Kids Photography Curriculum — A Creative Skill Your Child Will Keep For Life

in ,

I've been teaching photography for 14 years. Here's what I've turned it into.

It's been a while since I've been in your inbox — so I'll keep this honest and to the point.

Over the past couple of years I've been quietly building something I'm genuinely proud of. You might know me from a jigsaw puzzle or calendar, or perhaps you came to one of my photography workshops. Either way — thank you. Your early support made it possible for me to keep going.

What I've been building is called PHARTED. Photo • Art • Education.

It's a photography education brand built around one belief: people don't fail at photography because they lack talent. They fail because nobody gave them a proper structure to learn from.

I've spent 14 years teaching photography to hundreds of students — all ages, all abilities, complete beginners to serious hobbyists. The same problems come up every time. Confusion. Overwhelm. Inconsistent results. So I've started turning everything I teach into structured digital products that actually work.

The first one is live now.

Kids photography Workshops

Introducing the PHARTED Kids Photography Curriculum

The Kids Photography Curriculum is a beginner-friendly downloadable course for creative children aged 8–14.

It teaches children how to use any camera — phone, tablet, or a proper camera — through simple lessons, fun challenges, and printable worksheets. Parent guidance is built in throughout, so you don't need to know anything about photography yourself.

What's inside the curriculum

  • 18-page PDF — structured and clear

  • Step-by-step photography lessons

  • Creative tasks and mini projects

  • Printable worksheets

  • Parent guidance for every session

  • Works with phones, tablets and all cameras

Who is it for?

This curriculum is perfect for children aged 8–14 who love art, nature, technology — or just enjoy taking photos on your phone. It's designed for complete beginners and gives them a solid creative foundation they'll carry forward.

It's also a natural first step toward our in-person PHARTED workshops and programmes, where young photographers can develop their skills even further.

How to get it

£19.99 — instant digital download. No subscriptions. No equipment pressure. Just a simple, structured start in photography.

👉 Click here to get the Kids Photography Curriculum

More coming soon for adult learners

If you're an adult who's always wanted to learn photography properly — from understanding your camera through to creative shooting and Lightroom editing — I'm building something for you too. Keep an eye out, or make sure you're subscribed below to hear about it first.

It's a photography education brand built around one simple idea: people don't fail at photography because they lack talent. They fail because nobody ever gave them a proper structure to learn from.

I've been teaching photography for 14 years. Hundreds of students, all ages, complete beginners to serious hobbyists. And the same problems come up every single time — confusion, overwhelm, inconsistent results.

So I've started turning everything I teach into digital products. Structured. Clear. Practical. Stuff that actually works.

The first one is already live.

🎒 KIDS PHOTOGRAPHY CURRICULUM — £19.99

A beginner-friendly photography course for creative kids aged 8–14.

It teaches children how to use any camera — phone, tablet, or a proper camera — through simple lessons, creative challenges, and printable worksheets. Parent guidance is built in so you don't need to know anything about photography yourself.

18 pages. Instant download. No subscriptions.

If you've got children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews who love being creative — this is for them.

👉 www.paulhands.co.uk/shop/pharted-kids-photography-curriculum

---

There's more coming for adults too — I'll be sharing that soon.

But for now, if the kids curriculum sounds like something your family could use, or you know someone who'd love it, I'd really appreciate you sharing it.

Every sale genuinely helps me keep building.

Thank you for still being here.

Paul

Why Documentary Wedding Photography Might Be Right For You

in ,

Why Documentary Wedding Photography Is Perfect For Natural, Relaxed Weddings in Leicestershire

If you’re planning your wedding and the idea of being posed all day makes you uncomfortable, documentary wedding photography may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Bride, Emma looking at herself in her wedding dress for the first time

As a documentary wedding photographer based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, my approach is simple:

I photograph your wedding as it naturally unfolds.

No staged moments.
No forced smiles.
No turning your day into a photoshoot.

Instead, I focus on observation.

The laughter during speeches.
The nerves before the ceremony.
The chaos on the dance floor.
The quiet in-between moments that often mean the most.

Always looking for the humour - Wedding at Sketchley Grange Hotel, Hinckley

What Documentary Wedding Photography Actually Means…

Documentary photography is about storytelling.

Rather than directing the day, I blend into the background and anticipate moments as they happen. Years of experience allow me to recognise when something meaningful is about to unfold — and be ready for it without interrupting it.

This approach creates a gallery that feels real. Not manufactured. Not overly styled. Not repetitive.

Just your day — as it was.

But What About Portraits?

Choosing documentary coverage doesn’t mean you won’t have beautiful portraits.

If you’d like a short, relaxed session together, we’ll keep it simple and efficient. No long posing sessions. No awkward instructions. Just natural images that still feel like you.

