SUNDERLAND
PHOTOGRAPHY
GROUP

Upcoming Events

Urban Decay

Urban Decay

Saturday 26 July
Sunderland City Centre - 10am - 2 Hours
Michael Veitch
Explore the raw beauty of abandoned spaces and decaying urban landscapes in this photography meetup. Capture the texture, color, and history of forgotten buildings, rusting metal, and weathered surfaces as we dive into the art of urban decay. Whether you're a beginner or experienced photographer, join us for a creative outing to see the hidden charm of the city through your lens.
book now
£28      
Cemetery Photography Meetup

Cemetery Photography Meetup

Saturday 16 August
Chester Road, Sunderland - 10am - 2 Hours
Michael Veitch
Join us for a unique photography experience as we explore the beauty of a local cemetery. Capture the intricate details of historic headstones, the play of light and shadow, and the serene surroundings. This is a great opportunity to practice composition, storytelling, and explore themes of time and memory through your lens.
book now
£28      
Sunderland Architectural Meetup

Sunderland Architectural Meetup

Saturday 06 September
Sunderland Town Centre - 10am - 2 Hours
Michael Veitch
Discover the rich architectural heritage of Sunderland in this hands-on photography meetup! We'll explore a variety of stunning buildings, from modern structures to historic landmarks, focusing on capturing unique angles, textures, and details. This event is perfect for honing your composition and perspective skills while appreciating Sunderland's urban landscape. All experience levels are welcome!
book now
£28      

Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Saturday 27 September
Sunderland Town Centre - 10am - 3 Hours
Michael Veitch
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!

Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.

We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
book now
£72       5 places left
Street Photography

Street Photography

Saturday 18 October
Sunderland City Centre - 11am - 2 Hours
Michael Veitch
People, cafes, vendors, street merchants, buskers, historic buildings, art installations and much more. The power of observation underpins the art of great street photography. Learning to "see" interesting detail is a practised skill and we introduce you to easy methods that will open your photographer's eye and expose you to a world that is alive with detail. The most rewarding part of the class is learning how to approach interesting people and have them willingly pose for you.

We will also go over settings, focusing techniques and lens choices common to street photography to help us capture those random chance encounters.
book now
£28      
Urban Decay

Urban Decay

Saturday 08 November
Sunderland City Centre - 10am - 2 Hours
Michael Veitch
Explore the raw beauty of abandoned spaces and decaying urban landscapes in this photography meetup. Capture the texture, color, and history of forgotten buildings, rusting metal, and weathered surfaces as we dive into the art of urban decay. Whether you're a beginner or experienced photographer, join us for a creative outing to see the hidden charm of the city through your lens.
book now
£28      

Nearby Photography Groups

Learn Photography Basics Meetup

Learn Photography Basics Meetup

Saturday 19 July
Marton-in-Cleveland - 11am - 2 Hours
Middlesbrough Photography Group
Mark Taylor
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!

Join our "Learn Photography Basics" as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.

We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
book now
£28      
50mm Lens Meetup Challenge

50mm Lens Meetup Challenge

Saturday 02 August
Durham City Centre - 12pm - 2 Hours
Durham Photography Group
Nick Small
A big advantage of a 50mm lens in photography is its ability to capture images with a natural perspective much like how we see the scene and document those truthful moments unobtrusively in the environment. In this meet up we'll cover the advantages of using a prime lens and cover techniques to make the most of its versatility. We will zoom with our feet and let our 50mm lens see recognisable environments with fresh eyes.
book now
£28      
Beginner Photography Class

