Photographing Old Buildings *Special Edition*

Event details

Photographing Old Buildings - hybrid workshop

We are delighted to present our popular photography workshop in a special edition hybrid format this summer, offering you the convenience of online presentation combined with the benefits of in-person learning, under the expert supervision of our professional photographer, Ralph Hodgson. Join us as we photograph buildings at the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre and the All Saints Church, Coleshill. 

• Pre-recorded material available from 3 June. 
• In-person workshop, at the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre, 14 June.
• Independent project deadline 2 July.
• Live online feedback session 9 July.

Whether you photograph old buildings for work or as a hobby, this hybrid workshop is the perfect space to develop your skills and confidence with a camera. 

Through pre-recorded material, a one-day in-person workshop and a live online feedback session, you’ll receive expert guidance on photography techniques and composition.  

Guided by professional photographer Ralph Hodgson, you will also develop your appreciation of space and light, so you can confidently capture the textures, details and beauty of old buildings.  

As well as guided learning and group discussion, you'll also get to put your new skills into action with an independent project. This is a great opportunity to get feedback from an experienced professional, with tips on how to take your shots to the next level. 

The workshop consists of approximately nine - 10 hours of guided learning and an independent project to submit. Certificates of attendance for CPD purposes are available on request.

If you would prefer a completely online version of this course, we have another available to book here. 

Who is it for? 

This hybrid workshop is ideal for anyone with a general interest in photographing old buildings, including professionals. 

It may be particularly useful for property managers or building conservation professionals who wish to enhance the composition of their photography for record keeping and reporting. 

You’ll need some familiarity with DSLRs or mirrorless cameras and a few photography basics.

You will learn

• The value of planning and considering the photographs you need to create.
• Techniques and composition to develop your appreciation of the space and light of old buildings and boost your confidence in photographing the textures, details and features of old buildings. 
• Photography tips and tricks from the tutor's decades of experience. 
• The value of photo essays for editing your photographs for record keeping and reporting. 

How it works

Step One: Watch the pre-recorded talk

Tuesday 3 June - Saturday 14 June (self-paced).

From 3 June 2025, you will receive access to a pre-recorded talk, which introduces some inspiring examples and techniques, and sets out the independent project you’ll complete by the end of this hybrid workshop. You will have access to this pre-recorded presentation for the duration of the course and can watch it as many times as you like. 

Step Two: Join us at the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre, Coleshill, for a one-day expert-led photography workshop.  

Saturday 14 June 2025, 10am - 5pm

Tutor Ralph Hodgson will share tips and examples to help you improve your photography skills and technical knowledge. We will consider some of the buildings of the Coleshill Home Farm, on the National Trust Coleshill Estate, and the All Saints Church in Coleshill village. You will have the opportunity to photograph buildings with our tutor and assistant, and try out your learning to capture the textures, details and beauty of old buildings. You’ll have a chance to interact with others on the workshop and to ask any questions before starting your independent project. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. You will need to bring your own DSLR or mirrorless camera. We also recommend you bring a tripod if you have access to one.

Schedule for 14 June 2025 (subject to minor changes):

10am          Registration

10.15am     Introductory presentation

11.15am     Guided 'walk and talk' of Coleshill photography areas

12.30pm     Lunch

1.15pm       Photography session (split into groups)

3.45pm       Afternoon refreshments

4pm            Wrap-up session, with Q&As

5pm            Close

Step Three: Complete your independent project  

Saturday 14 June - Wednesday 2 July (self-paced) 

For your independent project, you’ll photograph an old building that interests you, creating a series of photographs (a photo essay). You may wish to use your photographs from the workshop at Coleshill, or another site if you have the opportunity to do so. You’ll get tips and ideas about how you can approach the project in the pre-recorded presentation and during the in-person workshop with Ralph at Coleshill. The deadline for submission is Wednesday 2 July at midday. 

Step Four: Get live feedback on your project  

Wednesday 9 July 2025, 10.30am - 1pm (BST). 

Ralph Hodgson will review your photo essay and share his feedback in the live online group meeting. This meeting will also be recorded for you to watch again on demand. 

You will need

• A computer, phone or other device connected to the internet, which can play audio and video. 
• A DSLR or mirrorless camera. You may also wish to use a tripod. 
• Familiarity with basic photography skills, composition, and techniques.  
• To attend the in-person workshop at Coleshill or an opportunity to photograph an old building.
• Permission from the owner, if you need it, to access your chosen building.
• Access to the inside of the building you are photographing (optional).

We cannot be held responsible for anything that happens when you are photographing an old building for this workshop.    

Tutor 

Ralph Hodgson is a professional photographer and photography tutor. His wide-ranging work includes photographing heritage buildings, portraiture, news and reportage, for clients in industry, government, corporate affairs and charities. Ralph holds a City & Guilds Level Three award in Education and Training.

Accreditation 

The workshop consists of approximately 9-10 hours of guided learning and an independent project to submit. Certificates of attendance for CPD purposes are available on request. 

Use of your photographs 

By registering for the workshop, you consent to us displaying your photo essay in the live online group meeting, which will be recorded for participants to watch on demand for a limited time. You also consent to us using your photos with full credits to promote this course in print and online. We will not use your photos for any other purpose without your prior written consent.

Accessibility 

This is a hybrid workshop. The practical workshop will be held at the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre, Coleshill. Many of the buildings can be dusty, cold and noisy. There are some uneven surfaces, such as cobbles, due to the historic nature of the building and while we are walking around the site.The practical elements of the course will involve walking and standing. Accessible parking spaces are marked in the car park. Accessible toilets are available.

The online meeting will take place on Zoom. Closed captions will be available. You can choose whether or not to have your camera on during the group meeting, although we’d encourage you to do so. To be able to contribute to the discussion you will need a microphone or be able to add typed comments during the session. 

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email education@spab.org.uk .

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions. 

Photo credit: © Ralph Hodgson.

This event is in association with the National Trust.