1:1 Photography Mentoring (Manchester + Online)

For photographers who want to understand what they’re doing, not just copy settings.

If you’re learning photography, or you’ve been shooting for a while but feel a bit stuck, these one-to-one sessions are designed to slow things down and make it all click.

No courses. No jargon for the sake of it.

Just clear teaching, tailored to where you’re at.

What we can work on

We’ll focus on what you need, not a fixed syllabus.

That might be:

  • understanding camera settings properly (so they stop feeling random)

  • how light actually works, and how to control it

  • simple studio lighting setups you can repeat

  • natural posing and directing people who aren’t models

  • building confidence when photographing others

  • editing and retouching without overdoing it

  • choosing gear without buying things you don’t need

  • developing a consistent style over time

If you tell me what’s confusing you most, we’ll start there.

How it works

  1. You book a session (studio in Manchester or online)

  1. I ask a few questions beforehand so I know your level

  2. We work through things at your pace, practically and clearly

  3. You leave knowing what to practice next and why

No rushing. No pressure to “keep up”.

Who this is for

This is for you if:

you’re learning photography and want proper guidance

you understand the basics but things don’t feel consistent yet

lighting feels confusing or hit-and-miss

you want to shoot people, but directing feels awkward

you’d rather ask “why” than memorise settings

You don’t need to be a professional.

You just need to be curious and willing to practice.

Session options

90-minute 1:1 teaching session

Ideal if you want to understand a topic properly rather than skim it.

Half-day studio session

For people who want hands-on experience with lighting, shooting, and directing.

Ongoing sessions

If you want support while you learn and practise over time.

About James

I’m James, a portrait photographer based in Manchester. I’ve spent years photographing people who aren’t models and don’t love being in front of a camera, which, honestly, is where you learn the most.

My teaching style is calm and practical. I’ll explain things clearly, show you how they work, then let you try it yourself. If something isn’t clicking, we slow down until it does.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. We can work with whatever you have and build from there.

  • Yes. I teach from the ground up, without making you feel behind.

  • Absolutely. Screen-sharing, image review, and live explanations work really well.

  • I can — but more importantly, I’ll show you why, so you’re not stuck copying.

Ready to learn properly?

If you want photography to feel clearer and more intentional, book a session and tell me where you’re at.

Get in Touch