An exceptional night of photographic learning and creativity!

Last night’s Liquid & Glass Photography Evening Seminar with Damian “The BIG Dog” McGillicuddy proved to be yet another resounding success for The Society of Photographers.

Hosted in Widnes, the session brought together photographers keen to explore the specialised craft of photographing liquids, glass and reflective subjects. Damian delivered a fast-paced, insightful and highly engaging demonstration, showcasing how to combine precision lighting with dynamic capture techniques to create striking, professional-quality imagery.

Attendees were fully absorbed as Damian walked through the challenges of working with transparent and reflective surfaces, from controlling specular highlights to shaping light for clarity, depth, and impact. Delegates left inspired, armed with new ideas and a deeper understanding of how to make liquid and glass photography truly shine.

Huge thanks to Damian for sharing his expertise, enthusiasm, and trademark “edutainment” approach, and to everyone who joined us for a lively evening filled with learning, creativity, and plenty of good humour.

Join Us for the Next Event

Evening Seminars are just one of the many opportunities The Society of Photographers offers to help you grow your skills and confidence behind the camera. From masterclasses and mentoring programmes to exclusive membership perks including monthly image competitions, webinars, a private Facebook group and more, there’s always something new to develop your craft.

Don’t miss out on future workshops and events — visit https://thesocieties.net/photographic-seminars/ to see what’s coming up next.

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Get ready to capture the magic of Christmas with a fun and festive evening of photography at Musselwhite Photography Studio, Portsmouth!

Join award-winning portrait photographer and NoFussMuss YouTube tutor, James Musselwhite, for an exciting, hands-on Christmas Photography Workshop where you’ll explore the art of lighting, styling, and set design, all while photographing Santa himself!

A Festive Evening for All Photographers

Whether you’re new to studio photography or an experienced pro looking for creative inspiration, this beginner-friendly evening seminar is designed to help you enhance your technical skills while having a great time.

James will share practical lighting and styling tips to help you create beautifully lit festive portraits, perfect for holiday cards, themed mini-sessions, or seasonal marketing campaigns.

You’ll also enjoy a relaxed, sociable environment where you can connect with other photographers, exchange ideas, and get into the Christmas spirit.

Event Details

Date: Monday 1st December
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Musselwhite Photography Studio, Portsmouth, PO3 5NU

Don’t Miss Out!

This workshop is part of our Evening Seminar series, designed to bring photographers together to learn, share, and grow their skills in a supportive community.

Spaces are limited, Limited to just 10 delegates! So grab your camera, your festive jumper, and your Christmas spirit, and join us for a night of creative fun!

Book your place now: https://thesocieties.net/festive-photo-evening/

The post Christmas Photography Workshop: Lighting, Set Design & Santa! appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

For over a decade, Team McGillicuddy’s annual Christmas Image has been a visual feast that photographers across the UK eagerly anticipate. Each year, Damian “The BIG Dog” McGillicuddy transforms a blank canvas into a stunning festive masterpiece – and this year, for the very first time, you won’t just see the finished image… you’ll be there when it’s created.

Join Damian for an exclusive, full-day Christmas shoot-along seminar. This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the UK’s most celebrated photographers.

What You’ll Experience

This immersive, hands-on workshop takes you behind the scenes of Damian’s creative process, from concept to capture. Here’s what’s in store:

• Concept to Creation – Watch Damian develop this year’s festive concept from scratch.
• Set Build & Styling – See how professional sets are designed for impact, depth, and storytelling.
• Lighting Logic – Learn the reasoning behind every modifier, light, and ratio, not just what to use, but how to think like a master.
• Posing & Expression – Discover how to direct talent naturally to achieve emotionally powerful results.
• Shoot It Yourself – Capture your own version of the McGillicuddy Christmas masterpiece under Damian’s guidance.
• Insider Tips & Trade Secrets – Benefit from decades of world-class experience condensed into one unforgettable day.

Limited to Only 10 Delegates

This isn’t a typical demo – it’s a hands-on creative collaboration. Places are strictly limited to 10 photographers, ensuring plenty of personal attention and time behind the camera.

