Photography News Issue 29

Photography News Issue 29 absolutephoto.com Advertisement feature 56 Take aphoto trip Buyers’ guide

Lakeland Photographic Holidays Owned and operated by John and Gail Gravett, Lakeland Photographic Holidays (LPH) has been offering residential photo courses since 1999. Based in Braithwaite near Keswick, LPH’s courses place you right in the middle of one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes, but the company also offers regular international tours to the likes of Italy, India and the US. John has been a professional photographer for more than 30 years, as well as having images and tutorials published inmany leading photographic magazines. Lakeland provides full board, licensed accommodation in en-suite rooms, and workshops start with a camera clinic, where you’ll be taught to “set up your camera for improved workability”. Workshops are varied, so there’s plenty to suit a range of interests such as dedicated black & white courses and Photoshop and Lightroom training, while trips are tailoredtotheamountofwalkingyouwanttodo.There are also special four-night young-persons’ workshops in the summer for 16-18 year olds, and even younger photographers arewelcomewith a parent or guardian. “The days are finished of with a delicious dinner in our dining room,” says John, “and there are evening assessment sessions where guests’ photographs are reviewed and constructive feedback offered.” Right nowLakeland has rolled back their courses to 2014 prices, so you can save at least £50 on a variety of shooting breaks. There are four-night workshops available from20February and 20March for £550 and an Easter Special on 25-29 March; this five-night fully escorted tour will see you shooting the daffodils in all their glory (£760). On 10April there’s an ‘activewalking’ five-night trip with John, also for £760. Plus Lakeland is offering a Tuscany trip on 17 April at a special offer price of only £1450, a saving of £150.

Paul’s Studio Paul’s Studio, owned and operated by Paul McLachlan and based in Reading, offers a complete package when it comes to studio photography, of which training is a huge part. Paul certainly has the experience to do it, having been teaching photographers the finer aspects of lighting with flash, exposure and model craft for over 20 years. “Althoughmany of my friends were photographers, I constantly found them asking me how to do things, especially when we moved onto studio and studio lighting,” he says. All Paul’s courses are bespoke: “I don’t believe in ‘pile them high and train them cheap’, as in my experience that rarely works,” he continues. “In fact I don’t really like to call them courses for that reason, as it sounds too rigid – with this degree of flexibility I am able to structure courses to fit all needs and budgets.” As well as comprehensive, bespoke, one-to-one coaching in his clean, modern, air-conditioned and fully equipped studio, Paul also runs day and weekend events. Comingupareglamour andnudeeventsperfect for either beginners or experiencedphotographers. At these events, where you can be working in a small group or one-to-one, you’ll be sure of dealing with experienced models with a fun and creative outlook. On 16 April and 12 August, you can enjoy the backdrop of a Grade II Jacobean manor house andgardens inBerkshire, workingwithbothnatural light and flash. Paul is also offering three weekends at an 18th century mansion in Carmarthenshire, on 13-15 May, 29 June to 3 July and 2-4 September with beautiful interiors, parkland and waterfalls.

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lakelandphotohols.com info@lakelandphotohols.com 01768 778459

pauls-studio.co.uk 07930 462906 studio@pauls-studio.co.uk

Foto Courses Based in Ringwood, Dorset on the edge of the New Forest, Foto Courses is operated by Gary Fooks LRPS, a successful professional photographer. Gary’s company has been offering training since 1996 and now provides all sorts of courses from day trips with one-to-one training to full residential affairs. “Photographers can expect to learn how to master their camera while having a lot of fun,” Gary says “and they’ll learn to give their pictures impact.” All skill levels are accepted, while cameras, lenses, tripods and flash equipment can all be provided if required. As a digital expert, Gary also offers training in Photoshop, Elements and Lightroom, where he helps photographers understand the fundamentals of post- production, such as Raw processing and using layers. Prices start from just £35 for online training, and £150 for residential courses in the UK, where three-day workshops are also available for £395. Born and bred in Purbeck, Gary’s vast knowledge of that area and the New Forest means you’ll visit stunning locations at the best times to combine the local scenery with the best light. And if you’re into shooting motor sport, there are one-day racing courses at Goodwood, Silverstone F1 and Brands Hatch. Foto Courses also provides trips around Europe, including Paris, Venice, Florence and Prague, all of which cover four days, starting at £750. Feel like shooting a little further away? There are also fantastic trips to New England (six days) and a photo tour of the famous Route 66 (two weeks). “Our customers come back again and again,” says Gary, “because our trips are not just courses they’re an experience – you could spray your name on a car at the Cadillac Range, have yourmeal in a Royal Palace in Prague or ride on a Gondola in Venice!”

French Photographic Holidays From their beautiful 17th century home near Brantome in the Dordogne, Paul and PamEdmunds run French Photographic Holidays (FPH), which has been catering to photographers for the last three years. Typically offering a week’s tuition, including up to six half-day trips into the French countryside and villages, workshops cover all skill levels and are tailored to individual needs. Advice also covers workflow, processing and printing tutorials, with a maximum of four photographers per workshop, and an Apple Mac workstation for each guest to use, so you’ll get plenty of one-to-one advice fromPaul. A professional photographer for the last 21 years, Paul has worked in the graphic arts industry for almost double that time. But his interest started even earlier, at around five years old; “my father worked for a large photographic studio in Vauxhall and I would go to work with him on a Saturday morning, it always fascinatedme!” “For fans of portraiture,” says Paul “there’s also access to our fully equipped studio and a model shoot is offered for an additional €50, which can be divided between guests.” And if you need to persuade your other half, quality accommodation is also at the heart of what FPH offers and with five-star facilities: all-inclusive breakfast, lunch and a four-course evening meal provided by culinary expert, Pam; ‘non-participating’ guests can also stay at reduced rates. “We always help guests get the best results they can from their equipment,” finishes Paul, “and one of our earliest guests said she learned more in one week than the previous two years at college!”

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frenchphotographicholidays.com frenchphotographic@gmail.com 0033 (0) 5535 47485

fotocourses.co.uk forestside@btinternet.com 01425 479257