Photography for beginners

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.

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!

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.

I have been teaching at City LIt for twelve years, starting off with a course of darkroom photography which we ran at Photofusion Darkrooms. I now mainly teach beginners and People and Portraits. My background is as a professional photographer specialising in Portraiture. I have exhibited in Arles at the Rencontres and been published by several magazines. I use a medium format camera and digital. I studied for an MA in PHotographic Studies at the University of Westminster shortly before starting at City Lit.

Scott Perry is a photographic artist and lecturer who works across a broad range of different photographic techniques and processes within his practice, including a specialism in experimental and analogue processes. His main interest within photography is in the way in which photographs are seen and shared, whether that is through prints shared on the wall, creating photobooks, or projecting still and moving images. He has also exhibited internationally, including numerous times at the Polish Festival of Pinhole Photography and venues in Italy, Portugal, USA and across the UK. Perry is also a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Westminster, where he is exploring the way in which events (specifically UK airshows) are documented and communicated through photography; with a focus on the expanded field of photography through light art practices. At City Lit, Scott teaches a range of courses including Pinhole Photography, Digital Printing and Wildlife Photography with the breadth of the courses mirroring his practice.