The Subtle Shift: 6th October - 22nd December 2026

£200.00

The Subtle Shift: Online Photography Workshop

Begins 6th October 2026 1830 - 1930 (UK Time)

Continuing 20th October, 3rd November, 17th November, 6th December, concluding 22nd December 2026.

Highlights

  • Six live sessions hosted on Zoom on Tuesday evenings at 1830 (UK Time)

  • All meetings recorded and sent out by email

  • Safe, supportive non judgmental workshop

We tend to think of Autumn as a dramatic blaze of colour, when in fact it is hundreds of small handovers as the abundant texture and colour of Autumn gives way to the stark, sculptural beauty of Winter. For me I am inspired by the smell of the air in autumn, that rich aroma mixed with the slight chill that catches you out in the morning and evening. During this workshop we will endeavour to reframe our language of photography so that we become more deeply receptive to the softness of those moments that build throughout autumn into the beginning of winter.

This season is about imperfection; letting go and slowing down. Nature embraces all of these traits, in fact it is one of the reasons we love autumn so much. The light gently softens, shadows become longer, the angle of the sun illuminates parts of the world that have remained in deep shade all summer.

Autumn can be so overwhelmingly colourful that we tend to overlook the details - so for this workshop, we will be working exclusively in black and white, which will ask us to observe in a different way. In black and white, we’ll be searching for light, form and texture, rather than relying upon colour to illuminate our image. If you’re not familiar with photographing in black and white, don’t be daunted; I will also be guiding you to get the best out of your images, and will explain some of the ways I get more out of a subject by offering some tips and tricks that I use for my own work.

The essence of this workshop is presence, not over producing but allowing what catches your eye to unfold. Each week I will give you a prompt in the form of a seasonal poem so that you can respond to the words visually. I believe that poetry and photography sit side by side beautifully, as both rely upon experiences - something you’ve seen, somewhere you’ve been, that asks for a personal response. I wonder which piece of a poem might resonate with you - and how you will interpret it, in your own way?

As with all of my online workshops, all of the assignments can be done in the immediate area where you live, in fact it is better if you do just that, focus your attention on and near your home. I want you to be inspired by your commute or the walk to the shops, your daily routine becomes a source of inspiration rather than just another chore to be ticked off the to do list.

What to expect

  • A Supportive Community: A small, non-judgmental group of 20 like-minded creatives where we discuss the backstory and the feeling, not just the pixels.

  • Deep Stillness: Practices rooted in the philosophy of Still, helping you use your lens as a tool for self-care, presence, and creativity.

  • A celebration of the Season: Welcoming the colder months from a new perspective, honouring the beauty in transition.

  • Fortnightly Connection: Live sessions designed to be an easeful journey, giving you the space to breathe and explore at your own pace.

This is not a workshop for seeking out the perfect image, it is a workshop that will help you feel gratitude for where you live and discover a perfectly imperfect moment.

I would love for you to join me to see the details in black and white without losing the essence of the season, while finding peace within the familiar landscape of your life.

The Subtle Shift: Online Photography Workshop

Begins 6th October 2026 1830 - 1930 (UK Time)

Continuing 20th October, 3rd November, 17th November, 6th December, concluding 22nd December 2026.

Highlights

  • Six live sessions hosted on Zoom on Tuesday evenings at 1830 (UK Time)

  • All meetings recorded and sent out by email

  • Safe, supportive non judgmental workshop

We tend to think of Autumn as a dramatic blaze of colour, when in fact it is hundreds of small handovers as the abundant texture and colour of Autumn gives way to the stark, sculptural beauty of Winter. For me I am inspired by the smell of the air in autumn, that rich aroma mixed with the slight chill that catches you out in the morning and evening. During this workshop we will endeavour to reframe our language of photography so that we become more deeply receptive to the softness of those moments that build throughout autumn into the beginning of winter.

This season is about imperfection; letting go and slowing down. Nature embraces all of these traits, in fact it is one of the reasons we love autumn so much. The light gently softens, shadows become longer, the angle of the sun illuminates parts of the world that have remained in deep shade all summer.

Autumn can be so overwhelmingly colourful that we tend to overlook the details - so for this workshop, we will be working exclusively in black and white, which will ask us to observe in a different way. In black and white, we’ll be searching for light, form and texture, rather than relying upon colour to illuminate our image. If you’re not familiar with photographing in black and white, don’t be daunted; I will also be guiding you to get the best out of your images, and will explain some of the ways I get more out of a subject by offering some tips and tricks that I use for my own work.

The essence of this workshop is presence, not over producing but allowing what catches your eye to unfold. Each week I will give you a prompt in the form of a seasonal poem so that you can respond to the words visually. I believe that poetry and photography sit side by side beautifully, as both rely upon experiences - something you’ve seen, somewhere you’ve been, that asks for a personal response. I wonder which piece of a poem might resonate with you - and how you will interpret it, in your own way?

As with all of my online workshops, all of the assignments can be done in the immediate area where you live, in fact it is better if you do just that, focus your attention on and near your home. I want you to be inspired by your commute or the walk to the shops, your daily routine becomes a source of inspiration rather than just another chore to be ticked off the to do list.

What to expect

  • A Supportive Community: A small, non-judgmental group of 20 like-minded creatives where we discuss the backstory and the feeling, not just the pixels.

  • Deep Stillness: Practices rooted in the philosophy of Still, helping you use your lens as a tool for self-care, presence, and creativity.

  • A celebration of the Season: Welcoming the colder months from a new perspective, honouring the beauty in transition.

  • Fortnightly Connection: Live sessions designed to be an easeful journey, giving you the space to breathe and explore at your own pace.

This is not a workshop for seeking out the perfect image, it is a workshop that will help you feel gratitude for where you live and discover a perfectly imperfect moment.

I would love for you to join me to see the details in black and white without losing the essence of the season, while finding peace within the familiar landscape of your life.

Additional information

Photography is so much more than an image. To me, photography is an expression of your relationship with the world around you – your complete experience of a moment, in all of its wonderful richness. Many photographers consider photography as the culmination of subject and technical skill – but I passionately believe that photography becomes truly exciting when used to explore and develop your own beautiful art of seeing.

The course has been absolutely brilliant. The really interesting assignments set by Paul each week have made me ‘see’ more and really think about the meaning of the assignment. I’ve loved it as it has given me real purpose to my photography. The Zoom sessions with Paul were interesting and educational. As well as Paul, I have also enjoyed the interaction with the other members of the group via a private Facebook page. I couldn’t recommend Paul’s online courses more highly
— Elizabeth


 

About Paul Sanders

These days, I see myself less as  purely a photographer but more as someone who mentors and champions creativity in others. It’d be easy for me to teach you to take photographs in the same way that I do; to take you to stunning venues, tell you where to stand, which lens to use to capture the money shot – but it’s far more exciting to discover how you see the world.

With my workshops I want to create a safe place that’s free of judgement for photographers of all abilities – whether they’ve a bag full of kit or a smartphone in their pocket – to really explore their creativity and what creative expression means for them. I encourage people to explore their own space at their own pace, with their own eyes, giving them the absolute freedom to develop their creativity uniquely.

It’s all about finding yourself creatively and finding your style on your own terms – its not about validation, winning photography competitions or gaining approval through social media, but finding the courage to express yourself in your own way. To find your creative voice, and to photograph the world in the way you see it.