This course invites you to use light as a creative tool: shaping, trailing and transforming it to create expressive photographic images. Through guided experimentation, creative briefs, and group critique, you’ll learn how to control exposure, colour, and movement to produce images that glow, blur, shimmer, and surprise.
NB: This listing covers two versions of the same course. One is the full course, and the other is a condense...
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.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Photography literally means drawing with light - and this course takes that idea seriously. You will explore how light behaves over time and how the camera can be used to record light as line, shape, texture, and colour. Working with long exposures, controlled light sources, and reflective materials, you’ll learn how to make images that could not exist without movement, duration, and intention.
You’ll experiment with different light sources, learning how simple tools can produce dramatic effects. Alongside creative exploration, you’ll gain a solid understanding of camera settings - shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and white balance - so you can confidently control how light is recorded. Group discussions and critiques will help you reflect on your work.
Some assignments take place outside the photography studio. You will need to be able to walk approximately 500 metres, and locations may not be fully wheelchair accessible. Please contact Visual Arts if this affects you, as adjustments can be made.
What will we cover?
Exploring composition, finding new perspectives
Working with light and shadow
Experimenting with abstraction
The longer course covers combining images, building collages and diptychs
Exploring movement, creating light-paintings
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Observe your everyday surroundings from new perspectives
Use composition, colour and light to create interesting imagery
Discuss a range of visual languages in contemporary photography
Apply a range of techniques in creating images with a digital camera
Be more confident in sharing your work and discussing it with others
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is ideal for people with some experience of photography; having some background knowledge of basic photographic technique and a willingness to experiment is more important. Camera settings will be explained clearly and practically, allowing you to achieve striking results, even in early sessions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught using a range of techniques including workshops, short lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, tutorials, group and individual assistance and hand-outs. You will be expected to photograph some images between the lessons and upload them to Google classroom for group discussion. Please note the City Lit uses Apple Mac computers in the Photography studio. We also use Google classroom to share course materials.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your camera (if you have one) to the classes and you may wish to bring a notebook and pen. The City Lit has a range of Digital SLR and mirrorless cameras, (Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony) tripods, lenses, speedlights and studio flash which you are welcome to use during the hours of the class. It would be useful to bring a memory stick (or portable hard drive - please note: PC formatted hard drives can be read by Apple mac computers, but not written to.) This course is not suitable for photography on smart phones or fully automatic cameras.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You can develop your interest in photography further through a range of creative and practical photography courses at City Lit, for example in Contemporary Art Photography, Dramatic Lighting or Experimental Photography.
If you've taken the taster course and loved it, consider taking the longer version to build up your skills.
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
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
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/photography-drawing-with-light3001909Photography: drawing with lighthttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/y/vy104_photography_in_a_day_drawing_with_light-1_copy_1.jpg229229GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Photography/Courses/Art & design/Photography/Photography skills & workshops22851132170217561228511321702<p>This course invites you to use light as a creative tool: shaping, trailing and transforming it to create expressive photographic images. Through guided experimentation, creative briefs, and group critique, you’ll learn how to control exposure, colour, and movement to produce images that glow, blur, shimmer, and surprise.</p><p></p><p><strong>NB: This listing covers two versions of the same course. One is the full course, and the other is a condensed 1-day version designed as a short introductory 'taster'.</strong></p>00https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/y/vy104_photography_in_a_day_drawing_with_light-2_copy_1.jpg3030610Photography: drawing with light229229https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/y/vy104_photography_in_a_day_drawing_with_light-1_copy_1_2.jpgInStockEveningThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-09-17T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Art & designVY397229229Photography: drawing with light183149229Ed Gregoryphotography-drawing-with-light/vy397-2627<p>This course invites you to use light as a creative tool: shaping, trailing and transforming it to create expressive photographic images. Through guided experimentation, creative briefs, and group critique, you’ll learn how to control exposure, colour, and movement to produce images that glow, blur, shimmer, and surprise.</p><p></p><p><strong>NB: This listing covers two versions of the same course. One is the full course, and the other is a condensed 1-day version designed as a short introductory 'taster'.</strong></p>0000-Available|2026-09-17 00:00:00<p>Photography literally means <em>drawing with light</em> - and this course takes that idea seriously. You will explore how light behaves over time and how the camera can be used to record light as line, shape, texture, and colour. Working with long exposures, controlled light sources, and reflective materials, you’ll learn how to make images that could not exist without movement, duration, and intention.</p><p>You’ll experiment with different light sources, learning how simple tools can produce dramatic effects. Alongside creative exploration, you’ll gain a solid understanding of camera settings - shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and white balance - so you can confidently control how light is recorded. Group discussions and critiques will help you reflect on your work.</p><p>Some assignments take place outside the photography studio. You will need to be able to walk approximately 500 metres, and locations may not be fully wheelchair accessible. <strong>Please contact Visual Arts if this affects you, as adjustments can be made.</strong></p><p>This course invites you to use light as a creative tool: shaping, trailing and transforming it to create expressive photographic images. Through guided experimentation, creative briefs, and group critique, you’ll learn how to control exposure, colour, and movement to produce images that glow, blur, shimmer, and surprise.