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The Victorian Doll's House: Lighting on Location with Gavin Hoey

2nd August 2026

The Victorian Doll's House: Lighting on Location with Gavin Hoey

A hands-on workshop with Gavin Hoey that takes you beyond theory and into beautifully crafted, story-driven shooting in a sumptuous period setting

DATE& TIME

2 August 2026, 11:00–17:00

REGION

Hertfordshire

GROUP

12

Five things that don't apply to a UK day event.

Fees

or pay in three interest-free via PayPal

*

33% deposit secures your place. Two further payments before the event.

*

Lunch & refreshments included for full-day attendees.

*

Small group setting for a more focused, hands-on experience.

deposit secures your place

THE WORKSHOP

A hands-on workshop with Gavin Hoey that takes you beyond theory and into beautifully crafted, story-driven shooting in a sumptuous period setting

This is The Victorian Dollshouse Lighting Workshop, our whimsical world, where miniature details inspire maximum artistry. Led by renowned photographer Gavin Hoey, this hands-on workshop takes you beyond theory and into beautifully crafted, story-driven shooting.


Soft, airy and delicately ethereal, the set features lace, flowing crinoline, parasols and painterly tones, it's the perfect canvas to shape and refine your light. This isn't just about watching, it's about shooting! You’ll explore a range of lighting setups throughout the day, experiment with direction and softness, and build depth and mood while photographing an exquisitely styled model in a sumptuous period setting.


In a small group you'll get real shooting time, and direct feedback from Gavin throughout. Ask questions, test ideas, and leave with techniques you can truly use.

Gavin Hoey

YOUR EDUCATOR

Gavin Hoey

Featured tutor · Lighting director

One of the UK's most recognised photography educators, Gavin's YouTube channel reaches a global audience of over half a million photographers. He has been teaching lighting and storytelling for two decades, writing for Amateur Photographer and presenting at The Photography Show.


Gavin directs the lighting plan and works one-to-one with each photographer through every setup. Technical, methodical, and unfailingly generous with his time.

Styled models & sets

Professionally styled models sets for all half-day or full-day sessions with dedicated models on each set.

Lunch & refreshments

A buffet style lunch with the team gives a welcome break for full-day attendees to reset, review pictures, and prepare for the afternoon sessions. Tea, coffee and pastries throughout the day for all guests.

Aftercare & community

A place in our community groups to share images and support fellow photographers in celebrating the best events shots, and stay in touch long after the event. 

1-to-1 shooting time

With group sizes of only 3-4 so you will enjoy plenty of dedicated time within your group to shoot 1-to-1 with agency level models on each set. Never a scrum for position - paparazzi style shooting is strictly forbidden.

Direct access to a Lighting Director

To help your build confidence, every event kicks off with a full kit demo covering lighting and camera settings relevant for the event aesthetic. Lighting directors are always on-hand to take questions throughout the day if required.

Full lighting kit

Multi-light rig with a selection of modifiers to help you craft the perfect shots. You bring a camera, we provide the rest.

What's included

Everything except your camera.

Optional · we have these on hand

Tripod

Not required, most setups will be hand-held. Bring one if you prefer.

Reflectors / diffusers

Bring your own if you want to.

Laptop or Tablet

If you want to download and edit on the go! 

A notebook and pen

Always a good idea to jot down what works well, and what doesn't.

Essentials

One camera body

Any system; full-frame, APS-C or micro four-thirds, film or digital. All welcome.

 

Two prime lenses

50mm and 85mm strongly recommended. A fast standard zoom (24-70mm) works too.

 

Two memory cards

64GB+ each. You'll shoot 400–600 frames.

 

Spare camera battery

One spare is plenty for the day. If staying for the weekend, don't forget your chargers!

What to bring

A short kit list. That's all.

*****

"The models were styled to an exceptionally high standard and the location was extraordinary, a gilded palace. Every aspect of their events is done to an exceptionally high standard."

Gehenna Photography · Past attendee

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