Developing photography skills

Michael Harding was born in Canada, where he studied cinema and photography at Concordia University, Montréal, before moving to the UK. Since then, he has created striking images of architecture, art, people and landscapes for international blue-chip clients for their use in editorial, advertising and corporate applications. Michael’s work has won many industry awards, notably being selected in the Eleventh Association of Photographers Awards and further receiving a Merit Award in the Seventeenth Association of Photographers Awards. His work was selected for a Highly Commended Award in the Deutsche Bauzeitung “Visions in Architecture” European Architectural Photography prize. His work has been exhibited in both the United Kingdom and Canada. Michael has been Chairman, as well as President, of the Association of Photographers (AOP). The AOP is Europe’s most established organisation for professional photographers, working to ensure greater recognition for all professional photographers, as well as working to positively influence legislators in the UK and Europe for the benefit of all photographers.

Ed Gregory is a multi-talented Entrepreneur and photographer. As the owner of Edwin James photography and Picturesnap photography, Ed has over 32 years of experience in Hair and Beauty, Fashion, commercial photography, as well as family portraiture, events, and high-end wedding photography. Each of the businesses covers different aspects of this portfolio. He is an expert in shooting in Natural light, Mixed-light, and studio lighting and holds full professional qualifications with the MPA, BIPP, and the Guild of photographers. Ed's photographic and award-winning retouching and image-making have received accreditations and awards by all of the above national and international governing bodies mentioned. Teaching and Learning are a massive part of Ed's Life, and he feels it's essential to pass on knowledge. His background in education started in 1998, delivering HNC photography to London Students. Joining the CityLit team was a natural progression that has allowed him to give back some of the fantastic knowledge and experience he has accumulated over his long career. Software expertice in retouching using - Photoshop - Lightroom - Creative Cloud

Jad is a multi disciplined artist whose work draws inspiration from memory and time. Lens based media has formed the foundations of his practice, utilising over 20 years of experience working within the eclectic range of disciplines that make up the photographic industry. Over this time Jad has had the opportunity to work on both film and digital, 35mm to large format. As a commercial photographer he has been commissioned to produce work for advertising campaigns, corporate institutions and the creative arts industry both on location and in the studio. His experience is not only limited to the role of the photographer, having had the opportunity to work in diverse roles of photographic production. From assisting photographers to creative post production, budgeting, contracts and working in a photographic lab. His ongoing artistic practice, presented as ongoing projects or completed series, uses both found photographic imagery, staged studio photography and moving image.

Sara Epstein – Photography Tutor Sara is a professional photographer with over 20 years of experience capturing stories through editorial, corporate, documentary, and wedding photography. Her work has been featured in The Sunday Times, Rough Guides, and various charity campaigns, where she specializes in creating authentic and compelling visual narratives. As a wedding photographer, Sara has developed a strong ability to capture natural, emotional moments while working in fast-paced and unpredictable environments. At City Lit, Sara teaches photography classes to students of all ages, often adults looking to explore their creativity. Her lessons provide a fun, engaging, and sociable way to learn, helping students build confidence while developing technical and artistic skills. Whether guiding students through the basics or supporting them as they refine their abilities, Sara believes in fostering a welcoming and inspiring learning environment. She studied at Manchester MET, gaining a BA (Hons) in Photography, and has taught photography for over a decade. Sara's goal is to make photography accessible, enjoyable, and creatively fulfillin

Rachel is an award-winning professional photographer and film maker. She has displayed her work in various parts in the UK, France and the US. She has a first class degree in Wildlife and Environmental Photography and an MA in Wildlife Documentary Production. She teaches a variety of photography courses, workshops and one-to-ones to both adults and children. At City Lit she currently teaches Beginners Photography, Creative Nature Photography, Mindful Photography and Creative Wildlife Photography in London Parks. Rachel produces personal photography projects, sometimes in collaboration, e.g. with the Royal Air Force on a project about the women who took part in the Battle of the Atlantic. This was displayed in central Liverpool and the docks during the commemorations. Rachel fosters a warm and empathic environment in her class so that students feel supported by each other and are encouraged to explore their creativity with an emphasis on skills development, wellbeing benefits and having fun!