Join me as I host a one day Photography workshop London from the iconic St. Pancras Station, London complex. My St Pancras photography course, introduces and develops both beginners and intermediates to the next levels of creative photography. Following an introductory presentation, I will work towards developing your on location observational skills. After this, there will be a feedback critique of your photographs to consolidate your understanding. The afternoon session will start with a simple presentation, demonstrating the creative benefits of setting up your camera beyond ‘Auto’. For those working with ‘Smart-phone’ technology, we will concentrate more on the aesthetic decision making process and composition. Both the exterior and interior of St Pancras offers a wealth of spectacular photo opportunities, for those keen to improve. To comply with St Pancras safety codes, we will not photograph on platforms or crowded scenarios. Interior and exterior architecture and details, such as the examples here, will be our subjects.
A little about St Pancras
It is almost inconceivable that during the 1960’s, St. Pancras was destined for demolition. My Photography workshop London is only possible here, following a successful preservation campaign by the great poet Sir John Betjeman. Fittingly there is a statue of Sir John (see below) close to our meeting point on level one. The statue has a very special part to play within this glorious piece of Victorian architecture. Author P. G. Wodehouse in his 1933 novel, ‘Summer Moonshine’ wrote about Victorian Architecture by saying: “Whatever may be said in favour of the Victorians, it is pretty generally admitted that few of them were to be trusted within reach of a trowel and a pile of bricks.” In 1961, British Railways destroyed the Euston Arch, Philip Hardwick’s Doric entrance to Euston Station. British Railways proved a continuous opponent and in the mid-1960s, they announced plans to demolish both St Pancras Station and the attached Midland Hotel and King’s Cross station. Betjeman himself once described this Gothic treasure as “Too beautiful and too romantic to survive in a world of tower blocks and concrete.” Fortunately he was wrong and with much campainging by Sir John, this glorious building survived and will take your breath away! In acknowledgement, the Sir John Betjeman Statue is a permanent shrine to his foresight. Great poet too and if you don’t like reading poetry try listening to ‘Betjeman’s banana blush’, with a great score by Jim Parker. Fabulous!
The larger than life bronze statue of Sir John Betjeman is sculpted by Martin Jennings. It shows Betjeman clad in suit, mackintosh and trilby hat, capturing his “shabby appearance, shoelace and scruffy collar are undone…knotted string for one shoelace”. The statue was unveiled by Candida Lycett Green, the poet’s daughter, with the Poet Laureate Andrew Motion in 2007
Why I am well qualified to teach
I feel very fortunate in having gained exemplary teaching experience, and have used this to structure my Photography workshop London. I have regularly lectured at Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts, London), London College of Communication and Norwich University of the Arts. More recently I have been invited to become a Getty Images photographer. This, together with having worked for some of the UK’s most iconic organisations, has helped build and define my career. It has also been a source of inspiration for me, in developing my Italian Photography Course Holidays. Amongst many influential clients, I have been commissioned by the BBC, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Design Council the National Portrait Gallery and the V&A Museum.
Rob Hay of Ipswich said: “I found the course very informative and Rol& has a great way of explaining all aspects of photography from portrait to landscape to movement. It was a full day with lots of opportunity to take photos, look at the results back at base and learning how to get the most out of your pictures. Throughly enjoyed the whole experience. Thank you.”
Elaine Marie near London said: “A very informative and fun day on your recent day course. I now can’t wait to get out with my camera to make use of this! Thank you Roland!”
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