Graham Clegg - Events and Develop Area
I have been attending workshops with Salli and Mike since the beginning of 2021, sometimes studio based and on other occasions on location. The fact that I have been to almost thirty events since first meeting Salli on a fine art studio shoot speaks for itself.
When the Studiomasters learning platform was established, in the summer of 2024, I subscribed immediately to the Develop area feeling confident that this was going to be a highly supportive and engaging way of furthering my passion for photography.
Since this time the material available on-line has grown and grown with the diverse content targeting the needs of everyone from the beginner to the very experienced photographer. The platform content is updated with excellent material on a very frequent basis, some of it being created in direct response to the training request of individual members.
The platform is at the heart of what has become a large family community with workshop attendees working in a very positive and friendly environment, where everyone has the confidence to ask for guidance and support in any area of photography, without being made to feel threatened in any way by those members that are more experienced. Salli and Mike should rightly feel very proud of what they have achieved with Studiomasters and I really can't stress enough the value of what they offer.
A mentoring scheme is available to those wishing to achieve qualification through the British Photographic Alliance with professional guidance. Monthly image submissions are assessed by a group of highly qualified professionals and the feedback given provides in depth suggestions for further development within the Develop area. I have found this to be extremely helpful with the comments going far beyond the critique given by camera club judges and assessors on other platforms. Salli and Mike always embrace the technological advancements available to photographers in image creation and editing manipulation but are equally keen to support 'purist photographers' wishing to capture exceptional images in-camera.
I have attended nearly every event at Sallis studio, this is a very large, comfortable and flexible space where multiple scenes/backdrops can be set up at the same time. Mikes skills regarding lighting are the best I have ever encountered with amazing attention to detail from simple to complex scenarios. His willingness to explain his choice of modifier, lights and rationale for selecting flash position ensures that attendees are continually becoming more confident and better equipped to replicate setups in their own or other studios. Sarah Eames, resident makeup artist, is very skilled and ensures that models look their very best with this fitting the character being portrayed. Coupled with outstanding costuming, often including historically accurate clothing and props, the images achieved on shoots are outstanding.
Thank you Salli, Mike and all involved for providing a wonderful community platform where everyone feels welcome and for whom you genuinely care about regarding their photographic journey.