However, if you’re drawn to more crafted, editorial-style portraits alongside documentary coverage, that’s where P&H Visionaries comes in.

With Elena Pavlova joining as a dedicated portrait specialist, P&H offers a two-creative approach — blending natural storytelling with intentional, guided imagery for couples who want both authenticity and a more polished aesthetic. P&H is also the route for couples who want dedicated cinematic wedding film alongside photography.

You can explore that option here:

P&H Visionaries

Portrait with P&H Visionaries

Is Documentary Wedding Photography Right For Every Couple?

Not always.

If you’re looking for heavily styled imagery, dramatic lighting setups, or long directed portrait sessions, a more editorial approach may suit you better.

But if you value authenticity, atmosphere, and honest storytelling, documentary photography allows you to stay present with your guests while your story is preserved quietly and professionally.

Wedding Photography in Hinckley & Leicestershire

I photograph weddings across Hinckley, Leicestershire, and the wider Midlands. Whether you’re planning a small registry ceremony or a full-day celebration, documentary coverage ensures the emotion and atmosphere of your wedding are reflected naturally.

If you’d like to check availability or explore collections, you can view full details here:

Paul Hands Documentary Wedding Photography

How I Delivered a 5-Star Corporate Headshot Session in Just One Hour

in ,

Corporate Branding Photography for a Local Financial Firm – A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a 5-Star Experience

When a client leaves a thoughtful Google review, it means a great deal. It shows they didn’t just enjoy the photos — they valued the experience enough to log in, reflect, and share their feedback publicly. That’s exactly what happened after a recent corporate branding shoot for a local financial firm.

Bryony Evans – BA (Hons), Chartered MCSI
Director & Independent Financial Adviser

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review

Bryony Evans – BA (Hons), Chartered MCSI
Director & Independent Financial Adviser

“Paul was great, professional, timely and full of ideas and willing to go to extra lengths to get the best shots and in the perfect environment.”

Paul Eason - Director and Financial Advisor

The Brief

The firm needed fresh headshots and team photographs but had a very limited amount of time. Their staff usually work across two locations — Market Harborough and Warwick — but were all gathering in Rugby for their Christmas meal. We had a one-hour window to capture everything professionally and efficiently.

The Challenge

The shoot required:

  • A central location

  • Fast setup

  • Consistent lighting and styling

  • Smooth direction

  • Zero delays

  • A quick turnaround for delivery

With everyone travelling to a single point, the session had to run precisely on schedule.

Jon Stephenson, Financial Advisor

The Solution

To keep the entire process hassle-free for the client, I organised the full setup:

  • Sourced and booked a suitable office space in Rugby

  • Arranged the meeting point and prepared the room in advance

  • Set up a professional lighting layout tailored for streamlined headshots

  • Directed the team clearly to keep the session flowing

  • Captured all required headshots and team images within the hour

Once the shoot was complete, the team headed to their Christmas meal while I packed down and returned to begin editing.

Jane Rye, Client Services Manager

Premium Turnaround

They needed the final images quickly for internal and marketing use, so I provided a 7-day premium delivery. This included:

  • Polished corporate headshots

  • Team photographs

  • Clean, consistent colour grading

  • Files optimised for both print and web

A Professional, Stress-Free Experience

Branding sessions with multiple staff can easily become chaotic if not tightly managed. By handling the logistics, organising the environment, and running an efficient workflow, I ensured the team could simply arrive, be photographed, and continue their day without disruption.

Their 5-star review reflects that smooth experience.

Ready to Book Your Corporate Branding Session?

If your business needs modern, professional headshots or a full branding shoot, I offer flexible on-location setups, structured direction, and fast delivery options to keep your day running smoothly.

Get in touch to check availability or discuss your requirements.

Ready Money Investments Ltd.

How to Finally Understand Manual Mode (Without the Overwhelm)

in ,



If you’ve ever switched your camera to M, taken a photo, and instantly switched back to Auto… you’re not alone.


Manual mode feels intimidating because most people try to learn everything at once. That’s the mistake.

Here’s the simplest way to understand manual mode — properly — without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 1: Forget the Exposure Triangle (for now)

Most beginners start with the triangle, and it’s the worst place to begin. You don’t need a triangle. You need clarity.

Manual mode is just three decisions:

  1. How bright or dark you want the image

  2. How blurry or sharp you want the background

  3. How frozen or blurry you want movement

That’s it. Everything else hangs off those three decisions.

Step 2: Aperture = Background Blur

If you want a blurry background → choose a small f-number (f/1.8–f/4).
If you want everything sharp → choose a bigger number (f/8–f/16).

That one choice controls the entire look of your photo.

