London Institute of Photography Reviews 

I recently attending the LIoP complete foundation four day course at their school at The Truman Brewery. Prior to the course my technical knowledge around cameras and photography was very limited. I learnt so much in such a short space of time, the content was pitched at a good level for the range of experience in the room and comprehensive enough to arm us with the knowlege needed to make the most of our cameras. I found the balance between classroom study and location practical exercises just right, with the surrounding Shoreditch area offering lots of great subject matter. Less than one week on from starting the course I'm already out putting together photography portfolios and editing them using the LightRoom suite skills learnt on the course. Thanks for all your help Holger!

I gave the LiOP a 5 star review because the course really was eye opening for me. I took the Beginners Photography course and truthfully learned a lot, even after watching some photography videos on YouTube. This is because the course is very hands on. You are constantly practising with your camera, building up muscle memory. In the course you are given scenarios, what you are trying to achieve in a shoot and then what settings you would use to achieve the desired photo. For me the homework on the 1st night using the elements for the triangle of exposure was the 'light bulb' moment, showing me what you can achieve and the control you have with your camera. It's a very well developed and professionally delivered course. The focus of the LiOP is truly on the client to help them in achieving their goals whether it's a basic understanding of manual photo mode or those that are looking at a career in photography. I would truly recommend the courses that the LiOP have for anyone with an interest in photography and wanting to further develop their skills or increase their contacts in the photography community

I have so far taken the Complete Foundation course, and cannot recommend it highly enough. Super well organised, very clear content and a lovely balance between technical content (learning to use the camera manually) and aesthetic / conceptual ideas. I have learned so much in a short space of time and now feel like I am working with, not against the camera.

I attended the complete Foundation Photography Course thinking it was high time I knew how to use manual mode properly on my camera and to learn something about how to take some good photographs. We had four intense but thoroughly enjoyable days with a nice mixture of classroom and location work, being set assignments and reviewing our work. It was thoroughly enjoyable and delivered in a warm, welcoming and professional way. Hope to go back for more once I've mastered what I've learnt which includes, using manual mode!

I had an amazing experience at the London Institute of Photography. I completed the flexible Professional Photography course in 2022, I found the course was really well structured and executed. The teaches for each module had immense knowledge, they were kind and patient with all students in our small classes. Starting the course I enjoyed street and documentary photography, I came out of it with a new found love for fashion photography after enjoying planning our own shoot, then shooting in the studio using the equipment. An amazing hands on experience. I would 100% recommend this course to anyone at any stage of their photography journey.

I attended the full Professional Photography Course (PPC) from November 2022 until February 2023. I enjoyed every module and teacher very much, while supported by the Director, Holger Pooten, at every step. The LIoP is where you can find a positive environment to learn and practice digital photography together in small groups of students, which allows to have a constant guidance and improved experience. I highly recommend short and longer courses at LIoP!

Liop has really helped me learn the ropes in photography and the course are well taught by professionals. I’d recommend their courses to anyone!

I recently completed the full time Professional Photography Course at LIoP, it was an amazing experience which balanced practical and theory driven learning very well. The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable, interesting and perhaps most importunely interested in what you have to say, giving invaluable feedback throughout the process. I started out as a complete beginner and now have a working knowledge of many key aspects of the industry.

The way Holger managed to explain such a complex subject as photography to complete beginners in the simplest terms with vivid examples is just amazing. Everything started to make sense after the 4-day course. The strong connection between the course and the local community is also interesting. Not only have I become more confident and skilled in handling the camera, but I have also gained a new perspective on observing life, which I believe is one of the most valuable sources of creativity. *It is worth noticing that there sure are courses targeting more advanced and professional students as well, so something for everyone really.

If you are thinking of taking a photography course, THIS IS THE ONE!! Holger was the best tutor making sure everything is understood. I have spent a few years trying to understand the exposure triangle and Holger has explained it to never leave my brain again. So much hands one experience in the heart of Brick Lane. Was given detailed feedback throughout the course and just a really amazing experience. Will definitely be returning to take more courses. Thank you Holger for giving me lifelong learning and putting me on my photographic journey.

I recently did the full time Professional Photography Course at LIoP and cannot recommend it highly enough. If you're thinking about going into photography professionally and are looking for a practical, creative and intense course that won't break the bank, and will prepare you for the real working world then this is 100% the course for you.

The course provides the perfect balance of creative assignments, technical assistance and photography theory. Joining as a complete beginner, the course/tutors exposed me to many amazing photographers and work, gave me the confidence and tools to develop my own style, provided extensive technical support and lighting tutorials, as well as numerous practical photoshoots outside and in the studio.

It was a super engaging and all-consuming experience. For 10 weeks all I thought about from morning to night was Photography. This is down to all the inspiring teachers, and amazing founder Holger, who are all so knowledgable and supportive!

