TESTIMONIALS

Sending Len a big thank you for a fabulous zoom presentation on Composition.

Len is a very caring man who freely gives his time, to convey his creative passion with others.

The members are looking forward to another presentation in the near future.

Thank you once again.

  • Paul Cant, Craigieburn Camera Club 2023

“Thank you for your totally inspiring workshop. Life changing. Kindest regards from all at Goondiwindi.”

  • Vicki Goondiwindi Photo Club 2021

“Take pictures for your own enjoyment”
These words from Len Metcalf immediately struck a chord but I shouldn’t have been surprised.  This was the third webinar Len ran to which my camera club had been invited.  
None were very techie and so didn’t alienate those at the start of their journey with photography. Digital B&W, Critiquing Len’s Way and Composition were the topics and all held my attention with Len’s thoughtful approach to each.
Definitely an A+.

  • Noel Butcher (Knox Photographic Society), 2020

“Thank you so much for the presentation, Punctuation-The Space Between on Tuesday evening. Members thoroughly enjoyed your inspirational images and “the words between” as well. More importantly, for some, you’ve pointed us towards a new way of seeing and interpreting the world in our images. I’m sure our committee will discuss inviting you to provide some similar presentations in the future, so you can look forward to hearing from us in due course.

Thank you once again and best wishes”

  • Warren Veivers, President, The Masters’ Apprentices Photography Club, 2020

Thanks Len for a great workshop at Belmont on Saturday. I really enjoyed your relaxed and professional approach to meeting everyone’s expectations. You have a wealth of knowledge that is presented in a very practical way. I really like the way you stressed the importance of focusing on the “positives”. I also teach leadership and emotional intelligence and strength-based approaches offer so much. Important to identify areas for improvement but focus on what you do well and how to leverage these even more. I am really looking forward to putting into play some of your very informative approaches and suggestions for stronger composition. On Saturday I really “got it, 12 months earlier and I would not have been ready, timing was perfect.

I am off to Port Campbell for a week next Saturday, really excited about creating some special images.

I am sure we will meet again.

Kind regards

Ian Marriner

 

Hello again Len.

Many thanks for your terrific workshop held on Saturday. It was a great idea to ask everyone what they wanted from the workshop and to build from that. Along the way we were gently led through art theory, design, composition and a whole lot of other concepts we may never have considered before. It was very generous of you to share your workflow process and to pass on many tips and ideas that should inspire us to take photographs that actually express our own individuality. IE not to rely on judges alone. A note of thanks has been placed on our website and if you would like to see it, just follow the link below.

https://belmont16s.myphotoclub.com.au/thanks-len/

Hope our paths cross again in the future.

Kind regards

Sue Slack

Information for Camera Clubs

Len regularly mentors and teaches at Camera Clubs. He also runs workshops for clubs at group prices. 

During COVID-19, Len started running his camera club presentations online via zoom. This means he is no longer restricted to presenting only to Sydney Clubs. If you are a camera club outside Sydney and would like Len to present to you online, please get in touch via hello@lensschool.com.

LATEST TALKS

  1. Monochrome Part II - Len builds on the foundations of his ‘Secrets of Digital Black and White Photography’ talk and introduces you to more concepts that will improve your Black and White photography.

  2. Colorful Colours - How we see colour, describe colour and use it to convey emotions. This presentation concentrates on how to effectively use colour in your photographic compositions.

  3. Astonishing Abstracts - How abstract photographic art works - an inspirational talk opening up new possibilities in this growing genre. Abstract photography is a broad term that covers everything for representational / straight photographs through to artworks that are more impressionistic or even totally non representational. Len takes us through the breadth of the Abstract Genre and inspires you with different techniques to try. This is not a technical how to talk though, it more about the aesthetics and inspirational side of the genre.

  4. Artistic Lens - Len reveals his approach to creating unique and inspiring photographs drawing on his 40 years of experience as an artist. In this talk he shows you how thinking like an artist can help your photography practice. This talk is full of tips on immersing yourself in your photography and using at means of self expression.

  5. Style | Voice | Look - Len discusses how the search for style is often a ‘misnomer’, and tries to convince you that looks are for a series and finding your authentic voice is the most important personal goal to follow for your photography. An incredibly motivational talk that gets you thinking about what you want to say with your work. In this presentation Len delves into creating meaningful bodies of work that talk to each other.

LEN’S CLASSIC CAMERA CLUB TALKS

  1. Monochrome Part I - Len’s Secrets of Digital Black and White Photography. This is the most requested talk that Len presents. It is an inspiring introduction to the construction of a monochrome photograph. It is full of learning for photographers at all levels. It includes compositional tips for photographers too. If your club has already had this talk, why not ask Len for part 2.

  2. Photographic Composition - The language of the Photograph. In this presentation Len takes us through a whole range of compositional ideas about how we read and construct a photograph. These are drawn from the arts in areas much more diverse than the usual photographic rules that are presented in photography texts. This talk has been found to be incredibly inspiring to photographers of all levels. Many clubs have asked Len to repeat it a second time. This is the summary version of Len’s 30 x one hour compositional series of videos available to members of Len’s Club.

