WORKSHOPS
Photography Workshops in Brighton, London and Beyond
From first camera sessions to live event shoots, run by a Brighton-based photographer with 14 years of active visual work. One-to-one mentoring, small groups up to 6, or walk-in city workshops up to 10 whichever format fits what you need.
WHY THIS IS WORTH IT
The Gap Between Watching and Doing.
You can spend two years on YouTube and still freeze when the light isn’t perfect and the moment won’t wait. Or you can spend a day with someone who has been in that situation hundreds of times and knows exactly what to do.
THE DIY ROUTE
Hours of tutorials that contradict each other
Learning the theory but not knowing what to do when it goes wrong
No one to tell you why your images aren’t quite working
Gear-buying cycles that don’t solve the actual problem
Two or three years to reach a standard you could hit in months
A camera that stays in the bag because you’re not confident enough to use it
A DAY WITH XAVIER
- Real shooting, in real locations, with real-time feedback on every frame
- 14 years of knowing exactly what to do when the light is wrong, the subject is nervous, or the moment is disappearing
- Someone who can look at your image and tell you precisely what to change — and why
- A personal action plan for the next 90 days built around your actual goals
- Progress you can measure before the end of the session
- Confidence that comes from doing it properly, not just reading about it
SPECIFICALLY — THE CITY WALK
You're Paying for the Eye, It's so Much More Than Just a Tour.
Brighton is a city full of usable light, texture, architecture, and human moments. Most people walk through it every day and don’t see a single frame worth shooting. That’s not because the images aren’t there — it’s because seeing photographically is a trained skill, not a natural one.
The city walk is where that skill gets built in real time. We stop at locations I have used in professional shoots. I show you exactly what I see and why. You shoot, review the frame on the spot, adjust, and shoot again. By the end of the session you have a set of images you made yourself — and more importantly, you know how you made them.
That knowledge doesn’t leave when the session ends. It changes how you see every street, every room, every event you photograph from that point on.
WHAT ACTUALLY CHANGES
You stop guessing.
Every decision — exposure, position, timing — becomes intentional. You know why you’re making it, which means you can repeat it.
Your camera comes out more.
The single biggest barrier is hesitation — not knowing what to do when things don’t go to plan. One session removes most of that.
You see differently.
That’s not marketing language. It’s what happens when someone shows you the frame before you’ve taken it. You start to find them yourself.
You have something to show for it immediately.
Not a certificate. Not a theory. A set of real images from a real session in a real city made by you, reviewed on the day, and yours to use.
Curated Photography Experiences
Workshops With Xavier Clarke
Not training courses. Not generic seminars. Curated photography experiences – in-person and online – designed to change the way you see and work. Every place is limited. Every session is designed around you.
WORKSHOP OPTIONS
Choose the Format That Fits
1 TO 1 MENTORING
For focused personal progress.
– Camera choice and setup
– Getting out of auto mode
– Building your own visual style
– Lighting with 1, 2, and 3 light workflows
– Personal action plan for next 90 days
SMALL GROUP WORKSHOPS
Up to 6 attendees for hands-on coaching.
– Live venue practice
– Guided shooting exercises
– Group critique and edit session
– Suitable for Brighton and London groups
– Strong fit for branded pop-up sessions
WALK-IN CITY WORKSHOPS
Up to 10 attendees depending on route and venue permissions.
Planned formats include:
– London Punk Walk collaboration
– Monopoly board route bus workshop
– Brighton music and movie history walk
– Brighton street art and hidden symbols walk
WHO THIS IS FOR
Built for Learners Who Want Practical Progress
WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO LEARN BY DOING
Where Theory Meets the Streets
Workshops are intensive, single-day immersions designed for photographers who believe the best way to learn is by doing. Focused experiences are created around specific themes, techniques, or locations, giving concentrated time to practice, experiment, and receive immediate feedback.
