I’m very happy with the photos I got and I can’t wait to do another.”
“Gem has been a great help to me with my photography over the last two years. I have not had the time to learn Lightroom or Photoshop because of other commitments and Gem has been superb as being my mentor in assisting with a lot of my editing on images. I attended one of her 1-2-1 workshops towards the end of last year which I found invaluable. Easy going and highly informative her tuition was really helpful. Her costs for photographic workshops are very reasonable compared to some others in the market place. Thanks again Gem and highly recommended.”
“Another fantastic workshop with Gemma, excellent tutor, always happy to answer any questions and ensures it’s a fun, relaxed and informative day. Handouts were provided which were well written and a model was provided (Nikita) who was excellent and had several outfits available. She kept us fed on jaffa cakes, tea and coffee and provided lunch. Highly recommended”
“I have worked with Gemma twice now and plan to attend quite a few more of her studio days. She is full of knowledge with working the camera, creating light settings and photo editing. This is a great way to start with model shooting, as it works out a lot more economical than employing a model for a day for yourself, plus you get to learn ideas from other photographers and also Gemma comes up with great concepts which are all included in the workshop day. I would highly recommend going along to one of Gemma’s workshop or studio days, plus she also hires well experienced models who are a joy to work with.”
“Had the honour of being invited to be the model for one of Gems workshops. It was a great day, and we covered a number of different ideas throughout the day. The Photographers who attended were great as was the chosen venue and organisation. I would highly recommend attending these workshops if you wish to develop your photography, lighting set ups or just generally working with models. Gem is always on hand to advise both model and tog as required and the whole day was a very amusing relaxed event. Thank you”
“Attended a workshop on saturday 17/01/15 with Gemma (Devon Photography Training) Had a fantastic day as always setting up lighting for different themes with experienced models.I have attended a number of workshops with gemma and had a great time I would highly recommend going.”
“Just completed my second workshop and really enjoyed it. Gemma is a confident workshop leader who really knows her stuff. Best of all, she’s an encouraging mentor for the participants. Just wondering which workshop to do next…”
“One to one with Gemma today to try to understand the workings of my camera. Very good session with all my questions and queries answered. Oh!, I learnt a lot of good stuff as well! Well done Gemma!”
“Yet another wonderful workshop from Devon Photography Training! Gemma is a great teacher, you have so much fun and you learn as well! I will keep doing her workshops because I can see significant improvement in my photography from working with Gemma so I totally recommend her!”
“I have now attended about 7 workshops and enjoyed all of them its a great way to take some amazing photos and get a good understanding of studio photography. Gemma will go at your pace and make it fun to be there I would definitely recommend the workshop.”
“A great day. Studio work was all a new experience to me, but Gemma and Ange were very patient. I cannot think of a better way of learning. The photographs may not have been technically brilliant – due to operator error rather than the instructor – but for a fun and educational day out it would be very hard to beat. A big thanks to Gemma and Ange.”
“I modelled for one of Gemma’s workshops for the first time today, and from the start to finish I had such fun! Honestly I can say she has been a great inspiration to work with and I have learnt so much working with her. I would highly recommend Gemma and am extremely looking forward to working with her in the future.”
“Another fantastic collaboration with Gemmie again at a workshop she held on Saturday With Kelvin Bennet and Trude Bosence, It was upbeat, fun and and professional, the images will be treasured for a long time to come!”
“Today I attended a location shoot with Gemma. Not only did I enjoy every minute of working with Gemma, she is a lovely person and very easy to relax and shoot with. She gives excellent guidance and direction and was a joy to spend the day with.
I hope this is not the last time! Thank you x”
“Gemmie is really professional in how she composes herself, she has a kind heart and a funny sense of humour, she’s become a friend as well as a work partner and I feel blessed to have met such a unique individual, I hope we will work together until we are grey and wrinkley and sipping tea through a straw, thanks Gemmie for all that you do ♥”
“I worked at Gem’s workshop for lighting yesterday, with model Maddison jet, and great photographer Kelvin Bennett , wow loved these workshops, so informative and I’m just the hair and make up artist, the lighting is just perfect, and very informative, she’s great to work with and brilliant with the models, taking her time to explain then letting the photographer find their own feet, highly recommended workshops!”
“I have enjoyed all your workshops I have attended. Your instruction has been very constructive enabling me to improve my studio photography skills, working with both models and different types of lighting . Would highly recommend Gemma’s workshops.”
“I have attended a workshop held by Gemma yesterday. It is absolutely wonderful. We have gone though high key and low key shooting and light pattern. Each section will be demonstrated by different outfit of a model. She brought attention to many details of the model including the shadow and highlight part and taught us what to avoid. Excellent lesson!!!”
“Gemma organised an outdoor shoot with two models and a stylist and it was brilliant! She is calm, organised and very easy to work with. I hope to do more shoots with her! Recommended!”
