Photography Workshops

LEICA M System

• Introduction to LEICA M9

  • If you are considering investing in a LEICA M9, this could be an ideal opportunity for you to learn more about this exciting new Leica camera and to have an open discussion about the unique rangefinder system.

    Scope
    This meeting explores the features and functions of the LEICA M9 camera - as well as the range of lenses available.

    Leading the meeting is Brett, a recognised Leica professional, who has a multi-disciplined photographic background and shoots exclusively with the Leica M series. You will benefit from our expert’s advice, knowledge and experience of working with the M9 in the field. Brett will demonstrate the camera’s capabilities through his creative photography and explore how you will see the world in a different light with this unique rangefinder system. Whether you want to find out if the M9 will suit your requirements, to evaluate your lens options or simply to discuss the finer details, then this workshop is the perfect opportunity to talk face-to-face with our expert.
     
    Price
    Complimentary
     
    Timing
    Thursday 14.30 – 16.30

    To book
    Telephone 07514 539566 or email akademie@leica-storemayfair.co.uk

• LEICA M9 Owner

  • A practical session with the LEICA M9, where owners shoot with their own camera / lens / charged battery / SD card and learn skills to enhance their M9 experience with a professional Leica photographer.

    Scope
    Get the most from your LEICA M9 with a workshop geared towards showing you how to achieve astounding results with this unique rangefinder system.
    Leading the meeting is Brett, a recognised Leica professional, who shoots exclusively with the M series. He will be available on the day to share some of his personal tips, working methods and shooting techniques to enable you to gain more from your camera.

    There is fluidity to the workshop that allows you to discuss, as a group, your areas of interest or improvement, from the idea to the finished product, to ensure that you get the most from this workshop and our expert.

    Putting theory into practice you’ll venture out to the local area on a shoot, accompanied by Brett, giving you the opportunity to acquire expert advice in the field – expanding your skills, working technique and confidence.

    Review your images as a group and explore post-production methods in Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® to round off your Leica M9 Owner workshop experience.

    Price
    Complimentary

    Timing
    Thursday 10.30 – 13.30

    To book
    Telephone 07514 539566 or email akademie@leica-storemayfair.co.uk

• LEICA M8/8.2 Owner

  • This is a technique-based workshop on how to get the most out of your LEICA M8 and M8.2 cameras. Run by professional photographer, Will Cheung, the session is a mix of PowerPoint presentation and practical hands-on session; so your camera, complete with a fully charged battery, and memory card will be needed.

    Scope
    The LEICA M8 and M8.2 are advanced digital rangefinder cameras, packed with useful features. This workshop explores core camera set-up advice including parameters like image resolution, white-balance, focusing and ISO setting. The exposure system is also covered in-depth, indulging how to meter to get the best results, using the exposure lock and exposure compensation features to ensure optimum results.

    Lens techniques such as using depth-of-field and hyperfocal focusing are explained with practical examples to help you to understand and use them creatively.
    Demanding photographic situations are discussed, with tips given on how to get the best results in tricky lighting and more challenging picture-taking situations. 

    Price
    £125

    Timing
    Quarterly 10.30 – 13.30, contact the Leica Akademie for available dates

    To book
    Telephone 07514 539566 or email akademie@leica-storemayfair.co.uk

• LEICA M System Bespoke Owner

  • Following requests from photographers and the success of Leica’s current M9 owner sessions, we have developed a bespoke one-day M Workshop.
    This is ideally suited to LEICA M8 and M9 digital users or aspiring owners, perhaps coming from a film M, or DSLR background. Whether you are new to Leica M System cameras or are an experienced user who needs to take their skills further - amateur or professional, our expert will be able to meet your needs.

    Scope
    The day is tailored to your own areas of interest and competency, to expand your capability and techniques with your M System camera. Led by an exclusive professional M System photographer and consultant to Leica, Brett will discuss your individual needs to design a hands-on day to meet your expectations.

    During this workshop, the relationship will be ‘two photographers’ rather than tutor / pupil, and our multi-disciplined professional is there as a mentor: offering advice, tips, new technical perspectives and a new way to see, rather than how to look for photos.
    The sessions are flexible, enabling the participants to respond to what happens on the day and tailor each workshop accordingly.

    In previous workshops we have covered: M camera management, focusing, user tips and techniques, shooting to a brief, reportage photography, workflow solutions, working with DNGs, image enhancement and slideshows.

    The workshop is limited to a maximum of two participants. We can also arrange one-to-one sessions, and provide cameras to shoot with on the day.

    Price
    Maximum of two attendees at £400pp; or £600 guaranteed one-to-one with the opportunity to invite one other photographer

    Timing
    By mutually convenient appointment only

    For further information
    To discuss your specific requirements, telephone 07514 539566 or email akademie@leica-storemayfair.co.uk

• LEICA M Film Owner

  • If you are not totally happy with the pictures that you are currently getting from your M film camera then this workshop, hosted by expert photographer Will Cheung, is guaranteed to help. 

