Confession: before I bought my very first SLR in 2008, I thought those suckers were MAGICAL. The sheer size of them, the changeable lenses…the power of having one in your hands. I truly believed once I owned an SLR, I’d be up there with RANKIN.

Wrong.

The first picture I took with my Canon 450D was the ugliest picture I ever shot in my life. Dull. Boring. And that was on AUTO mode. I could hear my discarded Samsung point and shoot mocking me, “it’s not the camera that makes a good picture, you fool” - and I soon learned that this was very true. So I did a few short courses and learned how to use manual mode…I understood how to compose…I learned the difference between aperture and shutter speed (easy things people, trust me), and I went from being an SLR novice, to being endorsed by top photojournalist Edmond Terakopian, and this month, receiving a commendation by the Sony World Photography Awards (!). So with all that I’ve acquired over the years, I’ve been inspired to put together a very simple beginners workshop on May 21st in London to help people take great pictures and get to grips with their camera too.

It’s been organised through The Culture Club and it will be led by acclaimed London photographer Joy Ekpeti (check out her website, she’s all kinds of awesome!). It’s only 3 and 1/2 hours, and by the end of it, you’ll become a more confident photographer, learn how to take great shots outdoors and never struggle with your camera again. Lastly, you don’t need an SLR to take part - just a camera and a Saturday afternoon to spare! (Words: Matilda Egere-Cooper)

For more info, visit The Culture Club website. (And if you’re curious to see how I shoot nowadays, here’s some of my pics online)

10:08 am  •  27 April 2011  •  2 notes