The Masterclass program, our one-year course, laying down the essential foundations in photography, has been immensely popular a since we introduced it at the beginning of 2019.
September 2023 will see our 8th intake of Masterclass students.
We are absolutely delighted to see so many photographers committed to developing and improving their skills…. and we are similarly committed to sharing our knowledge through superb teaching and facilities.
Students on the Photography Masterclass will immerse themselves in photography for a whole year.
This is a ten-module photography course with photo assignments between sessions and students can choose to work on their assignments entirely on their own - or by teaming up with others in their group.
Each session lasts three and a half hours and will include time to examine assignment images and take part in practicals (where appropriate).
Although it runs over the course of a year, the class closes during August and December.
Masterclass runs on weekends from 10:30 am - 2:00 pm. Check below to see the dates of the next season.
This one-year Masterclass attracts new photographers and those seeking to revitalise their interest (and skill level) in their existing hobby.
By immersing yourself in photography, through not just the monthly sessions, but also via the monthly assignments and the social connections with other students on the course, you will develop the habit of using your camera and seeing like a photographer.
You’re looking for the best learning solution to master your camera
You’re frustrated with your photography and need expert guidance
You’re looking to rekindle your hobby with fresh inspiration
You want to buy a unique and very special gift for someone you love
Almost any digital camera is suitable, but it probably favours those with interchangeable lenses like DSLR cameras or the new ‘Mirrorless’ technology cameras.
Suitable for owners of Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and Pentax cameras.
You will also need during the course of the year a portable flash gun and, for the two editing modules, you’ll need access to Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop. Certain prime lenses will also aid your assignment work, as will a sturdy tripod and filters.
Advice will be given.
Once you have completed the first four modules looking at some essential building blocks, you’ll begin to focus on a number of key photography genres.
Landscape photography, people photography and close-up (Macro) photography each require their own unique skill set. This is good, because the best photographers learn from a diverse range of photographic disciplines, giving themselves a deeper understanding by seeing the ‘bigger picture’
Many new photographers find flash a little intimidating. Your flash module will dispel the mysteries surrounding it, enabling you to embrace the massive creative opportunities that flash offers.
Finally, with two modules dealing with the post-production (or editing) process, your Masterclass year will help you become a more rounded photographer.
Our first Masterclass started in early 2019, and despite the break in classes due to Lockdown, we have averaged two Masterclasses annually since then. Each year the contents get tweaked, partly to remain fresh and partly to keep pace with the rapid changes in technology.
One thing that hasn't changed though, is the camaraderie between students. Great friendships have developed from spending so much time with each other, sharing the experience and growing together in knowledge and skills.
Video
This video was filmed over two different Masterclasses and clearly demonstrates how well everyone gels together. It includes some additional footage of our new Highfield Park venue.
This is exciting news!
Masterclass 8 (MC8) will be taking place at a newer, bigger venue, the highly prestigious Highfield Park Hotel in Heckfield.
Map
Highfield Park was built around 1730, and since then, it has gone through several stages of expansion and renovation. Over the years, it has been home to (amongst others) Sir Henry Russell, the Rothchilds family and Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain.
Today it sits on thirty five acres of lush rolling Hampshire countryside, operating as a privately owned hotel.
Its extensive facilities are just what we needed for our Masterclass students and the grounds will provide a stunning backdrop to our outdoor practical exercises.
The course is not cheap. Indeed, if you are new to photography, it's likely that Masterclass costs more than your camera. And that should not be surprising.
If there's one thing that Kevin has learnt over the years, it's that the camera plays a relatively small part in the photographer's success story, a small part in building the photographer's skill level... and a small part in building his/her confidence. Whilst the camera is essential to take the photo, training is where your investment is needed in those early years.
Training is crucial, absolutely essential if you want to see genuine, rapid and structured progress in camera skills, technical competence and creative development.
For an investment of £1500 you can transform your skills, as you learn under the guidance of a working professional. Not many photographers ever have that kind of opportunity.
Spreading the Cost, Interest-Free
To make it more affordable, you can now spread the cost over the year, completely interest-free.
Even though interest rates are high at the moment, we won't charge you any fees or interest for spreading the payments. We are so keen to make Masterclass affordable to as many people as possible, we will absorb the costs ourselves.
Therefore, you just need to pay a deposit of £500, which is followed by ten monthly payments of £100 (A total of £1500).
Once your deposit is received, you will be presented with a link to set up a direct Debit with GoCardless (who administer all our DDIs).
If you prefer to pay all in one go, we still have that option too.
You will be learning from industry professional Kevin Ahronson and you can expect instruction at the very highest level.
Kevin, who founded the HSP, is one of the best photography teachers in the UK and has personally taught hundreds of students from beginners through to those who want to go professional.
With over 50 years of experience behind the camera and having been teaching photography since 2009, Kevin’s passion these days is to share that knowledge with the next generation of photographers.