Olympus OM System Workshops
The Olympus (now OM System) OMD system is incredibly versatile and feature packed, making some aspects of landscape photography very easy. For the beginner it can seem daunting with the complicated menu system and range of customization options, and the manual is less than helpful. Being so feature rich means it allows the photographer many opportunities to capture images in different ways, which needs an understanding not only of the features, but which one is most suitable for the situation.
1-To-1 or Small Groups
An Olympus Workshop, either as a 1-To-1, or a small group, is the fastest way to understand your camera. I will help you not only to understand the features and benefits of your system, but also help you get better images. We will concentrate on setting your OMD up to suit you, explore the menus and features, and then practice on location. This way, you gain first hand experience and understanding, helping you to take the knowledge on with more confidence to capture great images.
We will discuss your way of shooting, the genres you have an interest in, and set the camera up for these to give you the flexibility you need. We will explore Mysets and Custom settings, setting button features, and explore the reasons behind doing it. With hands-on tuition, you will learn faster , and find the information stays with you for longer than trying to understand a manual.
Olympus OM System Guides
After considerable time and effort my Guide for the OM-1 is now available, along with Guides for the EM-1 MkIII and the OM-5, which also includes details for its predecessor the EM-5 MkIII
With a step by step Menu walkthrough and set-up of all the important settings the Guides go on to more advanced Custom Modes, with details of my own CM’s and suggestions for many others.
They include detailed ‘how-to’s’ on all the main features such as Bracketing, Live Time, Live ND, Focus Stacking, together with how to auto merge images and manually blend sets of images together in post.
Also included are sections explaining the Exposure Triangle, Hyperfocal Distances and Depth of Field, in fact everything you need to know. Composition tips are included along with how to find and plan new locations.
I also explain Processing Workflows, how to get organised and which Apps to consider.
Available to purchase for access as an online resource and a downloadable eBook they will be free to all my Workshop attendees.
Workshop Attendees can benefit from a 15% discount on f-stop gear.
Focussed on Your Needs
Workshops are focussed on your needs and will cover the technicalities of your camera, and also the creative side of photography. As with other workshops, we will also explore the art of creating a great image, exploring composition, how to control light, how to create mood, and how to use filters. Filters will be available to use if required.
Master Your OMD
As a Specialist Olympus OMD Trainer and mentor I am well placed to pass on my knowledge of this system. Having spent many years using Olympus I have an in depth understanding of not only how to use features, but why and when to use them. I will help you to master your Olympus so that it becomes a creative tool for your photography.
Explore OMD Menus
Renowned for being complicated, we will explore the Menu System to give you a greater understaning of it. We will also check settings and set Customisations to suit you.
Fn Buttons, Mysets and Custom Modes
All these buttons and functions, so much customisation and flexibility at your fingertips. We will explore all the functions, set them to suit what you need, and put them in to practice so you understand why.
OM-1 / OM-1 MKII
With the release of the OM-1 and OM-1 MKII many changes have been made.
Improvements to in-camera functions such as Live Time and High Res have been made, along with more power from a new processor. Significant changes have been made with a new button layout and new menu, along with many changes to focus modes and settings. Many changes have been introduced to the OM1-MKII with a new in-camera GND and AF functionalities.
Upgrading or getting the OM-1 / OM-1 MKII?
Join me on a workshop to learn how to get the best from this new model. As with other models I will go though the functions of the camera, using them out in the field, and we will explore how the buttons and menus can be used to suit your needs. Exploring the customisation I will show you how you can set up the camera to suit you, combine button settings and C settings, with tips and tricks learned through experience.
Get in touch with me to find out what dates are available.
What You Will Learn
Learn your camera and understand A, S, and M Modes
- Learn how to control exposure to get the best shots
- Undersand and use the Histogram
- Understand Depth of Field and Hyperfocal Distances
Learn to OMD menus and customisation features
Use advanced features of your OMD camera
- Understand composition and how to ‘see’ the shot
- Use Rule of Thirds and Lead-In Lines for composition
- Use my ‘Bubble’ technique for good composition
Understand positive and negative space for harmony
- Understand how to use light creatively in images
- Use Filters for control and creativity
The list above are the main areas we will cover, as with all workshops, however being a dedicated Olympus Workshop we will concentrate on the unique features of your camera. We will explore the different features, how to use Live Time, Live Composite, Bracketing, High Res, how to use Peaking, exposure warnings, Exposure Compensation and more. Workshops are always informal and I am to make them a fun enjoyable day.
Live Time, Live Composite, Advanced Bracketing, Custom Settings and Mysets
High Res, Exposure Compensation, Focus Bracketing, Focus Points and more
Prices for 1-To-1 Workshops
Prices are based on 1 Person, however small groups of 2-3 people can be accommodated. Couples or friends can attend a 1-To1, and a non-photographer parter can tag along without charge. For others Workshops please see the Group Workshop Pages.
