Photography Courses with The Focus Group

"Tom the Photographer"

I've been involved in photography since the early 90s, when shooting film wasn't a lifestyle choice! Starting from the local paper, then night school, on to a degree in Blackpool, before moving to London to work as a freelance assistant for fashion, portrait, editorial and advertising photographers.

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I set off on my own in 2001 and have since worked for dozens of national and international magazines and commercial, PR, and advertising clients. I mostly shoot sports, action, and adventure stuff, but have always shot portraits - I just love the interaction and connection that occurs on a good portrait shoot.

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My clients have included Men's Health, Shortlist, Maxim, Men's Fitness, Runner's World, Nike, Asics, Golf Monthly, dozens of commercial clients, and PR agencies.

Teaching

I love the back and forth that comes with teaching and passing on knowledge. Often when putting together a talk, course or presentation I'll realise something I've overlooked hundreds of times, or a question from the audience will start a whole new line of enquiry. There's nothing quite like a live audience of switched on photographers to keep you on your toes!

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I've been involved in teaching photography in some form for more than 20 years now, starting out giving a few visiting lectures to colleges and universities. In 2008 I embarked on a nationwide university lecture tour in conjunction with Nikon and Calumet, and over the course of the next 3 years we visited some 30 different colleges, from Falmouth to Aberdeen.

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I've taught several courses for the Nikon School, given talks at the Photography show, as well as CNN, the RPS, and the MOD, not to mention half a dozen camera clubs.

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Venue and Location

The school is based in Tonbridge Old Fire Station, which is, well, the Old Fire Station - in Tonbridge! It's a fantastic venue, with a great cafe space downstairs and two rooms upstairs which can function as classrooms, studios, or breakout rooms. Daytime courses benefit from the cafe, and in the evening we've got the upstairs to ourselves.  It's located right in the town centre, just behind the castle, with parking nearby and less than 10 minutes walk from the station.

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Tonbridge itself is just over half an hour on the train from central London, 10 minutes from J5 of the M25, and situated along the River Medway, which winds through the heart of the town centre. It's surrounded by some fantastic countryside, and it pretty well endowed with interesting spots to visit and spend time too.