Category Archives: workshop

Bespoke Workshops

Custom Tailored Photography, DSLR Video and Software Workflow One-on-one Workshops

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Through the years, on assignment, giving presentations and collecting the occasional award for my work.

I thoroughly enjoy passing on knowledge and tips and helping those new to the industry or a particular aspect of our work to pick up new skills and further their career. Anyone who has been on any one of my workshops or presentations will hopefully agree. Having started as a photographer in 1989, there’s usually a thing or two that I can pass on!

I’ve discovered that there is very much a need for a different kind of workshop however, a more focused and bespoke workshop. We are all at different levels in our photography and therefore have different needs as far as education is concerned. Whilst group workshops are a fine thing, custom tailored workshops mean that in a matter of a day or two, so much knowledge is gained, that it puts the group method definitely in second place.

At the moment I can offer bespoke one-on-one workshops on the following topics:

Photography (photojournalism, portrait, street photography and so on), DSLR Video, Audio, Multimedia / Convergence, Workflow, Portfolio Editing, Photo Essay Construction and Video Editing (Final Cut). As an Adobe Influencer, one of my most popular workshops amongst both professional colleagues and photography enthusiasts is Adobe Lightroom. I will not only share my workflow for efficient and high quality work, but help you design a full backup strategy as well.

Naturally this is a very general list; if a topic isn’t listed, do get in touch and if it’s something I can help with, I will. If not, perhaps I may know someone who can. Also, depending on how in-depth we need to go, several topics can be covered in a day.

I’ve also been a tutor at the prestigious Leica Akademie in London, and having been a Leica user since 1989, am more that fluent in Leica M camera use. One of the most popular workshops amongst Leica M users is my street photography day, so do get in touch.

My years as an Olympus Visionary and more recently as an Olympus Mentor naturally means I’m very happy to help you with your Olympus setup. I’ve also been a Canon DSLR shooter for many years, so very familiar with their system.

More recently, I’ve been working with Panasonic Lumix UK as an expert photographer, using both the m43 system as well as being part of the team of photographers that launched the Lumix S1 and S1R in Barcelona.

My years of writing camera reviews for photography magazines has brought me into close contact with various systems from various manufacturers, so regardless of the system you use, if you need help, get in touch and book a day or two. Over my career I’ve extensively shot with Canon, Contax, Leica, Lumix, Minolta, Minox, Nikon, Olympus and Sony.

To get a general feel for the kind of feedback my last series of group workshops with the extremely talented Jeff Ascough received, have a look HERE.

Here are some comments from recent bespoke one-on-one workshop attendees:

We have always considered photography a complex business, in which technical skills and business capabilities should be developed together. When looking for a workshop to improve what we know and the way we do it, we are not looking just for a technical course, but forsomething that can help us to improve our presence as photographers as a whole. The one-to-one workshop we had the possibility to do with Edmond Terakopian was exactly what we were looking for: photography in the skill and in the business. During a structured day, Edmond analysed both our work and our market strategy with honesty and providing constructive criticism and feedback. After having seen the way we work he always showed us different ways or approaches, always comparing different way of doing things. We have been able to look at our current work from a different perspective, re-thinking our business strategy and our technical approach. I have particularly loved the fact that he did not limit the day to the photography as technical art, but he acted as mentor for the business side of it, sharing ideas, way of working, strategies and tips.”There are no magic shortcuts in this market” he told us, but unlike many others he gave us the tool to build a better future. I think that if you like to attend a course that will help you round up all the sides of photography, Edmond is definitely a great mentor you can learn from. Carlo and Fabiana Nicora