£190 for one person
£120 per person for couples / small groups
A £50 Deposit is payable per person to book and a date will be agreed if you are booking as a group, unless it is one of the available workshops.
How long is a 1-To-1?
Length depends on the season, and usually around 8 hours.
In Winter they will be shorter because of shorter daylight hours, however there is still twilight available. In summer the days are much longer. Normally we will start around 9-10am and we will be out to shoot sunset. I normally avoid sunrise because time is needed to prepare and you will be more comfortable shooting a sunset putting into practice what you have learned. Sunrises can be agreed.
Times are flexible, in summer for example we will be out all day which could be 12 hours, so be prepared for a long day. I am happy to meet your needs whatever they are.
1-To-1 Locations
Being based near the Peak District most 1-To-1 workshops are located there. The Peak District gives incredible views over valleys and inland cliffs, and easy access to high points with very short walks. Average fitness levels are all that are needed, and I am to spend the time teaching and shooting, not travelling. With such great viewpoints in close proximity we are able to maximise time on location. The drama and beauty of the Peak District is sure to inspire you, and there are also great places to shoot waterfalls should the weather be overcast. There are great places to stop for lunch, and if you need to travel, plenty of B&B/Hotel accommodation is available. With easy access from the M1 the Peak is a very central and easy to access location.
Other areas can also be accommodated such as North Wales, the Lake District, or the East and West coast, although travelling expenses will apply.
What you will need
Clothing requirements depend on the season, however please not even in Summer it can get chilly especially high up. Warm layers are always better so a layer can be removed, along with a hat to keep ears warm and gloves. Waterproof footwear to keep feet dry is required and if we are shooting water please bring a pair of Wellies. A snack and bottled drink will help keep you going, although we will stop for lunch at a local pub. I usually have 3 spare tripods available if you do not have one, and filters are also available to use if required.
- Camera, fully charged batteries and memory cards
- Shutter cable release
- Tripod – available to borrow if needed
- Filters-available if needed, please let me know
- Warm layered clothing, hat and gloves
- Waterproof coat suitable for the season
- Waterproof footwear and wellies may be needed
- Snacks and drinks
This was the best workshop I have been on. Phil was patient, thoughtful and explained everything in such detail, I really did learn such a great deal. My Olympus camera is complicated, but he showed me not only how to use the various features, he also showed my why, and when, and also customised the settings for easier use. Highly recommended *****
Myself and my photography club did a 1 day group workshop with Phil in the Peak District. He was full of interesting tips, knowledge, and showed that he really cared about helping each one of us to improve both our technique, and the harder to explain artistic creativity of photography. An excellent day out of learning. and we had fun too.
I have had a number of workshops with Phil in the Peak District and the Yorkshire Coast. I found my photography really has improved, he was helpful, patient, and his understanding of how to capture the scene was second to none. He was able to explain the features of my camera which made me more comfortable with it. Highly recommended.
I spent a week with Phil in the Lake District and what a week it was. He quickly showed me many of the features of my camera, and took me to many locations that were incredible, and away from the crowds. What really impressed me was his understanding of light and how it would interact with the landscape. I cannot recommend Phil enough.
Myself and my friend both did a workshop with Phil. We are complete novices and found Phil very very patient. He took the time to explain the camera settings, the different modes, and also explained the technical side like the Exposure Triangle in a way we understood! Finally it makes sense. More useful and enjoyable than a book! Thank You Phil.
Myself and 5 colleagues travelled from Holland to spend a week with Phil in and around Snowdonia. It was such a wonderful week, we all got shots we are proud of and learned so much from Phil. He was attentive to all of us and made sure we all learned as a group but also with a personal touch spending time with each of us individually.
Phil really does know his stuff. I use an Olympus camera which he is an expert with, and showed me many of his tricks. I also use a Canon FF, and because he actually uses other systems himself he was able to assist me with both systems. His technical knowledge is outstanding, as is his photographic creativity. I will certainly book again.
Myself and my son are both deaf, my son profoundly. Learning online can be hard, and it is slow, more so with a disability. I was sceptical about a workshop but Phil reassured me, and he was right. He was patient and understanding, and worked at a pace we could lip read, and used hand gestures we could follow easily. Thanks so much Phil!
I was so confused about filters, but spoke to Phil and he made everything clear. He explained the different types of NiSi Filters, what he thought would be of use to me, and even told me what not to buy. How refreshing. He put together a kit of the filters for me, so I ended up saving money and getting just what I needed. And delivery was fast.
Phil’s service with NiSi Filters is second to none. Hi knowledge is undeniable and always extremely helpful. I was unfortunate enough to lose my adapter ring whilst away, so after speaking to Phil he had a replacement sent to my Hotel which I received the next day. He even called them to make sure they were aware of it. Outstanding service.
Phil was so helpful with my purchase of Nisi filters and the V6 holder. He explained how the system works and made sure I had what I needed. It was helpful being able to actually speak to someone, especially someone who knows and not just a salesman. And everything was delivered the next day. I have since purchased again.
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