Dance & Movement Photography – Capturing Motion, Energy & Expression – Llandudno Photographic Academy Evening

Dance & Movement Photography – Capturing Motion, Energy & Expression – Llandudno Photographic Academy Evening

Have you ever tried photographing someone dancing, only to discover that capturing movement isn’t quite as easy as it looks? Perhaps your images were blurred when you wanted them sharp, or maybe you’ve wondered how photographers create those beautiful images where movement, light and expression all come together.

This February, we’re bringing dance and movement photography to the Welshot Creative Hub in Llandudno for a practical, creative and hands-on Photographic Academy Evening, where you’ll have the opportunity to experiment with different techniques, develop your camera skills and discover exciting new ways to photograph people in motion.

Working with a dancer, we’ll explore how shutter speed, lighting, timing and composition can completely change the look and feel of a photograph. From freezing a split-second movement to deliberately introducing motion blur for a more artistic effect, you’ll discover that there’s more than one way to capture movement in camera.

And you don’t need to have photographed dance before!

Whether you’re relatively new to photography, enjoy portrait photography and fancy trying something different, or you’re a more experienced photographer looking to add creative movement images to your portfolio, this Academy Evening will give you plenty of opportunities to learn, experiment and have some fun with your camera.

It’s not just about freezing the action!

One of the most exciting things about dance photography is that movement can be photographed in so many different ways.  A perfectly timed photograph can capture a dancer suspended in mid-air, while a slower shutter speed can transform the very same movement into something soft, flowing and abstract.  Neither approach is right or wrong. They’re simply different ways of telling a story through photography.

Throughout the evening, we’ll explore both technical and creative approaches to photographing dance, helping you understand not only which camera settings to use, but why you might choose one technique over another.  We’ll also look at how the position of your subject, the direction of the light, your composition and even the smallest changes in timing can make a big difference to your finished photograph.

What You will learn?

During this practical Llandudno Photographic Academy Evening, we’ll explore:

• Freezing movement: Learn how to capture sharp, dynamic photographs of a dancer in motion, using suitable camera settings and lighting techniques.
• Creative motion blur: Discover how slower shutter speeds can be used deliberately to introduce a sense of movement, energy and atmosphere into your photographs.
• Understanding shutter speed: Explore how different shutter speeds affect the appearance of movement and how to choose settings to achieve your creative vision.
• Focusing on moving subjects: Practise focusing techniques and camera settings that can help you achieve sharper photographs when your subject isn’t standing still.
• Working with studio lighting: Discover how light can help define shape, form and movement, and how different lighting techniques can change the mood of an image.
• Composition and timing: Learn how to anticipate movement, choose your shooting position and capture those fleeting moments that make a photograph stand out.
• Capturing expression and storytelling: Explore how body language, movement and facial expression can communicate emotion and tell a story without words.
• Creative experimentation: Try different techniques, compare your results and discover new ways to approach movement photography.

What You will be photographing?

Our dancer will provide a moving subject for you to practise a variety of photographic techniques, from controlled poses and movements through to more dynamic sequences.  We’ll work through different approaches to capturing dance and movement, giving you the opportunity to experiment with shutter speeds, camera settings, lighting and composition.

You might choose to concentrate on capturing beautifully sharp images, experiment with more abstract and artistic movement, or try a combination of both.  There will be time to review your images, ask questions, make adjustments and try again, because sometimes it’s those little changes that make the biggest difference.

And remember, not every photograph needs to be perfectly sharp to be a successful photograph.

Sometimes a little movement is exactly what makes an image interesting!

Who is this Academy Evening for?

This Academy Evening is suitable for photographers of all abilities, from complete beginners who want to become more confident using their cameras to experienced photographers looking to develop their creative skills or add something different to their portfolios.  You don’t need any previous experience of dance photography, studio lighting or photographing moving subjects.

If you’re still learning how shutter speed, aperture and ISO work together, we’ll help you understand which settings to use and why. If you’re already comfortable with your camera, you’ll have opportunities to experiment with more advanced techniques and creative approaches.  As with all Welshot Photographic Academy Evenings, the emphasis is on learning through practical experience in a friendly, relaxed and supportive environment.

There are no competitions, no pressure and certainly no expectation that every photograph will be perfect.  We’re here to help you learn, build confidence, try something new and enjoy your photography alongside other people who love being creative with their cameras.

Event schedule

18:30 – Meet at the Welshot Creative Hub – 16 Trinity Square, Llandudno
18:35 –Photography begins, with practical demonstrations, group guidance and one-to-one tuition.
20:00 – Short break – time to grab yourself a hot/cold drink
20:30 – Photography continues, with opportunities to explore different camera settings, lighting techniques and creative approaches.
22:00 – Finish

What should you bring?

• Your camera, ideally one that allows you to adjust shutter speed, aperture and ISO.
• Your favourite portrait lens, a 50mm lens or a standard zoom lens. (There’s no need to buy anything specifically for this event)
• Fully charged camera batteries and a spare if you have one.
• Memory cards with plenty of available space.
• A tripod, if you have one and would like to experiment with slower shutter speeds.
• Any questions about your camera or photography that you’d like help with.
• And, of course, your curiosity and willingness to try something different!

Don’t worry if you’re unsure which lens or equipment would be most suitable. Team Welshot will be happy to offer advice before the event.

Beginner to photography? We’re here for you.

Whether you are a beginner to photography, a photographer who would like to try a new genre, learn a new technique or skill, or, a more advanced photographer who wants to build their image portfolio, you will be made welcome, and we would love to help you get the best out of your camera.

Our Llandudno Photographic Academy Evenings are about so much more than simply taking photographs.  They’re an opportunity to get to know your camera better, discover new techniques, build confidence and spend time with people who share your enthusiasm for photography.  You’ll receive practical guidance and support throughout the evening, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, experiment and learn at your own pace.  So, whether you’d love to capture a dancer frozen in mid-air, experiment with creative motion blur or simply become more confident photographing moving subjects, we’d love you to join us.

Come along, get creative and discover what happens when photography meets movement!

Please note:

This event is strictly limited to eight photographers.
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cold drinks, with a biscuit or three, are included.
In accordance with our Terms of Service, we may occasionally need to make changes to this event. If this happens, we’ll do everything we can to keep you informed.

The Welshot Experience

At Welshot, we believe photography is about much more than getting the perfect shot.  It’s about curiosity, creativity, learning to see the world differently and enjoying the process of making photographs.  

You’ll have the opportunity to learn from Eifion and the rest of Team Welshot, ask questions, experiment with new ideas and enjoy spending time with other people who share your enthusiasm for photography.