“Just spent the day with Edmond and where there was darkness there is now light! It’s a long time since I learned this much in a day, and my only wish is that I’d done this years ago. Inspired by what’s possible and breathing easy now that the system for processing and storing photos is fully sorted.  Great blend of art and science.  Many thanks!” – Peter Kirkby
“I’ve now had three separate one day sessions with Edmond and loved each one of them. Edmond is clearly a very accomplished photographer but also an articulate teacher and the two do not always go hand in hand. His passion of photography is apparent in his desire for you to get the most of out of the day and I’m sure I have not done my last workshop with Edmond. Highly recommend.”  Jeremy Peters
“Sometimes you come across a real expert in their field, someone with many years experience of the good, and bad, things in a professional area. Sometimes you meet a great teacher, one who takes the trouble to work out what you really need, where your weakness – and strengths – lie, who inspires you, and is not afraid to challenge a little. Rarely do you get both in the same place. Edmond Terakopian is such a person. The time we spent in a bespoke workshop was one of the best investments I’ve made. We covered an enormous amount of ground, and his patience, enthusiasm and attention did not let up for one second. Already I’ve put some of his advice into practice, and very quickly secured a great commission at a proper professional rate only days later, using his direct guidance on positioning and recognising my value. Highly recommended”. Paul Clarke /photographer & technologist.

“I have just done a one day workshop on using video on my DSLR with Edmond Terakopian. I was a complete beginner in video DSLR so wanted a good basic grounding in how to get up and running with my Canon 5D MkII. Edmond took me through story boarding, sound, shooting, essential equipment and editing. He gave me some really good tips and answered all my (many) questions in a clear and understandable way. I now feel confident about going out and starting to shoot small films and editing them on either iMovie or Final Cut Express. Edmond is a great teacher. The day was really enjoyable and taught me more than enough to get me started!” Rosie Hallam / award winning photojournalist.

“The two day one-to-one workshop with Edmond was excellent, both in terms of quality of material and Edmond’s relaxed attitude towards training.  The two days taught me a lot about DSLR HD Video recording and editing as well as an in depth introduction to sound recording and associated peripherals needed.  I can wholeheartedly recommend a one-to-one session with Edmond – the man knows his stuff!”. Kevin Mullins / wedding photographer.

“Edmond is a rare find. Someone who I had hoped would simply teach me how to enjoy using a Leica. However what I found in the day I spent with him was someone who opened my eyes on how to see light, how to look at everything around me with new eyes and took me back to simple ways of days gone by! He inspired me through his personable, flexible and adaptive manner to learn and tune my photography skills. I witnessed a master at work and realised it was the start of a new dawn for me one where I can learn and be inspired but with the support and guidance of a talented teacher who is a delight to spend time with enjoying a shared passion for photography…”. Joel Segal

“Edmond is the ideal teacher: probing, exacting – but always constructive and encouraging. We have had only one session together, but I feel he has already helped to make me a rather better photographer than I was, and I look forward to more. He is hugely generous with his time and knowledge even after the tutorial day, even processing some of my shots himself to show me different ways of doing it. Most of all he is the most delightful man to spend time with; never was learning so pleasurable. I can’t recommend him too highly”. Christopher Middleton

“It was a fabulous day; so much so that I’ve already booked another day with Edmond!  So what made it so great?  Well, firstly, Edmond is a truly delightful person to spend time with…friendly, patient, relaxed, and with an easy-going style.  Secondly, he really knows his stuff…whether it’s anything to do with the Leica camera and lenses (and Canon’s); image processing; or the craft of ‘street photography’, then Edmond has all the answers.  Thirdly, he’s a great teacher…getting the balance just right between giving me advice and feedback, and just letting me ‘get on with it’ and ‘learn by doing’, as well as being patient with my battery of questions!  I also learned by just watching him at work…and comparing his (more successful!) approach to street photography compared to my own.  Lastly, he’s a brilliant craftsman when it comes to street photography…I was both inspired and challenged by the superiority of his (brilliant) images compared to my own!