Thanks to the support of The Society of Photographers, this one-of-a-kind experience is subsidised to just £99 (normally £249+).

Event Details

• Date: Sunday, 7th December
• Location: McGillicuddy Studio – Phoenix House, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0NL
• Time: 10am – 4pm

Don’t Miss Out

Seats will disappear faster than mince pies at a Christmas party! Be part of this year’s festive creation and discover how intent, light, and magic come together to make photographic art.

Reserve your place now – only 10 available!

Book Now – £99 per delegate
https://thesocieties.net/christmas-experience/

The post The BIG Dog’s Christmas Image Experience: Shoot the Magic, Learn the Mastery appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

An inspiring evening of creativity and learning!

Last night’s Tabletop Product Photography seminar with Damian McGillicuddy Photography Training proved to be another resounding success for The Society of Photographers.

Hosted in Widnes, the evening brought together photographers eager to refine their understanding of tabletop lighting, composition, and styling. Damian delivered an engaging and insightful demonstration, showing how to create professional-quality product images through the creative use of light and thoughtful composition.

While the session wasn’t hands-on, delegates were captivated by Damian’s ability to explain complex techniques in a practical and approachable way. From managing shadows and highlights to achieving balanced compositions for e-commerce and editorial work, the audience left buzzing with ideas and a clearer understanding of the principles behind great product photography.

Huge thanks to Damian for sharing his expertise and enthusiasm, and to everyone who joined us for an evening filled with knowledge, creativity, and good humour.

Join Us for the Next Event

Evening Seminars are just one part of what The Society of Photographers offers to help you grow as a photographer. From masterclasses and mentoring programmes to exclusive member benefits like monthly competitions and webinars, there’s always something new to learn.

Don’t miss out on future workshops and events—visit https://thesocieties.net/photographic-seminars/ to see what’s coming up next.

The post A Sold-Out Success: Tabletop Product Photography Evening Seminar with Damian McGillicuddy appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

On Saturday, 27th September 2025, photographers from across the region came together for a truly special event: Zoo Visions with Terry Donnelly. Hosted at the beautiful Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay, this one-day experience gave attendees the chance to combine a love of wildlife with expert photographic tuition, hands-on learning, and the thrill of testing the latest Sony Alpha cameras.

A Day of Inspiration and Learning

The day was led by Sony Europe Imaging Ambassador Terry Donnelly, who shared his wealth of knowledge on wildlife photography. From techniques for capturing fast-moving animals to tips on composition and use of light, Terry guided photographers of all levels through practical sessions and informal mentoring.

Participants also had the unique opportunity to get hands-on with Sony Alpha cameras and lenses, testing out the kit in real-world conditions – and few settings could be more inspiring than the National Zoo of Wales.

Wildlife Encounters

One of the highlights of the day was, of course, the incredible wildlife. Attendees had the chance to photograph:

• Sumatran Tigers
• Snow Leopards
• Penguins
• Sea Lions
• And much more…

Every corner of the zoo offered new photographic opportunities, from the drama of the big cats to the playful charm of penguins diving into the water.

The Atmosphere

What stood out most wasn’t just the images created, but the atmosphere of the day. The group was buzzing with creativity, energy, and enthusiasm. Attendees were eager to share ideas, learn from each other, and, most importantly, enjoy the experience of photographing wildlife together.

Supporting Conservation

This event wasn’t just about photography – it was also about supporting the Welsh Mountain Zoo’s vital conservation work. By hosting Zoo Visions at the National Zoo of Wales, we were proud to highlight the importance of conservation and the role photography can play in telling those stories.

A Massive Thank You

Events like this don’t happen without teamwork. A huge thank you goes to:

• Terry Donnelly for his inspiring tuition and guidance
• Sony UK for providing the incredible Alpha cameras and lenses
• Camera Centre UK for their support and expertise
• And of course, the Welsh Mountain Zoo for welcoming us so warmly and providing such an inspiring backdrop

Looking Ahead

The Zoo Visions Experience Day was more than just a workshop – it was a celebration of photography, wildlife, and community. Judging by the smiles and the images produced, it’s safe to say everyone left with both new skills and unforgettable memories.

