This Friday at AppFrod – July 10th – Texture 2

Please Note – We need to keep the main door locked after 11am. If you arrive and it is locked please either ring the bell, or walk down the side of the church to the entrance straight into the meeting room.

We have been given permission to photograph throughout the church, so this Friday we’ll be taking our Texture project on location at Connect .

Bring your camera and, if you have one, a small flashgun or reflector. If you don’t have either, don’t worry—you’ll still be able to take part and learn alongside everyone else. We’ll spend the morning escaping the heat while exploring the church building, its corridors and, if you wish, the gardens behind.

Last week we discovered how controlling light can dramatically enhance texture. This week we’ll build on those skills by creating photographs that do more than simply record a place. Our aim is to tell the story of Connect through the details that make it special.

When architects and designers create a building they think carefully about how people will move through it, meet one another, find quiet spaces, work together and feel welcome. As photographers, we’ll be looking for those same ideas and using texture, light and composition to communicate them visually.

Rather than photographing a room, ask yourself:

• What is this space used for?
• Who might use it?
• What details tell that story?
• How can light help reveal the atmosphere?

You may decide to photograph seating, children’s areas, entrances, kitchens, artwork, gardens, corridors, meeting spaces or simply small details that reveal the character of the building. Every photographer will notice something different, and that’s exactly what makes the project interesting.

Earlier today, after coffee, bacon rolls and cake, Mick, David, Julie, Bill, John (who travelled over from Chesterfield) and I spent a happy hour experimenting with flash and ambient light around the church in readiness for Friday. We tried different lighting angles, explored textures and discussed ways of creating photographs with more atmosphere and depth so we can advise everyone on the best locations.

We all came away inspired and full of ideas, and we’re looking forward to helping everyone make the most of Friday morning.

I’ve also prepared a set of guidance notes, which you’ll find below. They aren’t rules—just ideas to help you think differently about photographing places and to encourage you to create images that tell a story rather than simply record what was there.

As always, the emphasis is on learning together, experimenting and enjoying photography. Whether you’re using flash for the first time or you’re already confident with lighting, there will be plenty of opportunities to share ideas and discover new ways of seeing.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday.

Photography. Friendship. Creativity.