Push the limits of your photography beyond standard image-making and towards something more playful and experimental. Using hands-on interventions with your camera, experimental use of light or getting creative with and hands-on with your images.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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This course is a hands-on introduction to experimental photographic techniques, encouraging you to explore creative, unconventional ways of making images. Through playful physical interventions, alternative camera settings, inventive lighting approaches and digital experimentation, you will expand your understanding of what photography can be. You will work predominantly with digital photography but have a chance to try simple analogue processes. The course is suitable for anyone interested in pushing their photographic practice beyond conventional methods.
What will we cover?
Physical interventions using your camera and props
Experimental and non-standard camera settings
Creative lighting techniques
Digital and collage manipulations, for example: multiple exposures; mirroring; montage
Using in-camera techniques to create abstract and expressive images
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Use a range of experimental camera settings and physical techniques to create unique images
Manipulate and transform photographs using creative digital processes
Use lighting in unconventional ways to produce expressive visual effects
Produce multiple exposures, mirrored images, and simple photomontage
Develop a personal approach to experimental photography
Feel comfortable with making mistakes and reflecting on them
Develop a workflow including camera, lighting and post-production to creative effect
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is not a beginners course. You should be comfortable with using the manual functions of your camera. You should be familiar with the basics of photography such as f-stops, metering, shutter speed and ISO.
Digital work is part of the course, so being comfortable using a computer is essential and familiarity with image-editing software (such as Adobe Photoshop) is an advantage.
You should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, take part in group discussion, and engage in simple practical tasks.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Teaching will take the form of practical activities, demonstrations, short presentations and group discussion. Photography will take place both in the studio and occasional outings/walks in the local area. You will receive guidance throughout as you experiment with techniques. Tasks will be set between sessions for you to do in your time. In addition, sometime you will be encouraged to collect materials to use in class.
Resources and materials will be shared via Google Classroom.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your own camera. A digital camera such as DSLR or mirrorless with manual functions is advised. There are cameras available for use at City Lit if you wish to experiment with different models, but these are only for use during class.
Feel free to bring any simple props you may wish to experiment with (e.g., coloured glass, prisms, plastic packaging, small objects, plants, reflective surfaces, torches or coloured lights).
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please browse the website to discover follow-on courses, such as film processing, pinhole photography, digital printing or dramatic lighting.
Catriona Gray is a photographic artist and teacher from London. She has worked in photography for 26 years and has a breadth of experience from documentary and portrait photography, to fine art darkroom printing, analogue photography and alternative photographic processes. She has taught photography for over 10 years for various institutions including Westminster University, NHS hopsitals, healthcare and addiction recovery facilities, Darkroom London and Zoom In. She believes in learning through doing, and making lots of mistakes. Push yourself, try something different, flip things around, get uncomfortable.
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
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.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
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Using hands-on interventions with your camera, experimental use of light or getting creative with and hands-on with your images.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-17 00:00:00<p>This course is a hands-on introduction to experimental photographic techniques, encouraging you to explore creative, unconventional ways of making images. Through playful physical interventions, alternative camera settings, inventive lighting approaches and digital experimentation, you will expand your understanding of what photography can be. You will work predominantly with digital photography but have a chance to try simple analogue processes. The course is suitable for anyone interested in pushing their photographic practice beyond conventional methods.</p><p>Push the limits of your photography beyond standard image-making and towards something more playful and experimental. Using hands-on interventions with your camera, experimental use of light or getting creative with and hands-on with your images.</p><ul><li>Physical interventions using your camera and props</li><li>Experimental and non-standard camera settings</li><li>Creative lighting techniques</li><li>Digital and collage manipulations, for example: multiple exposures; mirroring; montage</li><li>Using in-camera techniques to create abstract and expressive images</li></ul><ul><li>Use a range of experimental camera settings and physical techniques to create unique images</li><li>Manipulate and transform photographs using creative digital processes</li><li>Use lighting in unconventional ways to produce expressive visual effects</li><li>Produce multiple exposures, mirrored images, and simple photomontage</li><li>Develop a personal approach to experimental photography</li><li>Feel comfortable with making mistakes and reflecting on them</li><li>Develop a workflow including camera, lighting and post-production to creative effect</li></ul><p>This is not a beginners course. You should be comfortable with using the manual functions of your camera. You should be familiar with the basics of photography such as f-stops, metering, shutter speed and ISO.