Take your photography to the next level

Lenʼs Master Class

Len’s School .com

Len’s Master Class OverviewA hands on course for photographic enthusiasts. This course will teach you how to understand your

creative and thought processes. It will focus your energy and production of photographs into bodies of work around central themes. You will develop your photographic composition, and understanding of the possible creative tools at your disposal for creating collections of images.

You will become involved in a photographic community and will make new friends. You will focus your creative energy into meaningful projects. Your skills in critiquing photographs will be developed and refined.

You will complete a number of exercises, practice concepts and techniques to help you become unconsciously competent with your camera. This is a practical course. You will be producing new photographs each week. There will be homework, you will be required to be disciplined and focused, though your photographs don’t have to be in focus.

Finally we will concentrate on presenting your photographs as meaningful products. Looking and researching outlets for sharing your work.

The course will be a mixture of presentations, classroom exercises & activities, group work, videos, homework (including lots of creating images), personal research, personal photographic projects, location shoots, tours and gallery visits.

Expect to be challenged, engaged, and encouraged in a friendly and supportive group of photographers.

By the end of the course you will:

★ develop a photographic community★ identify, develop, document your work★ produce a number of photographic projects★ practice and improve photo critiquing skills★ explore and analyise master photographs★ deconstruct photographic artworks★ explore and understand your creative

processes★ critique photographic compositional devices★ experience camera love★ meet and network with fellow photographers★ have been held accountable for your

photographic projects★ presented your photographs★ print your own photographs★ have matted and framed your work★ immersed yourself in photography for a year★ grow your visual literacy ★ complete a number of photographic exercises★ gained confidence as a photographer★ write an artists statement★ have been challenged★ be inspired★ be encouraged★ progressed

During the course you might:

★ sharing your work to the world ★ publish a book★ complete a photograph a day challenge★ complete a self portrait project★ curate your own exhibition★ challenge your own photographic style ★ produce and design a website of your work★ develop a business plan★ start a new career★ take lots of photographs★ develop and maintain a photoblog★ participate in a group show★ create a set of greeting and/or postcards★ produce a calendar★ amaze your self with your abilities★ find your photographic direction★ inspire and help others in their photography★ take lots and lots of stunning photographs★ grow in unexpected ways★ take unexpected leaps★ discover new visual influences★ develop your own style★ make new friends★ enjoy yourself★ laugh

“The simple and unarguable truth is that workshops are the best stimulus for new work and personal growth...”

Brooks Jenson

“Len is a master of adult education to the point where you assimilate information without even realising it.

I was guided to focus in new areas of photography revealing strengths that I did not know I had.

It challenged and stretched me well beyond any of the photographic courses I had done before.

I am completing the course with a much greater depth of knowledge; of skills; of confidence and a vibrant excitement with photography.

The dynamics of the group, gently guided by Len, contributed greatly to the best course I have ever done.”

Paul Hulbert

Photograph copyright © Paul Hulbert 2010

✓ Overcoming creative blocks✓ The creative brain✓ Publishing on-line✓ Artist statements✓ Projects✓ Creative visualisation✓ Photographic visualisation✓ Creative processes of the masters✓ Journals✓ Idea generation✓ Camera craft & control✓ Lens choice✓ Sharpness & focus✓ Bokeh & blurrrr✓ Composition✓ Chiaroscuro ✓ Atmospheric perspective✓ Golden sections & Fibonacci✓ Colour theories✓ Colour meanings✓ Subject areas

✓ The creative process✓ The command to look✓ Colour management✓ Colour spaces✓ Colour temperature✓ Work flow✓ Critiquing photographs✓ Nature of photographs✓ Soft proofing✓ Digital printing✓ Inkjet prints✓ Archival issues✓ Photo blogs✓ Online presentation✓ Online galleries✓ Portfolios✓ Artist statements✓ Rembrandt lighting✓ Conceptual art✓ Framing and mounting✓ Exhibitions✓ Price pointing✓ Web site design✓ Going to press✓ Marketing & publicity

✓ Digital black and white✓ Pre press preparation✓ Keeping it simple✓ Compositional sophistication✓ Learning to see✓ Master photographers✓ Positive self talk✓ Natural lighting✓ Hollywood lighting✓ Dealing with art galleries✓ Marketing your photographs✓ Ongoing learning & development✓ The power of Lightroom✓ Soft proofing✓ The beauty of paper✓ Curating your own work✓ How to organise an exhibition✓ How the art world works✓ Collecting photography✓ Publishing a photography book✓ Producing your own art work✓ Branding yourself✓ Publishing your photographs✓ Finding an audience✓ Quiet Light

“I've particularly appreciated the fact that the course has ‘deliverables’.”

