Beginners Photography Class
Saturday 12 April
Southsea, Portsmouth - 10am - 3 Hours
Jon Mainwaring
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance! Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
Beyond the Ordinary: Innovative Approaches to Street Photography
Saturday 19 April
Guildhall Square, Portsmouth - 10am - 2 Hours
Jon Mainwaring
In this meetup we will capture compelling images that tell stories about daily life. The area has a mix of modern street art and classic architecture and this will be both a subject and backdrop for candid shooting. The session will be suitable for all levels of experience and a smartphone will serve just as well as a digital camera. Topics covered will include -
- Developing an eye for interesting subjects and scenes in urban settings.
- Master the use of light, composition, and timing in street photography.
- Exploring creative techniques to add a unique touch to your street photographs.
- Gaining confidence in shooting candidly in public spaces.
Capturing the Beauty of Nature Meetup
Saturday 26 April
Stansted Park - 10am - 2 Hours
Jon Mainwaring
In this meetup we'll use a range of techniques to capture nature at the beautiful setting of Stansted Park. The colours of spring will provide a stunning backdrop for landscape, nature and even macro photography. The season permitting, I'l lead the group to a secluded area with a carpet of stunning bluebells.
Countryside Photography : A Practical Workshop for Capturing Landscapes & Nature
Sunday 04 May
Havant - 10am - 2 Hours
Jon Mainwaring
Explore the art of countryside photography in a breathtaking lakeside setting. In this meetup a the rolling parkland of Staunton I'll guide you through essential techniques for photographing tranquil waters, elegant swans, and the diverse colours and textures of trees and plants. You'll learn to frame scenes with creativity and confidence while enjoying the natural beauty of the beautiful landscape of this unique location . A perfect escape for anyone who loves nature and wants to capture its magic through their lens or with a smartphone.
Visual Storytelling Effective Documentary Photography Meetup
Saturday 10 May
Havant - 11am - 2 Hours
Jon Mainwaring
In this session we well explore how to create compelling visual stories through candid moments, scene setting, and impactful imagery. The end result will be a photo essay depicting the location in a series of images using different photographic techniques and styles. Photographic equipment isn't essential and a smartphone will serve just as well as a digital camera for this session.
Visual Storytelling: Effective Documentary Photography Meetup
Saturday 17 May
Broad St, Old Portsmouth - 10am - 2 Hours
Jon Mainwaring
In this session we well explore how to create compelling visual stories through candid moments, scene setting, and impactful imagery. The end result will be a photo essay depicting the location in a series of images using different photographic techniques and styles. Photographic equipment isn't essential and a smartphone will serve just as well as a digital camera for this session.
Beginners Photography Class
Sunday 01 June
Southsea, Portsmouth - 10am - 3 Hours
Jon Mainwaring
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance! Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
The Art of Pride: Street Photography in Motion
Saturday 07 June
Southsea, Portsmouth - 12pm - 2 Hours
Jon Mainwaring
Portsmouth is host to this fantastic event again in 2025. A parade led by drummers starts at 11.30 along the Seafront so we can capture the party atmosphere and follow along to Castle Field where the main event takes place. The costumes, flags, and decorations will provide a colourful palette and the relaxed and inclusive atmosphere will allow us to capture genuine moments of connection and emotion. With its dynamic energy and diverse stories, a Pride march offers endless opportunities for creative and impactful street photography.
Capturing Time: Photography in Historic Settings
Saturday 14 June
Fort Nelson - 10am - 2 Hours
Jon Mainwaring
In this meetup we'll capture the history and atmosphere of this unique historic location. We'll explore striking compositions featuring cannons, historic weapons, and rugged architectural details. Under Jon's guidance, you'll learn black-and-white photography skills and refine your documentary-style techniques, creating compelling visual narratives that echo the past.
Stansted Summer Festival 2025 3-Hour Meetup
Saturday 19 July
Stansted - 10am - 3 Hours
Jon Mainwaring
Step into the lively and quintessentially English atmosphere of Stansted Summer Festival 2025 with your camera in hand! This festival offers an incredible mix of historic re-enactments, vintage cars, a charming dog show, and vibrant summer stalls, a dream setting for any photographer.
Entry Fee: This meetup requires a separate ticket purchase for the festival. Tickets are NOT included in the meetup price. Please book your ticket in advance via the official festival website: https://www.stanstedpark.co.uk/stanstedsummerfestival2025
Bring a DSLR, mirrorless, or high-quality smartphone camera. A zoom lens is recommended for capturing distant details.
Wear comfortable shoes as we'll be walking around a lot.
Arrive 10 minutes early to check in with the group and discuss shooting strategies.
I Shoot It, You Shoot It
Saturday 22 March
Sturt Road, Frimley Green - 10am - 2 Hours
Nikita Piven
This session, will have a wide variation of subjects and creative lighting. The idea is that you can see how I shoot a scene, and then you place your camera in position and shoot the same way. This is a very effective way to study and learn new techniques.