Stay tuned for more experience days and photography events from The Society of Photographers – and if you’d like to be part of our growing community, click here to find out more.

The post Zoo Visions Experience Day – A Wildlife Photography Adventure at the Welsh Mountain Zoo appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

On 21 September, photographers gathered in Widnes, Cheshire for a full day of inspiration and learning at our Fundamentals of Photographic Lighting workshop with Damian McGillicuddy—double-barred Grand Master of The Societies and the first to hold a Fellowship in Photographic Training.

Damian’s opening reminder set the tone for the day:

“If you want to be a better photographer, you need to understand and be able to manipulate light without compromise.”

Breaking Down the Big Concepts

Damian has an incredible ability to take even the most intimidating lighting topics and make them simple, practical, and most importantly, enjoyable. Throughout the workshop, delegates discovered:

• Light’s four fundamental qualities and how understanding them changes everything.
• How lighting ratios control mood and impact.
• Why lighting patterns matter, and when to use each for the best results.
• The purpose of different modifiers—and why choosing the right one matters.
• How to get comfortable with metering and using TTL.
• The role of key, fill, background, hair, and separation lights in creating depth.
• Why the dreaded inverse square law can actually become your new best friend.

A Fun, Friendly Atmosphere

Far from being a dry technical lecture, the day was full of laughter, thoughtful questions, and those “lightbulb moments” (pun intended!) that remind us why ongoing education is so valuable. Attendees commented on how approachable Damian made each topic and how inspired they felt to put what they’d learned into practice.

A Huge Thank You

We’re incredibly grateful to Damian McGillicuddy for sharing his passion and expertise, and to all the photographers who joined us in Widnes, you made the day a brilliant success.

Don’t Miss the Next One!

If you’re ready to build your confidence with light and elevate your photography, keep an eye on our Events & Workshops page for upcoming opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, brushing up on lighting fundamentals can save you time, improve your results in-camera, and boost your revenue.

The post Lighting the Way: Fundamentals of Photographic Lighting with Damian McGillicuddy appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

Making Studio Lighting Approachable

James kicked off the evening by stripping away the jargon and technical barriers that can make studio lighting feel overwhelming. Through step-by-step demonstrations, he showed how a few well-placed strobes and modifiers can completely transform a portrait. Attendees had the chance to watch the process unfold live, gaining practical tips they could put to use immediately in their own studios.

A Professional Model Makes All the Difference

A huge shout-out goes to Mars, our professional model for the evening. Their energy, versatility, and patience brought each demonstration to life, showing exactly how lighting decisions translate into dynamic, expressive portraits.

Teamwork Behind the Scenes

Workshops like this don’t just happen on their own. Massive thanks to James and Fliss for running the evening so smoothly and creating such an engaging learning environment. From setting up the gear to guiding photographers through each lighting scenario, their expertise and enthusiasm made the night a success.

Community and Connection

One of the best parts of events like this is the sense of community. Over cups of tea and coffee, attendees networked, swapped ideas, and shared their own tips and experiences. It was a reminder of how valuable it is to connect face-to-face with fellow photographers.

Watch the BTS Video

Here’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse from the evening—click play to see the atmosphere, the setups, and a few of the incredible shots created on the night.

Join Us for the Next Event

Evenings like The Simple Guide to Studio Portraits are just one part of what The Society of Photographers offers to help you grow as a photographer. From masterclasses and mentoring programmes to exclusive member benefits like monthly competitions and webinars, there’s always something new to learn.

Don’t miss out on future workshops and events—visit https://thesocieties.net/photographic-seminars/ to see what’s coming up next.

The post Behind the Scenes: The Simple Guide to Studio Portraits with Musselwhite Photography appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

Are you ready to take your product photography to the next level? Join internationally acclaimed photographer Damian ‘The BIG Dog’ McGillicuddy for an inspiring Evening Seminar on Tabletop Product Photography.

This hands-on workshop will show you how to create striking, professional-quality product images—perfect for e-commerce, advertising, and editorial work. With Damian’s expert guidance, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to transform simple objects into eye-catching visuals.

