Testimonials

The one day photography course in York for Digital SLR users has demystified my Canon 450D for me and dispelled any myths of a “black art! The crisp autumn weather and Chris’s clear and simple teaching in a relaxed and beautiful setting have entirely restored my confidence and allowed me to dare to hope that I can enjoy my phorography. - Alexe Finlay

(1 day small group - York Nov 2011)
image - Alexe Finlay


Just got back from my fourth course with chris and enjoyed it as much as the first. The locations on this course were an excellent choice particularly Wast water which was amazing. Chris skillfully took us through the process of taking HDR shots which was quite impressive. Even though we packed so much into the course it was still very enjoyable. Chris' easy going character makes everyone feel welcome with plenty of help and advice whatever level you are working at. Thanks again Chris. Sue Hogarth

(3 Day residential - lake district Oct 2011)
image - Sue Hogarth



"This was a fantastic course for the aspiring landscape photographer. Having met Chris before and seen his work, I had high hopes that it would be worthwhile, and I’m pleased to report that it far exceeded my expectations. Chris patiently took us through the whole process, from setting up our camera equipment, through image composition and capture right through to editing our masterpieces on Photoshop Elements. My knowledge of Photoshop Elements has improved enormously, now that Chris has explained a logical editing process, and to see the finished results when he printed them out was a proud moment. Chris is a patient teacher and spent the whole time ensuring that we understood everything, happily answering questions on any aspect needing clarification. The small group number was an enormous benefit, and often it felt like having 1:1 tuition, unlike other courses I have attended with more participants. The three days were packed full of opportunities to learn, and looking back I am amazed at what we fitted in and delighted with the results achieved. Oh, I almost forgot - it was great fun too! I look forward to attending another of his courses in the future and developing my skills further. Many thanks Chris!" - Graeme Reynolds

(3 Day residential course. Lake District. 2011)
image - Graeme Reynolds


The three day course in the Lake District was superb. The range of settings visited and changes in weather really made the whole experience enjoyable but so informative. Chris ensures that everyone, no matter what level, will come away with a lot of hints and tips and beautiful pictures. Chris is willing to repeat whatever is needed to make you feel confident and not be afraid to experiment. He gives sound advice if equipment fails as well and has spares too if your tripod gives way! On each course encouragement is given to experiment, and to talk through with the other members of the group what they are doing. Perhaps what makes the courses so special is the tutorials on processing the pictures to turn them into photographs that you will want to look at time and again. For me, it is the confidence he instils not to be afraid to ask him to show again the steps during the processing sessions. Once again (Yorks Coast course, March 2011)I have come away with amazing pictures and more confidence and will go again in the near future. Age is no barrier!!! Joyce Jerry

(3 Day residential course. Lake District. 2010)
image - Joyce Jerry

This course exceeded my expectations. Chris is enthusiastic and inspiring and goes the extra mile in all respects. Over the three days we visited a range of superb locations and covered the complete process from composition and camera settings through to editing and creating a finished print, with personal guidance and insight from Chris at every stage. I had been struggling for some months to produce any work that I was happy with – my ambition was just to take at least one shot that I would be proud to hang on my wall. In the end I came away with a dozen that I would be happy to see on anybody’s wall. The hotel was excellent, the dawn shoots were magical and it was really enjoyable to share the experience with two fellow enthusiasts - John Fallows

(3 day course, Lake District 2010)
image - John Fallows

I attended a York workshop with Chris, on a gloriously sunny late Autumn
day. The atmosphere was relaxed and informal, and I felt I could ask any
question, however basic. Chris took us to a variety of locations presenting
challenges in composition, focusing and aperture selection, and gave us a
structure for dealing with each challenge. He gave guidance and made
constructive comments about our choices of composition, without stifling our
own ideas or creativity. Chris talks about photography in a way that makes
it accessible ­ not shying away from the technical terms, but de-mystifying
them in a refreshing manner. A thoroughly enjoyable workshop, I know I will
use the techniques I picked up to improve my photography, but most of all to
continue to enjoy it.

(1 day small group day, York Nov 2011)
image - Karen Coombes


Having been on a 1 day course with Chris I was keen to do the 3 day course in the Lake District. I was not disappointed in any way, the course was well set out and quite informal. Chris soon put everyone at ease from day 1. I learnt a great deal about using filters, composition and editing my photo's. The hotel was luxurious, the food was excellent and my fellow camera enthusiasts, ( john & mandy) were very good company. I came home with 3 photo's that I edited there and now grace my wall at home. I would not hesitate to recommend Chris's courses to anyone. My thanks go to Chris for a thoroughly great 3 days and look forward to going again sometime... Martin Hogarth.

