Len Metcalf runs a master class in photography in Sydney. The class runs for a full year, and will take you to the next level.

1. Take your photography to the next level
Lenʼs Master Class
Len’s School .com

2. Len’s Master Class Overview
A hands on course for photographic enthusiasts. This course will teach you how to understand your
creative and thought processes. It will focus your energy and production of photographs into bodies of
work around central themes. You will develop your photographic composition, and understanding of the
possible creative tools at your disposal for creating collections of images.
You will become involved in a photographic
community and will make new friends. You will focus
your creative energy into meaningful projects. Your
skills in critiquing photographs will be developed and
refined.
You will complete a number of exercises, practice
concepts and techniques to help you become
unconsciously competent with your camera. This is a
practical course. You will be producing new photographs
each week. There will be homework, you will be required
to be disciplined and focused, though your photographs
don’t have to be in focus.
Finally we will concentrate on presenting your
photographs as meaningful products. Looking and
researching outlets for sharing your work.
The course will be a mixture of presentations,
classroom exercises & activities, group work, videos,
homework (including lots of creating images), personal
research, personal photographic projects, location
shoots, tours and gallery visits.
Expect to be challenged, engaged, and encouraged in
a friendly and supportive group of photographers.

3. By the end of the course you will: During the course you might:
★ develop a photographic community ★ sharing your work to the world
★ identify, develop, document your work ★ publish a book
★ produce a number of photographic projects ★ complete a photograph a day challenge
★ practice and improve photo critiquing skills ★ complete a self portrait project
★ explore and analyise master photographs ★ curate your own exhibition
★ deconstruct photographic artworks ★ challenge your own photographic style
★ explore and understand your creative ★ produce and design a website of your work
processes ★ develop a business plan
★ critique photographic compositional devices ★ start a new career
★ experience camera love ★ take lots of photographs
★ meet and network with fellow photographers ★ develop and maintain a photoblog
★ have been held accountable for your ★ participate in a group show
photographic projects ★ create a set of greeting and/or postcards
★ presented your photographs ★ produce a calendar
★ print your own photographs ★ amaze your self with your abilities
★ have matted and framed your work ★ find your photographic direction
★ immersed yourself in photography for a year ★ inspire and help others in their photography
★ grow your visual literacy ★ take lots and lots of stunning photographs
★ complete a number of photographic exercises ★ grow in unexpected ways
★ gained confidence as a photographer ★ take unexpected leaps
★ write an artists statement ★ discover new visual influences
★ have been challenged ★ develop your own style
★ be inspired ★ make new friends
★ be encouraged ★ enjoy yourself
★ progressed ★ laugh
“The simple and unarguable truth is that workshops are the
best stimulus for new work and personal growth...”
Brooks Jenson

4. “Len is a master of adult education to the
point where you assimilate information without
even realising it.
I was guided to focus in new areas of
photography revealing strengths that I did not
know I had.
It challenged and stretched me well beyond
any of the photographic courses I had done
before.
I am completing
the course with a
much greater depth
of knowledge; of Photograph copyright © Paul Hulbert 2010
skills; of confidence and a vibrant
excitement with photography.
The dynamics of the group, gently guided by Len, contributed
greatly to the best course I have ever done.”
Paul Hulbert

