NEW: Spark To Art with Jonathan Vaines

This is a series I've been really excited to discuss and prepare with Jonathan, as it combines so much of what we love on Camversation! Namely someone who is really passionate about sharing their work and approaches, in such an enthusiastic and supportive way to inspire you to create yourselves! - Mark

BRAND NEW: From Spark To Art with Jonathan Vaines (6-Part Series)

We're thrilled to welcome Jonathan Vaines for a brand new, 6-part in-depth talk series. He is one of the most technically brilliant and requested presenters on Camversation, and it's a real pleasure to be working with him!

Many of you know Jonathan as a true multiple exposure specialist. His work is a wonderful fusion of an engineer's technical mind and an artist's creative eye, resulting in his beautiful, vibrant, and painterly wall art.

In this complete 6-part Camversation series, Jonathan shares his creative approaches - from the initial spark of an idea, through his in-camera techniques, all the way to the final, emotional print.

This is not a traditional 'how-to' workshop. This is a series of inspirational talks designed to spark your own creativity, make you think inside the box, and prompt you to try new things. Jonathan wants you to see your camera as a magic box, a tool for wizards and to get excited about what you can create.

This is your chance to explore the creative 'why' behind the technical 'how' from a true expert of the craft.

Your 6-Part Creative Journey

This series is structured in three 2-session blocks, each building on the last. It has been designed to inspire you with new ideas that you can explore in your own time.

[Part 1: 8th July 2026 / Part 2: 29th July, 2026]

Part 1 & 2: The In-Camera Foundations This is where the magic begins. Before you even touch a computer, Jonathan will explain how he unlocks his camera as an artistic tool. From the very first presentation you'll be seeing award-winning images. In this block, Jonathan will explore:

• How to unlock your camera as an artistic tool, from in-camera Multiple Exposures to different uses of light.

• Seeing and using bold, vibrant colour for energy.

• Finding artistic compositions that tell a story.

• How to stay motivated by working on creative themes and cohesive sets of images.

  
  

[Part 3: 26th August, 2026 / Part 4: 16th September, 2026]

Part 3 & 4: Post-Processing & The Personal Aspects The camera captures the elements, but post-processing can help to tell the story. This block covers how Jonathan's in-camera plan can be enchanted in the edit. This block will cover:

• The creative thinking behind his post-processing (it's not just about layers!).

• How he shoots in-camera with the final edit already in mind (like using focus to make Photoshop's job easier).

• Practical and creative approaches to focus stacking—always done handheld!

• Using photography to express personal feelings and emotions—from sets on 9/11 and Ukraine, to finding calm.

• Personal insights on how this slow, mindful approach to photography can be essential for mental well-being.

  
  

[Part 5: 11th November, 2026 & 2nd December, 2026]

Part 5 & 6: The Final Print & Building a Body of Work The series concludes by bringing everything together to reinforce how you will see your ideas grow, how you (as a photographer) can develop your own style and shift into a world of art. This final block covers:

• Shooting with a clear objective, understanding your final product before you even press the shutter.

• The 'slow photography' approach to building a cohesive body of work.

• The practical considerations for printing, including how to choose the ideal paper to bring your wall art to life.

  
  

This is your chance to be inspired, see a huge range of stunning images, and learn to 'think inside the box' from a true expert of the craft.

EACH TALK WILL BE RECORDED AND MADE AVAILABLE FOR TWO MONTHS AFTER THE FINAL SESSION.

Your Ticket Options (Optional Slides)

As an optional extra, you can also purchase the complete set of Jonathan's presentation slides. This is designed to be a companion to the live workshops, giving you a permanent, downloadable reference filled with his beautiful artwork and key concepts.

You have two ticket options when booking:

• Sessions Only (£36): This gives you live access to all 6 workshops, plus the full recordings.

• Sessions + Slides (£66): This gives you live access, the recordings, AND the complete 6-part PDF slide deck collection to keep forever.