The goal of this course is to spark children’s interest and excitement in photography.
Together, we’ll learn how cameras work, explore aperture, shutter speed and ISO, and discover how photography can become a creative tool for expressing ideas, emotions and stories — a way to communicate with others.
The Course is designed for kids in home education age 8-15
Our Hastings hub is located @The Compound (161 Bexhill Rd, Hastings, Saint Leonards-on-sea TN38 8BG).
It is a fantastic venue, with both indoor and outdoor spaces available. We’ll move between an indoor space for theory and some quirky outdoor areas for practice.
WHERE ARE WE BASED
NOT FROM HASTINGS?
The course can come to your town :)
Hi, my name is Kate. I’m a photographer based in St Leonards, and I’m very curious about people and visual storytelling.
I feel like we all want to see the real human face behind the official cover. I love seeing different personalities, as it’s always magical and never the same.
I have a master’s degree in film directing and spent ten years working in the film industry. I use this experience—together with my knowledge of cinematic lighting, composition, storytelling and directing people in front of the camera—to create expressive, high-quality headshots that can support people in both their personal and professional lives.
Photography course for kids it’s a special passion of mine. I like seeing how my students discover their creativity and make friends.
I have lived in St Leonards for the last ten years and feel very fond of this town and its local community.
I’m proud to work closely with Hastings Museum, which supports the course by hosting our special guest masterclasses in the museum's main hall.
The Museum also hosts our final exhibition, where students present and celebrate the work they've created during the course.
We also visit Picnic, a photography space in St Leonards — a warm, welcoming hub with a wonderful photo book library, regular exhibitions and meet-ups. It gives students the chance to connect with the wider photography community.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN
STRUCTURE OF THE CLASS
Each session begins with an accessible introduction to a new idea,
followed by hands-on photography exercises and creative games.
CLASS SIZE
8-10 students per group (maximum)
HASTINGS HUB @The Compound
Photography course for kids in home education
March -June 2027
To secure your space for March-June 2027 course in Hastings please secure your space by paying £50 deposit via the button below and email me to katebutts007@gmail.com when you have done it -I’ll get back to you with conformation. If it’s your first course - you are GROUP 1. We have 8-10 spaces available for a group.
HELP TO BRING THIS COURSE TO YOUR TOWN
If you would like to sign in to the photography course but you’re not local to Hastings, don’t worry -
our photography course can travel across East Sussex.
This includes Brighton, Eastbourne, Bexhill, Ashford, Tunbridge Wells, Lewes and other East Sussex towns.
Please express your interest by filling in the form below. I’ll get in touch, and together we’ll find other families in your local area who are also interested in a photography course for their children.
Once we have enough interest, I’ll come to your town and run a photography course taster day. It will include lots of hands-on practice and give us an opportunity to meet each other and chat about the full course.
If ten students sign up for the full course, I’ll bring the complete programme to your community—so I travel to you instead of you travelling to Hastings.
How much is the course?
The 10-week course costs £320.
The price includes:
10 × two-hour in-person sessions in total
Use of photography and lighting equipment throughout the course
Access to a spare camera during sessions
Prints for the final exhibition
A final exhibition, either at a gallery in your town or at Hastings Museum
Two masterclass sessions at Hastings Museum with invited guest professional photographers
A visit to PICNIC, the photography hub in St Leonards (or the gallery in your town)
Access to the course Google Drive, with all learning materials and the group’s photographs, so students can see one another’s work between sessions
A WhatsApp group for course updates, reminders and practical coordination
Please note: for groups outside Hastings, an additional travel cost will be added.
Can I pay in two instalments?
Yes, you can pay half and half.
Do you have subsidised spaces?
This depends on funding. If funding is confirmed in January 2027, I will be able to offer discounts and/or free spaces.
Do I need a camera for my child?
Yes, your child will need access to a camera with manual settings. I will cover all the technical details during the taster day, including what kind of camera is suitable and where to buy one second-hand.
Good news — we do have one spare camera available on the course, and we are hoping to get more. Also, second-hand cameras are our friends!
Is it okay to stay with my child during the class?
Yes, if you feel it will help your child. Otherwise, the sessions are drop-off.
What if my child has special requirements?
I encourage parents to talk to me in advance about any concerns or needs, so we can make the course as comfortable and supportive as possible.
Does my child need previous photography experience?
No — just curiosity.
Group size
10 students
FAQ
TASTER SESSIONS
These taster sessions are an opportunity to meet the tutor and get a feel for the course.
Follow the link below to Hastings Museum for more info and bookings.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
