John Alderson Tuition - Services I Offer
6 Week Photography for Beginners Course
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Photography for Beginners Course
Hey everyone! I'm so excited to finally announce something I've been working on: my brand-new Photography for Beginners course! I've poured my heart into designing a program that's not just informative, but genuinely fun and engaging.
You know, I remember when I first picked up a camera. It felt like trying to decipher a foreign language! All those buttons, settings... it was overwhelming. That's why I wanted to create a course that cuts through the jargon and makes photography accessible to everyone. I want to share my passion and help you discover the joy of capturing beautiful moments.
Over six evenings, from 5-9pm (day, dates and venue TBC), we'll dive into the essentials. I'll guide you through understanding your camera, mastering those tricky settings like aperture and shutter speed, and exploring the magic of composition and lighting. I'm all about hands-on learning, so expect plenty of practical exercises where you can put your new skills to the test.
But the best part? I'm adding an exclusive Showcase Evening! Think of it as a relaxed, informal get-together where we can share our work, give each other constructive feedback (over coffee, of course!), and celebrate how far we've come. It's going to be a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow photography enthusiasts and build a supportive community.
I'm offering this entire experience – 24 hours of instruction plus the Showcase Evening – for just £120. I truly believe it's incredible value for the journey you're about to embark on.
Because I want to ensure everyone gets personalized attention, I'm limiting the course to just 10 spots. I'm already buzzing with anticipation to see the amazing photos you'll create!
So, if you've ever dreamed of taking stunning photos, if you're ready to ditch the 'auto' setting and unlock your creative potential, then message me now! Let's start this photography adventure together. I can't wait to meet you all!"
School Sessions
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Tailored School Sessions
I’m a qualified teacher with eight years of experience in further education, and I’m launching an exciting new photography and enrichment program designed for students from junior to secondary school.
Photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s a powerful tool for creativity, storytelling, confidence-building, and self-expression. My new program offers engaging 3-hour workshops where students will explore the art of photography using mobile phones or basic cameras, making it accessible and affordable for schools.
Why Photography?
📷 Encourages Creativity – Students learn to see the world differently and express themselves visually.
📷 Supports Curriculum Goals – Complements Art, ICT, Media, and English through visual storytelling and composition.
📷 Builds Confidence & Communication Skills – Encourages independent thinking and teamwork.
📷 Promotes Digital Literacy – Helps students understand image-making in the digital world.Why Work With Me?
With a strong background in both education and photography, I understand how to engage young learners while maintaining a structured, fun, and safe learning environment. I hold full training in Safeguarding, British Values, Prevent, Health and Safety, and Fire Safety, ensuring that all sessions meet educational and welfare standards.
What I Offer to Schools:
✔ Tailored sessions to suit different age groups and abilities
✔ Flexible scheduling – Ideal for enrichment days, after-school clubs, or curriculum-linked workshops
✔ Hands-on learning with practical activities and creative challenges
✔ Competitive pricing to ensure accessibility for all schoolsThis program is perfect for schools looking to enhance their creative curriculum, boost engagement, or provide a fresh and inspiring learning experience for their students.scription
Photo Walks
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Low Barns Nature Reserve - Sunday 13th April 2025, 12 Noon £25
Join me for a 3 hour Photo Walk around the beautiful Low Barns Nature Reserve located near Bishop Auckland. I will be guiding you around the reserve and sharing pro photography tips and techniques as well as talking about the numerous species of birds at the reserve. We will meet in the cafe which is located in the car park (there is a small parking fee) where I will explain what the afternoon will entail. I will have photography and spotting optics available for everyone to try out.
Limited to 10 people.
If less than 5 people book or less than 5 people turn up on the day the walk will be cancelled. Payment on the day.
Click below to register your interest. Please state the Date that you would like to book.
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Low Barns Nature Reserve - Sunday 27th April 2025, 12 Noon £25
Join me for a 3 hour Photo Walk around the beautiful Low Barns Nature Reserve located near Bishop Auckland. I will be guiding you around the reserve and sharing pro photography tips and techniques as well as talking about the numerous species of birds at the reserve. We will meet in the cafe which is located in the car park (there is a small parking fee) where I will explain what the afternoon will entail. I will have photography and spotting optics available for everyone to try out.
