Photography learners at Havering Adult College have shown some real talent behind the camera. With great guidance from their teacher, Matthew Hughes, they grasped the fundamentals of photography including:

• Camera settings like aperture, ISO and shutter speed
• Composition techniques like depth of field, rule of thirds and leading lines

These rules allowed our learners to capture stunning imagery as part of their final assessments.
The small gallery below shows how two of our learners used these techniques—plus a few more skills—to capture some truly interesting shots. Comment your support below!

Then read on! And when you’re ready to take that step, why not enrol on our Level 1 Award in Photography? This short course is a great way to get introduced to this art form before you decide if you should jump down the wonderfully creative and expressive rabbit hole that is Photography and progress onto higher levels or more advanced short courses.

Photography is not just about taking photos—it’s about feeling them.

It’s the art of freezing time, of capturing a moment that might otherwise slip away unnoticed. A photograph can whisper a memory, shout a truth, or sing a story. It’s a language that doesn’t need translation.

• It’s emotional: A photo of a loved one, a sunset, or a quiet street can stir feelings words can’t reach.
• It’s empowering: You learn to see the world differently—light, shadow, texture, and emotion become part of your vocabulary.
• It’s expressive: Whether you’re shy or outspoken, photography gives you a voice.

Photography is also therapeutic. It encourages mindfulness, creativity, and confidence. It’s a way to connect—with yourself, with others, and with the world.

Ready to start you journey? See our Photography and Photo Editing courses HERE

You don’t need to break the bank to begin your journey. Here’s a beginner-friendly kit with new and second-hand options:

📷 Starter Photography Kit

Camera Body
Entry-level DSLR or Mirrorless (e.g. Canon EOS 2000D, Sony Alpha A6000)
Brand New £350–£600
Pre-owned £150–£300

Kit Lens
Usually 18–55mm lens included with camera

Memory Card
32GB or 64GB SD card
Brand New £10–£20
Pre-owned £5–£10

Tripod
Lightweight and adjustable
Brand New £25–£60
Pre-owned £10–£30

Camera Bag
Padded, weather-resistant
Brand New £30–£70
Pre-owned £15–£40

Optional Prime Lens
50mm f/1.8 for portraits and low light
Brand New £100–£150
Pre-owned £50–£100

New Equipment Retailers:

• Amazon
• Park Cameras
• Jessops
• CameraWorld

Pre-Owned Equipment Retailers:

• eBay UK
• Amazon – also gives you the option to purchase pre-owned equipment
• UsedLens.co.uk – compares prices across 60+ UK retailers
• Camera House
• Preloved
• CEX – have some great kit options but always do your research and inspect equipment thoroughly
• Cash Convertors -As with CEX, ensure you do your research and inspect equipment thoroughly

Get Inspired: Photographers Who Will Make You Want to Pick Up a Camera

Explore the work of these incredible artists and their websites:

• Tom Hull – UK-based landscape and advertising photographer
• Amelia Allen – Documentary and portrait photographer from London
• Adam Bird – Fine-art and fashion photographer with a magical style
• Haris Nukem – Bold and provocative fashion photographer based in London
• Anya Anti – Surreal and dreamlike self-portrait artist
• Rosie Matheson – Intimate film portraits with a soft, emotional tone

These photographers show how diverse and expressive photography can be—from dreamy landscapes to gritty street scenes, from fashion to photojournalism.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

If this blog has sparked something in you—curiosity, excitement, or even a little nervousness—then you’re already on the path. Photography is a journey, and every great photographer started with a single click.

Join us at Havering Adult College and take that first step with our Level 1 Award in Photography. You’ll learn the skills, meet like-minded creatives, and start building your own visual voice.

See our Photography and Photo Editing courses HERE