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Documentary Photography Courses

Documentary Photography Courses

Our Documentary Photography courses are perfect for photographers to develop their documentary storytelling and photojournalism and produce strong reportage work.

The main focus of our course is to produce a photo essay on a given theme, based on current affairs and social issues in London. Throughout the workshop, you will be mentored by our documentary photographer with significant curatorial experience who will guide you through hints, tips and practical advice.

Find out the latest news about all of our photography courses and classes and to chat with our past and present photography students. If you want to get to know other students, read tips and tricks from industry professionals, and get your own work reposted, follow City Academy on Instagram.

New to photography?

Before attending this course you will need a basic knowledge of aperture, camera lenses, shutter speed and ISO including exposure modes. If you’re new to photography, then you may find it helpful to sign up to one of our Beginner Courses first.

Introduction to documentary photography theory and a brief history

Popular styles and creative composition

Choosing a topical and interesting subject

Visual criticism, debates and new visual writings

Developing powerful storytelling

Ethics and safety while working in the field

Planning and building your portfolio for an exhibition or publication

Classes Starting Soon

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
22 Sep 2026
Tue
10:30-16:00
1 day
Richard Morgan
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
£150.00
04 Dec 2026
Fri
10:30-16:00
1 day
Richard Morgan
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
£150.00
22
Sep
22 Sep 2026
£150.00
Day:Tue
Time:10:30-16:00
Duration:1 day
Tutor: Richard Morgan
Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo
04
Dec
04 Dec 2026
£150.00
Day:Fri
Time:10:30-16:00
Duration:1 day
Tutor: Richard Morgan
Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo

Photography Studio in the Heart of Waterloo

Located in the heart of Waterloo, our fully equipped Photography Studio has everything you need to develop your skills, including studio lighting, backgrounds, cameras, tripods, props and more.

Step outside and you are surrounded by brilliant shoot locations, from the Southbank, Leake Street Arches and Lower Marsh Market to Waterloo Bridge, the Thames riverside and the bold architecture of the National Theatre. It is an ideal setting for exploring studio lighting, portraiture, street photography, architecture, composition and natural light, with the city providing a constantly changing backdrop for your work.

Photography Studio in the Heart of Waterloo

Do I need my own camera?

Please bring a mirrorless camera, a DSLR camera or a compact camera with full manual controls, your camera’s manual, a fully charged battery, an empty memory card, comfortable shoes and an external flash (if owned, we can supply them if not).  If you don’t have all of this please don't worry, we can provide all equipment as needed.

Want to learn more?

Many students use this course as a springboard to explore more specialised areas of photography. Whether developing a professional portfolio or simply refining your creative style, moving on to advanced classes allows you to deepen your technical skills, experiment with new genres, and produce work with even greater impact.

Browse Courses

You can filter Courses by month and tutor

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
22 Sep 2026
Tue
10:30-16:00
1 day
Richard Morgan
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
£150.00
04 Dec 2026
Fri
10:30-16:00
1 day
Richard Morgan
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
£150.00
22
Sep
22 Sep 2026
£150.00
Day:Tue
Time:10:30-16:00
Duration:1 day
Tutor: Richard Morgan
Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo
04
Dec
04 Dec 2026
£150.00
Day:Fri
Time:10:30-16:00
Duration:1 day
Tutor: Richard Morgan
Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo

PAYMENT OPTIONS

ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS

Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.
Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833.

CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS

Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 38 Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4RN
Cheque - You can also pay by cheque by filling out this form (click here) and posting it to the address above.

CANCELLATIONS POLICY

We offer a full refund or full credit if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend. Please note bookings are non-transferable after 72 hours.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)

10% DISCOUNT AVAILABLE

If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.

PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER SCHOOLS

Take your pictures to the next level with our five-day Photography Summer School. Gaining a further understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.

FIND OUT MORE
PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER SCHOOLS

FILMMAKING SUMMER SCHOOLS

Use state of the art filmmaking and post-production equipment to write, direct and edit a short film in the Adult Filmmaking Summer School

FIND OUT MORE
FILMMAKING SUMMER SCHOOLS
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
Closest Station: Waterloo
Closest Bus Stop: Imperial War Museum / Elephant & Castle / Newington Causeway

PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER SCHOOLS

Take your pictures to the next level with our five-day Photography Summer School. Gaining a further understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.

FIND OUT MORE
PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER SCHOOLS

FILMMAKING SUMMER SCHOOLS

Use state of the art filmmaking and post-production equipment to write, direct and edit a short film in the Adult Filmmaking Summer School

FIND OUT MORE
FILMMAKING SUMMER SCHOOLS

All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.

Richard Morgan
Richard Morgan

PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER SCHOOLS

Take your pictures to the next level with our five-day Photography Summer School. Gaining a further understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.

FIND OUT MORE
PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER SCHOOLS

FILMMAKING SUMMER SCHOOLS

Use state of the art filmmaking and post-production equipment to write, direct and edit a short film in the Adult Filmmaking Summer School

FIND OUT MORE
FILMMAKING SUMMER SCHOOLS