Beginner Photography Class

Saturday 02 August
Newcastle City Centre - 12:30pm - 3 Hours
Newcastle Photography Group
Jenny Vest
Ready to take your photography skills to the next level? Join Jenny for an engaging and hands-on beginner's photography class designed for amateur photographers. Whether you're using a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, this session will help you get the most out of your gear.What You will LearnHow Your Camera Works Gain confidence by understanding the key functions of your DSLR or mirrorless camera.Mastering the Exposure Triangle Learn how to balance ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to capture perfectly exposed shots.Creative Composition Techniques Discover how to use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to compose stunning images.Session DetailsWe'll kick off with a relaxed theory session over lunch and a drink in a local coffee shop, where we'll cover the foundational concepts. Afterward, we 2019ll put theory into practice, heading outdoors to either the park if the weather is kind or into the city centre if it is not.Note Please bring some money for refreshments. If you're travelling by metro, be sure to check for any closures, especially on match days, and plan extra travel time.
book now
£72       5 places left

Portraiture With Natural Light

Portraiture With Natural Light

Saturday 16 August
Marton-in-Cleveland - 1pm - 2 Hours
Middlesbrough Photography Group
Mark Taylor
This class is your time to learn and gain a proper understanding of Composition and the importance of light to help boost your photography skills.

We, as a class, will be photographing a model without any on-camera flash or strobe photography. Just the available light, we will walk through, troubleshoot, make adjustments and capture a portrait successfully.

We will also learn how to use light modifiers like a reflector to help capture appropriately exposed shots in not-so-great lighting

Please try and bring a model with you this could be a family member or a friend.
book now
£28      
Natural Light Portraits – Pirate Weekend

Natural Light Portraits – Pirate Weekend

Saturday 30 August
Whitby - 12:30pm - 2 Hours
Middlesbrough Photography Group
Mark Taylor
Step into the world of dramatic lighting and character-filled portraits at Whitby Pirate Weekend! This special Natural Light Portraits session is designed for photographers who want to capture striking portraits using only available light. With costumed pirates, historic ships, and the atmospheric backdrop of Whitby Harbour, this is the perfect setting to practice working with shadows, highlights, and storytelling in portrait photography.
book now
£28      
Beginner Photography Class

Beginner Photography Class

Saturday 06 September
Newcastle City Centre - 12:30pm - 3 Hours
Newcastle Photography Group
Jenny Vest
Ready to take your photography skills to the next level? Join Jenny for an engaging and hands-on beginner's photography class designed for amateur photographers. Whether you're using a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, this session will help you get the most out of your gear.What You will LearnHow Your Camera Works Gain confidence by understanding the key functions of your DSLR or mirrorless camera.Mastering the Exposure Triangle Learn how to balance ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to capture perfectly exposed shots.Creative Composition Techniques Discover how to use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to compose stunning images.Session DetailsWe'll kick off with a relaxed theory session over lunch and a drink in a local coffee shop, where we'll cover the foundational concepts. Afterward, we 2019ll put theory into practice, heading outdoors to either the park if the weather is kind or into the city centre if it is not.Note Please bring some money for refreshments. If you're travelling by metro, be sure to check for any closures, especially on match days, and plan extra travel time.
book now
£72      

I Shoot it, You Shoot it

I Shoot it, You Shoot it

Saturday 20 September
Marton-in-Cleveland - 12pm - 2 Hours
Middlesbrough Photography Group
Mark Taylor
This session, will have a wide variation of subjects and creative lighting. The idea is that you can see how I shoot a scene, and then you place your camera in position and shoot the same way. This is a very effective way to study and learn new techniques.
book now
£28      
Evening Street Photography

Evening Street Photography

Saturday 20 September
Newcastle Upon Tyne - 6pm - 2 Hours
Newcastle Photography Group
Jenny Vest
Join Jenny for an exhilarating street photography session in the city centre, where we'll kick off just before sunset to capture the magical golden hour and continue as the city lights up and its unique nocturnal energy comes alive. This is your chance to capture candid moments, fascinating characters, and the vibrant atmosphere of a Saturday evening all skill levels are welcome, so just bring your camera and your passion, and you'll discover new perspectives and hone your street photography skills with guidance and tips throughout this exciting urban adventure!
book now
£29       2 places left
Beginner Photography Class

