I booked a 3 hour session @ £60 per hour with studio lighting instructor, who cannot be named for this review to remain published.You can see details of the course if you check this link: http://www.photographycourselondon.com/1to1/studio/ I consider myself to be a beginner/intermediate camera user. I have owned a Canon 5d mk2 for over 3 months now and am a very fast learner, have taken many beautiful photos and have since jumped into some studio work with clients. My skills in the studio lighting department were lacking, so I booked a one-to-one course with the recommended 'studio lighting' instructor, whom I cannot name if I want this review published..Upon arrival, the tutor was late by a few mins and was on the phone. He didn't even bother to introduce himself, instead just pointed his finger at me, gesturing me to wait for the 5 minutes he prolonged his conversation. After I formally introduced myself, we walked to his small studio, where he bragged to me about the countless contracts and huge volumes of people who visit him from all over the world.In the studio, he was complaining about his pay-as-you-go internet and how he did not have enough credit to go online. Nevertheless, I showed him some photos which I had already taken.For the first hour we were sitting there and he showed me his portfolio, trying hard to explain the importance of light. I already understand this concept, hence the reason why I was there in the first place.As he showed me his portfolio, mainly of girls, I felt very uncomfortable with the intricate details and methods I learned he had used to make the models more relaxed, in such a way that they became easier to photograph and look seductive. Its not professional and I find it degrading from any perspective.He also went on about pictures of colleagues' private collections and how humiliating they were to look at; although the model you will learn of shortly sounded excited by the story; this man was clearly mistaking me for someone on a different wavelength. It was slowly becoming apparent that this was a waste of time and money.We were then interrupted by a large black man, some 6 feet plus, who heavily limped and sat down behind us just watching. I can only describe this moment as, very uncomfortable. I soon learned that this badly dressed man, who looked very similar to the generic descriptions reminiscent to the recent london riots and looting, was going to be our model. It became increasingly difficult to concentrate as this man, code named 'CHEDDAR', which btw is a colloquial term for 'MONEY' was always on his phone. He had around 3 or 4 mobile phones constantly ringing, when asked why so many phones, he replied in a monotone voice that it was all for business.Going into the practical, the tutor told me that he does not use a system to light his subjects. He insisted that he just does what feels right. How can I know what is right if I do not base it on a system? I was expecting him to explain the basic 1 light setup, 2 light setup, etc Instead he just chucked an ancient studio light on while his model undressed in front of us and put on his shiny pvc jacket.The tutor was trying hard to explain the difference between contrasts you can achieve with different shutter speeds and constant light outputs. In most instances he was jumping the gun and I had to pull him back and ask him what he was trying to show me. I felt as if he were rushing the lesson; if you could call it as such.Before not long, with his phone and Cheddar's phones ringing I soon understood that time was running out. At 2hrs and 50 mins the tutor's phone rang yet again, this time he left me and his supermodel at a distance while he continued his conversation for 10 mins. At 4pm (approx. 3hrs in), I approached him and he was clearing up his things. He didn't even bother to tell me anything. He asked me to pay him in cash, yet I was in constant communication with 'Photography Course London', who told me to pay into their bank, which I did. The tutor then started talking about how I should send him some pictures when I need some advice and then quickly showed me the exit door.This course was a complete waste of time and money. This tutor has no structure to his teaching methods; he has difficulty explaining himself and even confuses himself at times. He is clearly going through a difficult time in his life with his pay-as-you go internet and his 'business' supermodel Cheddar is obviously no model.When I spoke to 'PCL', I told them immediately after the lesson of my disappointment. The girl I spoke to on the phone burst out into laughter, then told me that she would pass on the message to her superior.The next week I was sent a rude email explaining how the tutor is an excellent teacher and how he even committed an extra half hour to teach me. What a complete lie.I can honestly say that I wasted my time and money without a doubt. My advice to anyone who is interested in learning from a professional read more