    Scope
    All core camera techniques will be discussed in detail and this includes advice on film choice; choosing the right film for the photo opportunity.

    With film, of course, there is no instant feedback as with digital capture, so it is imperative to get it right in-camera. Using your camera’s exposure and focusing systems to their utmost potential will help you achieve brilliant pictures.

    Techniques like how to use the camera meter and its various aspects, such as exposure compensation and exposure lock, will be discussed and supported by a practical hands-on session. Depth-of-field and hyperfocal focusing are essential techniques to get right to ensure sharp pictures, and these processes are also outlined in depth.

    Price
    £125

    Timing
    As demand dictates, 10.30 – 13.30, contact the Leica Akademie for available dates

    To book
    Telephone 07514 539566 or email akademie@leica-storemayfair.co.uk

Digital Compact

• Introduction to LEICA X1 / V-Lux 20 / D-Lux 4

  • If you have recently purchased a Leica digital compact camera, or just need more information, then these hands-on demonstrations will be ideal for you.

    Scope
    This one hour workshop gives you the opportunity to ask one of our experienced photographic team at the Leica Store Mayfair your questions, handle the camera, and if you are new to Leica then this is the chance to evaluate if your potential purchase meets your needs.
    The demonstration includes: reviewing modes, manual focus, flash, menu settings and file management. The team will also be able to run through the basics of the post-processing software available with your digital compact, to demonstrate how to get the most of your images after you’ve captured them.

    Price
    Complimentary

    Timing
    By mutually convenient appointment

    To book
    Telephone 07514 539566 or email akademie@leica-storemayfair.co.uk

Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom®

• Introduction to Lightroom

  • This workshop is for photographers who are new to post-processing using this software, or would like to start using Lightroom with greater confidence.

    Scope
    For most photographers, Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® will be the only software needed for post-processing, and this workshop demonstrates key tools, trouble-shooting common photographic problems and insider techniques to help you to enhance and refine your images.

    Leading the workshop is Brett, a professional M photographer and consultant to Leica Camera, who has developed this workshop to progress your knowledge and understanding of Lightroom – through importing/exporting images, learning basic filing and back-up techniques, essential Lightroom short cuts, developing digital files non-destructively, while efficiently editing your images.
    You will be guided through each module of Lightroom at your own pace – through library, develop, slideshow and print functions – enabling you to become familiar with the software.

    The Leica Akademie uses Apple Macs exclusively for its workshops – Lightroom essentially operates in the same way on either a Mac or a PC platform, so this will not prevent a PC user from benefiting from the workshop.
    With a maximum of three attendees per session and access to your own iMac workstation, your learning potential is maximised with the utmost attention from our experienced professional.

    Price
    £125

    Timing
    Alternate Fridays, 10.30 – 13.30 or 14.30 – 17.30, contact the Leica Akademie for available dates

    To book
    Telephone 07514 539566 or email akademie@leica-storemayfair.co.uk

• Advanced Lightroom

  • A one-day, bespoke, practical session introducing you to advanced post-processing skills needed for producing high quality images.

    Scope
    The primary goal is to learn how to organise, secure, identify, select and process your work to a high standard ready for printing.
    Secondly, to introduce Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom®’s extensive range of tools that makes post processing more time efficient and fun.
    Finally, to alter the aesthetics of an image using Lightroom and expanding its use by integrating with external software: Adobe® Photoshop®, Nik Silver Efex Pro™ and Nik Color Efex Pro™.

    The Akademie uses Apple Macs exclusively for our workshops – Lightroom essentially operates in the same way on either a Mac or a PC platform, so this will not prevent a PC user from benefiting from the workshop.

    Each photographer will be provided with a personal iMac workstation for the day and guided through Lightroom: from SD card file import, through to production.
    Leading the session is Gary Rowlands, known as ‘Rolo’ on Leica forums. Gary is a Leica Fotografie International (LFI) featured professional photographer who uses a LEICA M9 and MP for client and personal assignments. Capturing several thousand images a month has encouraged the development of advanced processing skills that will be shared to improve your photography and post-processing skills.

    Price
    £250, including lunch

    Timing
    Twice a month, 11.00 – 17.00, contact the Leica Akademie for available dates

    To book
    Telephone 07514 539566 or email akademie@leica-storemayfair.co.uk

Creative Photography

• Pictures for Profit

  • Getting your photographs into print is a great ego boost and it can earn you money’ too. Hosted by former photo magazine editor Will Cheung FRPS, this half-day workshop is aimed at those camera users who aspire to see their work published, particularly in the photographic magazine market.

