Portrait photography workshop

Join us at The Art Stables for a Weekly Friday Morning Open Studio class to enhance your artistic skills. Get creative in a relaxed environment with like-minded people, led by our talented instructor Susana Cerezuela. An Open Studio allows you to explore various media and techniques and delve into the world of any style of art, including acrylics, oils, watercolours, mixed media or even printmaking. This course encourages you to unleash your creativity, under guidance and create your own unique masterpiece. You can immerse yourself in a world of colours, shapes, and self-expression. Let your imagination run wild and create something truly special at The Art Stables in Finchley. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this course is designed to inspire and provide a space in which you can be guided through the process of creating any art, in a supportive and encouraging environment. Please bring along your own materials, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. **Details:** **Tutor:** Susana Cerezuela **Starts:** 12 Jan **Half Term:** 20 Feb (No Class) **Ends:** 27 Mar 10 Week Course on **Fridays** at **10am - 1pm** The course is **£280**. Go to www.artstables.co.uk/book-online to save your place. The Art Stables, C/O The Sternberg Centre, 80 East End Road, Finchley, London, N3 2SY

**Friday 21st** **Friday E2** **7-9pm** IN PERSON & ONLINE The Garrett Centre 117 Mansford St E2 6LX One of London's only drop-in Long Pose classes, set in our main studio space, providing all the equipment you might need, the format for this class is a single pose for the evening, with three short warm up poses to get you started. We also serve hot vegan food in the break, just as we do on Wednesday, so perfect if you arrive hungry. Expect a calm and relaxing atmosphere, lots of time to explore your drawing practice and tutored support. Real Life Drawing - Long Pose - Every Friday - 7pm: Dear Friends This is our legendary Friday Long Pose class - Each week we work with London's best models, providing you with tuition if you want it, and leaving you in peace if you prefer that. There is food and great company, this is the class for you if you would like to connect with a community of like minded artists. We will make you feel welcome and always have a good word to say about your work, even if you don't. That is what this group is all about, community, friendship and art, come and join us. **£ COST - BOOKING TICKETS & DROPPING IN:** JOIN US IN PERSON OR ONLINE **IN PERSON: £13** This is a drop in class, but buying a ticket means you can simply drop in without needing to worry about paying on the night, use the link bellow to book: https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing_livestream **ONLINE:** **£8** These sessions are streamed via Zoom making it possible for you to join us where ever you are, we have a warm online community and this is the perfect way to keep drawing throughout the week even if you cant make it to a class. You can book to join online by using the same link and selecting **Zoom Online Ticket** https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing_livestream **SCHEDULE & POSE LENGTH:** 6.45 pm > arrival 7.00pm > We start drawing at 7pm with 3 poses of 5mins each and follow this with a single pose for the rest of the evening We have a 15 min break at 8pm and the session ends at 9pm: > > 7pm start > > 3 x 5 min pose > > Long Pose > > 8pm break (15 min) > > Long Pose > > 9.00pm session ends **DRAW MORE PASS:** If you have a Draw More Pass - HOWEVER OLD - please select that ticket option in Bookwhen - this will give you a free booking confirmation - bring a print out or screen shot of the booking to the session along with your Draw More Pass - if you have any difficulties please call Adrian on 07966925723 **BUYING A DRAW MORE PASS :** The Draw More Pass makes our classes the most affordable in London and it's incredibly versatile. The Pass enables you to drop into our classes in person or online, any time you want to. You don't have to come back every week, instead choose your times and just turn up, they never expire - you can buy a Draw More Pass in any class or via our website: [https://www.adriandutton.com/shop](https://www.adriandutton.com/shop) When you buy a pass online you will receive a PDF, simply screen shot this or print it out and bring it to any session and we will exchange this for a PASS, also, as soon as the transaction is made you will be listed to receive our link emails for online sessions: 5 sessions: £52.50 10 sessions: £100 20 sessions: £190 50 Sessions: £400 About the venue. **The venue opens at 6.30pm** our classes take place in the Lower Ground Floor The Garrett Centre - This is fully wheelchair accessible via a ramp to the space and has wheelchair accessible doors and amenities Nearest tube: Bethnal Green (central line). **Directions (see map below):** Tube/train: approx. 8 minutes walk from Bethnal Green Tube (Central Line) and 12 mins. walk from Hoxton & Shoreditch overground stations. Buses: Nrs. 8, 388, D3 - stop Pollard Row. Nrs. 26, 48, 55 - stop Hackney Road. Nrs. 106, 254 - stop Old Ford Road. Nr. 309 - stop York Road. When walking/cycling, there is a footpath behind the Tesco's on Bethnal Green Road that will get you there faster (see highlight on map above). If driving you will need to go via Hackney Road and turn left on Mansford St, follow to the end of the Street where you will see the Garrett Centre on your left. Parking is free after 6.30 in the surrounding streets and directly in front of the centre, however, you should note that the thick white lines denote no parking areas, only use actual parking bays. **Bikes:** please bring your bikes down to the basement, we are currently able to offer secure space in one of the rooms of the centre. To view a BBC film taken at the Bethnal Green Life drawing class, see below: You can watch the BBC film of Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience' made at our life drawing class here: https://vimeo.com/120288888 (http://vimeo.com/ziplinecreative/review/78714935/a64159a7bb) http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/9/1/8/600_434466424.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/5/f/9/600_433149721.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/9/f/3/600_432579411.jpeg

