Learn photography with a professional event photographer in Southend, Essex
Hi, I’m Jonathan Owen, an Essex-based photographer with over 20 years of experience capturing everything from music festivals and corporate events, to everyday moments on the seafront.
Whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or looking to sharpen your creative eye, my photography lessons in Southend-on-Sea are designed to make learning simple, practical, and enjoyable.
We’ll go beyond the theory and get hands-on straight away, exploring real locations and learning techniques that professionals use every day.
1-Hour Digital Photography Basics Session
Perfect for beginners. Learn how to take control of your camera, understand settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and start framing better shots right away.
3-Hour Digital Photography Basics Extended Session
A deeper dive into technique, light, and composition — with plenty of time for guided practice on location. You’ll leave confident in your ability to shoot in manual mode and make creative decisions on the fly. (Can be split into two sessions if preferred.)
Camera Confidence: Get to grips with your DSLR, mirrorless, or compact camera and understand how professionals think about exposure and control light.
Composition Techniques: Learn the creative rules (and when to break them) to make your images stand out.
Editing Essentials: A friendly introduction to Photoshop — from importing to exporting your finished shots — tailored to your skill level.
Applied Experience: You’ll also get insight into how these skills connect to real event and reportage photography, helping you see the bigger picture behind every shot.
1 Hour Lesson: £90
3 Hour Lesson: £185
(The 3-hour lesson can be split into two shorter sessions if you prefer.)
If you live in Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea, Castle Point, or Rochford and want to take your photography further, this is for you.
Whether you’ve just bought your first camera or you’ve been shooting on auto for years, these lessons are built around your goals. You’ll learn with a professional photographer who’s spent decades capturing everything from The Only Way Is Essex at the Sugar Hut in Brentwood to political events at the Commonwealth HQ, Marlborough House.
That experience shapes how I teach — practical, relaxed, and full of the small insights that make a big difference.
For those keen to take things further, I occasionally offer an event photography shadowing opportunity. You can join me (with organiser permission) on real assignments and experience first-hand what it’s like to capture the energy and emotion of live events — from anticipating key moments to reading a crowd and working quickly under pressure.
It’s a great next step for anyone who enjoys street photography and wants to apply those skills in a professional setting.
Absolutely. These lessons are built for beginners and enthusiasts alike. I’ll walk you through the essentials in a way that’s easy to follow, no matter your starting point.
Any! DSLR, mirrorless, bridge, or even a compact will do. If you’re not sure what’s right for you, I’ll help you decide.
All sessions are held outdoors across South-East Essex, using real locations to inspire your learning. You might find us capturing the sunset from Hadleigh Castle, street scenes in Old Leigh, or reflections along Southend Pier — each setting offers something new to explore.
Yes! Gift vouchers are available for all courses and make a great present for anyone interested in photography.
Yes, for ages 12 and up. Anyone under 18 just needs to be accompanied by an adult (who’s welcome to join in too).
Yes, I also run a Street Photography workshop in Leigh-on-Sea, which is a great next step for developing your observational and storytelling skills — both key in event photography.
Sometimes, yes. For those keen to see professional photography in action, there may be opportunities to observe or assist on real shoots (subject to availability). It’s a brilliant way to experience the energy of live event photography up close.
Of course — bring your questions, and I’ll help you find the best value equipment for your needs and budget.
Capture memories, tell stories, and see the world through a new lens with a Southend photography lesson.
Southend is a brilliant training ground for photographers — from dramatic skies to quirky seaside charm. Here are a few of the spots we might explore during lessons:
If you’d like to start your photography journey or refine your skills with a professional, get in touch today. When booking, please include your preferred dates, a brief note about your current experience, and what you’d like to focus on. I’ll get back to you with availability and help you plan your perfect session.
With over two decades in professional photography, I’ve worked across Europe at events including Ibiza’s legendary Pacha, the O2 Arena in London, and the London Boat Show. I’ve captured behind-the-scenes moments for The Only Way Is Essex and toured with Dynamo’s Magician Impossible.
That same experience now helps me teach photography in a way that’s accessible, down-to-earth, and focused on real-world results — because great photography isn’t just about knowing your settings, it’s about learning to see.
