Locations – Various across London, plus a one-to-one hour-long review session online at a later date
Ages – Welcoming adults and students aged 16+
Course Leader
MATTHEW SMITH Fine Art and Fashion Photographer / Owner of Helicon View
Matt is the founder and owner of Helicon View. His photography has been exhibited internationally. He has had solo exhibitions of his work in Tokyo, Rome and Venice. His first photobook, Ascension, was recently published by Red Turtle Photobook. He won the London International Creative Competition 2023. He has published three acclaimed photography-based travel books, the Wundor City Guides.
After over 16 years working in private tuition and mentoring, and winning international awards for my work as a photographer, I wanted to design a photography course that would enable participants to access their inner confidence and creativity, and inspire them to become better photographers, and therefore better artists.
One key element of my work is street photography. Being a street photographer involves asking oneself key questions: how can I find interesting locations and places to take photographs; how can I learn to observe the behaviour of light and people in the urban landscape; how can I frame images that express myself emotionally; how can portraits be taken in a captivating manner?
The aim of Street Photography: Adventures in London is to guide participants in finding ways to answer these questions, so that they can access their best creative selves, and to impart the technical and personal skills necessary to help them to realise their artistic aspirations.
Course Structure and Aims
Every day, we will visit unique locations across the city where participants will receive guidance in finding compelling images, as well as tuition in capturing photographs that will engage and inspire. There will be small-group discussions (with a maximum of 8 places per course), as well as opportunities for one-to-one mentoring. In the afternoons, attendees will spend an hour taking photographs by themselves, before we meet for an hour to break down individual thoughts and discoveries. There is a one-hour one-to-one follow-up session online after the course has finished, during which each attendee’s best shots from the course can be analysed in more depth.
More than just a course in how to take better photos, Street Photography: Adventures in London is a week spent working on oneself as an artist and as a person. Photography ties in to what we love, to how we move through life, and to our hopes and dreams. Here is an opportunity to work with me and with a small group of like-minded participants, to share ideas and feedback, to learn how to present your work effectively in portfolio format or on Instagram (or simply for pleasure), and to challenge yourself to grow in all areas of your life.
Is the Course Right for Me?
If you love taking photographs, and have a desire to improve as a photographer, this course will suit you well. No prior experience of street photography is necessary.
Which Kind of Camera Should I Use?
I have deep experience shooting with all types of film, including slide and negative, colour and black-and-white; 35mm and medium format cameras; rangefinder and SLR cameras; analogue and digital workflows. Photographers are welcome to work with any camera they like, or to discuss their options prior to the beginning of the course.
Visiting London
I was born in East London, and I have lived in the West and the North of the city. The course doubles as an opportunity to get to know one of the indispensable world capitals. If you are travelling to London from another country, you will find that there is plenty of time around the course for you to start to think of the city as a home-from-home, and I am very happy to make recommendations regarding the best things to do here, and the best places to eat and drink to suit any budget, which are often not picked up by city guide books and websites.
Future Courses and Bespoke Options
If these dates do not suit you and you would like to be put on the waiting list for future iterations of this course, please let me know. If you would like to discuss personalised versions of the course in one-on-one format, or for yourself and a group of friends, bespoke courses can be arranged.
Bookings and Enquiries
We would encourage you to get in touch ASAP if you'd like to attend, or if your son or daughter would like to attend. You can book a place or ask any questions by emailing me at matt@heliconview.com or calling the office.