Shirley Steel

Len’s Master Class Content

1. Do you think I am at a suitable level for this course as I still classify myself as a beginner?

If you are interested, have the passion, caught the photography bug and committed to learning you’re probably up for it.

2. What equipment will I need?

Required: camera recommended: computer - image processing software (Picasa, Lightroom, Aperture, Photoshop etc). Notebook and pen

3. How much time will the homework take?

That really depends on your passion and commitment to learn. Three hours a week would probably be enough, but six hours a week would be just fantastic. Up to you.

4. Are there extra costs?

That is up to you. They can easily be minimised. There may be costs associated with the end of year exhibition, printing your work, paper and inks, but you can always choose a cheaper and more cost effective option.5. What will I need for the field trips?

Small day pack or camera pack, 1 liter water bottle, rain coat, sturdy shoes and warm jacket. A tripod is highly recommended.

6. What do I bring to the first class?

A pen, your camera and three of your photographic prints to show the class.

7. How do I book in?

Please send Len an email len@lensschool.com . To confirm you place you will need to pay your deposit of $200.00Len takes payment via paypal (for credit cards & direct

debit) , cheques or cash.

8. I am a film junkie, can I still come to the course?

Of course, you may find yourself in the darkroom more often printing out your work. Film isn’t dead. Your more than welcome and will benefit from the course, though it will probably be dominated by digital photographers.

or phone Len on 1300 39 82 83

Frequently asked questions

“Len’s fantastic ability to make everyone feel comfortable was vital, especially when critiquing other people’s work. The bond between the class members is very strong and supportive. This was even more apparent on our outings. The days were not just for learning and sharing knowledge, but were for having fun.

The homework and projects that were set not only enabled us to use the information learnt in our own work, but allowed Len to guide us to produce some outstanding work throughout the year. This culminated in an end of year exhibition. This was daunting at the beginning of the year, but with the extra knowledge and confidence gained throughout the year, it became an exciting prospect.

Len’s teaching and leadership has helped me to create a style of my own that I am comfortable with, but I’m also willing now to

try different ways to communicate with my audience. I have learnt to watch the light more and be patient, both with myself and the subject. I believe I will continue now to grow as a photographer thanks to Lens class. I cannot thank him enough.”

Dot Radley

“ Edgy” Top Shot Winner 2010 NSW Federation of Camera Clubs

Copyright © Dot Radley 2010

Some more about Len’s Master ClassMost classes go for 3 hours. The class usually starts with a short session of open questions from the group, and general check in with everyone.

The main component of the course comes next, with Len presenting a specific information session. The teaching method varies, and may include; presentation, slide shows, movies, activities, discussions, brain storms, research, and presentation from you and your peers.

Here in the middle we have a tea and coffee break over some sweet nibbles.This is followed by the final section of the session where you are asked to present and discuss your homework and current project images. Somewhere among all of this you are given your next weekly exercise.

Each term has a general theme:Term 1 - Camera mastery & creativityTerm 2 - Composition & outputTerm 3 - Colour / Black & White

Term 4 - Exhibiting your work

Each term has eight sessions.

The course includes numerous photographic shoots within the class room and field excursions. Students bring their cameras each week, and will benefit from many hands on sessions.

During the course you can expect to be exposed to many wonderful photographic masters. Part of the philosophy is to increase your visual language through the consumption on wonderful and varied images.

“The course this year has been fabulous. When I reflect on what I have learnt, it is very difficult to describe.  At one level it is easy.  I have learnt many new techniques and I have  connected with a much broader photographic community than previously.  

The aspect that is more difficult to put into words, is the way I have grown and matured as a photographer.   Your course has given me structure, it has challenged me in ways that I have never been challenged before, it has made me think in a new ways and it has given me the confidence to take risks with my photography.  