Beginner Photography Class

Saturday 04 October
Newcastle City Centre - 12:30pm - 3 Hours
Newcastle Photography Group
Jenny Vest
Ready to take your photography skills to the next level? Join Jenny for an engaging and hands-on beginner's photography class designed for amateur photographers. Whether you're using a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, this session will help you get the most out of your gear.What You will LearnHow Your Camera Works Gain confidence by understanding the key functions of your DSLR or mirrorless camera.Mastering the Exposure Triangle Learn how to balance ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to capture perfectly exposed shots.Creative Composition Techniques Discover how to use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to compose stunning images.Session DetailsWe'll kick off with a relaxed theory session over lunch and a drink in a local coffee shop, where we'll cover the foundational concepts. Afterward, we 2019ll put theory into practice, heading outdoors to either the park if the weather is kind or into the city centre if it is not.Note Please bring some money for refreshments. If you're travelling by metro, be sure to check for any closures, especially on match days, and plan extra travel time.
book now
£72      

Autumn Photography Walk

Autumn Photography Walk

Saturday 18 October
Newcastle upon Tyne - 2pm - 2 Hours
Newcastle Photography Group
Jenny Vest
Join Jenny on this annual autumn wander through the breathtaking landscape of Jesmond Dene in Autumn. Let the season's vibrant hues and natural wonders inspire your creativity as you immerse yourself in the vivid colours and picturesque landscapes of one of the North East's most iconic locations. During this session you will learn about composition as well as how to use your camera on a tripod creatively to create soft, milky water effects. We'll also get up close to nature as we also search for interesting macro style photos.
book now
£29      
Street Photography at Night Halloween Edition

Street Photography at Night Halloween Edition

Friday 31 October
Whitby - 6pm - 2 Hours
Middlesbrough Photography Group
Mark Taylor
Join us for a spooky and exciting night of street photography! In this special Halloween-themed edition, we'll explore the streets after dark, capturing the eerie atmosphere, unique costumes, and vibrant energy of the night. Whether you're a beginner or more experienced, this session will help you sharpen your low-light photography skills while embracing the fun and creativity of Halloween. Don't forget your camera and a sense of adventure!
book now
£28      
Natural Light Portraits - Goth Weekend

Natural Light Portraits - Goth Weekend

Saturday 01 November
Whitby - 12pm - 2 Hours
Middlesbrough Photography Group
Mark Taylor
Capture the magic of Halloween with a special portrait photography session using natural light! This workshop will guide you through techniques for shooting striking portraits outdoors, making the most of soft, natural lighting and creative Halloween themes. Perfect for beginners and intermediate photographers, this session will help you enhance your skills in working with natural light and create hauntingly beautiful portraits. Bring your camera and get ready for some festive, spooky fun!
book now
£28      

Other Nearby Groups

Colour of Summer

Colour of Summer

Saturday 16 August
S Shore Rd, Gateshead - 11am - 2 Hours
Newcastle Watercolour Group
Stanley Ezeh
Join us for a relaxed session focused on exploring the vibrant hues of summer through watercolor. Bring your materials and enjoy experimenting with color.
book now
£28      
Self Portrait

Self Portrait

Saturday 13 September
S Shore Rd, Gateshead - 11am - 2 Hours
Newcastle Watercolour Group
Stanley Ezeh
Explore the art of self-portraiture as we learn to capture our unique features on paper. Bring your materials and let's create together!
book now
£28      
 Floral Painting

Floral Painting

Saturday 11 October
S Shore Rd, Gateshead - 11am - 2 Hours
Newcastle Watercolour Group
Stanley Ezeh
Join us for an event studying shapes, forms , contours,colours and textures of various lovely flowers!
book now
£28      

 Composition and Still Life Painting

Composition and Still Life Painting

Saturday 08 November
S Shore Rd, Gateshead - 11am - 2 Hours
Newcastle Watercolour Group
Stanley Ezeh
Learning and perfecting the best approach to take on still live paintings and compositions, especially the direction of light and how best to embellish the painting with light contrasts and shades.
book now
£28      
Cityscape Painting

Cityscape Painting

Saturday 13 December
S Shore Rd, Gateshead - 11am - 2 Hours
Newcastle Watercolour Group
Stanley Ezeh
Understanding the core formats to achieving an interesting Cityscape composition. Working on perspectives and best colours, tones and shades to apply at varying distances . Come join us!
book now
£28      
ABOUT SUNDERLAND
PHOTOGRAPHY
GROUP
Come along to our photo sessions to dust off your camera and get snap-happy with a professional photography instructor.

