Photography lessons and tuition in Usk, Monmouthshire and beyond!

For beginners, improvers and the frustrated

“I’ve got a lovely camera, but I only use auto.”

“I want better photos of my kids, dogs or garden.”

“I’m off on a big trip and want to come home with photos I’m proud of.”

“I’m good, but I’ve hit a plateau.”

Complete beginners and experienced photographers are both welcome. Every session is built around your camera, your interests and your goals.

Learn from Liz and Martin

Liz has been a professional photographer for more than 15 years. She has been published and has won awards, and she’s regularly asked to judge competitions and give talks. Her strengths are travel, landscape and portrait photography, and she taught for over 20 years before turning photography into her profession. That’s why her lessons make sense.

Martin came to photography through his love of hill walking. He’s a master of long exposures (waterfalls, rivers and tides) and has broad knowledge of planning, shooting and editing. His teaching style is calm, focused and patient.

1:1 tuition prices

Every session is one-to-one, or you can bring up to two friends. Each one is built around your camera and your goals, at The Cowshed, on location nearby, or online.

The Taster. 2 hours. £140. Extra people +£40 each

Head Start. Half day (4 hours). £240. Second +£60, third +£50

Master Class ⭐ Best value. Full day (7.5 hours of tuition + 30-minute lunch). £350. Second +£75, third person +£60

The Trio. Three 2-hour sessions. £375 (save £45). £100 per extra person for the whole course

• Evenings and weekends: an extra £25 for 2 hours, £40 for a half day, £50 for a full day

• Travel: free within 20 miles of Usk, then 20p a mile. Location entry fees are extra.

What you can learn

Beginner’s photography: get off auto and finally understand your camera

Camera settings: aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focus, explained simply

Portraits: light, posing and connection

Landscapes: composition, light, filters, and planning around weather and tides

Long exposures: waterfalls, rivers and seascapes (Martin’s speciality)

Flash and studio lighting

Editing: Lightroom and Photoshop

Travel photography: packing and travelling with kit, finding your style, photographing people and cultures with respect, building a photo story, and keeping your images safe

Not on the list? Just ask. Sessions are shaped around whatever you want to learn.

Small-group workshops at The Cowshed

Half and full day workshops for small groups, mixing theory in the studio with hands-on practice outside.

Beginner’s photography

Understanding your camera settings

Improving your portraits

Improving your landscapes

Planning for landscapes

Residential and day workshops

Want to learn in some of the most beautiful places in the UK and beyond? My sister business, The Photography Workshop, runs small-group workshops for 3 to 8 people. Recent trips included Glencoe, the Isle of Skye and Iceland, and Venice and the Dolomites are planned.

Know someone who has got a new camera for Christmas, birthday or just because?

A tuition voucher is the perfect partner for a new camera, and it means the camera won’t stay on auto forever. The Taster (£140) is a lovely introduction, and The Trio (£375) takes someone from beginner to confident.

What a truly inspiring and informative course. Liz is a very professional/friendly and knowledgeable photographer. Her quality of work is breathtaking. Easy to understand beginners course which left me eager for more. Would absolutely recommend without hesitation.

Gary

...it exceeded all expectations. They are both excellent, patient, and deeply knowledgeable instructors who are genuinely keen to help and guide you every step of the way. Thanks to their feedback and prompting, I saw a measurable improvement in my manual camera skills.

Allison

Frequently asked questions

What camera do I need?

For group sessions and workshops, any camera with manual settings, whether that’s a DSLR, mirrorless or bridge camera. Bring your manual if you have one. Not sure if your camera is suitable? Just ask.

For 1:1 sessions, any camera will do, even your phone. I run phone photography sessions too.

Can you come to me?

Yes. Travel is free within 20 miles of Usk, then 45p a mile. We can also teach on-line for theory sessions and run workshops around the UK if your dates are flexible.

I’m a complete beginner. Is that OK?

Absolutely. We start where you are and explain everything in plain English.

Can I bring a friend to my 1:1?

Yes, up to two. It’s a great way to learn together, and it lowers the cost per person. If they are joining a group session, they’ll pay the standard group rate.

What happens on a full day?

You get 7.5 hours of tuition plus a 30-minute lunch break (bring a packed lunch), so it’s 8 hours in total. We usually mix theory in the studio with time out on location.

Is The Cowshed accessible?

Yes. It’s on one level, with wide doors and an accessible toilet.

Are you able to deal with additional needs?

Liz was a teacher for over 20 years and was a Co-ordinator for additional needs, so if anyone can adapt the learning experience, it is her! Read about inclusion

How do I book?

1:1 (or to check out details for any course or workshop) - please contact Liz direct: E-mail or WhatsApp message.

Day or residential courses can also be booked on-line on the relevant course page on: www.photography-workshop.co.uk

Join the list and hear about Christmas, spring and summer minis before they go public. One email a month at most

Address

Photography by Liz

The Cowshed Studio, Llancayo Court, Usk. Monmouthshire NP15 1HY

liz@the-cowshed.com