Book via University of Hertfordshire: [https://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/short/an-introduction-to-art-therapy-online](https://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/short/an-introduction-to-art-therapy-online) ## About the course A creative and explorative workshop series involving therapeutic art making, group learning and reflection. The series comprises of three day-long workshops over one semester. You may wish to attend one day or the whole series. This workshop series provides you with an introduction to art therapy through the areas below: #### Workshop One [Introduction to Art Therapy: New Growth](https://www.arttherapyandmindfulness.com/introduction-to-art-therapy-day-one-new-growth-online/) \- This day provides an overview of practices and theories in art therapy #### Workshop Two [Introduction to Art Therapy and Mindfulness](https://www.arttherapyandmindfulness.com/introduction-to-art-therapy-day-two-art-therapy-and-mindfulness-online/) \- This day introduces the integration of art therapy and mindfulness #### Workshop Three [Art Therapy – Groups and Widening Circles](https://www.arttherapyandmindfulness.com/introduction-to-art-therapy-day-three-art-therapy-and-mindfulness-online/) \- This day widens our focus to include groups and systems *You will learn through an experiential process, including self-expression with art materials and sharing in small and large groups. Learning includes taught presentations and discussions. During each session, you will be given support and guidance by the facilitator. Suggested themes will be offered on each day and you can choose to explore.* *You will find more details about the content of each workshop below.* #### Who is this three-day series for: * These courses are open to anyone over the age of 18 who has an interest in finding out more about Art Therapy and previous experience is not a pre-requisite. * You may be interested in this area for your own personal development and wellbeing or for professional development. * As a first step in future training in this area (e.g. Foundation, MA programme) * Previous participants have included: teachers, care workers, artists, mental health professionals, social workers and counsellors. * You can sign up for one or all three sessions. * Information on further training opportunities on our University’s Art Therapy and Wellbeing Foundation course, and/or Art Therapy Masters Professional Training will be provided at the end of each session. * A willingness to engage in art making is helpful. You can enrol for one or all three sessions. There is a discounted rate when you enrol for all 3 sessions. NB: Discount is already applied to course price. ## What will I study? #### Learner hours: 15 #### Introduction to Art Therapy and Mindfulness (Online) - Workshop 2 On this day we will introduce the developing area of the integration of art therapy and mindfulness. To provide a rich illustration for our learning point the session includes: art making as a mindful activity, guided mindfulness practices, mindfulness of the body, compassion-focused practices and group reflection. We will be exploring themes of mindfulness and ‘heartfulness’ in the art making. Learning will be through a participatory experience. #### Learning Outcomes: * An introduction to key art therapy theories * A brief history of the development of art therapy as a profession * Where art therapists work and with which clients * Importance of the relationships and therapeutic alliance * Understanding expressive processes and art making * Ways to communicate regarding the art image * Potential benefits of art therapy * Further resources and reading * Recommendations for next steps (personal and professional development) * **Facilitator** Nicky Roland, is an experienced, HCPC registered Art Therapist, and a trained mindfulness teacher, with several years work experience in the NHS, voluntary sector and in private practice. **Contact us** For any questions about this course (online at University of Hertfordshire) contact the short course team 01707 285 325 or email Nick Thomas ad-shortcourses@herts.ac.uk * **Fee:** £150 for one day workshop £400 for three day series **Book via University of Hertfordshire: [https://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/short/an-introduction-to-art-therapy-online](https://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/short/an-introduction-to-art-therapy-online)**

