What to expect at your first A.P.E.L session

If you've never been to one of our workshops before, it's natural to wonder what actually happens once you turn up. Here's the honest run-through.

Before you arrive

You'll get the venue, time and theme for that session in advance. Bring whatever camera you have — a DSLR, mirrorless, or just your phone. Nobody is expected to already know the settings or the gear; that's what the session is for.

Turn up 20-30 minutes early

Arriving a little before the session starts gives you time to settle in properly rather than rushing straight into shooting. Use it to get to know the studio layout, see where the equipment is set up, and say hello to the model and the rest of the group. Knowing the space and the people in it before you pick up your camera makes the rest of the day feel far more relaxed — and turns it into a proper learning day, not just a shoot.

When you get there

One of us — Jos or Joseph — is on hand throughout to walk you through the setup: the lighting, the space, and the plan for the session. You're never handed a room and a model and left to work it out alone.

Working in the studio

Each studio session is set up with lighting and backdrops ready to go, but part of the day is understanding why they've been set up that way. We'll talk you through the lights in use, why they're positioned where they are, and how moving them changes the shot. If any of the equipment is unfamiliar — a light meter, a particular modifier, remote flash triggers — ask; that's exactly what the session time is for.

Working with the model

Every session includes a professional model, and we'll help you with direction if you're not sure what to ask for — a pose, an expression, a movement. Model-release guidance is built in, so you'll know what's covered and what isn't.

Getting the shot

A good result usually comes down to a short checklist, done in order: check your light before you check your composition, confirm focus is on the eyes, and look at the whole frame — not just the subject — before you press the shutter. Take a test shot, check it properly (zoomed in, not just glancing at the screen), and adjust before continuing, rather than shooting fifty frames and hoping one works.

During the session

You'll get dedicated shooting time, the chance to try different setups if the theme allows it, and support from us if something isn't working — a light in the wrong place, a setting that's not quite right. Ask questions as you go; that's what the smaller group sizes are for.

After the session

You'll get access to a private gallery of the session. There's no pressure to know how to edit or present your shots straightaway — that's something you can build on session by session.

Still feel nervous about it?

That's exactly who these workshops are for. Most people who come to their first A.P.E.L session have never directed a model or used studio lighting before — you won't be the only one finding your feet.