Photography workshop for beginners (that actually prepares you for weddings)
If you’re searching for a photography workshop for beginners, you’re probably in one of two places: you’ve got a camera you love… but you still feel stuck on Auto, or you’re staring at wedding photography thinking, “I want that… but where do I even start?”
You’re not behind. You’re just missing a clear path.
We’re Marta & Artur (Marta May Photography / THE MAYS), and we started from absolute zero back in 2011. No roadmap. No photography mates. No confidence. Just obsession, hard work, and a lot of learning the long way round.
Fast forward and we’re now TWIA National Winners (Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023) and TWIA wedding photography judges.
So yes, we’re qualified… but more importantly, we remember exactly what it feels like to be at the start.
This post explains what our beginner photography workshop/mentoring looks like now, who it’s for, and how it helps you go from “I hope I get it” to “I’ve got this.”
Who this photography workshop for beginners is for
This is for you if you:
– want to learn photography properly and feel inspired to try new techniques (not just “safe” shots)
– are considering a career change into wedding photography and don’t know where to start (we were there too)
– are in the first years of your photography business (maybe still part-time) and want to earn more and grow
– want to build additional income from photography, without feeling like a fraud
– want to understand how photographers start creating award-worthy wedding photography In other words: you want skills, confidence, and a plan, not a motivational speech.
The real beginner problem (and why weddings feel scary)
A lot of beginner workshops teach “buttons and dials”, and that’s helpful… but weddings don’t fail because you forgot what ISO is.
Weddings feel hard because:
- the light changes every five minutes
- people move fast
- moments happen once
- and you’re expected to deliver a full story, not a few lucky shots
So our training is built around real wedding conditions, not perfect studio conditions.
What you can learn during our wedding photography workshop for beginners
Think of this as a beginner photography workshop with a wedding focus, because weddings are where skill (and calm) actually matter.
1) Camera settings you can trust (so you stop guessing)
We’ll simplify exposure so you understand:
- aperture, shutter speed, ISO (without the headache)
- how to get sharp images in motion
- how to handle changing light quickly
- how to stop your camera “doing its own thing” when you need consistency
2) Light that makes your photos look expensive
You’ll learn to see light, not chase it:
- where to place people for flattering light
- how to deal with harsh sun, dark venues, mixed light
- how to shoot in ugly rooms and still make magic
3) Composition + storytelling (the difference between “nice” and “wow”)
Because a wedding gallery isn’t just portraits – it’s story.
We’ll cover:
- clean composition that looks intentional
- how to spot “in-between moments”
- how to build a gallery with flow (not random highlights)
4) Natural posing (without turning into a cringe robot)
If directing couples feels awkward, good – that means you’re human.
We’ll teach:
- simple prompts that create real emotion
- how to direct without over-posing
- what to do with hands, bodies, and nervous energy
5) Flash that doesn’t ruin the vibe
Flash can be gorgeous. Flash can also be… tragic.
We’ll keep it simple:
- when you need flash (and when you don’t)
- easy settings for receptions
- how to keep dance floor photos sharp, fun, and alive
6) Editing + workflow (so you don’t spend your life at a laptop)
You’ll learn how to:
- cull faster
- edit consistently
- deliver galleries you’re proud of
- build a repeatable look (so your work feels like you)
7) Business foundations (so you can actually get paid)
If you want extra income or full-time bookings, you need the basics:
- what to focus on first, including sales, marketing, social media content, SEO/GEO, finance, customer service
- how enquiries turn into bookings
- how to raise your confidence (and your rates) over time
8) Awards (what “award-worthy” really means)
Awards aren’t just about one pretty portrait.
We’ll talk about:
- what judges tend to look for (story, timing, emotion, light, originality)
- how to curate stronger sets
- how to improve your work season by season
(And yes, we’ve lived that journey, from entrants to winners to judges.)
How the training works
Option 1: 1:1 wedding photography mentoring (available now)
This is the fastest way to improve because it’s built around you:
- your camera
- your current level
- your style
- your goals (career change, side income, bookings, awards)
You can do it online or in-person in Hereford.
Option 2: Group training (once we’ve gathered the group)
We also run small group workshops:
- online or in Hereford
- more structure + community
- still practical, still beginner-friendly
(If you want first access, you’ll be able to join the waitlist on our TRAINING PAGE.)
Online vs Hereford: which one should you choose?
Online mentoring is perfect if you want:
- flexible scheduling
- screen-share learning (settings, editing, workflow)
- fast clarity without travel
In-person in Hereford is perfect if you want:
- hands-on practice
- live feedback in real light
- that “aha” moment when it finally clicks
Both routes work. The best one is the one you’ll actually do.
Why learn from THE MAYS?
Because you’re not learning from someone who’s only shot styled shoots and pretty couple sessions.
You’re learning from photographers who have:
- built the business from zero (starting in 2011)
- been recognised at national level (TWIA National Winner / Photographer of the Year 2023)
- and now judge at that level (TWIA judges since 2024) So you get real craft, real standards, and real-world perspective, not theory.
FAQs
Do I need a “pro” camera?
No. You need a camera you can control manually, and the willingness to learn.
I’ve never shot a wedding. Is this still for me?
Yes. In fact, it’s often better to learn properly before you pick up bad habits.
Can you help if I’m already shooting weddings but feel stuck?
Yes, that’s a common stage. We can tighten your workflow, consistency, confidence, and client experience.
Will this help me earn more money from photography?
It can, because we cover skill and the practical business foundations, and you’ll leave with a plan, not just notes.
Will this help me win awards?
It will help you build the ingredients that make award-worthy images more likely, and we’ll show you how to curate and improve over time.
Ready to get off Auto and start taking this seriously?
If you want a photography workshop for beginners that doesn’t just teach you camera basics, but actually prepares you for wedding photography (and the business behind it), start here:
Head to our WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINING page and enquire about 1:1 mentoring.