**Back by popular demand, on Friday 27th March we’re excited to be hosting our latest Drink & Do Night!** But for this one - instead of our usual paint and pottery, we’ll be teaming up with Something Good Workshops for a **Mixed Media Cyanotype Workshop,** exclusively for our community 🎨 If you’ve never tried cyanotype before, it’s a famous print making technique that creates distinctive deep blue artworks that you may have seen in galleries or design markets. The evening will start with a relaxed introduction where the workshop team will walk us through the process and materials. You’ll then design your own A6 artwork using a mix of bold materials like plants, tape, drawings and lettering, layering everything onto acetate to build your composition **🌿** Once you're happy with your design, they'll then place your image onto light-sensitive paper and expose it using specialist lighting, to reveal your finished cyanotype artwork. It should be a fun new experience and throughout the evening - there will be a bar open, so you can grab drinks and build some new connections - as you create your piece. Best of all, whilst art workshops like this can often cost £40+, this **whole evening of creative fun is just £13.25pp 💙** But as always - spots are limited and so do nab your spot, if you're keen to join us for this! **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **WHERE/WHEN** The Venue: Something Good Workshops, Deptford Market Yard, 2 Carriage Way. Deptford Market Yard. SE8 4BX ([https://share.google/s4XbhNE2zwEr298lI](https://share.google/s4XbhNE2zwEr298lI)) Closest stations: Deptford (5 min walk), Greenwich (20 min walk) Start Time: 6:45pm Finish time: 9:30pm **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **JOIN THE COMMUNITY** Set up in November 2021, our community project was set up to help 20s and 30s meet, connect and hopefully build life-long friendships. To help make this happen, we also host all kinds of events from free social walks, games evenings, day trips, social events, activity nights to picnics. To learn more about our community or follow us on social media - please follow one of the links below. **Website - [https://friendship-project.co.uk](https://friendship-project.co.uk/)** **Instagram - [https://www.instagram.com/great.friendship](https://www.instagram.com/great.friendship)**

This session is led by Eid Al Maliki, a UKCC Level 2 qualified badminton coach and an active player competing at both national and international level. Session Objective (3 Hours): By the end of this session, players will be able to perform backhand clear, drop, and cross-court drop with increased confidence and control. Session Focus: The session will progressively build from technical foundations to more advanced applications, covering: - Grip and racket preparation. - Contact point and swing mechanics - Footwork and positioning - Shot quality and consistency - Angle and deception Progression: Foundation Phase Variation Phase Movement Integration Outcome: Players will demonstrate improved technique, timing, and decision-making on the backhand side, with the ability to execute a variety of shots under increasing pressure. PARKING: Parking is available and Free onsite. (The postcode is E15 3PA) This at the previous address on New mount Street. Press the buzzer and they will let you in. PAYMENT: We are accepting bank transfer rather than cash payments. In 2 days in advance to confirm your attendance. Bank Details: Name: The Badminton Collective Ltd Sort Code: 60-83-71 Account Number:69874292 Reference your name and date of the session. £25 IMPORTANT NOTES: We shall be starting at 7PM sharp so if you miss the start you'll have to just catch up I'm afraid. How to get there. If you use the provided postcode it will take you to the front of the school. By all means message me if you are having troubles. There is now a water fountain so please bring a bottle to fill up, this is in the main building while they fix the one near the sports Hall. The Badminton Collective and School 21 are not responsible for any injuries or loss of items.

