Rachel Southard Photography

One week until we explore Newport city centre with our cameras!

One of the first things we learn in street photography is that 'less is more.'

You don't need heavy zoom lenses or a bag full of accessories to capture great urban stories. On Saturday 15th August, we’ll focus on getting maximum creative output using simple gear and sharp observation skills.

Do you usually shoot with a single fixed lens, or do you prefer the flexibility of a zoom?

Sat 15th August | 11am – 1pm | Newport City Centre

Book here:https://newportphotographygroup.co.uk/

August in Roath Park is a visual feast—lush botanical gardens, buzzing rose beds, and open lake views.

Join us on Saturday 29th August, 11am - 1pm, for an outdoor photography session designed to help you capture the true essence of high summer.
This class forms part of our ongoing 4 Seasons Project, where we're documenting the changing year for an exciting collaborative exhibition early next year.

No technical stress, no rigid rules—just practical guidance on framing, light, and composition in a supportive environment.

Bring your camera or phone, and feel free to bring the kids along for a creative Saturday morning park walk!

Photo Tip: Get close to the roses! Use a wide aperture (or "Portrait Mode" on a smartphone) to isolate a single vibrant flower petal while blurring out the green leaves behind it.

What colours in the park feel uniquely like late August compared to early spring?

Spaces are open now—book your place today at:https://cardiffphotographygroup.co.uk/

Behind every great local business is a face, a story, and a passion.

But so often on LinkedIn or websites, that face is hidden behind a generic avatar, a cropped holiday photo, or a ten-year-old headshot.

When people look at your business portrait, they aren't looking for a flawless, robotic corporate model.

They are looking for someone they can trust, talk to, and do business with.

That’s why I love taking professionals out into their favourite parks, surrounded by greenery, the corporate guard drops.

We get to capture genuine warmth and approachability without any awkward, rigid posing. It’s amazing what a little fresh air can do for your professional confidence.

When was the last time you actually updated your professional headshot?

Newport city centre offers a fantastic blend of old brickwork, modern steel, and vibrant street life.

On Saturday 15th August (11am-1pm), we’re taking advantage of that variety.

We’ll be practicing how to use light and contrast to isolate subjects in busy areas, helping you create photos that look clean and intentional rather than messy.

Got a specific question about shooting in public? Drop it in the comments!

Do you prefer your city shots to be crisp and bright, or are you drawn to dark, moody shadows?

Sat 15th August | 11am – 1pm | Kingsway Centre, Newport

Book here: https://newportphotographygroup.co.uk/

Ever scrolled through your business camera roll and felt like your photos just don't match the quality of your services?

You don't need a high-end camera setup in your office to create professional, eye-catching visual content—you just need to know how to get the most out of the smartphone already in your pocket.

How much easier would your weekly marketing be if you could snap high-impact visuals on the go?

Join me and Neil Lloyd from Zokit. on Friday, 4th September (10am–12pm) at Roath Park Lake for a relaxing, skill-building walk designed for business owners and hobbyists alike!

We'll start with simple camera theory, put it into practice around the lake, and finish with optional networking over lunch at the Terra Nova Café (Food and drinks are purchased individually).

Open to Zokit members & non-members!

🎟️ Book your spot: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/smartphone-photography-class-tickets-1992938092483

Last Friday, Craig and I took a step back from our busy routine and spent the afternoon on Instant Happiness - The Happiness Tour - Cardiff with Nisha Harichandran.

It was the perfect blend of local culture, mindfulness, and relaxed connection:

• Cultural curiosity: We kicked off at Cardiff Castle, taking in the Welsh love spoon displays (including the largest and smallest ones!).

• A rare dietary win: We grabbed a treat from —and as someone who stays away from gluten and dairy, finding a GF/DF lemon Welsh cake that actually tastes amazing was a high point.

• Grounding in nature: A slow story walk through Bute Park helped us pause and notice things we usually walk right past, like the park’s outdoor musical instruments.