(3 day course, Lake District 2010)
image - M Hogarth

I think "Exhilarating, Enthralling, Enabling, Educational, Exhausting" sums up my feelings about the workshop at Ravenscar. It has been the best photo-course I have ever attended. Thank you, Chris, for not only your expert and patient tuition, but also the work you put in beforehand in planning the course. You have given me renewed enthusiasm to develop my photography and improve my printing skills. - Hayburn Wyke waterfall at first sight was unpromising with little water flowing, a lot of flotsam and poor lighting. However, on a closer look and a bit of log and plastic moving I found a dynamic angle by using a low vantage point with the tripod legs in the water and framing so that the chunky rocks gave a lead into the waterfall. The light improved and I was pleased with the result. - Julia Kaye

(3 day course, Yorkshire coast, Mar 2011)
image - Julia Kaye


The course was brilliant due to Chris' s vibrant personality, technical skill and encouragement. He presented a simple technique and was able to give individual attention to novices like me, as well as the more advanced, with the limitation of just four course participants. The hotel was superbly located and the sausages at breakfast were excellent! - David Newbegin

(3 day course, Yorkshire coast, Mar 2011)
image - David Newbegin



A very enjoyable and informative workshop, I learned a lot. The early starts were worth all the effort and gave me a far better understanding of the importance of the quality of light on the final image. The combination of picture taking and image manipulation was excellent - John Carter

(3 day course, Northumberland 2009)
image - John Carter






A relaxed and stimulating short course-very enjoyable! - Sir Michael Carlisle

(3 day residential course, Northumberland. 2009)
image - Sir Michael Carlisle






" I had previously attended the beginners course and a 1 day "one to one" course with Chris which was excellent. This 3 day course was even better! We learned many things and the 3 days helped us to develop a much better understanding of various parts of the photography process such as visualising shots and considering black & white options. The great thing was also "demystifying" PS Elements. Chris made it so simple and easy to understand that I now have no fear of the editing process. I would advise people to come on the courses Chris offers as he is a great teacher, good fun and very knowledgeable about his subjects" - Dave Kaye

(3 Day residential course. Lake District. 2011)
image - Dave Kaye




"I enjoyed a fabulous day with Chris around York. I have been to York many times, but with Chris's guidance I was able to see the City in a new light ( quite literally). My aim was to pick up at bit of technical knowledge, Chris delivered this and much more. I am hopeful that Santa treats me to a 3 day photography break with Chris next year!" - Nick Miller

(1 day York small group course, Nov 2011)
image - Nick Miller








A wonderful 3 day course, the fantastic setting of the lake district was chosen with a fine hotel and food. Chris's inspiration and enthusiasm
soothed away any anticipation I may have had. A small group with plenty of comradery but still allowing the individual support I needed. The whole experience has inspired me, it was very worthwhile and gave me more confidence and greater knowledge of my camera and photography. Chris's patience and talent is
second to none, I enjoyed it that must I have booked on to a course early next year covering the Yorkshire Coast , why not try out a course if you get the opportunity

(3 day residential course, Lake District 2010)
image - Bob wareing


Having met Chris on a one day workshop at Castle Howard I was eager to participate in the three day course to practise the techniques I had learnt at various locations and different lighting conditions. I was particularly keen to experience a ‘dawn shoot’. Watching the sun rise over the coastline with the waves lapping round my ankles was unbelievable and with Chris’ expert advice on composition, choice of aperture and exposure I took some beautiful images, this one was printed up as a memento of a wonderful experience. Chris has done his homework for the best locations and you come away inspired to get out there and take more pictures - Kerry Long

(3 day residential course, Yorkshire coast 2010)
image - Kerry Long




'The 3 day residential course in the Lake District was exceptional in all respects and highly recommended to anyone wishing to develop their photographic skills. Chris's knowledge of the area and the effort he put in to ensuring that we had the opportunities to photograph some tremendous locations are a testament to his professionalism. This ensured that a range of photographic opportunities were provided to suit all weather conditions and student abilities. The time available was maximised to the full, with the limited course numbers making it possible to provide 1:1 tuition where it was appropriate, without loosing the flexibility to meet individual needs. Although relatively new to the photographic scene, my knowledge of the basic skills required has improved dramatically as a result of this course. I appreciated and benefited from the informal way the course was conducted and especially liked the way Chris is able to articulate issues in a succinct and uncomplicated and entirely understandable manner. This was most evident whilst explaining the some of the editing processes in 'Photoshop Elements' which until now I have had no exposure to but took the pictures I took to a completely new level. I have 2 regrets, the first being I should have done this course 2 years ago when I first started the second is that working abroad means I will have to wait until I can return to attend another of these courses and build on the knowledge gained.' - Kevin Morris

