From September, based around the Fashion – Enter Croydon studio and designed by the inspirational photographic professional, Rod Compton (formerly a tutor at the Royal College of Art), we are presenting a hands on photographic course for aspiring fashion photographers.

The course design provides tuition at three significant levels of competence – standard, intermediate and full blown fashion photography (with real fashion models).

The entry level course is more general and breaks down into the basic components of camera operation, choice of lenses, lighting, and composition. These modules are spread over two -hour sessions and each participant will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of each step in the chain as they proceed through the course.

The intermediate course is more intensive and is geared much more directly at a semi – professional level of competence in the production of high quality digital files suitable for sale or reproduction on the web or through magazines. There is step by step guides to creating a unique photographic identity, working with and respecting other fashion professionals, engaging and directing models and building confidence when on a paid assignments,

The final level represents a standard of competence that all professionals share. Each participant is tutored in a cooperative partnership with the intention to view the aesthetics of their craft in a commercial context. This level demonstrates each step that a professional has to take to become commercially viable, including, advertising and marketing, legal and contractual, issues of copyright, plus business accounting and tax.

Each course is a highly practical one in which images are produced under studio and natural light settings on the basis that they will provide steps in building a viable portfolio. For this reason, every step in the chain is geared towards the professional market in which it is hoped our participants will find a job.

Each term there will be a gallery exhibition – plus a rolling programme of image publishing through our partner website www.fashioncapital.co.uk. All students wishing to enrol in the www.fashioncapital.co.uk members programme will have access to a complete range of fashion designers and mentored advice about the fashion industry from a panel of respected fashion gurus. The best students will be invited to visit one of the major fashion shows and shoot live for www.fashion-capital.co.uk.

Applicants will be orally assessed, but may if they wish provide a supporting portfolio. It is already clear that these courses, which are designed for both teachers and students, are going to be oversubscribed, so it is suggested that applications are submitted as soon as possible. Applications can be submitted by email or post – through the addresses found on this website and marked for the attention of Emily Tullett on emily@fashioncapital.co.uk.