One-Day Introduction Course — Just £75

A calm, enjoyable day that makes photography finally feel easy.

If you’ve always wanted to take better photos, understand your camera properly, or simply pick up a relaxing new hobby, this one-day workshop is the perfect place to start.

It’s designed especially for people who want photography to be enjoyable, not stressful — including many who are retired or looking for a creative way to spend more time outdoors.

This isn’t a technical bootcamp, and it’s definitely not about becoming a professional photographer.
It’s a friendly, confidence-building day that teaches you the essentials in a way that actually makes sense.

What You’ll Learn

Morning Session — 10am to 12pm

Indoors • Calm • Clear explanations

We start with the basics, properly explained while you follow along on your own camera:

• What exposure actually is

• How aperture, shutter speed and ISO work (and why they matter)

• How to confidently use Manual mode

• Simple composition and focusing tips that instantly improve your pictures

Lunch — 12pm to 1pm

Lunch is not included, but Yarm has plenty of lovely cafés, bakeries and spots to grab something warm.

Afternoon Photo Walk — 1pm to 3pm

Outdoors • Relaxed • Supportive

We head out around Yarm and Egglescliffe for a practical photo walk — a perfect way to practise what you’ve just learned in the morning session.

You’ll get help as you go, with guidance on:

• Getting exposure right outdoors

• Choosing settings for different scenes

• Improving your compositions

• Making the most of natural light

It’s a relaxed stroll, ideal for beginners and a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Who This Workshop Is For

This day is designed for people who want to enjoy photography as a hobby:

• Anyone who has a camera but never quite understood it

• People who want to get off Auto and actually take control

• Those looking for a relaxing, creative pastime

• Retirees with time to explore something new

• People who prefer small, friendly groups

• Anyone wanting a thoughtful, meaningful gift experience

Why People Feel Comfortable Learning With Me

I’ve spent over a decade teaching beginner photographers, and the thing people tell me most often is:

“I finally understand it now!" Things usually click around lunchtime, trust the process and you will definitely learn. 

My teaching style is friendly, patient and clear.
I focus on helping you understand the why, not just the buttons — so you leave with real confidence to create your own images.

Most learners come in feeling unsure and go home genuinely excited to keep practising.

Course Details

£75 special introductory offer

(previously £135)

For 2026 I’ve decided to offer this newly refreshed beginner course at just £75 — genuinely incredible value.
I’ve run a very similar session (the Crash Course) for years at £135, but I wanted to make this version more accessible and encourage more people to discover photography as a hobby. If you’ve been thinking about learning for a while, this is the perfect time to jump in.

• Sundays — quieter streets and free parking in Yarm

• 10am–3pm

• Small, friendly group sizes

• Run once a quarter 

• Bring your camera, lens, memory card and a charged battery and charger — no additional fancy kit needed

Where It Can Lead

This workshop gives you a solid foundation for the next steps in your hobby:

• 4-Week Photography Foundations Course

• Editing & Workflow Essentials Course

• Photography trips around the UK and abroad

They all build naturally from what you learn on this day.

Gift Vouchers

Looking to treat someone?
Gift vouchers are available and make a brilliant present for anyone who’s always wanted to learn photography or pick up a new hobby.

Just drop me an email at contact@michaelcartwrightphotography.co.uk and I’ll sort everything for you — quick, simple and personalised.