    Scope
    Magazines have an insatiable appetite for images and editors are always on the lookout for photographic talent. But editorial photography is fiercely competitive, so it definitely helps to understand what an editor needs to stand a chance of your work being used.
    This workshop will help you identify the magazine’s needs and the process of how to submit images. Before that, however, you have to produce work of a sufficiently high aesthetic standard with suitable content, and images must be of an appropriate technical level. These key points are covered in this workshop and clients are encouraged to bring along examples of their own work for a critical appraisal by our expert.
    Photographic competitions are another method of getting your photographic talent recognised. Not only that, but there are some terrific prizes to be won, too. Our expert will give advice on how you can enhance your winning chances by understanding what the judges’ expect to see, and shooting images that will stop them in their tracks.

    Price
    £125 for a full day at the Leica Akademie, covering two half day creative workshops, including lunch.

    Timing
    Monthly, 10.30 – 13.30 / 14.30 – 17.30. Please contact the Akademie for your workshop dates

    To book
    Telephone 07514 539566 or email akademie@leica-storemayfair.co.uk

• See the World in Black & White

  • The world is a vibrantly colourful place, but there is something really rewarding about producing pictures in shades of grey. Expert black & white photographer, Will Cheung FRPS, shows how you can get more from your camera by going monochrome in this half-day workshop.

    Scope
    Successful black & white shooting starts by ‘seeing’ or pre-visualising scenes in a different way from normal colour photography. It is about understanding lighting, texture and contrast, and this is a key area that this session discusses in detail.
    How you shoot black & white images is very important. You have the choice of shooting black & white in-camera using the JPEG image quality mode, or you may prefer shooting with your camera’s Raw format and working on images in the computer. The pros and cons of both approaches are discussed so you can take the path that suits you best.
    Whichever technique you decide, our expert will guide you through core Adobe® Photoshop® and Lightroom® techniques to get the best black & white results. Techniques discussed include Raw conversion, the best method to turn your images to black & white, adding film grain, contrast control and using plug-ins.

    Price
    £125 for a full day at the Leica Akademie, covering two half day creative workshops, including lunch.

    Timing
    Monthly, 10.30 – 13.30 / 14.30 – 17.30. Please contact the Akademie for your workshop dates

    To book
    Telephone 07514 539566 or email akademie@leica-storemayfair.co.uk

• Holiday and Travel Photography

  • Make the most of the photo opportunities on your travels with this half-day workshop hosted by professional photographer Will Cheung FRPS. The techniques covered are specifically targeted at digital M users, but much of the advice is equally valuable to M film owners too.

    Scope
    Many camera users come back from their travels, whether it is a weekend away or an amazing holiday of a lifetime, only to be disappointed with their photographs. This workshop is designed to equip photographers with the key camera skills to ensure they return with pictures to be proud of.
    Will Cheung is a well-travelled expert photographer and he takes you through the core processes of how to shoot memorable travel images using a selection of his images. He starts with preparing and packing for the trip, including essential accessories, and goes on to cover camera set-up and what to shoot, using the many features available to the digital M user. Correct exposure in challenging lighting conditions, focusing technique, including hyperfocal focusing and advice on picture composition are discussed in detail.

    Price
    £125 for a full day at the Leica Akademie, covering two half day creative workshops, including lunch.

    Timing
    Monthly, 10.30 – 13.30 / 14.30 – 17.30. Please contact the Akademie for your workshop dates

    To book
    Telephone 07514 539566 or email akademie@leica-storemayfair.co.uk

Workshops under Development

• Coming Soon

  • We are currently developing a comprehensive range of workshops for photographers and nature lovers, alike.

    These practical workshops will enable you to get hands-on with a full range of Leica cameras and Leica Sports Optics, both in the field and at the Leica Akademie. If you would like to be contacted in the future, when these workshops are available, then please send an enquiry to akademie@leica-storemayfair.co.uk and we will keep you up to date with our latest workshop developments.

    Coming Soon:
    Sports Optics Workshops
    Birdwatching – Big Day Out
    LEICA S System
    Introduction to M Lenses
    A la Carte
    Digital Albums
    Apple® Aperture®

Lets Talk Leica

• Drop in photographic advice session

  • An opportunity to drop by and talk about all things Leica; from cameras, lenses, software to image critique, project discussion and coaching – this is the perfect opportunity to talk face-to-face with our expert.

  • Meet Brett, professional photographer and consultant for Leica M. Share your passion for photography at our twice-monthly ‘Let’s Talk Leica’ complimentary afternoon sessions. Receive a warm welcome, impartial professional advice and information for all your photographic needs.

  • Please note that this session is not designed for technical support or product repair enquiries.

  • Price
    Complimentary

  • Timing
    Twice monthly, 14.30 – 17.30, please contact the Leica Akademie to make an appointment

  • To book
    Telephone 07514 539566 or email akademie@leica-storemayfair.co.uk

Contact
Telephone: +44 (0) 7514 539566 (Monday to Friday from 09.30 – 18.00)
Fax: +44 (0) 207 499 9895
Email: akademie@leica-storemayfair.co.uk