</p><p>Digital work is part of the course, so being comfortable using a computer is essential and familiarity with image-editing software (such as Adobe Photoshop) is an advantage.</p><p>You should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, take part in group discussion, and engage in simple practical tasks.</p><p>Teaching will take the form of practical activities, demonstrations, short presentations and group discussion. Photography will take place both in the studio and occasional outings/walks in the local area. You will receive guidance throughout as you experiment with techniques. Tasks will be set between sessions for you to do in your time. In addition, sometime you will be encouraged to collect materials to use in class.</p><p>Resources and materials will be shared via Google Classroom.</p><p>Please bring your own camera. A digital camera such as DSLR or mirrorless with manual functions is advised. There are cameras available for use at City Lit if you wish to experiment with different models, but these are only for use during class.</p><p></p><p>Feel free to bring any simple props you may wish to experiment with (e.g., coloured glass, prisms, plastic packaging, small objects, plants, reflective surfaces, torches or coloured lights).</p><p>Please browse the website to discover follow-on courses, such as film processing, pinhole photography, digital printing or dramatic lighting.</p>PhotographyPhotography skills & workshopsvirtual247309201VY312NONEThu17/09/26 - 22/10/2610:00 - 13:0010:0013:006 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetCatriona Gray, Ed Gregory, Michael HardingAvailable courses2026-09-17T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Art & design309309Experimental photographyexperimental-photography/vy312-2627<p>Push the limits of your photography beyond standard image-making and towards something more playful and experimental. Using hands-on interventions with your camera, experimental use of light or getting creative with and hands-on with your images.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-17 00:00:00<p>This course is a hands-on introduction to experimental photographic techniques, encouraging you to explore creative, unconventional ways of making images. Through playful physical interventions, alternative camera settings, inventive lighting approaches and digital experimentation, you will expand your understanding of what photography can be. You will work predominantly with digital photography but have a chance to try simple analogue processes. The course is suitable for anyone interested in pushing their photographic practice beyond conventional methods.</p><p>Push the limits of your photography beyond standard image-making and towards something more playful and experimental. Using hands-on interventions with your camera, experimental use of light or getting creative with and hands-on with your images.</p><ul><li>Physical interventions using your camera and props</li><li>Experimental and non-standard camera settings</li><li>Creative lighting techniques</li><li>Digital and collage manipulations, for example: multiple exposures; mirroring; montage</li><li>Using in-camera techniques to create abstract and expressive images</li></ul><ul><li>Use a range of experimental camera settings and physical techniques to create unique images</li><li>Manipulate and transform photographs using creative digital processes</li><li>Use lighting in unconventional ways to produce expressive visual effects</li><li>Produce multiple exposures, mirrored images, and simple photomontage</li><li>Develop a personal approach to experimental photography</li><li>Feel comfortable with making mistakes and reflecting on them</li><li>Develop a workflow including camera, lighting and post-production to creative effect</li></ul><p>This is not a beginners course. You should be comfortable with using the manual functions of your camera. You should be familiar with the basics of photography such as f-stops, metering, shutter speed and ISO.</p><p>Digital work is part of the course, so being comfortable using a computer is essential and familiarity with image-editing software (such as Adobe Photoshop) is an advantage.</p><p>You should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, take part in group discussion, and engage in simple practical tasks.</p><p>Teaching will take the form of practical activities, demonstrations, short presentations and group discussion. Photography will take place both in the studio and occasional outings/walks in the local area. You will receive guidance throughout as you experiment with techniques. Tasks will be set between sessions for you to do in your time. In addition, sometime you will be encouraged to collect materials to use in class.</p><p>Resources and materials will be shared via Google Classroom.</p><p>Please bring your own camera. A digital camera such as DSLR or mirrorless with manual functions is advised. There are cameras available for use at City Lit if you wish to experiment with different models, but these are only for use during class.</p><p></p><p>Feel free to bring any simple props you may wish to experiment with (e.g., coloured glass, prisms, plastic packaging, small objects, plants, reflective surfaces, torches or coloured lights).</p><p>Please browse the website to discover follow-on courses, such as film processing, pinhole photography, digital printing or dramatic lighting.</p>PhotographyPhotography skills & workshopsconfigurable
