10 Week Creative Introduction to Photography
Events List
Monday 19th January | 6:00 pm to Monday 30th March | 8:00 pm
A LIVE Lit & Phil Event | £120
Xander Armstrong | Photograph by Donna-Lisa Healy
Monday 19th January to Monday 30th March 2026 | 6pm-8pm
(no session on 23rd February)
BEGINNERS PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE
with Fine Art Photographer Donna-Lisa Healy
A 10-Week Creative Introduction to Photography
Mondays 6pm-8pm
Cost: £120 payable at first session. Places strictly limited to 10. Pre-booking essential.
To register an interest in the course please contact the Lit and Phil, telephone 0191 232 0192.
Or, contact our desk team at library@litandphil.org.uk
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Learn how to see the world, how it looks different through the lens.
This hands-on, conversation-led course will guide you through the fundamentals of photography — from camera basics and composition to portraits, use of light, editing and personal projects.
Perfect for absolute beginners, or anyone wanting to explore their creative voice in a supportive, inspiring environment.
Sessions include demonstrations, short talks, guided exercises, group discussion, and weekly creative challenges
What You’ll Learn
• Understanding your camera
• Light, exposure & the essentials
• Composition and visual storytelling
• Portraiture
• Editing basics (Lightroom & mobile apps)
• Creative techniques
• Building a personal mini-project
“Photography is not about the camera — it’s about seeing.”
About Your Tutor
Donna-Lisa Healy is a fine art photographer known for her approach of portraiture through engaged conversation and empathy. She also adores atmospheric locations that help to reveal the deep inner life and loves of the sitter. She served as Photographer in Residence at the Lit & Phil, where she created a significant body of work capturing the spirit of the library and the people who shape its cultural life.
Her portraits include many notable writers, broadcasters and performers, such as Melvyn Bragg, Alexander Armstrong, Sir Derek Jacobi, Kate Adie, Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves and Mari Hannah. Her work has been featured in exhibitions, publications and creative commissions across the North East, with a style rooted in study of the history of portraiture both in photography and painting.
Disclaimer: Alexander Armstrong will not be taking part in this course. This photograph has been used to demonstrate the photography skills by Photographer Donna-Lisa Healy.