Each workshop combines brief instruction with extended hands-on practice, allowing application of new concepts immediately in real-world situations. Participants leave not just with new knowledge, but with a portfolio of images that demonstrate growing skills.
Join the next workshop: London Walking, 50 years of punk, through your lens. Date: TBA:
Spaces are very limited, booking by appointment only. Pricing: first two confirmed bookings GBP 845, standard advance price GBP 1250, same-day place GBP 1500 (subject to approval and availability).
Additional workshops in London and Brighton are in development and will be announced before the end of the year.
Select workshops and posts are presented in partnership with Mind, the mental health charity, to help raise awareness and support for mental wellbeing through creative photography experiences.
OPPORTUNITIES, NOT WORKSHOPS
Featured Experience: London Walking Photography Workshop: From Punk to Pop a history of music in London
Not a list of workshops. A list of opportunities. This is the flagship experience, combining photography skill-building with deep cultural exploration. Full details in the London Walking section below.
More experiences on the way:
- Street Portraiture: Environmental Characters
- Documentary Storytelling: From Single Image to Series
- Night Photography: Urban Landscapes After Dark
- Editorial Photography: Working to Brief
Offered periodically throughout the year. Join the mailing list to be first to know when new sessions are announced.
Your Day, Not a Course
Every workshop is a curated, end-to-end experience. Refreshments on arrival. A curated lunch from an independent venue – no generic chains. 4-star minimum accommodation sourced at preferred rates for multi-day events.
Every participant leaves with a personalised, laminated camera settings card – your optimal settings for the shooting conditions covered that day. And every workshop includes a guided post-processing editing session to take your images from capture to completion.
London Walking - London Workshop DATE: TBA
Album Covers Through The City
50 years of punk. Through your lens. London’s musical history is not in museums. It is written into the streets: the corners where album covers were shot, the venues where it happened, the places that shaped everything.
Some places still alive and kicking. Others gone, but not forgotten. In this anniversary year, explore the London locations, album-cover stories and music that continue to leave their mark.
A nod to The Clash’s London Calling, London Walking is about looking beyond the familiar image to the stories around it. The album’s iconic cover photograph ironically was taken in New York; this workshop day follows London’s own musical connections.
The Walk will start at Alfie’s in Marylebone: time to look around and discover work by photographers behind the music, followed by an introductory talk and Q&A. Then head into the city for stories, locations and practical photography challenges that encourage you to notice more and make photographs of your own. A guest guide will be announced.
A stop for food on Heddon Street gives the day a breather before more walking and photography, followed by time to rest, review and edit your work. With a maximum of ten participants, there is room for personal guidance, questions and conversation, not just following the person in front.
From the streets where music history was made to a night you will want to say you were there for. Your workshop includes After a day exploring and making photographs, enjoy we will go to a show! And watch the new and original generation get up and make some noise, in a small room with a connection to the story of the day, with entry to an intimate, but noisy show!
Wan to joint the next one? Spaces are very limited, firstly, fill out the inquiry form to arrange a call and a portfolio review and learn more about your experience, what catches your eye and what you would like to take from the day.
Look beyond the shop fronts and show the stories behind them.
We all learn from inspirarion, wheher, and start by replicating famous images, and styles, until we discover our own voice. 50 years of punk, shown through your lens.
Some places still alive and kicking. Others gone, but not forgotten. In this anniversary year, explore the London locations, album-cover stories and music that continue to leave their mark.
A nod to The Clash’s London Calling, London Walking is about looking beyond the familiar image to the stories around it.
The Experience
For London Workshops, expect to start the day at Alfies in Marylebone, with a little time to look around, be inspired and discover work by photographers behind the music, followed by an introductory talk and Q&A. Then head into the city for stories, locations and practical photography challenges that encourage you to notice more and make photographs of your own. A guest guide will be announced.
A stop for food on the unapologetically Bowie-based Heddon Street gives the day a breather before more walking and photography, followed by time to rest, review and edit your work. With a maximum of ten participants, there is room for personal guidance, questions and conversation, not just following the person in front.