  3. A Positive Lens - Len has discovered, the hard way, that negative criticisms of artworks can be incredibly damaging to the artists who create them. Over the years he has picked up a few camera club refugees who left clubs in tears. In this presentation he teaches you how to effectively critique another person’s photograph in a positive, supportive and educational manner. By stopping and considering how and what we say when we critique a photograph we can change the experience for the photographer that took the image and create an incredibly encouraging environment. This presentation was originally developed at the request of one club, and has been successfully used throughout many to change a clubs culture to a more supportive and creative one.

  4. Printing Photographs - Len discusses colour management and his method printing photographs. He focuses on keeping printing easy for consistent results. Len prefers to keep this complex topic simple as possible. He discusses monitors, calibration, inkjet printers, profiles and papers. Len also introduces the different ways you can get prints made for you. From going down to the local print shop, through professional services and the boutique ones you don’t hear about. He helps make printing easy and accessible for all levels in a photographic community. From beginner to expert this talk, whilst technical has something for everyone.

  5. The Space Between - Len is more than a little obsessed with space in his photographs. In this presentation he explains why and how he uses space to create beautiful compositions. Len shows us how to see negative and positive space, going on to explain how to use it in your photography. This is a great introduction to minimalism, negative space, figure / ground and the Japanese concept of ‘Ma’.

  6. Creativity Lens - Creativity is in all of us. Unfortunately many of us label ourselves as not having a creative bone in our body. Len believes that this is a limiting belief that stalls us. In this presentation Len tells us how to get in touch with our creative bones, our creative intuitions, or even how to channel creative energy. This presentation is full of practical tips and tricks that help photographers get the most of their creativity.

An online talk is typically 90 to 120 minutes plus Q&A at the end. Len can either dial into your clubs normal zoom meeting, or he can host the meeting and send you a link to distribute to your members. Our zoom account allows for a hundred attendees at one time. You are encouraged to invite neighboring clubs to attend as well.

POSSIBLE 3-4 HOUR WORKSHOP

  1. Critique session - This starts with Len outlining how to critique photographic prints, and ends with the audience practicing critiquing prints bought by the audience. Members are asked to bring a series or three to five prints for critiquing. Digital photographs will not be critiqued.

  2. Post processing with Lightroom

5 min excerpt from the start of the 'Secrets of Black and White' presentation to St George Motor Boat Photography Club on 12th may 2020.


SUGGESTED FULL DAY WORKSHOPS

  1. Creative Lens

  2. Digital Black and White Photography

  3. Photographic Composition

  4. Len's One Day workshop


SUGGESTED WEEKEND WORKSHOPS

  1. Blue Mountains Landscape Weekend

  2. Monochrome Weekend


CAMERA CLUBS PRESENTED TO:

  1. Blue Mountains Photography Group

  2. North Side Creative Camera Club

  3. Port Hacking Camera Club

  4. The Dark Room

  5. Inner West Photographic Society

  6. Belmont 16 Photography Club

  7. Mosman Camera Club

  8. Sydney Photographic Friends Club

  9. Castle Hill RSL Photographic Club

  10. Tomaree Peninsula Photography Club

  11. Manly Warringah Rugby League Club Camera Club

  12. Dee Why RSL Camera Club

  13. Pittwater Camera Club

  14. Macarthur Photographic Society

  15. Hawkesbury Camera Club

  16. Henry Lawson Camera Club

  17. Penrith RSL Camera Club

  18. Upper Mountains Camera Club

  19. Lane Cove Creative Photography

  20. The Aperture Club

  21. St George Photographic Society

  22. Wollongong Photographic Club

  23. Kiama - Shell Harbour Camera Club

  24. Focus Photographers

  25. Chinese Photographic Society of Australia

  26. Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club Camera Club

  27. Dooleys Camera Club

  28. Southern Highlands Photographic Society

  29. Pennant Hills Camera Club

  30. Mosman Camera Club

  31. Orange Camera Club

  32. Camberwell Camera Club

  33. East’s Photography Group

  34. Forster Digital Photography Club

  35. Warragul Camera Club (VIC)

  36. Eastern Suburbs Photographic Society (VIC)

  37. Knox Photographic Society (VIC)

  38. Melbourne Camera Club (VIC)

  39. Finley and District Camera Club (VIC/NSW)

  40. St George Motor Boat Photographic Club (NSW)

  41. The Masters’ Apprentices Photography Club (QLD)

  42. Mt Gravatt Photographic Society (QLD)

  43. Williamstown Camera Club (VIC)

  44. Photo Arts Club Tweed (QLD)

  45. Manjimup Camera Club (WA)

  46. Australian Photographic Judges Association

  47. Frankston Photographic Club (VIC)

  48. Waimate Camera Club (NZ)

  49. Long Eaton Camera Club (UK)

  50. Goondiwindi Camera Club (QLD)

  51. Workshop Camera Club (WA)

  52. Whitianga Photography Club (NZ)


 

A FEW MORE TESTIMONIALS FROM CAMERA CLUB PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS

“Can you express how grateful I and the rest of the club members were to Len for his talk on Friday morning, your tie. When he told us what time it was we realised what a caring and special man he is. He was fascinating to listen to, so much so that there was a long silence before anyone asked any questions, it was as though we were dumbstruck. It is only 5 minutes or more since we finished but the accolades for Len are fast coming in. It was in deed a great talk and a brilliant education.