Black and White Photography
Saturday 22 March
Southampton Common - 2pm - 2 Hours
Ahsan Ali
Introduction to Black and White Photography. What makes a good Black and White shot?
We will look at the contrast and using textures. How does the camera see the image and how do we create Black and White images in a camera or in post-production. We will look for some good examples and set some exercises.
This is a more advanced course and assumes you understand the basics of photography and controlling your camera.
Nature Photography Meetup
Saturday 29 March
Surrey Road - 10am - 2 Hours
Ahsan Ali
Join this session for tips on how to use your camera settings to creatively capture nature in a visually interesting way. We will be looking at composition, focus, and colour.
Many professional offices and places of business have large prints gracing their wall space of things such as fields of flowers, a butterfly perched on a leaf, and a single dew drop on a rose petal. These beautiful images are all around us in nature. It just takes that special "eye" to not only see it but to capture it in a way that will turn that simple little piece of nature into a beautiful piece of art. We will learn how to use different angles, light and shadows, and settings to make subjects pop.
Composition in the Park
Saturday 05 April
Southampton Common - 11am - 2 Hours
Ahsan Ali
Come and join us as we explore composition in photography.
Composition is one of the most critical element in photography. Composition is how a photographer arranges the visual elements within their image, frame. I promise you that if you search for information on composition you will find plenty You will find formal rules, opinion, some of which you can trace back to historical art movements and painters.
Even in the digital world, composition remains the key to creating strong images. Composition is what guides our eye through an image and gives importance to the subject. It creates the story for the viewer and how we as photographers convey that message.
This meetup will explore composition using our frame and tools available to us as the photographer.
Flower Photography Meetup
Saturday 12 April
Jermyns Ln, Romsey SO51 0QA - 2pm - 2 Hours
Nikki Wileman
Learn all the tips and tricks you need to take stunning pictures of flowers. We will discuss composition, the use of light and colour, and other aspects of photography that will help you create unique and artistic images.
Spring Photography Meetup
Saturday 12 April
Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve - 4pm - 2 Hours
Ahsan Ali
Spring photography is a beautiful way to capture the renewal of life that comes with the arrival of spring.
Join this session for tips on how to use your camera settings to creatively capture nature in a visually interesting way. We'll be looking at composition, focus and colour in this Spring season!
Natural Light Portraits
Saturday 19 April
Sturt Road, Frimley Green - 10am - 2 Hours
Nikita Piven
This meet-up will explore how we can take beautiful portraits using natural light and backgrounds. We will explore how to recognise flattering light and how to manipulate it whilst shooting in a less controlled environment than a studio. We will explore how we can work collaboratively with our subject to achieve a portrait that captures their personality and style. We will also look at posing and setting your subject at ease. Technical learning points will include accurate focusing and metering for skin tones.
Beginner's Photography Class Wild Spaces In Urban Places
Saturday 26 April
Poole Park - 2pm - 3 Hours
Anna Kenny
Ready to take your photography to the next level? In this photography class we will unlock those camera settings and practice playing with light in beautiful Poole park. This urban green space has a range of subjects to practice photographing from birds to garden plants, water habitats to woodland. There is something of interest for everyone to photograph in this class. With a camera in hand, reconnect with the great outdoors in a fun, social environment.
Seascape Photography
Saturday 26 April
Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve - 4pm - 2 Hours
Ahsan Ali
In this workshop, we will explore the art of capturing the beauty and drama of the ocean through photography.
We will also explore methods for capturing the unique atmosphere of the ocean, including the play of light and shadow on the waves, the beauty of reflections, the drama of the seas with different weather, and the colors and textures of the ocean.
Beginner's Photography Class
Saturday 03 May
Sturt Road, Frimley Green - 10am - 3 Hours
Nikita Piven
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!
Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.
We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
Natural Light Portraits
Saturday 03 May
Royal Victoria Country Park - 10am - 2 Hours
Ahsan Ali
This meet-up will explore how we can take beautiful portraits using natural light and backgrounds. We will explore how to recognise flattering light and how to manipulate it whilst shooting in a less controlled environment than a studio. We will explore how we can work collaboratively with our subject to achieve a portrait that captures their personality and style. We will also look at posing and setting your subject at ease. Technical learning points will include accurate focusing and metering for skin tones.
Note: Please bring a friend or a family member as your model.
Beginner's Photography Class Photographing Nature scapes
Saturday 10 May
Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve - 10am - 3 Hours
Anna Kenny
A camera is your tool to help you see the world. In this beginners class, we will photograph the beautiful Stanpit Marsh nature reserve, which has a variety of wildlife, habitats and views over Christchurch. Here, we will learn to photograph nature from open landscapes to individual species, showcasing the stunning ecosystems and nature-scapes around us.