“I have so far been on two of Gemma’s workshops and have come back buzzing both times, her tuition and understanding is superb, I urge anyone interested in progressing with their photography to do at least one course, absolutely wonderful and from a real tog too, their is a difference when the tutor is also as passionate about photography as you are. :) see you soon.”
“Have to say I really enjoyed the basic studio Lighting Workshop on 22nd November 2013. It was a very relaxed day, the instructions for the setups were concise and the advice was priceless. It seemed a long day, but there was a lot to pack in. I left the workshop with a good grounding in studio lighting. Excellent day at a great price!”
“Had a great day on the lighting workshop at Station House Studios it went really well.
Lighting setups of all types and a very confident model Candice Peachey. Well worth
going to one of the workshops as Gemma will go at your pace and make it fun.”
“I recently attended a lighting workshop at Station House Studios. The day was very well organised to ensure that it was enjoyable for all of us, whatever previous experience we had as whatever our level of ability was. The variety of lighting set-ups and the tutorial support was brilliant. I thoroughly recommend the training days to anyone interested in developing their studio skills.”
“About a month ago I attended a lighting workshop at Station House Studios. There were lots of different lighting set-ups provided and a professional model. Also help if and when needed. It was great fun and I came away with some amazing photos and a good understanding of studio photography, lighting patterns and using studio equipment.
I would love to go again and can guarantee you will have a brilliant and instructive day.”
“A short while ago I attended a lighting workshop at Station House Studios. Gemma very quickly put everyone at ease. The day was very well organised. Gemma made sure everyone had involvement with putting lighting set-ups together. With the help of a professional model, I managed to get some amazing shots and came away learning quite a lot. I would recommend this course either to anyone starting out in studio photography or wanting to refresh their memory.”
“I recently attended one Gemma’s Studio Lighting workshop days at Station House Studios. I found it well structured and really enjoyable. We went through varied lighting set-ups shooting a Model. Gemma has a great teaching style and really helpful ideas on how to improve a shot. She is very approachable and it was very easy to ask questions. I was really impressed with some of the pictures I’ve taken; they are the best I’ve yet taken in a Studio. It was well worth the travel time and I would definitely recommend the workshop.”
“I was fortunate enough to attend a lighting workshop at Station House Studios as a photography student and model. The day was very enjoyable and the teaching and support was wonderful. It was a brilliant day and I would recommend this to anyone.”
“Today I worked with Gemma at her workshop as both a model and a photography student. I found Gemma to be a warm and inviting host and also patient and thorough with her teaching techniques. She has an obvious passion for photography and true artistic talent that shines through her images. I would highly recommend Gemma to any model seeking some superb shots or any photographer in need of technical training. I hope I get the chance to work with Gemma again at some point! Thanks so much for everything!”
“I found the entire experience with Gemma very good, and would highly recommend her to anyone who is either learning photography or is having photos taken by her, I met her on a Workshop , she made me feel relaxed, and encouraged all of us to shoot in full manual, which is something I shall most certainly do in the future, luckily Gemma knows what she is doing and her portfolio proves it.”
“I attended Gemma’s studio workshop today. Gemma was very friendly and welcoming. I liked her style of teaching; she has very constructive ideas about how to improve a picture. I believe it was well worth attending and have taken my best studio shoots yet.”
This is the follow on course from the Introduction to Studio Lighting Workshop, we look at some more complicated lighting set-ups for portrait photography. You are encouraged to get everything right in camera allowing you minimal editing time in post production. The session is heavily practical based with worksheets to support your learning. You are encouraged to take notes and reference photos throughout the session.
This is what we will cover:
This session is taught as a one to one session (3 hours) but can be modified for a group session (4 hours) if you have friends who would like to attend also. The session fee covers all pre-planning, worksheets, the session itself and any communications before and after the session.
To see when this course is running next as a group workshop, either enter your email into the mailing list form or keep an eye on thePhoto Workshop Schedule Page for group workshop sessions.
You can enquire about a 1-2-1 using the form below:
Image Credit: James Webb
Model: Nikita Crombie
Stylist/Hair and MUA:LadyC
Taken on a previous Studio Lighting Part 2 Workshop.
A 3hr 1-2-1 is £189 with model hire or £139 if you bring along your own model.
A group workshop space is £75.
Session Requirements:
You need to bring a camera that is compatible with flash with a charged battery, clear memory card a notebook and a pen.
We will call you back as soon as possible to discuss your session. Thanks.
This course is designed for those who are looking to start a career in Photography but are unsure about everything they need to take into consideration. We will sit down and look at the key aspects of becoming a self employed photographer and build you a plan to work towards in order to get your career up and running.
The topics we will look at include:
**These points are summarized and can be worked on in more depth in dedicated training sessions.
This session is 3 hours for a 1-2-1. Please bring along a notepad and pen with you. You will receive handouts including an action plan for moving forward after our session.
To assess how far along you are with your photography business please take my assessment via the button below:
We will call you back as soon as possible to discuss your requirements.
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