</p><p></p><p><strong>NB: This listing covers two versions of the same course. One is the full course, and the other is a condensed 1-day version designed as a short introductory 'taster'.</strong></p><ul><li>Exploring composition, finding new perspectives</li><li>Working with light and shadow</li><li>Experimenting with abstraction</li><li>The longer course covers combining images, building collages and diptychs</li><li>Exploring movement, creating light-paintings</li></ul><ul><li>Observe your everyday surroundings from new perspectives</li><li>Use composition, colour and light to create interesting imagery</li><li>Discuss a range of visual languages in contemporary photography</li><li>Apply a range of techniques in creating images with a digital camera</li><li>Be more confident in sharing your work and discussing it with others</li></ul><p>The course is ideal for people with some experience of photography; having some background knowledge of basic photographic technique and a willingness to experiment is more important. Camera settings will be explained clearly and practically, allowing you to achieve striking results, even in early sessions.</p><p>You will be taught using a range of techniques including workshops, short lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, tutorials, group and individual assistance and hand-outs. You will be expected to photograph some images between the lessons and upload them to Google classroom for group discussion. Please note the City Lit uses Apple Mac computers in the Photography studio. We also use Google classroom to share course materials.</p><p>Please bring your camera (if you have one) to the classes and you may wish to bring a notebook and pen. The City Lit has a range of Digital SLR and mirrorless cameras, (Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony) tripods, lenses, speedlights and studio flash which you are welcome to use during the hours of the class. It would be useful to bring a memory stick (or portable hard drive - please note: PC formatted hard drives can be read by Apple mac computers, but not written to.) This course is not suitable for photography on smart phones or fully automatic cameras.</p><p>You can develop your interest in photography further through a range of creative and practical photography courses at City Lit, for example in Contemporary Art Photography, Dramatic Lighting or Experimental Photography.</p><p></p><p>If you've taken the taster course and loved it, consider taking the longer version to build up your skills.</p>PhotographyPhotography skills & workshopsvirtual183229149VY397NONEThu17/09/26 - 08/10/2618:00 - 21:0018:0021:004 sessions (over 4 weeks)41 to 4 weeksEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetEd GregoryBeginnersAvailable courses2026-09-17T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Art & design229229Photography: drawing with lightphotography-drawing-with-light/vy397-2627<p>This course invites you to use light as a creative tool: shaping, trailing and transforming it to create expressive photographic images. Through guided experimentation, creative briefs, and group critique, you’ll learn how to control exposure, colour, and movement to produce images that glow, blur, shimmer, and surprise.</p><p></p><p><strong>NB: This listing covers two versions of the same course. One is the full course, and the other is a condensed 1-day version designed as a short introductory 'taster'.</strong></p>0000-Available|2026-09-17 00:00:00<p>Photography literally means <em>drawing with light</em> - and this course takes that idea seriously. You will explore how light behaves over time and how the camera can be used to record light as line, shape, texture, and colour. Working with long exposures, controlled light sources, and reflective materials, you’ll learn how to make images that could not exist without movement, duration, and intention.</p><p>You’ll experiment with different light sources, learning how simple tools can produce dramatic effects. Alongside creative exploration, you’ll gain a solid understanding of camera settings - shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and white balance - so you can confidently control how light is recorded. Group discussions and critiques will help you reflect on your work.</p><p>Some assignments take place outside the photography studio. You will need to be able to walk approximately 500 metres, and locations may not be fully wheelchair accessible. <strong>Please contact Visual Arts if this affects you, as adjustments can be made.</strong></p><p>This course invites you to use light as a creative tool: shaping, trailing and transforming it to create expressive photographic images. Through guided experimentation, creative briefs, and group critique, you’ll learn how to control exposure, colour, and movement to produce images that glow, blur, shimmer, and surprise.</p><p></p><p><strong>NB: This listing covers two versions of the same course. One is the full course, and the other is a condensed 1-day version designed as a short introductory 'taster'.</strong></p><ul><li>Exploring composition, finding new perspectives</li><li>Working with light and shadow</li><li>Experimenting with abstraction</li><li>The longer course covers combining images, building collages and diptychs</li><li>Exploring movement, creating light-paintings</li></ul><ul><li>Observe your everyday surroundings from new perspectives</li><li>Use composition, colour and light to create interesting imagery</li><li>Discuss a range of visual languages in contemporary photography</li><li>Apply a range of techniques in creating images with a digital camera</li><li>Be more confident in sharing your work and discussing it with others</li></ul><p>The course is ideal for people with some experience of photography; having some background knowledge of basic photographic technique and a willingness to experiment is more important. Camera settings will be explained clearly and practically, allowing you to achieve striking results, even in early sessions.</p><p>You will be taught using a range of techniques including workshops, short lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, tutorials, group and individual assistance and hand-outs. You will be expected to photograph some images between the lessons and upload them to Google classroom for group discussion. Please note the City Lit uses Apple Mac computers in the Photography studio. We also use Google classroom to share course materials.</p><p>Please bring your camera (if you have one) to the classes and you may wish to bring a notebook and pen. The City Lit has a range of Digital SLR and mirrorless cameras, (Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony) tripods, lenses, speedlights and studio flash which you are welcome to use during the hours of the class. It would be useful to bring a memory stick (or portable hard drive - please note: PC formatted hard drives can be read by Apple mac computers, but not written to.) This course is not suitable for photography on smart phones or fully automatic cameras.</p><p>You can develop your interest in photography further through a range of creative and practical photography courses at City Lit, for example in Contemporary Art Photography, Dramatic Lighting or Experimental Photography.</p><p></p><p>If you've taken the taster course and loved it, consider taking the longer version to build up your skills.</p>PhotographyPhotography skills & workshopsconfigurable
