Digtal SLR's Holidays & Courses Guide 2013

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Digital SLR

Holidays & Courses

2013

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Take a break!

L

ife has an annoying habit of getting in the way of picture taking. That evening you had planned to go and capture some sunset shots ends up being spent ferrying the kids around. Or the portrait shoot you were hoping to do with a friend gets cancelled through work commitments. Frustrating, isn’t it?

The solution is to dedicate some quality time to your hobby by booking a dedicated course or holiday. That way, you can let someone else worry about the organisation side of the equation, leaving you to concentrate on getting some great images.

There are a huge number of photographic holidays and courses available, so you should take your time to select the one that’s going to be best for both your needs and budget.

Perhaps you want to brush up on your camera skills, or try your hand at a new photographic discipline. Or maybe the idea of visiting a far-flung location for a once in a lifetime trip overseas with your camera appeals. Either way, you’ll soon uncover something that’ll tickle your photographic tastebuds and tempt the

cash from your pocket.

But rather than spend hours on the Internet trawling through all the different sites and companies out there, we thought it might be useful to bring them all together in one handy section, so you can do your shopping from the comfort of your own armchair. Which is what you have here.

In this special eight-page section, we’ve brought together some of the UK’s leading photographic holiday and course companies and left it to them to explain why you should give them a try in 2013.

Having time to dedicate purely to you and your photography will help you take better pictures, whether it’s a one-day course in the UK or a two-week trip overseas. What’s more, you’ll be able to improve your skills in the company of fellow photographers who you can share your ideas and images with. That’s much better than trying to cram your picture taking in between a hectic family schedule. Hang on a minute, I reckon I could do with some of this time myself!

Matty Graham, Editor

gear up for your trip The companies in this guide will make sure you have a memorable trip, but you can make the experience better by getting your kit organised in good time. Before you travel, whether in the UK or overseas, do the following: n Choose your gear carefully.

Don’t take every item you own, you’ll end up leaving half of it in the hotel/car/conference room. n Buy a separate battery as your DSLR will be getting heavy use.

Charge it up the night before. n Stock up on new memory cards and make sure any existing cards are empty and formatted.

n A lightweight tripod or support will prove invaluable – make sure you have one packed.

n Back up your shots as soon as possible either to a laptop or portable storage device.

n Research potential locations in the area you’re visiting by searching on Google and Flickr.

n Get your gear insured either on your home policy or with a dedicated insurance broker.

n Don’t forget the latest copy of Digital SLR – it’s essential holiday reading matter!

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Shoot Smart A varied selection of courses to suit a range of training needs and budgets Shootsmart photography training is conveniently placed just off junction 24 on the M62 between Leeds and Manchester. We offer a varied range of training, whether you are a total beginner wanting to brush up on your camera knowledge on one of our Love Your SLR days, or an experienced photographer looking to start a career in photography. Our aim is to help you move forward and advance your skills. Courses start from £69, and places are strictly limited to enable everyone to get ‘hands on’.

If you feel that you would rather not train in a group or our dates are not convenient to you then we can offer bespoke training. Our 1-2-1 training days are totally tailored to your own requirements, and can be booked to fit in with your own work schedule.

Courses currently running include: • Five-day Wedding & Portrait • Three-day Wedding • Love Your SLR • Off Camera Flash/Studio • 1-2-1 (Bespoke) CONTACT DETAILS: www.shootsmart.co.uk • 01422 311566

Images of Light Learn landscape photography in the beautiful surroundings of the Dingle Peninsula Do you want to learn more about landscape/seascape photography? Would you like to visit locations not seen by the regular tourists to the Dingle Peninsula?

If the answer is ‘Yes’, we can help! On an Images of Light course you will: - Learn to understand light and how it affects your images - Find out how to plan your photography - Capture movement in your images - See how to compose the perfect picture We provide in-field, hands-on photo instruction tailored to meet the needs of each photographer, regardless of skill level. Our focus is on helping you improve your landscape/seascape photography skills and expand your creativity.

Join us at our 4 star holiday accommodation for a weekend of unforgettable photography. Accommodation is provided on a self-catering basis and sole occupancy for each participant is guaranteed.

Course tutor, John Hooton, holds distinctions from the Irish Photographic Federation, The Royal Photographic Society and the International Federation of Photographic Art. His work has been exhibited throughout the UK and Ireland, as well as mainland Europe and the USA. He currently has a book out Gathering Light on the Dingle Coast which is available online from www.john-hooton.com.

