Academy of Photography
Master Photography with Personalised 1:1 & 2:1 Tuition
Learn Creative Skills That Last a Lifetime
Ideal for beginners to intermediate photographers seeking to master the photographic process, couples/friends wanting to learn photography together, or businesses to manage their visual marketing themselves.
Invest in yourself or buy a gift voucher to give to your loved ones.
Take complete creative control over the photographic process with my expert guidance.
Short and ongoing photography courses personally designed to give you complete confidence with your camera and the ability to produce a higher standard of photography with ease.
Learn creative photography on a 1:1 or 2:1 as a couple or with your best friend.
With almost 14 years of professional photography experience, I offer tailored tuition to help you achieve your creative goals.
Sessions available weekdays and weekends. Book now to secure your preferred time.
I can even bring the workshop to you, wherever you are in the world!
Algarve, Portugal
“I contacted Paul regarding a photography workshop for my husbands 50th birthday and I can honestly say it’s the best present he’s ever had! With a keen interest in street photography, my husband already had a passion to take pictures but he lacked the technical knowledge and ‘tricks of the trade’, which Paul has in abundance. I booked a one to one, half-day workshop and Paul tailored the session to suit. He taught my husband so much and the difference it has made is unbelievable, his photography has come on leaps and bounds. If you want to enhance your skills or broaden your creativity then I would highly recommend Paul as an inspirational tutor.”
Gallery of photography created by my students while attending one of my workshops…
Learn Photography with Paul Hands
With over 13 years as a professional photographer and filmmaker, I know what makes a great photo
— and how to help you make one too.
My workshops and trips are small, hands-on, in-person and designed to build your confidence, spark your creativity, and make photography seem easy and exciting. Whether you’re using a camera or a smartphone, you’ll walk away with many new skills, inspiration to last a lifetime and photos you’re proud of.
I can help every single person that joins The Paul hands Academy of Photography to become self sufficient in photography, guaranteeing an immediate improvement.
Join a workshop, day trip, or photo walk — and start seeing the world differently.
Example Gift Voucher
Photography Course Guide
Introductory Workshop
Description:
Hands-On Introductory Photography Course
Get started with photography in a relaxed, friendly environment. Learn camera basics, simple composition, and how to use light effectively.
Gain confidence, take better photos, and discover the joy of creating images you’ll be proud of.
Perfect for beginners
Mobile Phone Photography Workshop
Description:
Improve Your Smartphone Photography
Learn to make the most of your phone camera in a short, hands-on session. Explore composition, lighting, and simple editing techniques to create images you’ll be proud to share. Perfect for beginners or hobbyists wanting practical tips and guidance.
Monthly Photo Walk Club
Description:
Guided Monthly Photography Walks
Join a friendly group for regular walks in local areas. Practice composition, framing, and light observation while sharing ideas and feedback. Ideal for photographers wanting regular practice, inspiration, and social interaction in a supportive environment.
Half-Day Workshop
Description:
Take Your Photography to the Next Level
Build on your basics with practical, hands-on exercises in a small group. Learn manual camera settings, advanced composition, and creative lighting techniques. Gain confidence and control over your camera while exploring your creativity in a supportive environment.
Full-Day Workshop
Description:
Immersive Full-Day Photography Experience
Spend a day exploring varied locations and lighting conditions. Learn advanced composition, lighting, and exposure techniques, plus a short editing demo and portfolio review. Ideal for photographers seeking an intensive, hands-on experience with professional guidance.
One-to-One Tuition – Half Day
Description:
Personalised Half-Day Photography Coaching
Work at your own pace with tailored tuition focused on your camera, skill level, and goals. Learn composition, lighting, and shooting techniques with one-to-one guidance. Perfect for fast-tracking your skills or tackling specific challenges in a private, supportive setting.
One-to-One Tuition – Full Day
Description:
Full-Day Personalised Photography Coaching
Immerse yourself in a full day of individualised instruction. Learn advanced shooting techniques, editing, and portfolio building at your own pace. Receive focused feedback and personalised guidance, ideal for accelerating skills or completing creative projects.
Special Location Day Trips
Description:
Hands-On Photography Day Trips
Explore scenic or themed locations with hands-on guidance. Learn composition, lighting, and creative shooting techniques while practicing in beautiful landscapes. Minibus transport available for up to 16 participants, making travel easy and convenient.
Multi-Day Photography Retreats
Description:
Immersive Multi-Day Photography Retreats
Spend 2–3 days developing your photography skills with tuition, guided shoots, and evening editing sessions. Build a small portfolio and connect with like-minded photographers. Ideal for photographers seeking an intensive, immersive, and hands-on learning experience.