Brush up on your camera skills and learn new photography techniques whilst on a photo walk class with other local keen photographers!

We run two hour photography sessions based on a photography theme/technique/style and they take place in various locations in Sunderland.

  • New to photography? We also run a popular 3 hour Beginners Guide to Photography Class once a month. And once in a while we will run special niche 3 hour classes, for example, Astrophotography - so do subscribe to our newsletter to know when the next on is!

  • Who can attend? Open to all skill levels, from beginners to keen amateurs. The photography instructor is there to help you with camera settings and provide any advice you need.

  • What to bring? We recommend bringing a camera that has full manual mode or semi-manual modes (Aperture or Shutter Priority). Compact cameras and smartphones also welcome!

    The meeting point and full details for the day are sent in the booking confirmation email to the email address you provide at time of booking.

    Join the Sunderland Photography Group on Facebook to share your photos after the session.

    Got a question? Try our FAQ.
  • REVIEWS
    Meeting instructions clear, direction of the day clear, helpful course leader
    5/5
    Mrs H
    2025-06-16
    My first group photography event and I had a great time. The thought of doing street photography is quite daunting so it?s good that I did it with a group
    5/5
    Rophy
    2025-06-16
    Very interesting
    5/5
    Klaus
    2025-05-07

    An enjoyable exploration with fellow photographers looking at the ever delightful scenery in the back alleys of Sunderland (which was the intention so definitely urban decay) . Good to talk to fellow photographers and share experiences/stories. Thank You
    5/5
    Nick Small
    2025-05-05
    An excellent workshop. Mike knows his stuff, photography and local history . Would definitely recommend.
    5/5
    Stephen
    2025-05-05
    I really enjoyed the landscapes and seascapes photography walk. I learnt so much as well. Mike was really knowledgeable and gave me some great tips. It was lovely meeting the others at the event also.
    5/5
    Denise
    2025-03-15

    Good pace and clear focus. Mike gave us loads of time and tips.
    5/5
    Bernardo
    2025-03-03
    An enjoyable day and a good motivational session to get out and about with camera in hand actually looking for 'The Decisive Moment'. Talking about techniques and settings always means I can pick up new processes and methods to further my photography skills. A good morning out AND it didn't rain.
    5/5
    Nick
    2025-01-20
    Excellent workshop. Mike ready with advice when asked. Would definitely recommend.
    5/5
    Stephen
    2025-01-20

    Great day and I had a fantastic morning with Mike will definitely watch out for further events
    5/5
    Derek
    2024-07-29
    A good morning with Mike Veitch. He knows the city well and gave good advice when required. Unfortunately it was very windy and there were was not many people around but I still found it a useful workshop.
    5/5
    Stephen
    2024-01-22
    Really great session with Mike Veitch along the front at Roker and in Roker Park. It was good to talk about close-up, macro and micro photography and shares thoughts and ideas. We spent some very useful time working on composition of the image with Mike - fungus, flowers and textures of materials. Very well done for a great sessions. Thank you
    5/5
    Mike Peacock
    2023-11-13

    PHOTOGRAPHERS
    Michael Veitch
    Mike Veitch took up photography in 2010 when his mother upgraded her camera and gave him her old Canon 400D. Since then he has acquired a degree in Photography at the University of Sunderland and set up his own business. He has recently worked in the heritage sector, documenting the renovation of local heritage assets Hylton Castle and Sunderland Holy Trinity church with the local council and the Churches Conservation Trust.
    In his own practice, Mike likes to photograph landscapes of unloved places and those things generally ignored by most. His other interests and activities include history, mythology and failing to complete cryptic crosswords.
    PHOTOS
    Sunderland Photography Group
    2024-04-07
    Title or Location: Seaham Beach
    I like the minimalist in my images to tell a story. This image SOOC was not one of my finest. One of my passions is to create something out of nothing using post processing skills to complete the narrative for my viewers.
    Credit: Ken Fisher
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.fisher.547/

