Photography: a weekend workshop with Simply Health and Paul Hames

Photography is one of the aspects of blogging I'm always keen to improve, so when an invite to a photography workshop popped in my inbox, I couldn't pass it up! 

The lovely team at Simply Health and Joe's Bloggers had organised a workshop with professional photographer Paul Hames, who made it his mission to get us off the auto settings on our cameras and onto manual. 

I've only had my DSLR for a few months, so the though of using the manual setting was a bit scary, but before we were let loose outside, Paul talked us through the basics and how to create the perfect balance of ISO, aperture and shutter speed. 

Soon it was time to go out and practice in the real world, and we headed over to the monthly Kerb food market just behind Kings Cross station. If like me you're a food lover, I highly recommend getting yourself down to Kerb. There are around 20 different food popups, ranging from pulled pork to hanoi noodles and ice cream to whoopie pies. Our aim was to take photos of the food, people and atmosphere, but I got a bit distracted by all the delicious smells wafting through the air! 

Annie taking a photo of me taking a photo of her...

The lovely Michelle, who was my photography partner for the day

The amazing DJ at the food market

My pulled pork lunch feast *drools*

After taking lots of snaps and stuffing our faces, Paul gave us some great photography tips, including:

- Fill the frame of your shot
- Be creative with reflections and shadows
- Use the rule of thirds - think of your photo like a grid divided into 9 pieces. Mix things up by choosing where the focus is - left/right, top/bottom
- Be brave - don't be afraid to try new things. Sometimes the best shots happen unexpectedly
- Be patient and anticipate - be ready and wait for the right moment, even if you have to wait a while

I have to say a massive thank you to Simply Health, Paul Hames and Joe's Bloggers for organising this event - it was fantastic and I feel so much more confident using my camera after just a few short hours. Paul runs regular workshops in and around London, so do check him out if this is something you think you might be interested in.

And if you're based in London (even if you're not, make a special trip), get yourself down to the next Kerb food market. I'm already droooling dreaming about more pulled pork...