A few weeks ago I headed off for a selfish weekend away from the kids to a residential spring photography course held by the lovely Sara-Jayne from Keep up with the Jones Family. I got to know her and her blog when we became pregnant with our little boys at the same time and we met at a Tots100 camp in Birmingham.
I absolutely adore her blog and her Instagram feed. Her photos are so bright, light and beautiful, and I have always looked at them enviously, wishing I could produce something similar. For my 33rd birthday I got a DSLR camera which improved my pictures no end but I could only use it on manual and I knew that I was missing out on so much because I couldn't work it properly.
I had been to a couple of little photography workshops at various blogging events but I really needed some quality lessons and one on one time to get to grips with my camera properly so when Sara-Jayne posted details of her Family Photography Course I jumped at the chance to attend!
It was held in a beautiful barn just outside Hereford and I headed up there with the lovely Debbie from An Organised Mess. On the course with us was a lovely lady called Hannah who wanted to improve her personal family photography skills and the very sweet Louisa whose Instagram feed I stalk for victorian renovation inspiration! It was a really nice group and we got on really well which was lovely.
The course was very detailed and very well planned. I was worried that I wouldn't understand some things but Sara-Jayne is a natural teacher and was so patient and I came away understanding everything and eager to put it into practice! I loved how she told us all her own hints and tips and was very generous in sharing her knowledge.
We worked very solidly and had lots of time to practice what she was teaching us and as it was such a little group she was able to give us lots of one on one help (which I really needed!). All food was provided and it was plentiful! We had a lovely lunch, followed by a stunning spaghetti bolognese, pizza and garlic bread for dinner. Breakfast the next day was a real highlight too - croissants, fruit and chocolate galore! I've not felt so spoilt for a long time!
She brought some great props and a tonne of fresh flowers and I took lots of great pictures (and lots of not so great ones too!). On the second day we staged an afternoon tea and these cute biscuits from Nila Holden were a huge hit when I got home too!
I hope to get to another one of Sara-Jayne's photography courses as I would love to learn so much more and she is a great teacher. I have found the whole experience really inspiring and I have loved getting out and about and practicing using my camera on manual more. I hope you have noticed the difference in my photos recently too as I know I have.
Here are more details of the Spring course I went on. Keep checking her blog for new dates! I'm told she has some new ones in the pipeline!
Disclosure - I paid full price for this course and as such of course was under no obligation to blog about it. I was so happy with it and learnt so much I felt I had to share it with you.ย
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Rhian Westbury says
Great photographs, looks like you learned a lot. It's amazing how a few hours of tutition can help x
The London Mum says
What a brilliant course and a great way to learn about photography. I love photography and am always trying to improve and practice. I'd love real professional help!
Elodie says
I've always been curious about photography course. I'm alright with a camera, but not brilliant so I'm always afraid it'll either be a waste of my time, or I'll leave and have no idea what the hell just happened. Haha!
Life as Mum says
You've shared some lovely photos and course sounds amazing. I would love to go on a photography course one day
Rachel says
Oh wow your photos are lovely. A course is definitely something I should look into x
Ana De- Jesus says
I think you have done an amazing job the photos does the setting justice and I love that you got food as well!
Anosa says
I too am a lover of Sarah-Janes photography skills and once I buy a camera I will book myself onto one. Looks like you picked up some really nice tips as your pictures look great
Liz Mays says
That sounds awesome. I'd love to learn more about using my camera. Your pictures from the course are so pretty!
Candace says
These photographs are stunning. I really should go on a course and learn how to use my dslr properly. I've only had it 6 years now!
lisa prince says
great post , i find i have good days then bad days with y pictures , i take them daily but since my camera broke i have to now reply on my phone camera which doesnt seem to be too bad to be fare
Laura H says
Wow the photos you've come out with are amazing! I love all the props that she brought ๐ I really need to get on one of these courses as I have a big camera but no idea how to use it really >.<
Louisa says
It was lovely to meet you all and to learn together. Your photos are great, definitely a very worthwhile weekend z
Nayna Kanabar says
I could do with attending a course like this, your pics look awesome.
Kacie says
It's great to hear you enjoyed the course so much - I'm off to check out Sara-Jayne's Instagram ๐
Harriet from Toby & Roo says
I really want to take on a photograph course - I don't think mine is very good and I literally just use my iPhone, maybe I could do with a course and proper camera for my instagram too!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
I always love going away with other bloggers, it's always so much fun ๐ Looks like you learned a lot on this course!
Rebecca Smith says
What lovely photos. Sounds like it is a fantastic course
Kira says
I'd love to go to a course like this! Just got my own dslr for my birthday a couple of weeks ago! I love the outdoor photos you took, beautiful flowers!
Melanie Edjourian says
I need to work on my photography skills. You have donea great job on those photos, love the flower shots.
Jessica says
Wow. Spring offers a lot of perfect landscapes and portraits so learning more on photography makes it better to capture the charm of this sweet season..
Tara says
What a perfect time of year to practice photography, such beautiful backdrops!