• Mindful focus: We took a break for drinks and a crochet workshop with the ever patient George. Focusing on learning a new skill was an incredible way to quiet a racing mind and stop those thousand-a-minute thoughts.

• Connecting through kindness: We wrapped up by Alexandra Gardens and the Temple of Peace, sharing stories of kindness in a warm, welcoming environment that put us both completely at ease.

Clocking in over 6,000 steps, it was a gentle reminder that when life feels overwhelming or tiring, taking time out to reset isn't just nice—it's essential. By the end of the 6,000 steps, we felt re-energised, relaxed, and far less anxious.

If you’re looking to step away from daily stress and recharge, I highly recommend checking out their next tour.

In the hustle of daily routines, we rarely get the chance to sit down and talk deeply about the stories that move us.

That’s why our September MMMH meetup is all about "Mindfulness in Reading."

Joining Nisha and myself at the Millennium Centre isn't about reviewing a complex book; it's about sharing wisdom and sparking new ideas through shared passages.

Bring your marked book, a notebook for recommendations, and an open mind.

Do you find it easier to get lost in fiction, or do you prefer life-changing non-fiction?

Book your spot: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1994685910253?aff=oddtdtcreator

Mindfulness in Reading - A Book Club Social Come & join us for some creative expression, shared wisdom, and deep conversation around your favourite book.

A massive thank you to everyone who joined us at Cwmcarn Forest on July 25th!

We couldn't have asked for a better morning. Between the golden sunlight filtering through the trees, the cool summer breeze, and that serene, grounded quiet that only the forest can bring, it was a truly special chapter in our 4 Seasons Project.

Watching everyone slow down, take a breath, and tune into the subtle details—from the rushing water to the towering canopy—was an absolute joy. You brought fantastic energy, creative eyes, and great vibes to the woods!

If you loved capturing the wild peace of the forest, or if you missed out and want to catch the tail-end of the summer glow, we’ve got two brilliant upcoming classes ready for booking:

🌆 Newport Street Photography Class
Date: 15th August
Location: Newport City Centre
Book here: newportphotographygroup.co.uk

🌿 Late Summer Nature Photography Class

Date: 25th August

Location: Roath Park, Cardiff

The Vibe: Peaceful, vibrant, and botanical! We’ll be exploring the gorgeous floral displays, lake reflections, and park wildlife as summer reaches its peak.
Book here: cardiffphotographygroup.co.uk

Thank you again for making our Cwmcarn session so wonderfull.

Keep practicing those framing tips, keep looking closer at the world around you, and we’ll see you on the next adventure!

There is something dynamic about shifting how you see the world—whether that’s chasing the rich greens of late summer or finding dramatic shadows in black and white.

Over August and September, we’ve put together a incredible lineup of hands-on classes across Cardiff and Newport.

We’re covering everything from our Four Seasons summer nature trails and street photography to abstract views, classic black and white, and architectural details in Cardiff Bay.

Each session is a fun, fuss-free space to explore your camera, meet great people, and get inspired.

Groups are kept small so everyone gets plenty of 1-on-1 time—swipe through the graphics to find your vibe and lock in your spot early to save your seat! 📸✨

When you walk through Newport city centre on a standard weekday, it’s easy to focus on where you’re rushing off to.

But if you slow down and look closely, the streets are full of hidden geometry, shifting light, and unposed human stories.

On Saturday 15th August, we’re meeting in Newport for a two-hour street photography class to practice seeing the extraordinary in the everyday.

It’s all about training your eye to spot those fleeting moments before they disappear.

Tip: Try looking for "negative space." Instead of filling your frame with buildings and crowds, leave large empty areas of pavement or shadow around a single subject. It creates a calm, minimalist feel that draws the eye directly to the focal point.

What is one street or building in Newport city centre that you think has the most hidden character?

Book Here: https://newportphotographygroup.co.uk/