(3 day residential course - Lake District, Mar 2011). Image - Kevin Morris


A one day 1 to 1 field trip to the North Yorks coast, followed by a one day 1 to 1 photoshop processing course resulted in my going away with a photograph, that I took and edited, that would have been impossible for me two days before. Chris's teaching style is open and easy with lots of tips and questions to get you thinking of other compositions that can be made from the one location. It is - for me - a very different way of looking at landscapes, and one I will be practicing - William Scott

(1 day field trip, Yorkshire Coast. Apr 2010
& 1 day editing course Apr 2010)
image - William Scott



A fantastic day out that made me totally rethink the picture taking process. The day was full of great tips and ideas. Very inspirational - Richard Llewellyn

(1 day field trip, Yorkshire Coast. 2009)
image - Richard Llewellyn




Despite the weather doing its best to provide tricky conditions on the second and third days of the residential course at Ravenscar on the North Yorkshire coast last October, Chris was able to provide an interesting and diverse photographic itinerary at various locations. As well as excellent guidance from Chris, it was a pleasure to meet two other fellow photography enthusiasts and share a pleasant few days in North Yorkshire at the wonderful Raven Hall hotel overlooking the spectacular Ravenscar Bay. To top it all, I came away with a print of one of my favourite photographs which now hangs in my hallway - Darren Shipman

(3 day course, Yorkshire Coast 2009)
image - Darren Shipman



A wonderful, insipring three days of excellent tuition given with humour, encouragement and at the levels of the three of us on the course. The early mornings were well worth the effort, stunning scenery with 1-1 instruction that encouraged risk taking on my part.The computer sessions were again adjusted to suit the experience of the other two students. Recommendation:- be prepared to want to do more with Chris! Thank you for a superb time at an inspirational setting - Joyce Jerry

(3 day course, Yorkshire Coast 2010)
image - Joyce Jerry

As a returning customer, Chris' easy to understand teaching style has allowed me to greatly improve my photography at all levels. Though I was new to photo processing, the photo editing modules on the residential courses are delivered in an effective manner and are easy to follow and understand. I felt that the hotels were carefully selected and provided a perfect base for the workshops. Excellent! - Sue Hogarth

(3 day residential courses, Northumberland coast 2008/Yorkshire Coast 2009)
image - Sue Hogarth





I am so glad that I made the decision to invest in this course. Chris made the effort to make me feel at ease and I relaxed into his company very quickly. What I got out of this tuition is immeasurable – aspects of photography that I had thought of as a mystery were explained comprehensively to me. By the end of the day I felt comfortable knowing that I knew what I needed to consider and do to get my shot. Being able to capture the image and taking it straight from the camera without needing to do much editing to it is a massive plus for me and not something I’d ever thought I would be able to achieve. Of course, I still have so much more to learn but Chris has given me the knowledge and confidence to go on from here.
Thank you Chris - Eva Swap

(1 day field trip, Yorkshire Coast. 2010)
image - Eva Swap


I spent the day with Chris on a one-to-one basis to try and 'fine tune' my composition skills and how to approach a location and work the scene as well as picking up a lot of useful tips and technical knowledge. Though the day was poor for light Chris was full of ideas, inspiration and determination to get the best out of me and it was all delivered in good humour that the day flew by! I learnt a lot from Chris especially how a few feet either way can alter the perspective and make all the difference between a good
or a great shot. Thanks for a great learning day Chris...and for the laughs - Ian Meek

(1 day field trip, Yorkshire Dales. 2010)
image - Ian Meek

This was a great day out that was very informative and also great fun. I got much more out of it than I ever expected and everything was made simple and easy to understand. I would recommend Chris' courses to anyone who wanted to learn more about their photography. I was delighted with the pictures that I had at the end of the day and will be mounting a lot of them. Thanks again for a fantastic day out - Dave Kaye

(1 day field trip, Yorkshire Coast. 2010)
image - Dave Kaye





I thoughly enjoyed the three day course in the Lakes, based in Glenridding. Beautiful Hotel and delightful food. Two days were fine were used to tackle dawn and sunset shoots using filters. The third day was rainy off and on and provided many chances to take hand held shots in tricky light in the woods down by the shore of Lake Ullswater. All in all, great tuition especially the editing techniques using
Photoshop Elements. Would recommend the course to those wanting to improve their photoraphic knowledge. Many thanks, Chris. - Don Driscoll

(3 Day residential course. Lake Districtt. 2010)
image - Don Driscoll