Thanks once again”

Paul McLaughlin, Long Eaton Camera Club (UK) online presentation 2021

“Just wanted to let you know that everyone really enjoyed your presentation.

There is something special about you and your photography and so many said that they REALLY enjoyed it and learned from it.

For me there were so many questions along the way but you always answered them and many agreed with me when i said that.

I love photography and i love our club but i have lost my way a bit with it since covid hit as i retired to travel and that is not going to happen again soon but you showed us locations in Australia that are special and beautiful so i should start looking closer to home and get excited again about my photography.

Thank you so much for giving us you time, it was special.”

Robin Tully, Preston Photographic Club, VIC, online zoom presentation, May 2021

“I would like to thank Len for his wonderful presentation on Black and White photography last Wednesday night at our club. I have received lots of positive comments and I am sure members will revisit the presentation, as I will, to check out the tips that Len noted and to admire his great work. I have put Len’s contacts and links to Lens school in our newsletter for members to check out.

It is great to have such an experienced photographic person as you give a talk to us at Inspiration night. Thanks so much for giving up your time to show your enthusiasm and talent in the photographic industry.

Having talented people, like yourself, speak to us hopefully allows some of your skill and perception to rub off onto us and helps us improve our own work. Your talk will have helped us all to achieve better results in our future work.”

Kaye Venton, Photo Arts Club Tweed, online camera club presentation 2021

“Just want to thank you so much for organising and presenting the talk on Mono/ Black and White photography to the Manjimup Photography Club Thursday night and especially for accommodating our time zone - that was very much appreciated.

The presentation was very well received by the club and I think we all now look at black and white photography from a new perspective. We will definitely be taking some black & white photos to share on club nights and who know what else.”

Glenys Cope, Manjimup Photo Club, online presentation 2021

 LAST NIGHT’S PRESENTATION FOR DEE WHY RSL PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

"Hi Len, I needed to thank you for your thoughts and insight at last night’s meeting of our club. As a newcomer to Photography Clubs and critiques on my own work and that of others, your most interesting and inspiring guidance was timely. What a great show our members put on, I am constantly amazed at the creativity of my fellow photographers, and of course inspired. Once again my sincere thanks for al the effort you put in to help us all, it is greatly appreciated. I hope that you had a safe journey back home last night, it’s probably the best time to travel with less traffic on the road, but none the less a long day for you. All good wishes." - Lindsey

“Thanks for last night my “meta analysis “ of the process left me feeling positive about the positive process ...love your information flow...and the notes were really useful.
Regards, AnnW” - Blue Mountains Photography Group

“Thanks Len you have inspired me to expand my B/W skills and revisit some of my photos. I made lots of notes tonight. Excellent presentation.” - Nigel Beresford (Warragul Camera Club Online Presentation)

“I just wanted to thank you personally for your session with our club.

I found it very interesting and informative. I really did enjoy hearing your perspectives on your craft and artistic approach and in particular on black and white photography.

Many of your thoughts resonated very strongly with me and many of your more minimalist images are so effective in communicating the feeling and message to the viewer, even though the (so called) rules would suggest that they should not be so effective. This reinforced to me that the rules are no more than a basic guiding technique and that breaking the rules is ok.

Thank you again for sharing you time with us.” - Chris Filshie (Finlay & District Camera Club, online presentation 2020)

“Thank you very much, Len. Truly inspiring, and what we needed in this lockdown! You're a true artist and teacher. Cheers.” - David Lucas (Warragul Camera Club Online Presentation)

“Thank you for your talk tonight. I picked up a lot of great tips that I look forward to applying them to my photography.” - Mike  Wharton (Warragul Camera Club Online Presentation)

“Our Club had a wonderful presentation from Len at our November Meeting - Black & White Photography

I would just like to say a huge Thankyou to Len and yourself for organising and presenting the Event

Our Members would like to say Thankyou and just let Len know how much they enjoyed the evening - We have a full mixture of Members from reasonably advanced to early beginners and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the Presentation

There was much food for thought and exposure to different concepts that some members had never had an opportunity to see.” - Maureen Arthur (Finlay & District Camera Club Online Presentation)

“Please thank Len again for his presentation - it was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.” - Karen - Whitianga Photographic Club (NZ)

“We thoroughly enjoyed our zoom meet with Len on Saturday and I think everyone that joined took plenty away to think about and practice.”

Aileen, Goondiwindi Camera Club (online camera club presentation 2021)

“I just wanted to let you know that I appreciated your presentation to the APJA judges today and learnt a lot from it, thank you.

You have also inspired me to apply myself to working on my creative folio with much more of an idea of how to approach it.”

Greg Earle, Australian Photographic Judges Association, online presentation 2021