Smartphone photography / videography training in person or online

My bespoke training on photography, video, smartphone photography and videography is tailored to the needs of the individual, group or organisation that has hired me. Session can be delivered in person or online, and multi session workshops can be a mix of the two, for example, a single, in-person practical session on smartphone photography can be followed a couple of weeks later with an online session on editing images on a smartphone.

In the typical workshop or training session, students learn how to capture high quality still images or video and edit them for online or print delivery. The sessions assume no previous knowledge of photography and I cover both iPhone and Android smartphones.

York Camera Club hosted a presentation by Nigel Goldsmith on phone photography.  We had a great night, as Nigel went through a whole range of techniques and processes.  In a relaxed yet highly informative style, he covered both the technical aspects of image capture and editing methods.   He constantly provided links to software to support phone photography, which was either free to download, or reasonably priced.  We had a lively Q&A, in which Nigel responded expansively to all the questions that were asked of him.  Thanks again Nigel for an excellent presentation. Jeff Craine, York Camera Club

Smartphone videography workshop Image courtesy Dave Webb

With screen sharing technology in Zoom, the online learning experience is as good if not better than in person teaching. If you would like a tailored talk or workshop on smartphone photography or videography, please email me at mail@nigelgoldsmith.co.uk for more information. I have delivered online smartphone training to the Royal Automobile Club, Oxford Photographic Society, Backwell Camera Club, Random House/ Penguin, York Camera Club, Royal Photographic Society,

Smartphone photography / videography online workshops

Smartphone photography and videography workshops and training for fun, social media, professional development or team building events.

Today’s iPhones, Android or other brands of smartphones can produce high quality images if used with care and under optimum conditions.

Students learn how to capture high quality images for print or online publication or social media such as Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

The workshop can also cover accessories to help improve the quality of portraits, still life and product shots or record video and audio.

The workshop has been delivered as a 1:1 session or as part of a staff development days for employees at Microsoft or as leisure courses at the University of Bath, the Royal Photographic Society and Marcus Evans Linguarama.

If you are interested in learning how to get better pictures  or video from your smartphone as a 1:1 or group activity, please let me know at mail@nigelgoldsmith.co.uk

Nigel recently came to speak to Brislington WI, and it was a resounding success!  We are quite a modern, dynamic group, around 60 members, with a wide range of ages, interests and occupations, and even those that are quite tech-savvy learnt some great new techniques.  The session was informative and interactive, Nigel was friendly, approachable, encouraged questions, and gave time for experimenting.  Numerous times throughout the evening, one or another member could be heard saying “I had no idea my phone could do that!”.  We have no hesitation in recommending Nigel as a speaker to any group, large or small. Arwen Brown, Brislington WI, Bristol

Photography and video training services

We were very happy to work with Nigel as he provided a flexible and high quality learning experience. He was able to tailor the training to our specific needs which proved to be a valuable and cost effective solution. We look forward to working with Nigel again in the future.” Flo Smith,  National Trust Picture Library

As businesses make greater use of social media and other online platforms to promote their services and products there is an increasing need for photographic and video capture skills to be brought in-house. With a basic understanding of lighting, composition and camera operation it should be possible to produce good quality images and video using a digital camera or mobile device.

All training is planned around the needs of the client and can include, choosing equipment, camera/ smartphone operation, photographing specific objects, portraiture, lighting, image preparation and image delivery.

Training is normally delivered on-site to individuals or small groups.

I am a qualified photography and video lecturer with over twenty years experience teaching at universities, colleges, and providing bespoke photography and video training for business, cultural heritage organisations and individuals.

Clients include the BBC, Cambridge University, The National Trust, The Royal Photographic Society, Highlight PR, Microsoft and Transco.

Sound recording equipment – three day introduction to video course

Nigel is a great tutor and has enabled me to advance my skills tenfold in just two and a half days. I would definitely recommend to any budding film makers. He’s equipped me with the competence and the confidence to go out and shoot. Kelly O’Connor, Kinneir Dufort

Onsite training

• Introduction to video (3 day course)
• Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom training
• Smartphone photography and video (1 hour talk to 3 hour practical workshop)
• Video capture for business (filming testimonials, demonstrations, products etc)
• Photography introduction – improve your picture taking for personal and business use
• Advanced photography & lighting – producing high quality images for print and screen
• Digitisation, lighting, photography and scanning
• Producing high quality media with a mobile device (1-3 hour activity or 1 day workshop)

Training videos

• Follow this link to a series of my free Photoshop video tutorials

Image digitisation service

Nigel developed tools to help us assess the imaging skills of candidates during an important recruitment to our digitisation unit. His work was excellent and delivered to very tight deadlines.”Grant Young, Head of Digital Content, Cambridge University Library.

For several years I worked for JISC Digital Media (formerly TASI) at the University of Bristol were I supported UK universities, museums and galleries in digitising their collections. I offer technical guidance and image digitisation services to museums, galleries, public bodies, artists and other organisations across the UK.

Digitisation with copy stand

Services include

• Planning a digitisation project
• Technical guidance on image digitisation
• Flat original digitisation (scanning or photography)
• Glass plate negatives and magic lantern slide capture
• Three dimensional object capture (photography)
• Small objects e.g. coins, medals, jewelery, watches etc.

Digitising magic lantern slides

Darkroom and film photography training and consultancy services

If you want to set up a black and white darkroom or you would like to revive a darkroom which hasn’t been used for a while I can provide guidance and training to help you get up and running. If you do not have a darkroom, I can bring along a portable darkroom to go through the basics and explain a range of techniques including; pinhole photography, photograms, luminograms, darkroom printing and experimental techniques.

Click here for more information about darkroom and analogue workshops an consultancy services.

Preparing a darkroom