Photography News issue 28

Photography News Issue 28 absolutephoto.com

59 Photographic holidays

This time of the year, you can’t get through a TV ad break without someone trying to sell you a holiday in the sun. But who wants to spend all day in a package holiday pool? Why not splash the cash on something you’ll remember for a lifetime and book a dedicated photo break instead? Photographic holidays and training experiences can be amazing fun, and there are courses and trips to suit all tastes and wallets. Here you’ll find a few of the best in the UK and abroad...

TAKE A ONCE-IN-A- LIFETIME TOUR

LEARN NEW LIGHTING SKILLS

TRAVEL THE ETHICAL WAY

©WildPhotographyHolidays

©Knottinfocus

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. “Although many 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 courses at Paul’s Studio 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”. Paul’s comprehensive, bespoke, one-to-one coaching and skills development service means that all levels of photographer are welcome, from those requiring full attention to enthusiasts making themost of the space and seeking only occasional direction, or how to build a rapport with models. The clean, modern, air-conditioned studio is fully equipped with the latest Bowens lighting kit, so all photographers will need to bring is their camera. He also runs day and weekend events at some very prestigious locations. “Overall” sums up Paul, “for me, the fun part is working with people and seeing the look of satisfaction on their faces when they realise what they can achieve with their camera.” pauls-studio.co.uk studio@pauls-studio.co.uk 07930 462906

Responsible Travel Since 2001, Responsible Travel has been offering a smart service that matches people looking for holidays with some of the best small travel companies in the world – including a large number of photography specialists. There are just under 70 photographic-themed holidays on the responsibletravel.com website, so it’s a great first port of call if you’re looking for trips that get you closer to exotic sights, photogenic cities and unique landscapes. “Our help desk know our member tour operators inside out, and match up our customers with the best holiday company for their needs – whether this is in terms of a particular destination, a tailor- made tour or those who want photographic tuition”, says Sarah Faith. The company’s name comes from its commitment to responsible tourism, which includes supporting communities and conservation. “Our idea is quite simple,” says Sarah, “treat local people and places well, and they’ll often offer experiences and insights into their ways of life that you wouldn’t otherwise get. And as you enjoy a more authentic experience, they in turn benefit from jobs, income and ways to preserve their culture and environments”. Theholidays offered throughResponsibleTravel range fromthreedays to almost one month in length, and cover destinations all over the world, from photographing the Northern Lights and ice formations in Iceland, to overland trips through Southern Africa. “In our experience,” continues Sarah, “the small companies we recommend are run by interesting people who founded them out of a deep love for locations, cultures, landscapes and wildlife – and photography! Consequently they offer a far richer experience than those offered by multinational package companies or hotel booking sites”. responsibletravel.com rosy@responsibletravel.com 01273 823700

World Photo Adventure World Photo Adventure (WPA) offers excursions, courses and workshops in the UK, Africa, Europe and Asia. Packages range from two-day ‘streets of London’ workshops toweek-plus photo safaris in theMasai Marawith pro-spec telephoto lenses free to use. Attendee numbers for each course are kept low to allow a lots of one-to-one contact and training, but also the freedom to enjoy your trip as a life experience, not just a holiday. Tuition is open to all skill levels and there’s Lightroomtuitiononoffer alongside the expert shooting advice available. WPA’s founder, Wilf James, told us; “Our courses are diverse, so there really is something for everyone; there’s everything from ‘get to know your camera’ days to hot-air balloon rides, photographing the ancient temples in Myanmar.” Wilf’s tuitioncomes froma lifetimebehind thecamera, beginning his career working in a photography shop in Sussex, where he explained to customers how their new camera equipment worked. He then started working freelance, often for the Brighton Tourist board shooting “everything from hotels, politicians, stage shows, and celebrities – a great learning ground.” “Participating in a WPA course or holiday” he says, “gives clients the opportunity to interact with other photographers as well as their tutors, and the camaraderie they’ll feel is joined by an ability to see anew. Guests realise great images can be had in their local gardens, in nearby cityscapes and landscapes, and suddenly, they feel like they’re seeing with fresh eyes.” worldphotoadventure.com hello@worldphotoadventure.com 01306 230004