So I can’t recommend Edmond highly enough and am already looking forward to our next session together.  I had a wonderful combination of great fun, intense practical learning, and inspiration and I came away with more confidence and, more importantly, having made a new friend.”  Jim Grover

“On the recommendation of a friend who had spent time with Edmond in a bespoke workshop, I booked 3 individual days to get me started on a passion I had long wanted to pursue but was limited by my skill and knowledge. Having just completed my 3 days, I feel inspired, confident and read to really pursue photography. We achieved more in 3 days than I could have imagined, for a novice, I feel good with my camera, (his support on choosing the right one for me was invaluable), I now have a grasp of editing and processing and I have a system that works for me. What I think Edmond did really well was his ability to coach me at my pace, whilst constantly providing both challenge and building confidence. He has shown me both technical and creative skills and perhaps most importantly opened up the door to the magic of photography. He has a lovely relaxed style, is great company and clearly a real expert who loves to share his knowledge. The improvement in my shooting is immense and has really given me a fillip. I know I will have more sessions with Edmond as I progress, they are a great return on investment. Edmond, thank you”. Mona Bitar

Nik Software Webinar

I love doing workshops; having the joy to pass on some of my knowledge and help colleagues out. As regular readers of my blog will know, I’m a huge fan of Apple’s Aperture and along with Nik Software’s Viveza (and now Viveza 2), my workflow has drastically improved as far as speed and quality is concerned.

When Nik software approached me to do a webinar, I jumped at the opportunity to talk about my favourite plugins. Not only is this a chance to reach out to colleagues in a workshop sense, through the magic of the internet, our session can be accessed by many more people.

I’ll be talking about how some on Nik Software’s plugins (namely Viveza 2, Silver Efex Pro and Sharpner Pro 3) fit into my day to day workflow.

I hope that you’ll be able to join me for this free webinar:

25 May 2010 at 7pm GMT or 8pm CET

Please go HERE to register for the event.

Hope to see you there 🙂

Addendum

Click here to see the recording of the webinar.

Ascough / Terakopian Workshop Update

What a fantastic week it’s been. After filling in for Joe Buissink who was unfortunately marooned because of the ash cloud, I have met some extremely interesting people during our workshops in Watford and Edinburgh.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

As you can see from the previous post, the combination of top wedding photographer Jeff Ascough who approaches his weddings with more of an ethical photojournalistic approach than I have seen from some of my colleagues and my background as a photojournalist and news photographer, has been very well received judging by the sea of kind and positive comments and Q&As.

(Many thanks to Ian Rudgewick-Brown for his B/W image)

Workshop!

Edmond Terakopian talking with a delegate after one of the presentations. Photo: Ian Rudgewick-Brown
This volcanic eruption in Iceland has certainly messed up many peoples plans, causing air travel to cease in Europe. One person who fell victim to the ash cloud was colleague Joe Buissink who has been trapped for days and alas cannot make the “Ascough / Buissink” workshops in the UK. Ok, so that’s the bad news.
Good news is that all is not lost and when Jeff Ascough rang to see if I could help out, I jumped at the chance. So the workshops aren’t cancelled and in fact the first one was today.
Jeff has very accurately been described by many as one of the very top wedding photographers in the world. If you haven’t seen his work, I urge you to do so immediately; it’s stunning.
Although I’m not a wedding photographer but a photojournalist, Jeff and I actually approach our differing subjects in the same journalistic way. Over the next few days I’ll be presenting my work, approach and workflow at the workshops. So, let these workshops now be known as the “Ascough / Buissink who has been marooned because of volcanic ash and alas cannot make it / Terakopian” workshops. The small surprise I have in store for attendees is that I do actually shoot weddings too, so will be sharing my work and thoughts.
The four dates in Watford (April 20th to 23rd) are sold out, but there are a handful of places still for the Edinburgh workshop on the 25th and 26th of April. So if you fancy some great photography and conversation, BOOK NOW!!

Some feedback from Twitter, FaceBook and emails:

[Big thanks for all the kind words folks; much appreciated 🙂 Edmond]

I genuinely loved your presentation and seeing your amazing work was fantastic.

really enjoyed your session and loved your work.

Back from the Jeff Ascough Seminar. Joe B couldn’t make it, but more than happy to see the work of and hear Edmond Terakopian.

back from a kickin’ 2 day seminar with Jeff Ascough and Edmond Terakopian

you were superb (as was Jeff). Great to have met you: i really enjoyed hearing your stories and seeing your stunning work.