5. Len’s Master Class Content
✓ Overcoming creative blocks ✓ The creative process ✓ Digital black and white
✓ The creative brain ✓ The command to look ✓ Pre press preparation
✓ Publishing on-line ✓ Colour management ✓ Keeping it simple
✓ Artist statements ✓ Colour spaces ✓ Compositional sophistication
✓ Projects ✓ Colour temperature ✓ Learning to see
✓ Creative visualisation ✓ Work flow ✓ Master photographers
✓ Photographic visualisation ✓ Critiquing photographs ✓ Positive self talk
✓ Creative processes of the masters ✓ Nature of photographs ✓ Natural lighting
✓ Journals ✓ Soft proofing ✓ Hollywood lighting
✓ Idea generation ✓ Digital printing ✓ Dealing with art galleries
✓ Camera craft & control ✓ Inkjet prints ✓ Marketing your photographs
✓ Lens choice ✓ Archival issues ✓ Ongoing learning & development
✓ Sharpness & focus ✓ Photo blogs ✓ The power of Lightroom
✓ Bokeh & blurrrr ✓ Online presentation ✓ Soft proofing
✓ Composition ✓ Online galleries ✓ The beauty of paper
✓ Chiaroscuro ✓ Portfolios ✓ Curating your own work
✓ Atmospheric perspective ✓ Artist statements ✓ How to organise an exhibition
✓ Golden sections & Fibonacci ✓ Rembrandt lighting ✓ How the art world works
✓ Colour theories ✓ Conceptual art ✓ Collecting photography
✓ Colour meanings ✓ Framing and mounting ✓ Publishing a photography book
✓ Subject areas ✓ Exhibitions ✓ Producing your own art work
✓ Price pointing ✓ Branding yourself
✓ Web site design ✓ Publishing your photographs
✓ Going to press ✓ Finding an audience
✓ Marketing & publicity ✓ Quiet Light
“I've particularly appreciated the fact that the
course has ‘deliverables’.”
Shirley Steel

6. Frequently asked questions
1. Do you think I am at a suitable level for this course as Small day pack or camera pack, 1 liter water bottle, rain
I still classify myself as a beginner? coat, sturdy shoes and warm jacket. A tripod is highly
recommended.
If you are interested, have the passion, caught the
photography bug and committed to learning you’re 6. What do I bring to the first class?
probably up for it.
A pen, your camera and three of your photographic prints
2. What equipment will I need? to show the class.
Required: camera recommended: computer - image 7. How do I book in?
processing software (Picasa, Lightroom, Aperture,
Photoshop etc). Notebook and pen Please send Len an email len@lensschool.com . To confirm
you place you will need to pay your deposit of $200.00
3. How much time will the homework take? Len takes payment via paypal (for credit cards & direct
debit) , cheques or cash.
That really depends on your passion
and commitment to learn. Three 8. I am a film junkie, can I still
hours a week would probably be come to the course?
enough, but six hours a week would be
just fantastic. Up to you. Of course, you may find yourself in
the darkroom more often printing out
4. Are there extra costs? your work. Film isn’t dead. Your
more than welcome and will benefit
That is up to you. They can easily be from the course, though it will
minimised. There may be costs probably be dominated by digital
associated with the end of year photographers.
exhibition, printing your work, paper
and inks, but you can always choose a or phone Len on 1300 39 82 83
cheaper and more cost effective
option.
5. What will I need for the field
trips?

7. “Len’s fantastic ability to make everyone
feel comfortable was vital, especially when
critiquing other people’s work. The bond
between the class members is very strong
and supportive. This was even more
apparent on our outings. The days were not
just for learning and sharing knowledge, but
were for having fun.
The homework and projects that were set
not only enabled us to use the information
learnt in our own work, but allowed Len to
guide us to produce some outstanding work
throughout the year. This culminated in an
end of year exhibition. This was daunting at
the beginning of the year, but with the extra
knowledge and confidence gained
throughout the year, it became an exciting
prospect.
Len’s teaching and leadership has helped me
to create a style of my own that I am
comfortable with, but I’m also willing now to
try different ways to “ Edgy” Top Shot Winner 2010
communicate with my
audience. I have learnt NSW Federation of Camera Clubs
to watch the light more
and be patient, both Copyright © Dot Radley 2010
with myself and the
subject. I believe I will
continue now to grow
as a photographer
thanks to Lens class. I cannot
thank him enough.”
Dot Radley

8. Some more about Len’s Master Class
Most classes go for 3 hours. The class usually starts
with a short session of open questions from the group, Each term has a general theme:
and general check in with everyone. Term 1 - Camera mastery & creativity
Term 2 - Composition & output
The main component of the course comes next, with Term 3 - Colour / Black & White
Len presenting a specific Term 4 - Exhibiting your work
information session. The
teaching method varies, Each term has eight sessions.
and may include;
presentation, slide shows, The course includes numerous
movies, activities, photographic shoots within the class
discussions, brain storms, room and field excursions. Students
research, and presentation bring their cameras each week, and
from you and your peers. will benefit from many hands on
sessions.
Here in the middle we have
a tea and coffee break over During the course you can expect to
some sweet nibbles. be exposed to many wonderful
This is followed by the final photographic masters. Part of the
section of the session philosophy is to increase your visual
where you are asked to language through the consumption
present and discuss your on wonderful and varied images.
homework and current
project images.
Somewhere among all of
this you are given your
next weekly exercise.

