About Me

I'm Andy Hornby, an award-winning, internationally published photographer based in Portsmouth. My work spans a wide variety of genres, from landscapes and weddings to family portraits and commercial photography. However, my true passion lies in teaching photography. Over the years, I've built a successful workshop business where I take pride in helping others develop their skills and creativity behind the camera.

GCSE Photography Workshops

Many GCSE Photography students find themselves needing extra guidance outside the classroom to truly excel. I’ve spoken to parents who have expressed concern that their children aren't getting enough hands-on experience with a camera, or even learning the basics of photography. That’s why I’ve designed a series of on-location workshops tailored to the GCSE Photography curriculum. These sessions are specifically aimed at giving students the practical experience and confidence they need to succeed.

Workshop Overview

Each workshop will be conducted in picturesque locations such as Southsea or Old Portsmouth, providing a dynamic backdrop for learning. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:

Fundamentals of Photography: We’ll cover the essentials of camera operation, including composition, aperture, and shutter speed, using the historic architecture and scenic landscapes as our subjects.
Theme Exploration and Response: Students will be tasked with responding to a theme or concept, much like they would in their coursework, allowing them to express their creativity while I provide personalised guidance.
Historical and Contemporary Techniques: We’ll explore various photographic techniques, both traditional and modern, and students will learn how to apply these in real-world settings. This includes understanding how to convey ideas, feelings, and meanings through images.
Portfolio Development: This workshop will focus on building a cohesive portfolio, with a critical look at how to present and layout photographic work effectively.

Why These Workshops?

These workshops are designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. With the increasing pressure on students to perform, these sessions will give them the extra edge they need to not only pass but excel in their GCSE Photography course.

Whether your child is struggling with the basics or looking to enhance their skills, these workshops will provide them with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and confidence they need to thrive.

If you're interested in giving your child the tools to succeed in their photography coursework, feel free to get in touch. I look forward to helping your child develop their passion for photography into real, tangible skills.

Child Protection and Safety

At Andy Hornby Photography, the safety and well-being of all participants, especially minors, is of the utmost importance. I hold a current DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, ensuring that I am cleared to work with young people. However, to provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind, I require that any participant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the entirety of the workshop.

This policy is designed to ensure that parents and guardians are actively involved in their child’s learning experience while also maintaining a safe and supportive environment. Your child's safety is my top priority, and this collaborative approach allows us to focus on what matters most—helping your child develop their photography skills in a secure, enriching environment.

Workshop Pricing

Investing in your child’s photography education can make all the difference in their confidence and success in the GCSE Photography course. To make these workshops accessible and impactful, I’ve structured the pricing to offer great value while ensuring each participant receives the attention and guidance they need.

Group Workshops: £65 per Participant

Join our group sessions, where students will learn alongside their peers in a supportive and interactive environment. Priced at £65 per workshop, these 2-3 hour sessions are designed to cover essential skills, from camera fundamentals to advanced techniques, all in the inspiring settings of Southsea or Old Portsmouth. Each workshop is tailored to the GCSE Photography curriculum, ensuring that your child not only learns but excels.

Why Choose Group Workshops?
- Collaborative Learning: Your child will benefit from learning with others, sharing ideas, and gaining feedback in a group setting.
- Comprehensive Coverage: We’ll dive deep into key topics, giving your child the tools they need to approach their GCSE projects with confidence.
- Scenic Locations: Every session takes place in a beautiful, real-world setting that adds context and inspiration to their learning experience.

1-to-1 Workshops: £175 per Session

For those seeking a more personalised experience, our 1-to-1 workshops are available at £175 per session. These bespoke 2-3 hour sessions are completely tailored to your child’s specific needs and goals. Whether they need to focus on a particular technique or want to refine their portfolio, the individual attention they’ll receive in these sessions will accelerate their progress.

Why Choose 1-to-1 Workshops?
- Personalised Instruction: The entire session is focused solely on your child, ensuring that every question is answered, and every skill is honed to perfection.
- Flexible Learning: We can adapt the workshop to your child’s pace and learning style, making it an incredibly effective way to master photography.
- Direct Feedback: Receive immediate, tailored feedback that will help your child understand their strengths and areas for improvement.

