This week hasn’t been about lots of new posts. It’s been about building structure. Behind the scenes, a significant number of new cheat sheets have been added and refined — not just individually, but organised properly so they’re easier to navigate and more useful long term. And perhaps more exciting: The Practical Photography course is now well under way. It isn’t live yet.But it’s growing into something much deeper than a collection of tips. What you’ll find inside the paid tier (when it opens fully): • Structured genre modules • Clear progression from Foundations into practical application • Technique explained in plain language • Exercises designed to build confidence, not overwhelm • A place where experimentation is guided, not random This past week has been less visible — but more foundational. If you’ve been quietly watching, thank you. If you’re wondering what’s coming next…The Practical Photography tier is where the depth will live. More soon.

This weekend’s prompt is about control. Instead of finding something new to photograph, choose one subject and deliberately change one setting. What you’re practising: Understanding how your camera responds when you make a decision. How to do it: Step 1: Choose a simple subject. Anything will do — an object, a person, a plant, a corner of a room. Step 2: Take one photo as you normally would. Step 3: Change ONE setting intentionally.Choose one: - Widen or narrow your aperture - Speed up or slow down your shutter - Lower or raise your ISO Take the photo again. Now look at both images. Ask: What changed?Was it the light? The sharpness? The background? The mood? The rules - Post only one image (the one you prefer) - Tell us what setting you changed - No editing required This is the kind of exercise we use inside Skool — not to chase perfection, but to build confidence in making small, deliberate adjustments. No pressure.Just practise.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve reorganised the Classroom to make the learning pathway clearer and easier to navigate. The community, Absolute Beginners course, Q&A, Image Critique, and the Camera Basics cheat sheets remain free and open to all members. Additional courses — including Foundations, genre and technique deep dives, and the growing cheat sheet collections — now sit inside the paid membership tier. This simply separates:• free orientation and community• structured, in-depth learning for those who want to go further Nothing has been removed — the structure has just been clarified. As always, you’re welcome to stay at the level that suits you.

Here’s a quick Week 5 round-up, so you can see what’s been added (and refined) this week. 📄 New Cheat Sheets Added Core Foundations - Aperture Cheat Sheet: A clear, practical reference focusing on what aperture actually controls and how to use it intentionally. Portrait Photography - Portrait Genre Cheat Sheet: Designed to support the new portrait genre content and help you think beyond settings — into intent, connection, and choices. 🧍 New Genre Post - Portrait Photography — Genre Post This post explores portrait photography as more than just photographing what someone looks like, and begins to unpack how intention, awareness, and decision-making shape stronger portraits. 🛠 Refinement & Polishing While there wasn’t a large content drop this week, time was spent reviewing and refining the Absolute Beginners Course, which was completed last week. That means clearer explanations, smoother flow, and small improvements that make the material easier to return to and use in practice. 🔜 Looking Ahead Over the coming week I’ll be: - Adding further cheat sheets - Continuing to build out genre and deep dive content - Refining existing material where clarity can be improved As always, move at your own pace — these round-ups are here to keep things visible, not to rush you. Thanks for being here 😊

PORTRAITS. This is not a posing exercise. It’s an observation exercise. Photograph one person this week without telling them how to stand, sit, or pose. Before you take a single photo: - spend a minute just watching - notice how they naturally hold themselves - notice what their hands do - notice when their expression softens Only then, lift the camera. How to Shoot It - Use natural light (window light or open shade) - Keep the background simple - Stay close enough to feel present, not intrusive - Take fewer frames than usual — wait for the moment You’re not chasing a look. You’re allowing a moment. Gentle Direction (If Needed) If your subject feels unsure, try one small suggestion: - “Just take a breath.” - “You don’t need to do anything.” - “Look past me, not at the camera.” Then stop directing again. What You’re Looking For - the moment after laughter - a relaxed posture - hands at rest - an expression that isn’t performed These moments often last only a second. That’s why watching matters. Reflection (Optional but Powerful) Afterwards, ask yourself: - When did the portrait shift from posed to natural? - What changed when I stopped directing? - What did I notice that I usually rush past? Reminder A successful image doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be honest. If you’d like, share your image — or share what you noticed instead. Both count.