get off auto-mode & take control

Do you take lots of photos, but only sometimes get good results - and you don’t know why? ROCK YOUR CAMERA will teach you how to take control of your camera, understand the exposure and how to get fantastic photos you’ll be proud of.

I previously offered this course as a group workshop for several years. However I shifted to a 1-2-1 teaching format during the pandemic and decided to stick to it. I’ve found that individual tutoring and allowing time to practice really works well.

individual teaching format

ROCK YOUR CAMERA includes both theory and practical elements, with time between to practice. This gives you the chance to identify problems and get individual feedback relevant to your photography style and interests.

Sessions are available weekdays, evenings and weekends - and to suit your schedule. We fix dates in the diary when you book.

with both theory and practice

ROCK YOUR CAMERA starts Part 1, an online session breaking down photography theory into easy-to-grasp chunks, to learn why and how to get off AUTO mode.

After some time to practice, we meet in person for Part 2 (usually in a local park) to test your skills with practical exercises and explore more on how to use natural light.

But there is always more to learn in photography, so a few weeks later Part 3 acts as a debrief and an opportunity to ask more questions, and explore your interests and potential next steps.

about your course teacher

I’m Ellie Cotton, owner/photographer of Dandelion Photography. Since creating the ROCK YOUR CAMERA course in 2017, I have taught over 100 students to fantastic response.

Having picked up my first SLR camera in 1987, I’ve been obsessed ever since.

I started off with film cameras and developing photos in a darkroom, then moved onto digital SLR camera, and then set up my own photography business over 10 years ago.

In my business I specialise in family photography and commercial photography. I have had photos published in Vogue Italia, Drapers, and The Independent.

finding your photography motivation

What I photograph has evolved in the same way my life has changed.

I started in my teens interested in nature photography, then in my 20’s as I traveled the world and did mostly landscape and street photography. In my 30’s I studied portraiture, and after having children developed a passion for documentary photography. Documenting my children’s lives is still such a joy for me - even though it’s quite a different style to what I do professionally.

Having tackled so many styles and subjects, I can tailor training to whatever your motivation is - whether that’s your children, landscapes, travel - or anything else.

Part 1 : Theory

ONLINE LESSON

• Exploring exposure, focus and using natural light.

• Tailored to your camera model, and your photography interests (eg. photos of your children, or landscape photography).

• Duration : 60 minutes
  

Part 2 : Practical

OUTDOOR LESSON

• Exploring everything learnt in Part 1 in practical hands-on approach, plus learning more about light and composition.

• Outdoor lessons available in Stockport, Wilmslow, Macclesfield or Knutsford - if you cannot travel to any of these locations I offer an online lesson equivalent which will cover the same materials.

• Duration : 60 minutes

Part 3 : Next steps

ONLINE LESSON

• We go through everything learnt and check through the results of your assignments, tackling any difficulties

• I’ll suggest “next steps” for progressing even further relevant to your photography interests

• Duration : 30 minutes