hello & welcome..
I am photographer Ellie Cotton. I first picked up my first SLR camera over 30 years ago, and have been quite obsessed ever since.
Since launching my photography business around 12 years ago, I have evolved and now specialise in family and commercial photography.
I love teaching others & showing them how rewarding photography can be.
training for photography enthusiasts
Photography training tailored to you, whether you are a complete novice or have been using your camera for many years.
for beginners
If you’re a beginner or still using AUTO mode, your first step is my Rock Your Camera beginners course.
You will learn how to take control of your camera and revolutionise your photography. This 3-part course combines online sessions and in-person sessions to allow time for practice and teaching personalised to your photography interests.
for
intermediate
If you use aperture-priority or manual-mode, my mentoring sessions will be more suitable .
Sessions are customised to the individual - whether you want to explore more advanced techniques or have a specific goal in mind.
Training can be booked in 2 hour or 4 hour batches. Fill in my questionnaire below and I will suggest the best topics for you.
Training Options
rock your camera
beginners course
£200
Revolutionise your photography with my popular beginner’s course. Whether you recently got your camera, or been interested in photography for years - this course will help you get off AUTO-mode, understand your camera better and improve your photography.
Especially suitable for parents wanting to take better photos of their children, but relevant to all types of amateur photographer.
workshop comprises of 3 parts
PART 1 : Online theory lesson (60-90 mins)
PART 2 : In-person practical lesson (60 mins)
PART 3 : Online debrief session (30-60 mins)
scheduled to suit you - sessions available daytime, evenings and weekends. I recommend you leave at least 2 weeks between each element of the workshop to allow time for practice. In-person practical must take place within 30 minutes drive from Macclesfield, Cheshire.
suitable if you are a beginner | you use AUTO mode | you have a new camera but no idea how to use it | you get some good photos but don’t really know how!
not suitable if you are planning / already have a photography business in my local area - however I’m happy to suggest names of other mentors.
mentoring
sessions
from £200
For more intermediate level photographers, who are already using aperture-priority or manual model on their camera. I can tailor mentoring sessions around your specific interests, or gaps in your knowledge.
popular topics include
lighting styles for portraits | how to best use natural light | travel photography | advanced composition | nailing focus | pushing your creativity | documentary photography | photographing sports | your editing workflow with Lightroom | editing your photos with Lightroom
sessions purchased in 2-hour or 4-hour packages. You can split 4 hour package into two 2 hour sessions if you wish.
scheduled to suit you - sessions available daytime, evenings and weekends. We may choose to do training online or in-person, depending what works best for the subject matter. In-person sessions available to those within 30 minutes drive from Macclesfield, Cheshire.
suitable if you are already comfortable using aperture-priority or manual mode - or you have something specific you want to learn that’s not covered in my beginner’s course.
not suitable if you are planning / already have a photography business in my local area - however I’m happy to suggest names of other mentors.
Not sure what is best for you?
If you aren’t sure whether the beginner’s workshop or mentoring session would be best for your needs, just complete my quick questionnaire to assess where you’re at and I will email back with my recommendation.
got questions?
Get in touch below with any questions about photography training, my beginner’s course or mentoring options..