In your own quiet way you have allowed me to discover a photographer within that I had not previously been confident enough to recognise.  I am now attempting different types of photography than before. You have helped me discover what my strengths are, or more importantly, what my photographic strengths can be.  I find myself speaking about my work with more confidence than ever before.  I'm not afraid to use photographic and artistic language in discussions about my work.  You've given me language I can use and you've believed in my photography enough for me to feel pride in what I've produced this year.  This in itself is a major outcome.  I started the year knowing I loved photography but not knowing if I had the potential to be really good at it.”

Shirley Steel

Photograph copyright © Shirley Steel 2010

Len Metcalf has been teaching others since his teenage years. He has over twenty five years as a professional educator. His reputation as an outstanding educator is well deserved. Len started teaching photography whilst completing his Graduate Diploma in Art Education in the early nineties. He later lectured for the

University of Technology, Sydney in Adult Education for the Kuwait Ministry of Defense.

Len’s passion for photography probably started at a similar time when his father took him under his wing and taught him the basics of using a camera, and printing in a darkroom. Not that it was much of a dark room, as Len recalls; “We would wait for moonless nights, and set up the enlarger in the laundry, and print till very late. Mum would soon want her laundry back, and it was soon packed up again, to wait for another new moon”.

Len formally studied photography at the City Art Institute (now COFA, UNSW), where he was mentored by Eardley Lancaster, Lynn Roberts-Goodwin, Julie Brown Rrap and George Schwartz. He graduated with straight distinctions in photography and was awarded the coveted prize for “Most outstanding advanced colour graduating photographer”.

More recently Len has been mentored by Gordon Undy and Bob Kersey.

Len’s large format landscapes are stunning works of art, unusual and unique in both style and content. He slowly returned to his roots and is now printing his beautiful black and white images as polymer photogravures and other alternative photographic processes.

After many years of wandering the bush with a large format camera capturing it subtle nuances and splendor. Len has returned to smaller and lighter formats, spurred by the eagerness of his son to keep on exploring.

Len thought he had escaped his ever present students when he started his own photography gallery in Katoomba, but his reputation soon had eager students knocking at his door. Since then Len has had a steady stream of students wanting to learn photography.

What started as a small hobby has turned into a profession, with Len’s School growing each year as his reputation continues to spread.

When asked what is his secret he is quick to reply;

“Positive encouragement teamed with technical expertise, a solid dose of creativity and a touch of infectious enthusiasm, easy...”.

Len looks forward to meeting you, encouraging you, and watching you grow. He can’t wait to see what you will create.

Venues / times / locations & prices are published on the website

By booking on this course you are committing to a full year.

A $200.00 deposit is required to reserve your place in the class, and is credited to your last terms fees.

• By booking in you are committing to the whole year, not just one term.

• Fees are non refundable, though exceptional circumstances will be considered for a refund.

• By booking on the course you are agreeing to the terms and conditions as outlined at the Len’s School website.

For more information contact Len Metcalf

1300 39 82 83 len@lensschool.comlensschool.com

The business end

“Learning how to critique images and put said skills into practice on our own and our groups work has been invaluable in making me think more about all the different elements that make up a good image. Having weekly homework and setting a goal for the end of term makes you get out of your comfort zone and try new things.

Many thanks Len for your hard work and caring attitude. With your guidance I feel my skills as a photographer has grown along with my understanding of the art form and its many aspects.”

Anne Baker

Photograph copyright © Anne Baker 2010

Len’s SchoolLen’s School offers a number of interesting and innovative photography education programs, workshops and tours. These include:

Individual / personalised photography tuition

Photographic portfolio critiques

Camping photography tours in the Blue Mountains

Beginner workshops

International photography tours coming soon

Large format & panoramic photography workshops

Digital printing workshops

Creativity workshops

Outdoor corporate training, outdoor education and customised program design and delivery.

http://LensSchool.comAll unattributed photographs Copyright © Len Metcalf

Lens Scho

Len’s SchoolSponsored and supported by:

Mainline PhotographicsSuite 213 / 2nd floor68 Alexander StreetCrows Nest 2065http://www.mainlinephoto.com.au

Summit Gear11 Ross StreetGlenbrook 2773

80-82 Bathurst RoadKatoomba 2780http://www.summitgear.com.au

1/9 Twisters Len Metcalf