Photography Workshops and Holidays

If you like my work, and would like to learn more, then why not join me in beautiful South-West France and find out how you can do it, too?
Whether you are just starting out on your new hobby, want to brush-up your skills a bit, or if you are a more experienced photographer, I am delighted to offer landscape photography workshops running from one to five days in length. These comprise small groups of FOUR people max, allowing high quality one to one teaching, one workstation per person and expert tuition.

Why Come Here?

Depending on your preferences and the prevailing conditions, we can visit a huge variety of fabulous locations most of which are close to base. They are either in the picturesque hilly Basque Country, on the meandering rivers of the Bearn or in the idyllic and mystical low-lying Landes region.

Typical subjects might include:-


In addition to the beautiful natural landscapes, and in complete contrast, we are also within a stones-throw of the fortified towns of Sauveterre, Navarrenx and Saint Jean Pied de Port, as well as the picturesque coastal towns and ports of Bayonne, Biarritz and Saint Jean de Luz.

This phenomenal variety provides a wealth of opportunity for fantastic photographic studies throughout the year.



Course philosophy

I emphasize maximizing the use of in-camera technique during capture to minimize the amount of subsequent image manipulation required during post processing. As a result whilst in the field we will focus on specific elements including :-

Use of Manual Settings..................................Depth of Field,

Each participant will be provided with an individual workstation in our comfortable, fully equipped digital darkroom. These are loaded with both Lightroom and Photoshop for full post-processing functionality and creativity.

We will generally use the afternoon to download and develop the photographs and will focus on :

Use of Lightroom
Use of Photoshop for non-destructive processing
RAW Workflow
Key principles of digital development

The format of each day will be adjusted depending on the weather, our photographic requirements that day and of course the particular preferences of group members.

We will travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle built to deal with the rigours of French off-road trails. We aim to be at the first location at dawn in order to maximize our shooting opportunities during the morning. A further photography excursion will take place in the evening and we will shoot until dusk.

Accommodation can be booked in the pretty market town of Saint Palais, located at the heart of the Basque Country in South West France, in the foothills between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic. This traditional Basque town has the huge benefit of being away from the main tourist tracks and hence is a snapshot of the real Basque Country with its French influence. It has all amenities you would expect and is the ideal location to get away from it all, immerse yourself in landscape photography and experience another way of life. (Further details on accomodation can be found in the important notes section below).


Prices for 2010 (Basque country, Bearn & Landes), accommodation not included:-



Please remember that due to our early morning starts to capture the light at dawn you should aim to arrive at the hotel the evening before the first day of the course. Hence accommodation for one night more than the course length may be required depending on your travel arrangements following the course


Included in the price:

Not included:
Should you be arriving by public transport or aeroplane then please let me know as we can arrange collection to and from Biarritz.

To BOOK your place on a course please click here.

Important Notes:-

Please note that the 1 day courses are on request only.

In order to maintain teaching of the highest quality, group size is limited to a maximum of four people. In this manner one to one tuition will be available and the content can be adapted to suit the particular needs of each individual.

Each participant is required to bring their own digital camera equipment, be it a digital compact or digital SLR. A full format Canon SLR is available for rent for the duration of the course should it be required.

Should you be arriving by public transport or aeroplane then please let me know as we can arrange collection to and from Biarritz.

Local accomodation can be booked at the Hôtel de la Paix (discount offered) or the Hôtel du Trinquet, both on a half board basis. Both are comfortable, welcoming, fairly priced 2* hotels and are situated next door to each other at the heart of the town. Both hotels serve traditional Basque fare and are very popular with the locals. As a guide, the cost of a hotel room for ONE person for ONE night on a HALF BOARD basis will cost from 61 to 66 euros depending on the hotel. They are able to cater for any special dietary requirements and a little advanced warning is appreciated. A list of other accommodation in the area can be sent on request. Should you not require accommodation or prefer to make alternative arrangements then please let me know.

A list of other accommodation in the area can be sent on request. Should you not require accommodation or prefer to make alternative arrangements then please let me know.