I have spent more than 30 years photographing people for a living, and the most important thing I have learned is simple. Great pictures begin with noticing.

Almost everyone now carries an extraordinary camera in their pocket. It will set the exposure, find the focus and balance the colour in a fraction of a second. What it will never do is look for you. It will not spot the low autumn sun catching the trees around Roundhay Park lake, or the moment a child forgets the camera is there and simply laughs. That is where you come in.

So my courses start with observation. We slow down, walk and really look at what is in front of us: light, shape, colour, texture and the small human moments that are so easy to miss. Once you begin to see them, you find them everywhere, on the school run, in your own garden, on a wet Tuesday in town.

Then come a handful of simple rules that make an instant difference. Get closer. Check what is behind your subject. Keep the horizon level. Move the main point of interest away from the centre. None of it needs a manual, and all of it works on any phone.

Imagination does the rest. Crouch down low, shoot through a gap in a hedge, wait for someone to step into the light. Finish with a few minutes of simple editing on the phone itself, a careful crop or a touch of warmth, and a good picture becomes one you are proud to share.

I believe photography belongs to everyone. Bring your phone, bring your curiosity, and I will help you appreciate what has been around you all along.

Two types of course

Course One: Sunday 1 to 4pm is a 3 hour session either in Roundhay Park or Leeds City Centre, and ideal for those that simply want to learn how to observe, edit and use camera settings to full advantage. There are lots of hints and tips too such as very low down angle, the use of puddles and how to frame your best portraits.

Course Two: Saturday 1 to 4pm is more for small business owners who want to take better images for social media content. This is usually in Leeds City Centre and we concentrate on people and urban spaces.

Both Courses are for small groups of 5 or 6, allowing for both some 1-2-1 and working in pairs.

What you'll learn

The power of observation, composition and framing, working with natural light, different camera settings, portraits and group settings, close-ups/detail and lots of creative ideas for those great shots. You will also learn some editing tips and why your feet are so important to getting the best shots.

Both courses are perfect for beginners and run for three hours and cost £40 per person. So what are you waiting for? Meet new people, have some fun and really get confident with maximising your phone camera. You will be taking better pictures within the first hour and that is a promise.!

All courses are on the third weekend of the month. So our next sessions are November 21st and 22nd. To book simply click link below and include the date.