Business Details
31 Years
experience
Professional Photography Training in Bournemouth
Established in 1995, First Point Photography stands as a contemporary photographic studio rooted in Bournemouth, Dorset. We specialise in delivering professional photography services encompassing portraiture, weddings, newborn photography, advertising, and product photography. Our team of formally trained photographers brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the craft, ensuring each client receives tailored attention and exceptional results. As a City & Guilds Assured training provider, we are proud to offer some of the UKs most comprehensive photography courses, accredited by both the Skills & Education Group and City & Guilds. Our training programs, including certificates in wedding, portrait, and newborn photography, are designed to equip aspiring photographers with hands-on experience and industry-recognised qualifications.We prioritise practical learning, enabling students to build robust portfolios and confidently navigate diverse photography scenarios. Beyond our courses, we maintain a commitment to fostering creativity and technical mastery, evident in our portfolio of work and the testimonials of our students. Our studios reputation as a centre of excellence is reinforced by our ELCAS approval, supporting UK Armed Forces members in their photographic education. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of service, from capturing lifes significant moments to mentoring the next generation of photographers. With over 25 years of expertise, we remain committed to innovation, client satisfaction, and the art of photography.
Services
Wedding Photography
Portrait Photography
Newborn Photography
Photography Courses
Product Photography
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We are a City & Guilds Assured training provider with 28 years of industry experience.
- Our courses combine hands-on practice with real-world photography scenarios.
- Students receive accredited qualifications from Skills & Education Group and City & Guilds.
- Flexible payment options with a 100% non-refundable deposit to secure places.
- We offer ongoing mentorship and support even after course completion.
Associations and certifications
- City & Guilds
- Skills & Education Group
- ELCAS
What people say
Exceeded all my hopes
Fantastic course and great teachers
Invaluable help from staff
Confidence in skills
Well-structured program
Services
Wedding Photography Course
Our City & Guilds-accredited wedding photography course offers intensive hands-on training with real models. Students learn lighting techniques, composition, and client management. Ideal for amateurs seeking professional skills, the course includes mentorship and portfolio development.
Portrait Photography Course
This advanced portrait course covers studio setups, lighting control, and posing techniques. Delivered by experienced photographers, it prepares students for commercial portraiture. Includes access to professional equipment and post-processing instruction for polished results.
Newborn Photography Course
Specialised training in newborn and toddler photography, focusing on safety and creative styling. The curriculum includes lighting, prop usage, and client communication. Graduates gain a SEG Level 3 Certificate and practical experience with real families.
Photography Mentorship
Post-course mentorship provides ongoing guidance via phone or studio visits. Tailored advice covers business strategies, technical challenges, and portfolio refinement. Designed to support graduates in launching or advancing their photography careers with confidence.
Product Photography Service
Professional product photography for e-commerce and advertising. Our team captures high-resolution images with precise lighting and styling. Services include image editing and format optimisation, ensuring products stand out in competitive markets.
People
Paul Brook
Owner
Paul Brook founded First Point Photography in 1995, bringing decades of industry experience. He leads training courses and shares expertise in wedding and portrait photography, mentoring students to achieve professional success.
Stacey Jones
Digital Manipulation Instructor
Stacey Jones specialises in post-processing techniques, teaching advanced Photoshop skills. Her patient approach helps students refine images and develop efficient editing workflows for commercial projects.
Questions
Are your photography courses accredited?
Yes, our courses are accredited by City & Guilds and the Skills & Education Group, ensuring industry-recognised qualifications.
What photography services do you offer?
We specialise in weddings, portraits, newborn photography, product shoots, and advertising campaigns with professional results.
How are deposits paid for courses?
A 100% non-refundable deposit is required over the phone to secure your course place, with the balance paid on day one.
Do you offer mentorship after courses?
Yes, ongoing mentorship is available via phone or in-studio sessions to support your photography career development.
Is work experience included?
Selected courses include optional work experience, allowing hands-on practice with studio operations and client projects.
Reviews (5)
Shaun Dunphy
May 16, 2021
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I recently did a three day photography studio course with First Point Photography and learned some useful new skills. Training, guidance and feedback from both Paul and Alice were very good. Great studio set up!
Martinwhynot
Mar 15, 2021
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Excellent Photography Training
I attended a Level 3 City & Guilds Award with First Point in November 2020. I arrived a novice and left confident in my abilities within the art of photography. Now months later, emerging out of our COVID lockdown, the foundations given to me by First Point Photography have put me on the start of my new career. There is always something to learn and this was a highly enjoyable learning experience delivered by Paul, Alice and the team.
I attended a Level 3 City & Guilds Award with First Point in November 2020. I arrived a novice and left confident in my abilities within the art of photography. Now months later, emerging out of our COVID lockdown, the foundations given to me by First Point Photography have put me on the start of my new career. There is always something to learn and this was a highly enjoyable learning experience delivered by Paul, Alice and the team.
Josh Deacon
May 24, 2020
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Really friendly and took some shots of ideas we asked for too. Picture quality was amazing. Will 100% use again
Dicky Davies
Nov 23, 2019
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I have just done the two week advanced Wedding and Portrait course and II definately recommend it. If you want a practical hands on course that teaches you what you need to know to get up and running as a small business, without more academic stuff than necessary then this is for you. At the end of the course you will get a City and Guilds assured crest to go on your social media, which helps you stand out from the crowd. Lovely people, nice relaxed atmosphere. 5 stars
Beth Wilson
Aug 31, 2019
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I did a 3 week course in Advanced Wedding and Portrait Photography + Digital Manipulation with First Point Photography earlier this year. Its fair to say when I walked through the door I was a novice but by the end of my 3 weeks I had learnt so much I felt confident enough to throw myself into my own photography business. Ive just booked my 20th wedding and I wouldnt have been able to do so without all the progress I made whilst at First Point Photography.
Paul, Danny, Sarah and the models were all professional, friendly and patient (seriously patient!) and made learning enjoyable. Id
Paul, Danny, Sarah and the models were all professional, friendly and patient (seriously patient!) and made learning enjoyable. Id
