Dont miss out, new classes Starting this week!

Last chance to sign up to the new term starting this week on zoom. Beginners classes start on Thursday and intermediate classes start on Wednesday.

Go from no clue to fully understanding your camera with 8 weeks of beginners photography classes. Starts Thursday 24th September 7 to 9 pm only £80 for 16hrs of live teaching. 

I teach students how to use the different features of their camera to take better pictures with practical exercises doing photography in every class. In a few short weeks, I can take you from a total beginner to understanding the exposure triangle and using your camera to get what you want out of photography. 

https://www.mathieudecodtsphotography.com/beginnersclass

Or if you already know how to take a decent picture but want to explore your creativity join us to push yourself with the Art of Photography, again 8 weeks. Starts Wednesday 23th September 7 to 9 pm only £80 for 16hrs of live teaching. 

Once you have learned the basics of photography it can be hard to find your niché and things to photograph that excite you. Just like with food or hobbies in life the only real way to find what you like and don’t like is to try lots of different things. In my art of photography class each week we try different types of photography, from food, macro, light painting, portraiture, fashion, black and white, architecture, sports, bird and many more! 

Each week there are tailored practical exercises to learn the concepts, skills and techniques required to develop and grow your photography in each specific area, which areas are up to you.

https://www.mathieudecodtsphotography.com/artofphotography 

#artisticportrait #headshot #beauty #fashion #photography #photographyteacher #teachingphotography #camera #beginners #beginnersphotography #mathieudecodtsphotography  #northernirelandbusiness

Sunday Secrets: Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

Generally just shortened to Lady Dixon Park this lovely Belfast City Council park is the host to Rose Week every year and also a favourite for wedding photos.

This tree bough is a frequent perch for brides and grooms but there is no need to get married to take advantage of it! With a nice coffee shop, toilets and parking its a great venue for some lovely photos.

Just be aware that if you are making money out of your photography or filming then you need to apply for permission in writing at least five working days in advance first and pay a fee of £24 per hour. If you are just out taking pictures of your family that is fine but if you have lights and gear with you and “look” professional be prepared to answer some questions. Be honest, if it is just you practicing and learning that’s ok. But if you are out making money you should already have permission, and public liability insurance, like all professional photographers. If in any doubt what you are doing give Belfast city council a shout and ask first :)

#mathieudecodtsphotography

Fashion Friday: Posture to Remove Double Chins!

Hi folks, its #FashionFriday again! Today it isn't about colours, but something that can help everyone with every outfit, anytime they appear anywhere, online, in person, doe not matter! Have a watch and try yourself in front of a mirror. Then have a look on TV and see if you can spot presenters and celebrities doing this, share me some examples! Once you can see it, you will see it everywhere! Posture is important, use it to boost your confidence to look and feel great in whatever you are wearing :) #mathieudecodtsphotography

Fashion Friday: Black is the new black

Another new content series! Every Friday a little bit of posing, portrait or fashion advice from a professional portrait photographer, teacher and qualified makeup artist (yes really!) I’m calling it this, because I couldn’t think of anything to do with portraits that began with “F” and my daughter suggested Fashion Friday!

First up something really simple that you may already know. Our eyes and brains are designed to look at and notice bright things first. So if you have something you want to hide, or minimise then cover it in black. An example, if you are a little pear shaped, wear a black skirt or trousers and something colourful on top.

It is surprisingly simple to do and you likely have lots of lovely black clothes already. Maybe this is why everyone has and looks great in their Little Black Dress? #mathieudecodtsphotography

Vintage lens repair journey

Remember this old lens?

sold for spairs or repairs when I bought it

well, its repaired! took quite a lot of time to take it all apart, clean everything and fix all the issues, like a stuck broken UV filter on the front thread.

It was worth it though, look at it now :)

After doing this I actually bought a few more lovely Helios lenses to work on during lockdown so If you are interested in buying a fully serviced and guaranteed one let me know :)

New content series coming!

Hey folks,

Just a quick post to say that this week I am starting two new series of content. On Wednesdays I will post some tips for beginner photographers, “Wednesday Wisdom” and on Sunday “Secret Sunday” where I will share a location from around Northern Ireland that is very beautiful for a portrait shoot but underappreciated or unknown.

Any locations or tips you want me to feature let me know!

New Online Classes at the Crescent Arts Centre

Just a quick note to say the new summer term is starting soon at the Crescent, don’t worry we are socially distancing via Zoom online, all the craic and learning without the stress of leaving your home! So come join us, safely from your own home! #mathieudecodtsphotography

Beginners

Art of Photography

New Belfast Photography classes available at the Strand

Just a quick post to say I now have beginners photography classes available at the Strand Arts Centre Belfast starting in April.

Thursday 4 to 6 pm

Thursdays 7 to 9 pm

Description:

This class is aimed at those new to photography wanting to improve, even if you are an absolute beginner you can attend just bring your camera manual too.

We will cover ISO, shutter speed and aperture, also known as the exposure triangle. This is the core of understanding the technical elements of digital photography. We will also cover the artistic side with white balance, focusing techniques, composition, subject engagement and a whole lot more.

As the class will be practical in nature, you will need a camera with the ability to change between Program, Aperture, Shutter and Manual mode, like a DSLR, bridge or mirrorless camera. You will also need a “can do” attitude and a desire to improve as each week we will learn and practice together. The classes will be tailored to the specific needs of the group, but above all, they will be entertaining, thought-provoking and fun.

