Photographing Old Buildings

Event details

Whether you photograph old buildings for work or as a hobby, these online workshops are the perfect space to develop your skills and confidence with a camera. 

Through a series of pre-recorded talks and live online workshops, you’ll receive expert guidance on photography techniques and composition.  

Guided by professional photographer Ralph Hodgson, you will also develop your appreciation of space and light, so you can confidently capture the textures, details and beauty of old buildings.  

As well as guided learning and group discussion, you'll also get to put your new skills into action with an independent project. This is a great opportunity to get feedback from an experienced professional, with tips on how to take your shots to the next level. 

The workshop consists of approximately five hours of guided learning and an independent project to submit. Certificates of attendance for CPD purposes are available on request.

Who is it for? 

These workshops are ideal for anyone with a general interest in photographing old buildings, including professionals. 

It may be particularly useful for property managers or building conservation professionals who wish to enhance the composition of their photography for record keeping and reporting. 

You’ll need some familiarity with DSLRs or mirrorless cameras and a few photography basics.

You will learn

• The value of planning and considering the photographs you need to create.
• Techniques and composition to develop your appreciation of the space and light of old buildings and boost your confidence in photographing the textures, details and features of old buildings. 
• Photography tips and tricks from the tutor's decades of experience. 
• The value of photo essays for editing your photographs for record keeping and reporting. 

How it works

Step One: Watch the pre-recorded talk  

Monday 1 July - Wednesday 17 July (self-paced)

From 1 July 2024, you will receive access to a pre-recorded talk, which introduces some inspiring examples and techniques, and sets out the independent project you’ll complete by the end of these workshops. 

You will have access to this pre-recorded presentation for the duration of the course and can watch it as many times as you like. 

Step Two: Join us for the first online meeting  

Wednesday 17 July 2024, 11am - 12.30pm (BST)

Tutor Ralph Hodgson will share tips and examples to help you improve your photography skills and technical knowledge. You’ll have a chance to interact with others on the workshop and to ask any questions before starting your independent project. The meeting will be recorded and shared with you, so you can watch it back. 

Step Three: Complete your independent project  

Wednesday 17 July - Wednesday 11 September (self-paced) 

For your independent project, you’ll photograph an old building that interests you, creating a series of photographs (a photo essay).  

You’ll get tips and ideas about how you can approach the project in the pre-recorded presentation and during the first group meeting. The deadline for submission is Wednesday 11 September at midday. 

Step Four: Get live feedback on your project  

Wednesday 18 September 2024, 10.30am - 1pm (BST) 

 Ralph Hodgson will review your photo essay and share his feedback in the final online group meeting. This meeting will also be recorded for you to watch again on demand. 

You will need

• A computer, phone or other device connected to the internet, which can play audio and video. 
• A DSLR or mirrorless camera. You may also wish to use a tripod. 
• Familiarity with basic photography skills, composition, and techniques.  
• An opportunity to photograph an old building.
• Permission from the owner, if you need it to access your chosen building.
• Access to the inside of your chosen building, if possible.

We cannot be held responsible for anything that happens when you are photographing an old building for this workshop.    

Tutor 

Ralph Hodgson is a professional photographer and photography tutor. His wide-ranging work includes photographing heritage buildings, portraiture, news and reportage, for clients in industry, government, corporate affairs and charities. Ralph holds a City & Guilds Level Three award in Education and Training.

Accreditation 

The workshop consists of approximately five hours of guided learning and an independent project to submit. Certificates of attendance for CPD purposes are available on request. 

Use of your photographs 

By registering for the workshop, you consent to us displaying your photo essay in the live online group meeting, which will be recorded for participants to watch on demand for a limited time. You also consent to us using your photos with full credits to promote this course in print and online. We will not use your photos for any other purpose without your prior written consent.

Accessibility 

The group meetings will take place on Zoom. Closed captions will be available.  

You can choose whether or not to have your camera on during the group meetings, although we’d encourage you to do so. 

To be able to contribute to the discussion you will need a microphone or be able to add typed comments during the session. 

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email education@spab.org.uk .

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions. 

Photo credit: The Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, photographed as part of the workshop © Phaedra Howard