Step 3: Shutter Speed = Movement Control

Want to freeze action? Use faster speeds (1/500+).
Want smooth water or motion blur? Slow it down (1/30 or slower).

Step 4: ISO = Light Rescue

If the photo is too dark after choosing aperture and shutter → increase ISO.
If it’s too bright → lower ISO.

ISO is your “brightness top-up”.

Step 5: Practical Settings to Start With

Here’s a quick cheat list:

Portraits – f/2.8, 1/250, ISO 100–400
Landscapes – f/8, 1/125, ISO 100
Indoor photos – f/2.8, 1/125, ISO 800–1600
Kids running – f/4, 1/1000, ISO as needed

The Fastest Way to Learn Manual Mode

Take 10–15 photos of the same subject changing just one setting at a time.
This forces your brain to see what each decision actually does.

It works every time.

Ready to learn properly?

If you want clear, confidence-building teaching without jargon, take a look at:

👉 PHARTED Photography Courses
👉 Adult Workshops
👉 1:1 Tuition

You don’t need luck to understand your camera — just the right teaching.

Click here to see what photography courses are available.

Life in a War Zone - Ukraine

in ,

This is a documentary photography and film project about how the Ukrainians are managing to live in a war zone.

Life in a War Zone Title Cover

During the month of August I visited Kyiv and spent some time also in Lviv, exploring what life is like for ordinary Ukrainians living under the constant threat of war, bombs, drones and missiles coming from the sky, directed by the Russian army.

The project is not full of sensationalism and is more grounded in the everyday, looking at how the Ukrainian people are coping during war time.

Dive in and take a look at the work by clicking this button…

Life in a war zone

Woodland Wedding Photography

in ,

Woodland Wedding Unstaged Documentary Photography UK

Wedding Photography Portfolio:

Ana and Joe booked me to photography their wedding in the woods, somewhere between Stoke on Trent and Manchester, in a secluded setting, which involves a ten minute walk from the car park, sometimes wading through stinging nettles and Brambles.

A secluded wedding celebration with confetti in the woods with Ana & Joe

Here’s a collection of my favourite photographs from one of the coolest and most unique weddings I’ve had the privilege to be booked for my photography style.

My style of photography:

I always shoot with a more documentary storytelling manner. You’ll see from this collection how posing isn’t required because I know how to make photographs of your wedding that tells the story of your day with vibrant colours, artistic flair and meaningful moments.

Personal and small wedding…

Ana & Joe invited only their favourite and most closest family and friends and then held their reception in their back garden at home in Stoke on Trent. They hired a marquee and decorated it so beautifully and with their own personal touches, the wedding became their very own creation without the influence of the corporate wedding world.

They all had the best time, playing music (they’re a group of musicians), drank plenty and ate like Kings and Queens with their home made buffet.

Make an enquiry in to my availability for your wedding date…

We'd like to book you as our wedding photographer

in ,

🎬 NEW VIDEO: Private Photography Workshops for Beginners and intermediate photographers (Now Booking Across the UK).

So, you’ve always fancied learning photography properly — but the idea of sitting in a stuffy classroom with twenty others makes you want to switch your camera off and go back to snapping sunsets on your phone.

Here’s your way out of that.

I’ve just launched a short film (scroll down to watch) that gives you a real taste of what it’s like to join one of my Private Photography Workshops. These are relaxed, fun, one-to-one (or two-to-one if you fancy bringing your best mate), and absolutely tailored to you — no jargon, no egos, no pressure.

Whether you’re retired, over 55, or simply want to finally get to grips with that camera you bought in lockdown, this is your chance to learn photography in a way that actually makes sense.

Why it works:

  • Personalised coaching – not a one-size-fits-all class

  • Go at your pace – no rush, no pressure, no silly questions

  • Bring a friend – learn together and make a proper day of it

  • Any location – I’m Midlands-based, but I’ll travel anywhere in the UK to teach you

From getting off auto mode to mastering your manual settings, these private sessions are a confidence boost in a camera bag. And yes, we’ll have a laugh while we do it — photography should be fun.

So, if you’ve been googling “photography courses for beginners in the Midlands” or “one-to-one photography tuition UK,” stop the scroll. You’ve found it.

📽️ Watch the film above, then get in touch to book your date.
Let’s turn that camera of yours into your new favourite creative outlet!

Academy of photography

Events, Awards, Presentations and Conference Photography

in ,

📸 Why Your Corporate Event Deserves Better Photography (And a Bit of Banter)

Let’s be honest. Most corporate event photography is about as exciting as a lukewarm brew at a budget networking breakfast. You’ve seen the type — a sad plate of sandwiches, awkward smiles, and someone blinking at the exact wrong moment.

But it doesn’t have to be like that.