“Dingle is not merely a place to visit... it is a place to experience” CONTACT DETAILS: www.john-hooton.com • johnhooton@eircom.net • 00353 87 2516042 issue 80 DIGITAL SLR 49

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aspect 2i Go on a photographic journey in the company of other enthusiasts just like you At aspect 2i, professional photographers, who care about you and your images, run all of our workshops. You will learn with other enthusiasts of a similar standard, so the level of instruction is always appropriate to your experience there’s no need to be worried that other attendees will know more than you.

Whether in a class or out in the field, we believe in helping you to develop your skills, your hobby and your passion.

We think it’s important to cover the whole photography journey from capture to print. Mastering your DSLR is the first step in your journey - knowing what your camera can do and using it to get the image that you want. Great composition is essential to creating images with drama and lastly understanding what needs to be or should be done in Photoshop or Lightroom to get the very best results from your efforts. These are all essential steps to getting a great image on screen or in print.

If you really want to improve your confidence, get consistent results and produce images that create a sense of pride, then our photography workshops could be your answer.

Why not join us on one of our many class-based workshops or out in the field exploring fantastic landscapes while you learn.

“The level of instruction is always appropriate to your experience” CONTACT DETAILS: www.aspect2i.co.uk • 0845 505 1455

Nature’s Photos Naturalist led photographic workshops and safaris in unique locations There is no better way to improve your wildlife photography than spending time with your camera in the company of an experienced wildlife photographer.

Nature’s Photos is a specialist company run by a naturalist with 35 years’ experience as a qualified teacher and wildlife photographer. We run workshops in the UK and guided photo safaris in Africa. All are designed to introduce you to new skills, provide opportunities to learn more about the subjects and to enable you to capture some truly memorable images.

Our UK workshops concentrate on specific wildlife such as dragonflies, harvest mice, British mammals, wolves and birds of prey. We also have many years’ experience in East Africa where we run guided safaris in specially chosen locations. These provide unique opportunities to view and capture images of the natural world whilst soaking up the very best wilderness experiences.

All our activities are designed specifically for the enthusiastic wildlife photographer with a real interest in developing their skills. Locations are carefully chosen, groups are kept small and prices start from as little as £45 for ½ day and £65 for a full day. Want to know more and keen to improve your own wildlife photography? Visit www.naturesphotos.co.uk, read what others say and consider booking a workshop or a very special African Safari.

“Learn new photographic skills whilst capturing memorable wildlife images” CONTACT DETAILS: www.naturesphotos.co.uk • 01327 352505 50 DIGITAL SLR issue 80

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PhotoClassic Benefit from five decades of experience photographing wildlife, scenics and art-nudes PhotoClassic is run by experienced wildlife, art-nude and landscape photographers Howard M. Kennedy and his wife Karen, with five decades of photography experience between them. They have been organising photography workshops, courses and safaris since 2005.

All courses and workshops are run in a fun, friendly way, using stunning locations from the Scottish Highlands to the African bush. Only top professional art models are booked for the art-nude workshops and locations for all workshops and photo-holidays are meticulously researched to ensure the best photo opportunities possible. Teaching is tailored to each individual participant’s level of ability and requirements, so nobody feels they have been over or under taught. In the words of a recent attendee: “It was one of the best photographic events I have had the pleasure to attend. Now all I have to do is sort out the many images from it. My thanks to all involved and I look forward to the next one.”

In addition to a fixed series of workshops and photo-holidays covering artnude, wildlife and landscape photography each year, PhotoClassic provides a bespoke service. So whether you want a 45 minute lecture for your camera club or a photo-holiday for yourself, you will find PhotoClassic can meet and even exceed your expectations.

“Teaching is tailored to each individual participant’s level of ability” CONTACT DETAILS: www.photoclassic.co.uk • 01224 276709

Digital Photography Holidays Head to South East Asia to explore your creativity and master your camera Our holidays, to awe inspiring locations in South East Asia, are run by award-winning photographer Stephen Studd. Benefit from his 25 years of experience, and intimate working knowledge of each location, ensuring you are in the best place for the best light.

Group sizes are small, which guarantees personal attention, with expert tips and guidance uniquely tailored to your individual needs.

Feast your lens on sublime temples, vibrant markets, traditionally skilled artisans, and the richness of everyday life; on a choice of bespoke photography holidays to Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, and Thailand. Enjoy your trip with people who share the same passion for photography and adventure; and return home with some truly inspirational photographs that stand out from the crowd.

