One of our Image Academy photography students, Chris Lauder has just submitted images for one of his assignments and it really is all about the process of deciding if and when it is appropriate to shoot with mono at point of capture or to work in colour. This is not just a simply case of taking a series of photographs and then converting to mono as that is a reactive process as a pose to proactively seeking out suitable subject matter that you feel will work best in mono. Thi

(CLICK ON ANY IMAGE ABOVE FOR A LARGER VERSION) One of the most interesting aspects of tutoring at The Image Academy is when we come across amazing photographic talent that transcends both creative and technical boundaries and we are presented with some incredible and inspiring images. Robert Bradshaw, an Image Academy photography student is such a photographer and it is a great privilege to have his work published on our website. Robert has his own words below, which will gi

We are often asked by students what we are looking for in their module 17 image submissions. What is perceived as a good standard and also how to we 'grade' the images to arrive at our percentage score for all 12 submitted images? Firstly the practical assignment brief outlines in detail the technical requirements for the photograph along with guidance on the creative aspect too. The practical assignment will always have a direct relationship with the photographic technique t

I had turned some of my coloured images into black and white at times, however that action had always been an after thought. Now my challenge was to specifically seek out black and white images. It was a challenge I relished as I have been drawn to the evocative nature of such images and wanted to learn more. I started by looking at photos from the well-known photographers in this medium and thought about those elements which stood out for me. I know the theory; texture, f

Old Lifeboat House, Wick Just over 3 years ago I had cause to notice how I was simply taking happy snaps with a point and shoot camera. Deciding I wanted to learn to produce better and more appealing photographs of which I could be proud, I purchased a Canon Bridge Camera. Determined to learn about my camera as well as photography, I joined a local camera club. I stuck with it for a few months, however it was clear that the energy and passion I like to bring to any project w

For many years now I have carried a camera. But if you’d looked closely you would have noted that I was stuck in the pre-programmed modes. I was lazy. I was unprepared. I was without direction. And I was trusting to luck more than anything. I sought safety in these modes because I’m talking 35mm film. To capture a scene poorly cost money. I couldn’t afford to experiment. But with the introduction of digital sensors you would have been excused for thinking that I was quick to

There are many rituals associated with photography and the act of taking a photograph. Some have survived the test of time, others forgotten as technology removes them from the process. I was reminded of this the other day when considering the rise in interest in vinyl playback. Some of you reading this may be too young to have embraced what used to be the only way to play and listen to music. The ritual of pulling out the record (still in its sleeve), the process of opening

We are constantly looking at ways to update and improve our online photography courses and we believe that this is our best upgrade yet. From September 2014, all standard diploma courses will now include an assessment of all module practical assignments and then the setting of a personalised photography assignment with submission and detailed and in depth feedback provided on that assignment. This now means that this is a 17-module online photography course. We are also going

We recently launched a 5-day Fife Coast Photography Tour for dates in September and within a few days of launching it was fully booked. We are already looking forward to meeting all of those who are attending this exciting photographic journey around the Fife Coast. Many of you who missed out have been asking of another date this year, so we have today launched another tour - this time in October. The dates are 13th October to the 17th October. Full details on the tour and wh

Olympus OM-D E-M10 14-42mm @ 27mm. 1/800 sec @ f/5.6 ISO 200 I have been putting the Olympus OM-D E-M10 through its paces here at The Image Academy in preparation for my involvement in the Olympus UK Protege program. (I am mentor in the Landscape category) ​Its been a very interesting few days as we chose to shoot the camera alongside another new camera - the Sony A6000. Both are priced very closely and I would imagine that both would be on the same shortlist for quite a few