    Sunderland Photography Group
    2024-03-15
    Title or Location: Seaham Chemical Beach County Durham
    Photography taken on seaham Chemical recently whith moody sky and the wheels in Background just showing its a long exposure using sony A6600 And 10-18mm wide angle lens Whith ND 6stop filter
    Credit: George Bowe
    Sunderland Photography Group
    2024-03-09
    Title or Location: Seaham Beach
    I was inspired by the power of the sea and wind to create my take on the Adamski Effect to capture the essence of that power and drama.
    Credit: Ken Fisher

    Sunderland Photography Group
    2024-03-08
    Title or Location: Kielder reservoir
    Image taken 10.02.2022.NIKON D81020mm prime Settings:F3. 2S/S 15 secondsISO 1600I received a notification earlier in the day of possible strong auroral activity. Kielder is home to some of the darkest protected skies in the UK. As my weather apps were showing clear skies for this location (weather apps aren't always accurate!) , I made the 2 - 3 hour drive to this location and this time the apps were 100 correct. No sooner had I set up my camera and took some test shots, the auror
    Credit: Anthony Stephenson

    Sunderland Photography Group
    2024-03-08
    Title or Location: alnwick castle
    this was an image ive aiways wanted to take alnwick castle illuminated with the reflection in a very still river aln it had to be a pano shot to do it justice and it was so peaceful and blue hour was the perfect time to capture it hope you like it
    Credit: micky sullivan
    Facebook: micky sullivan
    Instagram: photojunkie68
    Sunderland Photography Group
    2024-03-01
    Title or Location: Chemical beach
    I got this photo but it was a bonus image id actually went to try Capture a different image but was unable to do so then this photo just presented itself the way the sun caught the swirling water i just had to take the shot and i ended up going home very happy and im definitely going back for more
    Credit: Micky Sullivan
    Facebook: Micky Sullivan
    Instagram: photographyjunkie68

    Christchurch Photography Group
    2025-07-17
    Title or Location: Monavale Gardens Christchurch NZ
    I had some time to spare before taking some family photos. The colours of these flowers definitely stood out to me and I have always liked threes....
    Credit: Monita Baird
    Facebook: Monitamayphotography
    Instagram: MonitaMayPhotography and monsmay

    Montreal Photography Group
    2025-07-17
    Title or Location: Lachine QC
    Whispers of the SkyA long-exposure photograph taken at the Lachine Canal in Montreal captures a serene lighthouse standing at the end of a pier, guiding silently over still waters. The sky above, alive with motion, streaks with ethereal clouds that stretch dramatically across the frame?painting a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere over this peaceful riverside scene.Tags:Lighthouse LongExposure Seascape SkyDrama PierPhotography CloudMovement WaterReflection TranquilScene LandscapePh
    Credit: David Ifrah
    Facebook: @david Ifrah
    Instagram: @davidsiphoto
    Geelong Photography Group
    2025-07-16
    Title or Location: Photo was taken in my studio. The subject was cut from a flowering tree in my back yard.
    This image is part of a series I did called 'Square Flowers'.
    Credit: Rod Howes
    Facebook: Rod Howes
    Instagram: RodHowes_archive

    Las Vegas Photography Group
    2025-07-16
    Title or Location: Back Yard, Las Vegas, NV
    I enjoy macro photography highlighting parts of everyday object wee usually overlook. In this picture, I noted the opening of the white rose petals to reveal the reds and oranges of the stamens and pistil against a golden glow formed from the light diffusing through the scene, like the opening of a painted paper fan.
    Credit: Lee Stahl
    Instagram: ig_fretless.photo

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