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Bernie Raffe 

Independant Photographer

About

I'm a professional photographer based in UK, I'm originally from London's East End where I grew up in the 50's and 60's. I've been passionate about photography ever since my parents bought me my first camera when I was just 11 years old (a Kodak Brownie 127)! I'm qualified as a photographer to 'Associate' level with both the MPA (Master Photographers Association), and the SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers) in the UK. I've taught other professionals at various conventions, and I'm also a guest speaker on cruise ships, plus I'm in demand as a speaker to beginner and keen amateurs at camera clubs.

My Courses

Posing Individuals, Couples and Families

—  Bernie Raffe 

Beginner 

Follow me on live photo sessions with individuals, couples, young and older siblings and large and extended families and watch me overcome peoples natural tendencies to sit or stand like statues. Models aside, the majority of us are not aware of our natural and unconscious body positions and so we don't present ourselves as well as we might. Most of us tend not to be concerned with where or how we place our hands and arms, tilt our heads, or position our feet. This course shows how to overcome this problem. Posing is a powerful skill that will transform your portrait, understand the basic dynamics of a good pose, and then you can create your own.

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The Ultimate Guide to Using Off Camera Flash

—  Bernie Raffe 

Beginner 

The course goes right back to basics, but also covers advanced topics. You'll learn about the equipment, what to buy and what not to buy if on a tight budget. It demonstrates how to put the gear together, how to modify it, and shows various ways of triggering the flashes, Exposure is covered in great details, with one video on each of the 5 aspects of exposure. Come with me on these photo sessions, and watch as I talk through the camera and flash settings and take (mostly) great photos with (mostly) gorgeous models, using a fun teaching style. A bonus video on product photography is included, a DIY setup that can provide spectacular results. Great for eBay or just making some money on the side. Designed for beginners (although not not complete beginners), through to enthusiasts and professionals, on completing this course you'll have the knowledge and confidence to start taking beautifully lit portraits.

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Creative Portraiture

—  Bernie Raffe 

Beginner 

Suitable for beginners, intermediates and even advanced photographers, you’ll learn the fundamentals of portrait photography along with many tips and ideas for adding drama and creativity to your portraits. Rather than just using paid models, this course also has live sessions with friends, and families with their children. Some of these are typical location sessions where we just walk around in parks taking photos. This is an extremely varied course demonstrating both natural light and off-camera flash portraits, with some specialist ideas that you can easily replicate, plus many tips on composition. You’ll see how I interact with people to make them feel more comfortable, which in turn helps to get better expressions. On completing this course you’ll have the knowledge, know how and confidence to tackle many portrait scenarios.

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Become a Better Photographer - Part II

—  Bernie Raffe 

Beginner 

This course, aimed at beginner and intermediate photographers, covers DSLR and Mirrorless basic settings, but also explains your camera's more advanced features and settings. You probably already know about some of these settings but not entirely sure how and when to use them, and there may even be some that you're not even aware of!

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Become a Better Photographer - Part I

—  Bernie Raffe 

Beginner 

This comprehensive photography course offers a treasure trove of over 50 video tutorials, each packed with valuable tips and tricks to enhance your DSLR or compact camera photography. Whether you're an amateur just starting out or an enthusiast looking to refine your skills, this course is designed to cater to photographers of all levels. What sets this photography training apart is its practicality and effectiveness. You'll witness immediate improvements in your photos as you apply the techniques taught in each video. The instructor adopts a fun and engaging teaching style, making the learning experience enjoyable and accessible to everyone. Plus, the course cuts out the tedious and mundane aspects, ensuring that your focus remains on the most important aspects of photography. The tutorials cover a wide array of subjects, and you'll be surprised to discover that some of the most powerful tips are non-technical in nature. While basic camera settings are explained, the emphasis lies in maximizing the use of light, perfecting composition, and mastering the art of posing. Regardless of whether you own a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or a compact camera, these tips are universally applicable, allowing you to unleash your creativity and capture stunning images. To gain full access to the course, you'll need to become a paid member. However, before committing, you can explore several FREE photography training videos. These samples will showcase the caliber of the tips and tricks provided, giving you a taste of the valuable knowledge you can acquire. The course curriculum encompasses a vast range of topics, including an in-depth understanding of the "Exposure Triangle" and liberating yourself from the Auto mode. You'll discover a simple yet powerful pro tip to achieve incredible natural portrait lighting that flatters your subjects. Sharpen your images through improved focusing techniques and adept utilization of shutter speeds. Learn to harness the beauty of natural light and effectively handle sunlight. Unleash the full potential of your images by understanding the direction of light and utilizing composition techniques to add drama and creativity. Delve into the art of posing to capture flattering shots of both individuals and groups. Elevate your flash photography skills to produce captivating results. Master the control of depth of field and unlock the secrets behind achieving breathtaking blue skies instead of washed-out white skies. Discover the art of photographing in the snow, avoiding camera shake, and immortalizing the splendor of fireworks. Gain a fresh perspective on the relationship between megapixels and image quality. Demystify digital cameras and their settings to leverage their full capabilities. The curriculum encompasses many more invaluable lessons, all aimed at empowering you to capture stunning photographs that leave a lasting impression. The instructor's expertise and enthusiasm shine through each tutorial, making the learning process engaging and inspiring. Enroll in this course now and unlock a world of photographic possibilities. Witness firsthand the brilliance of these tips and tricks that will elevate your photography and become a better photographer. Join the community of satisfied students who have already experienced remarkable growth and improvement in their photography skills. Don't miss out on the chance to explore your creative potential and create awe-inspiring images that will leave a lasting impact on viewers.

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WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

—  Bernie Raffe 

Intermediate 

After I'd photographed many weddings, I realised that I had planned out in my mind many of the type of photos that I wanted to capture. This course shows the result of that planning. Amazing wedding photos, some staged, but natural looking and many more that can only be captured when you know the moments are coming.

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