6 weeks, 2 hours per week for £100

#mathieudecodtsphotography

Photography Field Trip Class Sun, 18 August 2019 10:00 – 15:00 BST

Capture some of Belfast's most iconic locations on this relaxed photography tour lead by a professional photographer, Mathieu Decodts. You'll learn how to take the best shots, frame images with your lens and how to manipulate lighting to your advantage and more as you make your way through Belfast's Lagan Weir area. 

You will need a camera with the ability to change between Program, Aperture, Shutter and Manual mode, like a DSLR, bridge or mirrorless camera. You will also need a “can do” attitude and a desire to improve as we will learn and practice together during the day. The content will be tailored to the needs of the group, but above all, will be entertaining, thought-provoking and fun.

The length of the class will be five hours in total. Two hours shooting in the area to begin. Followed by a one-hour break to review and discuss pictures, Q&A your photography problems and get to know each other. We will then finish up with two more hours shooting in the area to put this into practice.

The easiest place to park is in the corner nearest the weir at the SSE Arena and that is the start point for the walk. I will be there, wearing a LED badge.

Cost: £50

Please book with me on the phone, 07762 822022 to pay on the day or via Eventbrite to pay online with credit or debit card

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/photography-field-trip-class-tickets-67174501743

Links also on my facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/MathieuDecodtsPhotography/

Follow and like the page to keep up-to-date with future classes and events.

#mathieudecodtsphotography

Photography classes 25th July onwards

Hey folks,

new classes on offer from Crescent arts Centre Belfast

The Beginners class is for total beginners, just bought a camera and have no clue at all, all you need is a camera and the will to learn

https://crescentarts.org/courses/digital-photography-beginners_2

Intermediate is a little more involved, you should at least understand the concepts of the exposure triangle, or in other words the effect of shutter, aperture and ISO on your pictures.

https://crescentarts.org/courses/digital-photography-intermediate

Photography Walkabout class

Excited to offer another walkabout class this summer, check it out for all the details.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/photography-field-trip-class-tickets-64055157701

Beginners Photography field trip

This class is aimed at those new to photography wanting to improve, even if you are an absolute beginner you can attend just bring your camera manual too.

We will cover ISO, shutter speed and aperture, also known as the exposure triangle. This is the core to understanding the technical elements of digital photography. We will also cover the artistic side too with subject engagement and advice on what to point your camera at in the first place.

You will need a camera with the ability to change between Programme, Aperture, Shutter and Manual mode, like a DSLR, bridge or mirrorless camera. You will also need a “can do” attitude and a desire to improve as we will learn and practice together during the day. The content will be tailored to the needs of the group, but above all, will be entertaining, thought-provoking and fun.

The length of the class will be five hours in total. Two hours shooting in the area to begin. Followed by a one-hour break to review and discuss pictures, Q&A your photography problems and get to know each other. We will then finish up with two more hours shooting in the area to put this into practice.

The easiest place to park is in the corner nearest the weir at the SSE Arena and that is the start point for the walk. I will be there, wearing a LED badge.

Next available date Sunday 9th June from 10 am to 3 pm.

Cost: £50

Please book with me on the phone, 07762 822022 to pay on the day or via Eventbrite to pay online with credit or debit card at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/

Links also on my facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/MathieuDecodtsPhotography/

Follow and like the page to keep up-to-date with future classes and events.

#mathieudecodtsphotography

Shags on a rock

I was out for a walk along the coast a few weeks back with my wife and noticed these birds, possibly Shags. I had to stop because in my head I saw a lovely symmetrical composition in the water reflection and also the strong black triangle of the birds and rock in the big overcast white sea. The original photo is attached, you might not see much potential but "seeing" is a skill too! In this case, I saw the potential in an overcast scene because of the strong compositional elements present. I had to pre-visualise and use my imagination to make a picture in my head before I pressed the shutter button. I also had to whistle loud to get the top bird to turn around too! Photography requires lots of different skills, you never know when one might be called upon :) #mathieudecodtsphotography

Facebook help needed! Foodie photography as your reward

Facebook has been teasing me with "you've just reached 400 likes" type notifications all week. But my page goes up and down! I really have to do better with the likes so here is some yummy Sea Salted Caramel Sauce to entice you! Whatever I do I'm always making things look good so if that's something you are in to share my page with likeminded friends and let see if we can finally get over 400 proper! #food #nom #foodporn #foodie #caramel #foodphotography #mathieudecodtsphotography

All home made with amazing ingredients

Talking about my art background

So after the poll on facebook was 50/50 split between Makeup skill and art background I decided to talk about my art background as I haven’t really talked about it before at all. With this video looking back at my old school artwork I can see how it influences my photography today. Have a watch and let me know if you have any questions.

Teaching in Lisburn

Hi folks,

today a quick video about a class in lisburn Island arts centre in October and November aimed at anyone wanting to improve their photography, regardless of current skills. 

We will cover ISO, shutter speed and aperture, also known as the exposure triangle, which is core to understanding the technical elements of digital photography. We will also cover the artistic side with white balance, focusing techniques, composition, subject engagement and more.

This active class will be practical in nature and you will require a camera.

Enrol here 

 #mathieudecodtsphotography

Origin Story: Why I am so observant

Hi folks, today I wanted to cover something I don't often talk about, me.  Below is a little video explaining how I got my powers of observation due to some unfortunate circumstances in my childhood, give it a watch to find out how I became so good at noticing colours, body language and small details. #mathieudecodtsphotography