Teaching and workshops
I teach in the way I photograph; using examples of my own work and that of my colleagues to explain visual concepts. I pass on tips and insight from a career in photojournalism. Conversations with photo editors, watching my colleagues at work, a library of photo books .. these are all folded into my teaching.
Make it stand out
During workshops we’ll go through the basics of visual awareness and literacy, to expose the ‘grammar’ of constructing photographs. This foundational knowledge applies to all the visual arts (like painting or drawing) . By observing light and practicing composition we learn ‘how to see’.
My primary teaching experience is for National Geographic on a resident photography programme onboard expedition ships in the polar regions. I have also given workshops during photo festivals and taught visual literacy and storytelling to scientists on national science programmes. The screenshot and accompanying video at the foot of this page advertise the onboard programme by Lindblad Expeditions in partnership with National Geographic.
Make it stand out
From 30 years of experience working at newspapers and magazines I can explain how visual storytelling works in practice. I refer to published examples of my own photo stories as well as references to cinema and classic photographic essays. Anyone who has read a book or watched a movie is perfectly placed to make a narrative photo-story.
I have some availability for teaching one-to-one and small groups in London (Hampstead Heath) and in Stockholm (Södermalm area). The most popular format is to walk these areas making street and/ or landscape photography and review images in local cafe. For longer sessions I can hire a local workspace to meet for critiques and instruction. It’s possible to tailor the structure to an individual, group or company.
Fees for one-to-one instruction are £65 per hour. Please get in touch via the email address link here
I am DBS checked in both the UK and USA.
Brochure for Lindblad National Geographic
Short film showing Nick Cobbing giving photo instruction on an expedition ship in Svalbard, with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic.