Learn Photography with Donlarrie Captures

Turn your passion into skill.

Whether you’re a beginner who just bought a camera, or an aspiring photographer ready to master studio lighting, our training programs are designed to equip you with confidence, creativity, and professional-level skills.

Why Learn With Me?

Hi, I’m Lara, and a professional photographer and a registered nurse. I was formerly also a fashion designer with over 12 years of experience in design and creative arts. After pivoting into photography, I’ve built a studio in Leeds, West Yorkshire, where we capture everything from maternity portraits to family celebrations.

Photography is more than a business to me, it’s storytelling, emotion, and legacy. Now, I’m opening my doors to teach and mentor aspiring photographers, so you too can create art that lasts a lifetime.

Photography Training Packages – Course Outline

1-Day workshop

Beginner’s Photography Workshop (1-Day, 4 Hours) – £149

A short but powerful introduction to photography.

What you’ll learn:

  • Introduction to Photography

    • Understanding photography as art & storytelling

    • Overview of photography genres (portrait, lifestyle, events, studio)

  • Camera Basics

    • Understanding your camera (DSLR / Mirrorless)

    • Exposure triangle explained: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO

    • Using camera modes (Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority)

  • Composition & Creativity

    • Rule of thirds, leading lines, framing

    • Capturing emotions & candid moments

  • Lighting Basics

    • Working with natural light indoors & outdoors

    • Using reflectors effectively

  • Intro to Editing

    • Basic colour correction in Lightroom

    • Cropping & exporting for social media

👉 Perfect for hobbyists, parents, and complete beginners who want better pictures immediately.

Studio Lighting & Portrait Workshop (1-Day, 6 Hours) – £249

Focused training for those who want to shoot in the studio.

What you’ll learn:

  • Introduction to Studio Photography

  • Overview of Studio Equipment

    • Lights (strobe, continuous, softbox, umbrella, beauty dish)

    • Backgrounds & props

    • Light stands & modifiers

  • Studio Camera Settings

  • One-Light Setup

    • Butterfly, Rembrandt, Loop lighting patterns

  • Two-Light Setup

    • Fill light, rim light, background separation

  • Posing & Directing Clients

  • Editing Workflow for Studio Portraits

    • Skin retouching basics

    • Polishing images for print & digital

👉 Perfect for beginners wanting to step into professional studio work.

6 Weeks Program

Beginner’s Photography Program (6 Weeks, 3 Hours/Week) – £549

A step-by-step beginner’s program designed for aspiring photographers.

Course Outline:

  • Week 1 – Introduction to Photography & Equipment

    • Types of cameras & lenses

    • Memory cards, batteries, storage

    • Essential accessories (tripods, reflectors, light meters)

    • Setting up your camera

  • Week 2 – Exposure & Camera Control

    • Exposure triangle deep dive

    • White balance, focus modes & metering

    • Shooting in RAW vs JPEG

  • Week 3 – Composition & Storytelling

    • Rules & breaking the rules

    • Capturing emotions

    • Working with backgrounds

  • Week 4 – Lighting Fundamentals

    • Understanding natural light

    • Golden hour shooting

    • Intro to continuous & flash lighting

  • Week 5 – Practical Shooting Session

    • Guided outdoor & indoor shoot

    • Directing simple poses

    • Shooting a mini portrait session

  • Week 6 – Editing & Retouching Basics

👉 Outcome: Students walk away confident using their cameras and producing polished photos.

Studio Photography Program (6 Weeks, 4 Hours/Week) – £799

A structured program covering studio shooting + editing in depth.

Course Outline:

  • Week 1 – Introduction to Studio Equipment & Setup

    • Types of lights & modifiers

    • Choosing the right backdrop

    • Camera settings for studio work

  • Week 2 – One-Light Mastery

    • Light positioning

    • Creating different moods with shadows

    • Practice session

  • Week 3 – Advanced Lighting (Two/three-Light & Creative Setups)

    • Fill light, rim light, hair light

  • Week 4 – Directing & Posing Clients

    • Working with kids, families, maternity, couples

    • Confidence-building techniques for clients

    • Flow posing

  • Week 5 – Studio Shoot (Practical Session)

    • Students conduct a live shoot with model(s)

    • Hands-on guidance

  • Week 6 – Editing & Retouching (Full Workflow)

    • Lightroom/Camera Raw ( colour grading)

    • Evoto Ai

    • Photoshop retouching (skin, eyes, frequency separation, dodge & burn)

    • Exporting for high-quality prints & social media

👉 Outcome: Students leave ready to handle professional portrait sessions.

Mentorship & Shadowing Program (Customised, 8 Weeks) – £999

For serious aspiring photographers who want close guidance.

Includes:

  • All modules from Beginner + Studio

  • Shadowing me on real client sessions (studio & events)

  • Hands-on assistance with lighting & posing

  • Full post-production training

    • Lightroom/camera raw workflow

    • Advanced  retouching (skin, composites, print prep)

  • Branding & Client Experience

    • How to make clients feel at ease

    • Delivering a luxury experience

  • Business & Marketing for Photographers

    • Pricing strategy

    • Social media branding

    • Portfolio building & presentation

  • Portfolio Review & Certificate of Completion

👉 Tailored to your goals, build skills, portfolio, and confidence.

What You’ll Gain

  • Confidence in using your camera & lighting

  • Skills to edit and retouch like a pro

  • Experience with real-world shoots

  • Knowledge to turn photography into a business

  • A community & mentor to guide your journey

📍 Location All training takes place at Donlarrie Captures Studio, Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Ready to Begin?

📅 Limited spaces each month book your training now.

Payment Plan Options

  • Full Payment (save 10%) – pay all at once and get a discount.

  • Split Payment – 50% deposit to secure your spot, balance due after your second session.

BOOK YOUR SPOT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need to have a professional camera to start?

No. We’ll teach you how to start with what you have, even if it’s just a phone or entry-level camera, and how to upgrade as you grow.

Yes! Editing is a major part of this training. You’ll learn Lightroom, Camera Raw, Evoto AI & Photoshop basics (and advanced if you choose the pro track).

Yes, we offer custom durations (like 6 weeks) depending on your needs.

Yes, all students receive a certificate of completion.

Yes, we include real hands-on practice, not just theory.

We’re based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Full address and parking details will be shared once your booking is confirmed.

BOOK YOUR SPOT