Hi Ed, saw you at the Ascough seminar yestdy. Loved ur work & found your genuine & no-nonsense personality v inspiring! Thank u.

enjoyed your talk yesterday, Armenian images were incredible…

Had a great time at the Jeff Ascough seminar.Wonderful to be treated to a session with @terakopian. Incredible photojournalist

@terakopian joined us today at the seminar and provided us with a great talk on his work and workflow!

@terakopian Once again, thanks for the seminar today! Your work is fantastic!

@terakopian Great presentation today.

I wanted to thank you for sharing your experiences and images with us at the ‘ Ascough-Terakopian ‘ seminar yesterday. Recalling the not too distant history of Nagorno Karabagh and the Armenian earthquake, I found your images both powerful and thought-provoking and appreciate the time you took in presenting to us.

Just had a great workshop with UK photojournalist Edmond Terakopian, really nice guy & great photographer.

Just been on a two day seminar with Jeff Ascough and @terakopian. Awesome images from both, and Ed has a new, firm fan! (nice guys too :))

Thanks again for an amazing 2 days, I was holding back tears during your earthquake sequence. Beautiful work.

@terakopian Such an inspirational pleasure to meet you at Jeff Ascough’s seminar.

yes brilliant, got a lot from it. Can’t wait to get my camera out! @terakopian was brilliant too!

Another great day with @terakopian and Jeff Ascough. V inspirational. The thought/depth behind each image is phenomenal

@terakopian Thanks again for today’s inspiring seminar, I really enjoyed your work & your thoughts. Look forward to following your work.

@terakopian thank you for your talk and insight into your work yesterday . It left me motivated and keen to get out taking pictures!

just got back from 2day seminar/masterclass wedding photography with Jeff #Ascough and guest speaker Edmond @Terakopian ; well done lads!

2 day seminar with Jeff Ascough & Edmond Terakopian was superb – thanks to both for taking the time out to speak to us all

Twas a pleasure to meet you in Watford last week and to hear you speak, many thanks for stepping in

I attended your photo presentation yesterday in
Edinburgh. I didn’t get a chance to speak to you so I would just like to
say a big big thank you for sharing your wonderful work. I particularly
liked the black and white projects at the beginning – what amazing images
so beautiful and so emotional.

I was one of the attendees at the Jeff Ascough seminar at Watford. I just wanted to thank you again for the fabulous slides and explaining your photographic process. It was very interesting and I am really glad that Joe didn’t make it as I think I probably learnt more about photography in general that if he was there. Also, I must say that your iconic pictures of the London bombings are a gift to all of us, to never forget what happened.

The seminar was superb and getting Ed to stand in for Joe B was a master stoke. His presentation was amazing.

Thanks so much for an amazing seminar Jeff, I’ve never taken so many notes before; my hand was killing me from writing down so many inspiring, useful and brilliant things!! Ed was superb and hugely inspiring so many thanks for inviting him.

I enjoyed the two days and came away with a lot. Ed’s Armenian earthquake presentation and his photographs of the London bombings most definitely put the photographing of weddings in perspective.

First Open Workshop

A montage of images of me at work, ranging from 1994 to 2009

I’ll be having my first ever open workshop on November 28th, 2009. The general themes will be photojournalism and street photography. It’s going to be most suited to intermediate and advanced photographers, both amateur and professional. Although having done many workshops, lectures and presentations in the UK and abroad, this is the first ever open one, meaning anyone can book and pop along.


Part of the workshop is also a portfolio review, so if you think your work might benefit from some one to one attention, you can also book this.
I’ll be showing some work from my 20 year career as a press photographer, answering any questions you may have and then getting down to the actual workshop, so make sure your batteries are charged and your cameras ready!

The business and booking side of things is being dealt by Ghene Snowdon, so visit the Photosocialise site to make bookings.
As it’s a first and there’s a recession, we’ve decided to keep it mega cheap. These prices will definitely never be repeated again, so if you’re interested, do make a booking sharpish – places are limited and are booking up already!

To see a report from the workshop, click HERE.