**The theme for this our next meeting is:** Welcome to our friendly and supportive Community. Where do we meet and really connect with other gay men in London? We Do in Covent Garden! # **Theme of the month:** Personal Growth & Empowerment Developing assertiveness and boundary-setting skills. Practicing vulnerability and authentic expression. Exploring creativity, play, and joy as healing. Gratitude, strengths, and future goals. **Our discussion themes would always be advertised in advance.** We are not only changing our name, we will also from now on advertise the topic we’ll be discussing before each meeting, so that you know exactly what to expect before signing up for each particular meeting. Please see the list on our MeetUp profile for potential universal themes relevant to gay/bisexual men, to be covered in our sessions. Ideas are always welcome! *We offer workshops unlike other gay/bisexual men's therapeautic discussion groups.* **A Speaker** We will at times provide a Speaker for our meetings kickstarting interesting and stimulating discussions. The Speaker can be an expert in their field such as for example an author, a therapist or a philosopher but we are welcoming any of our members to be a Speaker or a demonstrator of exercises such as massage, pilates or yoga. Or perhaps you would want to talk about your profession, if you feel it has relevance to our group. You would just have to contact Dan first for a discussion and planning. **Frequency of meetings / fee** In 2026 we’ll only have one meeting per month in person at the City Lit College in Covent Garden and one meeting online. If there is a demand for more in person meetings we’ll consider having more. We are happy to confirm that our entry prices won’t be raised and that in person meetings remain at £10. Online meetings will be FREE in January and February after which it will be £5 to attend. **Walks / museum visits** We will continue offering our occasional walking trips and also now include gay/bisexual themed history walks and visits to Museums. WHAT WE ARE: We are a group of supportive and insightful great men and we are looking forward to including you - this is what we do: CONNECTING - It is a place where you will be able to connect with other gay and bi-sexual men and where you can exchange your life experiences with them and your everyday feelings, no matter what those feelings may be - and also a place where you will be able to just be with others who live similar lives to you. EXPLORING SAFELY WITH SUPPORT - It is a place where you will experience support and growth and where you can feel safe enough to explore and reflect your feelings and life stories. Sharing is at the heart of the group but you share however much you are comfortable with - you're in charge. CREATIVE STATE REGISTERED THERAPY - It is a therapeutic discussion group which at times offers workshops and borrows elements from Creative Arts Psychotherapies. The group is based on the Creative Arts Psychotherapy/Dramatherapy and counselling work I provided ongoing for the charity Positive East in London. WHO IS IT FOR: This group is for men over 18 years old who either identifies as gay or bi-sexual or men who has sex with men - or feel emotionally connected to other men. SOCIAL OPPERTUNITY: We offer a social oppertunity in the local pub after the meetings. New members are always welcome as as well as our much appreciated familiar faces! Address: City Lit, 1-10 Keeley St, London WC2B 4BA Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM The social part: There is certainly an opprtunity for social drinks after each meeting. Cost: £10.00 **PayPal:** **[https://www.paypal.me/wellnesssupport](https://www.paypal.me/wellnesssupport)** **Credit card:** \*\*card payment with SQUARE online: ​ \*\* **[https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLG8ZV8FJJDYS/checkout/DK4VVAQGAV3LIM2K5V4JIX2Y](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLG8ZV8FJJDYS/checkout/DK4VVAQGAV3LIM2K5V4JIX2Y)** WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU WHETHER YOU ARE A BRAND NEW TO THE GROUP OR A FAMILIAR FACE :) YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MADE TO FEEL WELCOME. Ask to join our WhatsApp group, if you liked and enjoyed your experience with us, for regular updates and social interactions. All the best, Dan