What You’ll Learn

Hands-On Experience – Experiment with lighting, styling, and composition to make your product shots stand out.
Expert Tips & Tricks – Learn directly from Damian McGillicuddy, one of the industry’s leading photographers with decades of experience.
Creative Inspiration – Discover how to elevate everyday objects into powerful visual stories.
Friendly Atmosphere – Network with like-minded photographers and enjoy complimentary tea and coffee.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday 8th October 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Phoenix House, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0NL

Tickets: £30 (includes refreshments)
Limited to just 10 delegates!

Book Your Place Today

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from one of photography’s greats. Spaces are limited and will go fast—secure your spot now!

All bookings are final. Refund Policy – No Refunds.

Not a member?
Join today from just £6.25/month >>> https://thesocieties.net/join/

The post Just Announced – Tabletop Product Photography Evening Seminar with Damian McGillicuddy appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

We’re excited to announce a brand-new evening workshop with award-winning portrait photographer and NoFussMuss YouTube tutor James Musselwhite.

The Simple Guide to Studio Portraits is perfect for photographers who want to take the mystery out of studio lighting. In just a few hours, James will show you easy, repeatable strobe setups to help you create stunning portraits with confidence.

Date: Wednesday 17th September 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Musselwhite Photography, 17 Fairway Business Centre, Portsmouth, PO3 5NU
Tickets: £30 (includes refreshments) – Limited to 10 places!

Book Your Place Now and join us for an evening of practical learning, live demonstrations, and great company.

The post New Evening Seminar Announced – The Simple Guide to Studio Portraits with Musselwhite Photography appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

We’re thrilled to announce an exciting new photography experience – Zoo Visions with Terry Donnelly, a unique wildlife photography day taking place on Saturday 27th September 2025 at the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay, Wales.

This special event is brought to you in partnership with Sony UK, The Society of Photographers and Camera Centre UK, and offers an inspiring opportunity for photographers of all levels to sharpen their wildlife photography skills in a stunning natural setting.

A Day of Creativity, Wildlife and Expert Guidance

Hosted by Sony Europe Imaging Ambassador Terry Donnelly, the day will combine hands-on shooting opportunities with expert tuition, set against the beautiful backdrop of the National Zoo of Wales.

Attendees will have the chance to photograph a wide range of incredible animals – including Sumatran Tigers, Snow Leopards, Bears, Penguins, and more (subject to availability) – while gaining valuable insight into technique, camera settings, and how to make the most of Sony’s powerful Alpha series cameras.

Whether you’re looking to develop your wildlife photography portfolio, test out Sony gear, or just enjoy a creative day out in nature, this is an event not to be missed.

Event Highlights:

• Expert tuition from award-winning photographer Terry Donnelly
• Up-close photography of zoo wildlife in natural-style enclosures
• Hands-on sessions with Sony Alpha cameras and lenses
• Q&A, image review, and mentoring throughout the day
• Support conservation efforts at the Welsh Mountain Zoo
• Early Bird tickets available for just £59

About Terry Donnelly

Terry Donnelly is one of the UK’s most decorated photographers, holding two Masters and five Fellowships in photography. His dedication to wildlife and conservation has earned him the title of Wildlife Photographer of the Year from The Society of Photographers. His work has been featured by BBC Earth, ITV, and national press, and even earned recognition from HRH King Charles.

Terry’s passion for wildlife is matched by his skill with the camera, making him the perfect mentor for this unforgettable day of learning and discovery.

Event Details:

Location: Welsh Mountain Zoo, Old Highway, Colwyn Bay LL28 5UY
Date: Saturday 27th September 2025
Time: 10:00am – 3:30pm
Ticket Price: £69
Early Bird Offer: £59 (limited availability)
Parking: Free on-site
What to Bring: Camera gear, comfortable shoes, and optional packed lunch

Secure Your Place Today

Spaces for this exclusive experience are strictly limited, so early booking is highly recommended. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a truly special day of wildlife photography, learning, and inspiration – all while supporting vital conservation work.

Book your place now – Early Bird tickets just £59

We look forward to seeing you there!

The post Zoo Visions with Terry Donnelly – A Wildlife Photography Experience at the Welsh Mountain Zoo appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.