Not Sure Which Workshop Is Right for You?
Start with a Photography Skill Audit —
A personalised assessment that shows exactly where your strengths and weaknesses are.
You’ll get the following:
A breakdown of your current skill level
A review of 3–5 of your recent images
Clear recommendations for the workshop or training path that will help you progress the fastest
Perfect if you want to make sure you're investing in the right course for your goals.
It’s the smartest way to begin your photography journey.
Ready to transform your photography skills?
Book your personalised session today!
Limited 1:1 sessions available each month — book early to secure your spot.
“I booked a 1:1 session with Paul specifically to look at improving my understanding of camera lighting. I also wanted to improve my creative style and technical knowledge when using my camera.
I’m so glad I booked Paul, he was attentive, knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble.
I found Paul’s teaching style to be relaxed, friendly and very supportive, not only advising me on lighting tips but also inspiring my creative side by pointing out unusual framing ideas for images that really changed the dynamic.
I had a thoroughly smashing evening, I’d highly recommend Paul to anyone looking for a calm, patient and passionate photographer with a creative eye and a great teaching style.
Thank you Paul, you’ve reignited my passion for photography in one evening! 🙏”
1:1 Photography Workshop with Danielle Watson
What might you learn on a workshop with me?
How to use and understand your DSLR camera
Shooting in manual mode
Understanding shutter speed, aperture and ISO
Seeing, reading and measuring the light
Designing professional compositions
Framing your photographs to retain viewers
How to read the landscape or whatever environment you’re shooting in
How to approach strangers in the street asking for their photograph
How to make a photograph of strangers in the street without asking permission and making it look natural
Conducting yourself when shooting street photography and managing conflict
What to make photographs of and how to make them interesting
Using colour theory in combinations that create attention
Shooting at night, in the dark, getting focus and designing a frame when you can’t see
Remaining safe when out on location and in possession of expensive equipment
Storing and managing your photography collection
Performing post production using Adobe Lightroom
Creating a work of art and printing it
Making yourself known as a photographer and getting your artwork in front of people.
The above list isn’t exhaustive of what I can teach you and it would depend on which course you book as to what you will learn.
Reviews
“This was without question an amazing course, well presented, we were made to feel welcome, I just wanted to know how to set my camera up, but I got a whole lot more from it, Paul explained everything in a manner you understand, nothing is to much trouble for him, he makes time for everone, and if you don’t get it (as I didn’t) he just explains it again, I highly recommend him if you want to get more from your camera, I definitely booking another course.
Thank you Paul”
“I spent a great night out learning how to take incredible night-shoot photography. It has re-inspired me to pick up my camera and start having fun again. Loads of insight & experiences shared across the group, well worth attending for all levels.”
“I attended a workshop with Paul on the 4th February. He was so incredibly patient and thorough going through the technical side and editing afterwards.
Highly recommended and I’ll be looking to book onto another one in the near future”
“Went on one of Paul’s. Workshops.. Had an excellent time and managed to learn a lot about my camera...will definitely going on more workshops with him .. explained everything in a easy to learn terms ... come away with a bit more artistic eye for a picture...I would highly recommend one of his workshops...its also a way of meeting like minded people .... great bloke and a good instructor....”
“A really enjoyable workshop! Paul was so patient with a group of beginners and really took time to make sure that we all understood the basics of photography before taking us out in the big wide world to have a play with our new found knowledge. So approachable and passionate about passing on his expertise.”
“I have been on two workshops with Paul now, the first a half day group and the second a one to one full day. Taking up photography and understanding your camera can be daunting, it is so easy to use Auto all the time. But Paul teaches you in a relaxed and friendly manner how to get the best of your camera by understanding shutter speed, aperture and ISO. Paul is very easy to get on with and his knowledge of photography makes him a great teacher.
”
“Wonderful morning with Paul on our 2-1 course. Wanted a refresher and start up course to better understand the Camera,off Automatic settings.
Paul was so easy to understand,explained everything at my level,nothing too technical. Helped to get to know my new lens a little better, new interesting techniques that will enhance my camera experience. Learnt more about post production as well.
A great course,would recommend Paul highly,hoping to perhaps do another course in the future
Thank you Paul for your time and patience.”
Still unsure which course is right for you?
Take the Photography Skill Audit now…
Subscribe to my email to be kept in touch with what’s coming up soon, workshops and courses etc.