MPAC Automation CEO Adam Holland, presenting a corporate day out at Silverstone Race Circuit

I’m Paul Hands — photographer & filmmaker — I specialise in photographing corporate events that actually look good. Whether it’s a slick product launch, a high-stakes conference, or the kind of Christmas party that HR pretends not to remember, I’ve got you covered with photography and video that tells the real story of your event — not just who wore a name badge.

🎥 Corporate Doesn’t Have to Mean Boring

I shoot for businesses that want more than just “coverage.” You’ve put a lot into this event — the planning, the branding, the guest list — so let’s make sure it looks as epic as it felt. My work captures:

  • Real interactions (the good, the weird, and the did-that-just-happen?!)

  • On-brand moments that elevate your business image

  • Speakers mid-power pose (not mid-blink)

  • Details you worked hard on — from the lighting to the lanyards

Real smiles and laughter at an event social

Oh, and yes, I do video too. Whether you need a slick promo film, social media reels, or a cinematic highlight video that gets your boss teary-eyed (in a good way), I’ll deliver.

😂 I Make People Laugh — And That Makes Photos Better

You know how people freeze up the moment a camera appears? Not with me.

I’ve got a knack for putting people at ease — usually by saying something so unexpected they laugh before they realise they’re on camera. That means you get genuine smiles, natural expressions, and the kind of images that make your team look confident, approachable, and totally unforced.

I once had a CFO spit prosecco during a group shot. True story. (And yes, I caught it.)

Managing Director - Toyota Materials Handling

Toyota Materials Handling, Managing Director handing out awards at Leonardo Hotels, Hinckley island

🧭 Based in the Midlands. Available UK-Wide.

I’m centrally based in the Midlands, which means I can shoot events anywhere in the UK without needing to pack a passport and snacks for the M6. From London launches to Manchester meetups, I’ll be there — early, caffeinated, and ready to shoot.

Leonardo Hotels, Hinckley Island General Manager - Daniel Price entertaining guests at Famtastic Rocks

👔 Who I Work With

I shoot for:

  • Large businesses

  • Creative agencies

  • PR and comms teams

  • Event organisers

  • Anyone who wants their event to look 10x better in photos than it did on the spreadsheet

You bring the people. I’ll bring the lenses, lighting, and a few one-liners that’ll have your MD giggling like it’s Friday at 4pm.

Leonardo Hotels Sales Director - Tia Goadby entertaining guests at the pre-cocktail party for Famtastic Rocks 2024.

📩 Let’s Talk About Your Event

If you’re planning something big — or even just moderately medium — and want to make sure it looks as good as it felt, drop me a message.

Whether you need full event coverage, behind-the-scenes content, or a showreel to impress future clients, I’d love to help you make your next event unforgettable.

👉 Contact me here and let’s have a proper chat… paul@paulhands.co.uk

The Atrium, Leonardo Hotel, Hinckley Island - Featuring the team from Toyota Materials Handling

Make an enquiry about your event

Wedding Photography Hinckley

in ,

Documentary Wedding Photography & Filmmaking in Hinckley, Leicestershire.

Unfluffy, Unstuffy & Unposed style of street, candid and reportage photography.

My Process For Wedding Photography In Hinckley.

I’ve been shooting weddings for over 12 years now and have loads of awesome reviews. I’ve never let anyone down in that time and don’t plan to either. I’m trustworthy, reliable and so bloody creative, well I like to think so and everyone tells me I am but the truth is that you have to align with me and my style if you want to book me.
First you should ask yourself whether you like my photographs?
Then ask for a brochure and if I have a service that sounds like you’d want that and my prices match what you want to spend, then yes, you should absolutely book with me asap.

I’m so busy and don’t just do wedding photography, I also teach privately within my own photography academy. I shoot commercial photography and make films for some of the UK’s best businesses. I also create my own artwork range including jigsaw puzzles, postcards, wall art and calendars etc.

So now you’ve seen some of my favourite wedding photographs, visit my wedding page, check me out a bit more or head straight to the bottom of the page to complete an online enquiry form.

Then I’ll get back to you with my availability and maybe even offer you a deal.

Weddings

Adobe Photography Plan

in ,

I couldn’t do my job without using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

Over the past 12 years, I’d never have gotten to where I’m at without using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop!

Both pieces of software are absolutely crucial to both my artwork and also the commercial work I create for branding photography for businesses and my wedding photography clients.

This software is so integral to my business that I am now partnering with Adobe to share their photography plans through my own affiliate links.

Here it is and if you’re thinking of joining me on one of my photography workshops or photography classes in Hinckley and Burbage, then you will be using the Adobe suite in my studio and I will most definitely recommend that you invest in this for yourself.

The best thing is the software is only £10 per month!

Here’s the link below…