9.
Photograph copyright © Shirley Steel 2010

10. Len Metcalf has been teaching others Len’s large format landscapes are stunning works of art,
since his teenage years. He has over unusual and unique in both style and content. He slowly
twenty five years as a professional returned to his roots and is now printing his beautiful black
educator. His reputation as an and white images as polymer photogravures and other
outstanding educator is well deserved. alternative photographic processes.
Len started teaching photography
whilst completing his Graduate After many years of wandering the bush with a large format
Diploma in Art Education in the early camera capturing it subtle nuances and splendor. Len has
nineties. He later lectured for the returned to smaller and lighter formats, spurred by the
University of Technology, Sydney in Adult Education for the eagerness of his son to keep on exploring.
Kuwait Ministry of Defense.
Len thought he had escaped his ever present students when
Len’s passion for photography probably started at a similar he started his own photography gallery in Katoomba, but his
time when his father took him under his wing and taught reputation soon had eager students knocking at his door.
him the basics of using a camera, and printing in a Since then Len has had a steady stream of students wanting
darkroom. Not that it was much of a dark room, as Len to learn photography.
recalls; “We would wait for moonless
nights, and set up the enlarger in the What started as a small hobby has
laundry, and print till very late. Mum turned into a profession, with Len’s
would soon want her laundry back, School growing each year as his
and it was soon packed up again, to reputation continues to spread.
wait for another new moon”.
When asked what is his secret he is
Len formally studied photography at quick to reply;
the City Art Institute (now COFA,
UNSW), where he was mentored by “Positive encouragement teamed
Eardley Lancaster, Lynn Roberts- with technical expertise, a solid dose
Goodwin, Julie Brown Rrap and of creativity and a touch of infectious
George Schwartz. He graduated with enthusiasm, easy...”.
straight distinctions in photography
and was awarded the coveted prize Len looks forward to meeting you,
for “Most outstanding advanced encouraging you, and watching you
colour graduating photographer”. grow. He can’t wait to see what you
will create.
More recently Len has been mentored
by Gordon Undy and Bob Kersey.

11. The business end
Venues / times / locations & prices are
published on the website
By booking on this course you are
committing to a full year.
A $200.00 deposit is required to reserve your
place in the class, and is credited to your last
terms fees.
• By booking in you are committing to the whole
year, not just one term.
• Fees are non refundable, though exceptional
circumstances will be considered for a refund.
• By booking on the course you are agreeing to the
terms and conditions as outlined at the Len’s
School website.
For more information contact Len Metcalf
1300 39 82 83
len@lensschool.com
lensschool.com

12. Photograph copyright © Anne Baker 2010
“Learning how to critique images and put said skills into practice on our own
and our groups work has been invaluable in making me think more about all
the different elements that make up a good image. Having weekly homework
and setting a goal for the end of term makes you get out of your comfort zone
and try new things.
Many thanks Len for your hard work and caring attitude. With your guidance I
feel my skills as a photographer has grown along with my understanding of the
art form and its many aspects.”
Anne Baker

13. Len’s School
Len’s School offers a number of interesting and
innovative photography education programs,
workshops and tours. These include:
Individual / personalised photography tuition
Photographic portfolio critiques
Camping photography tours in the Blue Mountains
Beginner workshops
International photography tours coming soon
Large format & panoramic photography workshops
Digital printing workshops
Creativity workshops
Outdoor corporate training, outdoor education and
customised program design and delivery.
All unattributed photographs Copyright © Len Metcalf
http://LensSchool.com

14. Len’s School
Sponsored and supported by:
Lens Scho
Mainline Photographics
Suite 213 / 2nd floor
68 Alexander Street
Crows Nest 2065
http://www.mainlinephoto.com.au
Summit Gear
11 Ross Street
Glenbrook 2773
80-82 Bathurst Road
Katoomba 2780
http://www.summitgear.com.au
1/9 Twisters Len Metcalf