The Workshops

These engaging, on-location workshops are designed to give GCSE Photography students the practical experience and hands-on skills they need to excel in their coursework. Each session builds confidence, creativity, and technical mastery in a supportive, real-world learning environment.

Workshop 1: Foundations of Photography – Master Your Camera

Location: Old Portsmouth
In this foundational workshop, students will get to grips with their camera settings and learn how to capture stunning images using aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Taking place in scenic outdoor locations, this session covers the technical aspects of photography, making sure students understand how to use their camera effectively in a variety of lighting conditions and environments. Whether your child is a beginner or just needs to strengthen their basics, this workshop will give them the confidence and skills to take their photography to the next level.

Booking Info

Workshop 2: Composition Mastery – Create Dynamic Images

Location: Old Portsmouth
Good composition is key to great photography, and this workshop will teach students how to structure their shots for maximum impact. Using the historic streets of Old Portsmouth or the long lines of the pier, students will learn how to apply the rule of thirds, create balance, and use leading lines to make their images more visually compelling. This workshop is perfect for students who want to add depth and creativity to their work, developing the skills to make every shot stand out.

Booking Info

Workshop 3: Light and Shadow – Mastering Natural Light

Location: Southsea Beach at Golden Hour or Spice Island
Lighting can make or break a photograph, and in this workshop, we’ll explore how to harness natural light to create stunning images. Conducted during the golden hour, students will practice working with soft, warm lighting and understand how to manipulate light and shadow for dramatic effects. Whether it’s capturing silhouettes, reflections, or the textures of the seaside, this session will teach students how to make the most of any lighting condition to enhance their photography.

Booking Info

Workshop 4: Capturing Movement – Shutter Speed and Creative Effects

Location: Clarence Pier or Seafront Promenade
In this exciting workshop, students will explore how to capture movement with their camera by experimenting with shutter speed. Whether they’re freezing the motion of fast-moving rides at Clarence Pier or creating beautiful motion blur with passing cyclists or waves, students will learn how to use their camera creatively to capture dynamic images. This session is perfect for those looking to add energy and excitement to their photography while mastering control over their camera’s settings.

Booking Info

Requirements for these workshops

For these workshops, students will need a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings capability, as the sessions involve learning how to adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. A standard kit lens (18-55mm) will be sufficient, though if your child has access to additional lenses (such as a 50mm prime or a zoom lens), they are encouraged to bring those along. A tripod is recommended for sessions focusing on long exposures and movement, while spare batteries and memory cards are essential to ensure uninterrupted shooting. If your child has a camera but isn’t sure how to use it, don't worry—that’s exactly what we’ll cover!

While phone cameras are convenient and increasingly powerful, I recommend using a DSLR or mirrorless camera for these workshops. Although phones can technically be used, there are several limitations that make them less ideal for mastering photography skills:

Limited Manual Control: Most phone cameras lack full manual settings, which are essential for understanding how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work together. This is a core part of what we teach, and the experience just isn’t the same on a phone.
Smaller Sensors: Phones have much smaller sensors compared to dedicated cameras, which affects image quality, particularly in low light or high-contrast conditions. A DSLR or mirrorless camera offers more versatility and better results in varied lighting.
Lens Options: While phones have fixed lenses (and in some cases, multiple fixed focal lengths), a camera with interchangeable lenses allows students to explore a wider range of creative possibilities, from wide-angle shots to telephoto zoom.
Learning Photography Fundamentals: Part of the learning process involves physically adjusting settings and interacting with the camera, which is a tactile experience that a phone simply doesn’t replicate.

Although phones are great for casual photography, using a dedicated camera will allow your child to fully engage with the technical aspects of the craft, which are critical for GCSE Photography coursework. If your child does not yet have a camera, feel free to reach out, and I can offer advice on affordable beginner options.

Ready to Get Started?

These workshops are designed not just to teach, but to inspire and elevate your child’s photography skills, giving them the confidence they need to excel in their coursework and beyond. Spaces are limited, so I encourage you to book early to secure your spot.

If you’re ready to give your child the extra support they need in their GCSE Photography journey, or if you’d like more information, feel free to contact me. I look forward to helping your child turn their passion for photography into tangible success.