“Expert tips and guidance tailored to your individual needs” CONTACT DETAILS: www.digitalphotographyholidays.com • 07706 119609 issue 80 DIGITAL SLR 51

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Manor House Glamour and Nude Events 7th June & 27th July 2013

Paul’s Studio Photograph stunning models in a magnificent manor house location Paul’s Studio’s well-established Glamour & Nude workshop is hosted at this magnificent Grade II Jacobean Manor House set amidst 25 acres of gardens and parkland in rural Berkshire where photographers enjoy shooting in a number of superb locations throughout the house and grounds.

Assistance is available from Paul and his staff at all times and Paul’s years of experience of running courses and similar events, both in the UK and Europe, assures you of a rewarding experience, with his regular weekend events in Wales being frequently oversubscribed.

Only the very best models with the necessary skills and experience to create superb images, as well as take full advantage of this superb location, are selected for the event.

This ensures you not only depart having had a great day, but you leave with some stunning shots too. This combination of great models, superb location and Paul’s experience really cannot be matched.

“Only the very best models are selected for the event” CONTACT DETAILS: www.pauls-studio.co.uk • 07930 462906

French Photographic Holidays A week in rural France taking photographs?

Sounds like our idea of heaven…

At French Photographic Holidays, we offer a comfortable and creative base for photographers of all levels. For the beginner, advice is on hand to help you achieve the best from your equipment. For the experienced photographer, along with beginners, we offer our local knowledge. Many of our organised trips have access to areas the general public do not have.

Every guest will have their own dedicated Mac workstation and the opportunity to print their best images up to A3. We have an in-house studio area, which guests are welcome to use, with or without tuition.

Our property is a 17C barn conversion, where we offer two comfortable, ensuite rooms for up to four guests per week. All meals are included, except lunches on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, which are your ‘own time’. Our large garden overlooks a forested area, and is a haven for wildlife, with the possibility of seeing birds of prey, wild boar and deer.

So why not take a break from a routine holiday and immerse yourself in your hobby for a week, with no distractions? We look forward to meeting you.

“Take a break from a routine holiday and immerse yourself in your hobby” CONTACT DETAILS: www.frenchphotographicholidays.com • 0033(0)553547485 52 DIGITAL SLR issue 80

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Pure Safari High quality photo adventures to some of the world’s most exciting locations Pure Safari is the perfect choice for anyone looking to arrange a bespoke luxury safari without wishing to negatively impact upon the areas they are visiting.

All the lodges and resorts you will find on our site have been carefully selected to meet and exceed the high standards you deserve at every budget level.

As you would expect, the site covers all of the key areas and provides a rich resource, full of useful facts and stunning photography. Pure Safari offers guests the opportunity to discover some of the most captivating wildlife and scenery found anywhere in the world. All of our team have travelled extensively and can offer clear, unbiased travel advice, whilst working closely with you to help create your perfect safari holiday of a lifetime.

Whether it is to see the gorillas in Rwanda, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania, self drive safaris in Namibia or luxury beach holidays in Zanzibar; Pure Safari has everything covered for you.

“The perfect choice for anyone looking to arrange a bespoke luxury safari” CONTACT DETAILS: www.puresafari.co.uk • 01227 733181

Tilley Ideal headgear for intrepid photographers going on a holiday or training course Tilley Endurables, home of the famous Tilley hat – ideal for the intrepid traveller, outdoor adventurer, or anyone who just loves getting out and about and needs comfortable and reliable protection from sun and rain.

Each hat is handcrafted in a process involving 41 steps and 23 pairs of hands.

Fabrics are rigorously tested for durability, breathability, comfort, and of course, good looks!

Manufactured in Toronto, Canada, under Alex Tilley’s watchful eye for over 30 years, your Tilley hat is guaranteed for life – you can claim a free replacement if you ever manage to wear it out. Washable, crushable, packable, and certified UPF 50+ sun protection, it also floats, ties on in the wind, has its own secret pocket, and comes with a four-page owner’s manual.

Tilley offer everything from a huge range of hats and stylish and super practical clothing, to hole-proof travel socks and fast-drying, sweat-defying travel underwear. Made in Canada for men and women worldwide.

“Handcrafted in a process involving 41 steps and 23 pairs of hands” CONTACT DETAILS: www.tilley.com • 01326 574402 issue 80 DIGITAL SLR 53

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