Limited to 10 people.
If less than 5 people book or less than 5 people turn up on the day the walk will be cancelled. Payment on the day.
Click below to register your interest. Please state the Date that you would like to book.
Private Tuition
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1-to-1 Photography Tuition
Enhance your photography skills with personalized one-on-one tuition tailored to your specific needs and interests. Whether you're a beginner looking to master the basics or aiming to refine your techniques, this customized session will help you achieve your goals.
Location: The tuition can be conducted at a location of your choice. Travel expenses may be required depending on the distance from the tutor's base location.
What You Will Learn: Your session will be customized to fit your skill level and areas of interest. Possible topics include:
Camera Basics: Understanding your camera's functions and settings, such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance.
Composition: Learning the rules of composition and how to effectively frame your shots.
Lighting: Techniques for using light.
Portrait Photography: Tips and tricks for taking stunning portraits, including posing and lighting.
Landscape Photography: How to capture breathtaking landscapes, focusing on composition, timing, and use of filters.
What You Need to Bring:
Camera: A DSLR, mirrorless, or any camera you are comfortable with.
Lenses: Any lenses you have, particularly those you want to learn more about using.
Memory Cards: Ensure you have enough storage for a full session of shooting.
Tripod: Recommended for certain types of photography, such as landscapes or low-light situations.
Notebook: For taking notes during the session.
Charged Batteries and Spare: Ensure your batteries are fully charged, and bring spares if you have them.
Comfortable Clothing: Dress appropriately for the weather and location of the shoot.
Booking and Contact Information:
To book your 1-to-1 photography tuition session or for any inquiries, please contact me by clicking the button below. Please state what your main aim of the session is, how many hours would you like and a prefered location.
Looking forward to helping you capture the world through your lens.
Group Tuition
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Group Tuition for beginners - Bishop Auckland, A Journey Through Time - Sunday 20th April, 12 Noon £50
Learn how to use your camera, its functions, and how to achieve perfect composition on this 3 hour session for beginners.
Join me for a 3 hour learning session around the wonderful town of Bishop Auckland. You will learn:
Camera Basics: Understanding your camera's functions and settings, such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance
Composition: You will learn the rules of composition and how to effectively frame your shots.
Learning resources and Cheat Sheets will be handed out on the day.
We will meet in the Fifties Cafe which is located in the Market Place, where I will explain what the afternoon will entail. I will have various photography equipment available for everyone to try out.
Who is it for?: Your session is for beginners.
What You Need to Bring:
Camera: A DSLR, mirrorless, or any camera you are comfortable with.
Memory Cards: Ensure you have enough storage for a full session of shooting.
Notebook: For taking notes during the session.
Charged Batteries and Spare: Ensure your batteries are fully charged, and bring spares if you have them.
Comfortable Clothing: Dress appropriately for the weather and location of the shoot.
Booking and Contact Information:
To book your group photography tuition session or for any inquiries, please contact me by clicking the button below.
I am looking forward to helping you capture the world through your lens.
John Alderson Tuition is dedicated to offering a first-class photography education, tailored to suit all ages and abilities.
I am a qualified teacher with 8 years of experience teaching photography in further education, helping students of all skill levels develop their creativity and technical knowledge. My teaching approach is clear, engaging, and adaptable, ensuring that everyone—whether a complete beginner or an aspiring professional—can gain confidence behind the camera.
I take student well-being seriously and am fully trained in Safeguarding, GDPR, Prevent, Health and Safety, and Fire Safety. This means I create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where students can express themselves freely while developing their skills.
Additionally, I have extensive experience working with people with learning disabilities, making my tuition accessible to all abilities. I believe that photography should be for everyone, and I adapt my teaching methods to suit individual needs, ensuring that every student feels supported and empowered to develop their creativity.
If you’re looking for expert photography tuition in a friendly and professional environment, I’d love to help. Get in touch—there’s nothing to be afraid of!