stepping out of my comfort zone: my first photography workshop experience


Last year was a year of learning for me as a photographer - stepping outside my comfort zone and investing in workshops that pushed my skills and confidence.


I attended a number of photography workshops last year, one of which was a Client Simulation workshop with the amazingly talented Flo Knoyle Photography. I had been a member of Flo's education group for some time, although I was definitely more of a "lurker" than an active participant. She had already run a Client Simulation workshop, and once the results from attendees started trickling through the education group, I knew I had to attend the next one.


So when June came around, I travelled five hours from far west Pembrokeshire all the way to the stunning area of Matlock, surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful countryside. I'll admit I was apprehensive - it was the first workshop I'd ever attended, and all of my self-doubt and imposter syndrome gremlins were telling me I shouldn't be there. But as soon as I met Flo and the other photographers, those anxieties began to melt away and I started to feel right at home.


We had two lovely horses and their owners to photograph in the morning and afternoon - Laura with Mac, and Lily with Reuben. The light was challenging at times, with the weather changing from overcast to sunny, to raining and back again, but Flo was brilliant, offering quick tips on how to adapt. One of the most valuable parts of the day was being reminded that great photography isn’t just about what you see through the lens, but how you approach the whole process. Simple things like using a grey card to nail white balance in-camera - something I’ll admit I’d forgotten I even had - made a noticeable difference. I also came away with a much better understanding of posing, especially how small adjustments can completely change an image, and how important it is to create a relaxed, positive experience for clients throughout the shoot.


By the end of the day, I came away with some lovely images that I was very pleased with, and a whole lot more confidence thanks to Flo's expertise and her willingness to share her wealth of knowledge.


Here are a few of the final images I captured during Flo Knoyle’s Client Simulation Workshop at Abbey Farm Equestrian in Matlock.

A smiling redhead woman in a blue skirt embraces a chestnut horse in a lush green meadow.
A smiling woman in a blue dress stands with a chestnut horse in a lush green field with yellow wildflowers.
A young female equestrian sits on stable floor bonding with a chestnut horse in riding boots and breeches.
Young woman in blue dress kneeling in yellow wildflower field, gently bonding with a chestnut horse outdoors.
Young girl stands proudly beside a chestnut horse in a lush green meadow with wildflowers and trees in background.
A blonde woman in equestrian attire stands beside a chestnut horse in a lush green meadow with trees.

A huge thank you to Flo, Laura, Lily, and their wonderful horses for such a fantastic learning experience.


Lucy x