Access All Areas:
Access All Areas, Experience More
Access & Partnership
These workshops aren’t just about the walk; they are designed to help you see the world differently, give you new tools to document your journey and experiences.
And the day doesn’t just end you get access to an exclusive one off event that isn’t to be missed.
Better Together:
As part of a commitment to mental health and creativity, two dedicated places are provided for MIND participants on every walk. This partnership ensures that the act of seeing and storytelling remains accessible to those who need it most.
The Approach
There is no script to follow; the world can be perceived in 100 different ways. The challenge is to find your visual identity; whether you’re there to learn more about what you can do with your camera or the difference between ISO and aperture,
To join the next workshop, book a quick call to help set your goals, have a short portfolio review and chat about you and what triggered your passion for photography.
All Hospitality
Refreshments, curated lunch from independent venues, afternoon pick-up. Multi-day events include accommodation at Hotel du Vin / Malmaison standard or above.
Post-Processing Session
Every workshop finishes with a guided editing session. Learn how to take your shots from raw capture to finished image – using your own work from the day.
Your Day - Challenged
Get a personalised Challenge Card with a set of things to look out for and photograph, helping you be more aware of your surroundings. Yours to keep and practice with.
A practical tool to help you see the world differently.
✦ Max 10 participants (some workshops capped at 4, occasionally 2) | ✦ 1:1 photography workshops & mentoring | ✦ All hospitality included | ✦ Post-processing editing session every workshop | ✦ Personalised camera settings card to keep
Reserve Your Place
How It Works
- Submit this form – choose your workshop and preferred date
- Confirmation within 24 hours – availability check and date confirmation
- Pay your deposit – your place is held for 48 hours while you arrange payment
- Your day is confirmed – joining details, preparation guide, and what to bring
Deposit Policy
In-person (full day): 50% on booking, remainder 14 days before
(London Walking: full payment at onboarding)
Online workshops: Full payment required at booking
Private/bespoke: Terms agreed individually, typically 50%
Cancellation: Non-refundable within 14 days of the event. Transfers to a future date are accommodated where possible.
Xavier Clarke · Brighton-based
Mon–Fri 10:00– 16:00
info@xcphotography.co.uk
Workshops, Tutorials, Mentoring & Retreats With XC PHOTOGRAPHY
DELIVERY FORMAT
In Person, Live Video, and Workbook Ready
Mentoring, Retreats & 121 Workshops:
From Choosing Your First Camera to Getting Your Work on Walls
WHAT YOU LEARN
You will cover:
– Choosing your first camera with a clear budget path
– Getting off auto mode with confidence
– Building your look and finding your style
– Lighting foundations with one light
– Building to two light and three light setups
– Live event shooting in difficult light
– Fast culling and editing workflow
– Delivery formats for client work and social posting
RETREAT
SOUND AND VISION
Your image is your digital handshake. Learn how to create and generate scroll-stopping and engaging images that resonate with your ideal audience.
- Photography direction
- Story development
- Shooting and editing supervision
Multi-specialist retreat
- Xavier Clarke plus two guest specialists
- Special guests to change by retreat theme
- Example add-ons: styling, video, audio, branding
- Each retreat includes:
- In-person sessions
- Recorded segments for YouTube
- Workbook and follow-up task sheets
Register Your Interest
Tell me a bit about you, your goals, and your kit. I will review submissions, then send brochure details and next steps. This interest form is the first step before final place confirmation.
BOOKING
Create your Own Workshop!
Fill out the contact form and start the ball rolling with your own workshop, whether you’re looking to create a group activity for team building, want to take your social group on an excursion with a purpose, or just get a different perspective on your work.
Drop me a line and let me know more.
Which format do you want: 1-to-1, small group up to 6, or city walk format up to 10. You can also request workbook and video support so attendees can continue after the session.