What I thought was particularly special about this course, is that is designed to prepare you for the working world. I graduated film school 8 years ago and felt very unprepared and confused about how the industry works. Holger shared so much industry knowledge and experience, giving us priceless tips and insights, which higher education fails to equip students with.

Thank you to LIoP and the other students on the course! I will remember the experience very fondly.

I did the fulltime Professional Photography Course. It provides a broad and comprehensive base, highly valuable insights from the faculty (who are excellent) and a great team of fellow students to share experience and ideas with. Each aspect of the course is taught by experts who are leading professionals currently very active in that area.

For me the theoretical and practical experience building a good knowledge of lighting and its use were really good.

The highly interactive interactive nature of the face to face tuition and field work are really good. There are options to do it part time and our class were joined on different weeks by individuals doing that and they were well integrated and a great addition to the group.
The location in Brick Lane is excellent.

I just finished the professional photography course and it was fantastic! I really cannot recommend it enough to anybody who loves photography, particularly if you are considering doing it professionally. The director Holger has compressed his learnings and experience from a successful photography career into just ten weeks - which will not only save you lots of time, but also orient your career in a way you probably could not by yourself. The lessons cover everything from just enough theory, lots of practice and amazing practical tips - the photography careers module was so insightful and relevant, I don’t think you could get that on another course. Student will finish the course with a great body of work, a website and a printed portfolio, ready to go. But the most important thing to mention is that everybody from the staff is deeply passionate about photography and wants to see students succeed - I’ve had more than one teacher go way beyond the course in giving me advice on how to set up a shoot, give feedback on projects and which equipment to buy. Also, when the course finishes, people are still available for follow up questions as you start your first jobs. Best decision ever!!

I have heard LIoP a number of times from people in the creative industry, and finally, I took the Complete Foundation Photography Course to gain a strong foundation.
First, the tutor, Holger, is a recognised professor who truly cares about us students and makes details understood easily with demonstrations and case studies. In this course, I learnt how to properly use DSLR and mirrorless cameras and find concepts to create photography that tells stories and essential Adobe Lightroom. And was inspired by the example of legendary photographers and artists that made my studies exciting. Moreover, the lunchtime assignments and homework encouraged us to be productive!
This is a brilliant institution and highly recommended, and I can't wait to take more courses!

I can't recommend LIOP's Professional Photography Course enough! I studied the flexible option so I could work as well as study. The course pushes you and covers a lot. In a relatively short space of time they took me from not being able to take a shot in focus to shooting fashion and portrait photographs in studio environments. The best thing about the course is the incredible teachers, who are so knowledgeable, generous with their time and make you feel incredibly supported as well as being really inspiring photographers themselves. The school creates a really supportive learning environment and I loved meeting so many students too. I loved it! Wish there was a PPC 2 to progress to!

The course overall was an amazing experience. Teachers have been in the field for a long time and definitely know what they're talking about. Every teacher helps you every step of the way if you need it.
If you have been thinking about taking this course, this is your sign to absolutely go for it!

Best experience I’ve ever had & best teachers

One of the best decisions I have ever made in my life was attending LIOP to study the professional photography course.

I started out as a complete beginner and after only 10 weeks I can confidently say I’m ready to work as a professional.

Holger Pooten and his team of highly qualified professionals taught with such passion and care that I was able to grow in a way I never imagined possible. With high attention to every detail and catering to each student and their personal style, there was a sense of freedom and encouragement I have not experienced at any other institution I’ve studied in. I walk away with not only great knowledge, a portfolio I’m proud of but also a family I’ve been welcomed into.

I attended the PPC (Professional Photography Course) over the course of 9 months using the 'Flex' option. I could not rate this course highly enough. This course is so much more than just a course about the technical aspects of photography. While those aspects are comprehensively covered, this course is designed to set you up for a professional career in photography.

All tutors are all professionals in the industry with great experience in a variety of specialisations. Great teachers that pay great attention to your progress and that you are learning and improving as a photographer with constant feedback (constructive and positive).

The mentoring sessions are an added bonus and really helped develop my personal style and provided me with the right direction needed to improve. Be prepared to be challenged (in the right way) and to really push yourself on this course. You will really discover your personal style and be provided with the direction needed to apply that style to the industry and ultimately make a living from your passion.

Completing the PPC at LIoP in ten weeks has for me been an amazing journey. It has provided me with the tools and skills to move on as a photographer and has made me believe in my abilities to establish myself in the world of photography.

The course is a mix of day and evening classes covering different types of photography. The photography modules (daytime) consists of a good mix of theory and shooting in practice. The evening classes are more sort of supportive subjects, but they are very valuable and provide essential knowledge and skills for a photographer.

The 10 weeks' PPC is a demanding course and to gain the full benefits from it, you must be able to invest quite a lot of time. There will be weekly assignments, homework, and the personal project that should lead to your portfolio. Thus, there is much to do in addition to the classes and ideally you should be able to dedicate most of your time during the 10 weeks to the course. Then it really pays.