**Let's Shoot Noir Street Photography in Soho London After Dark** This mini-workshop event focuses on shooting street photography after dark. You will learn tips for low-light shooting, handheld techniques, and how to creatively use existing city lighting. Soho after dark has a completely different energy. Neon signage, theatre lights, and passing traffic create natural contrast, cinematic tones, and deep, moody shadows. The location itself becomes part of your frame, adding atmosphere without the need for a flash. This session focuses on capturing moody, neon-lit street photography using the city’s existing lights. You’ll learn to see, interpret, and use the available light creatively. Occasionally, a model will be present as a point of focus to help you practice shooting subjects in various real-world night-light conditions. *** **What You Will Learn** * **Reading Available Light:** Observe neon signage, street lamps, traffic, and reflections and use them creatively in your shots. * **Handheld Night Shooting:** Adjust ISO, shutter speed, and aperture for sharp, well-exposed images while shooting handheld. * **Creative Use of Light on Subjects:** Learn how to make people stand out using the available neon and street lighting. * **Exposure and Mood Control:** Balance highlights, shadows, and neon to capture the “noir” atmosphere. * **Quick Observation & Reaction:** Train your eye to spot photo opportunities in challenging night conditions. * **Getting to Know Your Kit:** Understand what your camera and lenses can do in low light so you can react confidently. *** **What to Bring** * **Camera Kit:** A fast lens (prime or zoom, around 35–50mm, f/1.4–f/2.8) is highly recommended for best results at night. You may bring your best lens for practice, but you may struggle more in lower-lit situations. Message me if you want advice on gear before booking. * **Essentials:** Cleared memory card and fully charged batteries. Extra batteries recommended. * **Travel Light:** Comfortable shoes and clothing suited to the weather. *** **Event Info** * **Duration:** 2 hours * **Group Size:** Max 5 * **Meeting Location:** Soho, London *** **Bonus for Members** * **FREE DOWNLOAD – Beginner Street Photography Tip Sheets:** Master Night Street Photography For Beginners Tip Sheet covering the key topics from this event. You will receive a download link to follow along during the session. * **FACEBOOK COMMUNITY GROUP:** A private group for Meetup members to showcase their best work, receive critique, advice, and tips.

## **Architecture & TfL Stations Photowalk — Harrow on the Hill** **This Saturday — 9:30am** This Saturday we’ll head out for a relaxed morning of architectural photography around **Harrow on the Hill**, followed by a visit to a few nearby **TfL stations** with great design features — likely **Harrow‑on‑the‑Hill, Sudbury Town, and Sudbury Hill**. Expect a mix of historic architecture, elevated views, clean station geometry, and plenty of opportunities for both wide shots and details. **📍 Meeting point:** Harrow on the Hill Tube Station (outside main entrance) **🕤 Time:** 9:30am **📷 Focus:** Architecture + TfL stations (all cameras welcome) A simple, easygoing walk — shoot at your own pace, stay for as long as you like, and enjoy a Saturday morning exploring a quieter corner of London. If you want, I can also create a shorter version for social media or a more structured version with a proposed route. **About the host:** Postcards Pictures' travel photography blends documentary clarity with a quiet, poetic sensibility. Favouring natural light, subtle colour, and unforced moments, Postcards Pictures' work captures the character of a place through its textures, atmospheres, and everyday details. Postcards Pictures focuses on the overlooked and the intimate, fragments of urban life, traces of human presence, and landscapes shaped by time. Postcards Pictures' photobooks offer a calm, observational way of seeing the world, inviting readers to slow down and notice what usually goes unseen. Link to my Richmond Upon Thames & Ealing photobooks: [Member Profile: Postcards Pictures | Blurb Books UK](https://www.blurb.co.uk/user/postcardspic)

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As a follow-up to our macro class and to get ready for our May and June Field Shoots, we are going to have a macro training "class." I will attempt to work through a number of macro shoots with the group. Those with cameras can try to shoot the same subjects I am shooting. We will start with some small objects and work our way down to smaller and smaller ones. As we photograph each subject, we will consider depth of field, focal plane management, subject composition, background, and lighting. I have no idea how many subjects we will get through, but we will give it our best shot (pun intended!). Bring your camera, whatever macro gear you might have, a tripod if you have one, whatever lighting you may have, etc. This will really be an exercise in seeing what you have, me showing you some ways to approach the subjects, and seeing what works! I am going to add an extra hour to this meeting! CYA There!!!!! Meeting Schedule: 1. 6:00 - Introduction, Meet New Members 2. 6:10 - Old Business 3. 6:20 - New Business 4. 6:30 - Starting Shooting Small Stuff 5. 9:00 - Adjourn Pre-Shoot Brief/Education: Macro Madness!

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