Creating a Mountainscape with Watercolour Meetup
Saturday 22 March
Westover Road, Bournemouth - 2pm - 2 Hours
Ahana Byregowda
Let's capture the beauty of mountains with watercolours! This meetup is a chance to unwind, play with washes and layers, and explore the delicate balance between light and form in landscapes. Whether you're new to watercolour or have some practice, we'll guide each other through simple techniques to create serene and atmospheric mountainscapes. It's all about having fun and letting creativity flow in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Crochet Flowers Class
Saturday 29 March
The Polygon - 10am - 3 Hours
Radhika Taneja
In our Flower Crochet Class, participants will embark on a creative journey where they'll learn to craft exquisite crochet flowers. From mastering the fundamental stitches to creating lifelike petals and leaves, participants will gain the skills and techniques needed to bring the beauty of nature into their crochet projects. They'll also delve into the art of color selection and customization, enabling them to design unique floral creations. With expert guidance and a welcoming atmosphere, our class is perfect for all skill levels, promising to cultivate a newfound appreciation for the art of crochet and a talent for crafting stunning floral motifs. Join us and let your creativity bloom!
Oil Painting Meetup
Saturday 29 March
Vincents Walk - 10am - 2 Hours
Fakiha Khan
Join us for a relaxing oil painting meetup where creativity flows and brushes bring visions to life. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, this is the perfect space to share techniques, inspiration, and good vibes!
Painting with Watercolors Meetup
Saturday 05 April
Gunwharf Quays - 10am - 2 Hours
Fakiha Khan
Unlock the captivating realm of artistic expression with our Painting with Watercolors class. Immerse yourself in the fluidity and transparency of watercolor paints, allowing your creativity to flow freely onto paper. This class is an invitation to explore the unique qualities of watercolors, from delicate washes to bold strokes, as you learn essential techniques and unleash your imagination. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned artist, our experienced instructor will guide you through the mesmerizing world of watercolor painting, fostering a supportive environment for growth and self-expression. Join us for a transformative journey where you can cultivate your skills, discover the joy of painting, and create stunning, evocative artworks with the timeless beauty of watercolors.
Creating Mountains with Acrylics Meetup
Saturday 05 April
Ensbury Avenue, Bournemouth - 11am - 2 Hours
Ahana Byregowda
This workshop is all about capturing the drama and beauty of mountain landscapes using acrylic paints. With bold brushstrokes and smooth blending techniques, you'll create a striking scene filled with depth, contrast, and atmosphere. Working on a round canvas, we'll explore how to shape towering peaks, soften distant ridges, and layer colours to bring the sky to life.
You'll learn how to mix warm and cool tones to add light and shadow to your mountains, making them feel rugged and realistic.
Pastel Painting Meetup
Saturday 12 April
Cumberland Pl - 10am - 2 Hours
Fakiha Khan
Join us for a relaxing Pastel Painting Meetup, where artists of all skill levels can explore their creativity and connect with fellow art enthusiasts. Bring your own supplies and enjoy an inspiring session of color and imagination!
Beginner's Crochet Class
Saturday 19 April
The Polygon - 10am - 3 Hours
Radhika Taneja
If you are brand new to crochet, haven't picked up a hook in years, or simply want a little more guidance on those all important basic stitches this is the class for you. We will start with techniques for holding the yarn before moving onto forming the stitches that make up a traditional granny square.
Crochet materials are included as well as a free tea or coffee.
Creating Life-Size Art with Texture Meetup
Saturday 19 April
Ensbury Avenue, Bournemouth - 11am - 2 Hours
Ahana Byregowda
This workshop is all about thinking beyond the canvas and working on a life-size scale, using texture to add depth, dimension, and presence to your painting. Whether you're creating a bold abstract piece, a dramatic portrait, or a dynamic scene, we'll explore how to use acrylic paint and palette knives to build layers, sculpt details, and create a tactile surface that stands out.
Pastel Painting Meetup Oil or Dry Pastel Medium
Saturday 26 April
Southsea - 10am - 2 Hours
Fakiha Khan
Unleash your creativity at our Pastel Painting Meetup, where you'll explore pastel colours in an open medium setting. This event welcomes artists of all levels to experiment with oil and dry pastels and create stunning artworks. Join us for an engaging session filled with inspiration, guidance, and the joy of pastel painting.Note Bring your supplies. Materials are not provided.
Architectural Drawing and Painting
Saturday 03 May
Chapel Rd - 10am - 2 Hours
Fakiha Khan
In this session, we will learn architectural drawing and painting with the study of perspective and it's types.
Elaborate with Your Imagination: Abstract Painting Workshop
Saturday 03 May
Ensbury Avenue, Bournemouth - 11am - 2 Hours
Ahana Byregowda
This workshop is about stepping beyond the rules and letting your creativity take charge. Using a huge canvas, broad brushstrokes, and fluid acrylic paints, you'll explore the raw, expressive power of abstract painting. Whether you want to create something soft and ethereal or bold and dramatic, this session is all about movement, intuition, and translating emotion into colour and form.
Amigurumi 101
Saturday 10 May
The Polygon - 10am - 3 Hours
Radhika Taneja
Perfect for those who've already done our popular Beginners Class! Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting small, cute creatures. You will learn the basics of Amigurumi and start on an easy amigurumi heart project during the class.
All our classes include crochet materials and instruction as well as a non-alcoholic drink during the class.