Looking ahead

These photographic classes invite everyone to explore imagination, symbolism and creative process through a series of guided exercises and thematic projects. Working with two central objects — the wooden artist’s hand and the mannequin’s head — participants will investigate ideas of surrealism, abstraction, form and visual storytelling. These seemingly simple studio props become catalysts for experimentation, encouraging the viewer to question reality.

Across the term, sessions will balance technical development with playful exploration. Lighting workshops will introduce everyone to the expressive potential of shadow, contrast and direction of light, helping you to understand how mood and atmosphere can be shaped within a frame. Composition exercises will encourage multiple approaches to framing, scale and spatial relationships, moving from traditional structures toward more abstract and unconventional arrangements. Dedicated time will also be spent in Affinity Photo where we can refine these images, experiment with layering and tonal adjustments and extend their creative choices into post-production.

A key element of the term is “different ways of seeing” — inviting folk to slow down, observe more deeply and reinterpret familiar forms. Through guided prompts and short visual challenges and hopefully you will learn to look beyond surface appearance and uncover narrative, emotion and possibly metaphor in their work.

In addition to object-based studies, there will be two themed projects: “paper,” exploring texture, fragility, structure and materiality; and “hobbies and interests,” encouraging personal expression and documentary styles. 

The term culminates in a final presentation of images inspired by the wooden hand and mannequin’s head. This showcase provides an opportunity to review, discuss and acknowledge the work of each submission, highlighting how shared objects can generate diverse interpretations and richly imaginative photographic outcomes.