ABOUT THIS COURSE

This series of 6 weekly classes will help you to master your camera and allow you to develop your photographic skills and talents in a creative way, whether you are a beginner or are more experienced.

The course will look at contemporary photography, both in a practical and a conceptual way. It will also allow you to develop your photographic ideas and give you the opportunity to display and discuss your own photography in class.

During the course, we will outline the history of photography and discuss current trends in contemporary photographic practice. Looking in detail at portrait and landscape photography, the course will also cover approaches to documentary photography, the typology (series of images) method, and the “diary” or personal form favoured by artists such as Nan Goldin.

You will also learn an approach to editing and enhancing your photographs, as well as how to sequence, display, print and otherwise promote your photographs.

The classes are both practical and creative, combining technical instruction with presentations and slide-shows on current trends in contemporary photography.

Materials needed

Please bring your own camera. A DSLR or mirrorless camera is ideal, or any camera that allows you to adjust settings.

This course is also beneficial if you are thinking of purchasing a camera and want to learn more before making a decision. If you don’t have a camera yet, a smartphone camera can be used for the practical exercises.

No additional photographic equipment (such as flashes, tripods, etc.) is required for this course.

Practical notes will be provided at the end of each class.

Meet Gerry

Gerry Blake is an award-winning photographic artist and tutor, based in Co. Wicklow. He studied photography at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, and completed an MFA in photography at Ulster University, Belfast. 

Gerry’s work has been shown at the National Gallery of Ireland, the Royal Hibernian Academy, and the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts. He has had solo shows in the Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, and the Municipal Gallery at dlr Lexicon, Dun Laoghaire, and he has exhibited internationally. His work is held in public, private and corporate collections.

gerryblake.ie