Camera techniques. Using a camera fully manually, understanding the relationship between depth of field and aperture, and using polarising filters, graduated ND filters and a 10 stop ND filter. Using spot metering to determine the desired exposure in a scene and understanding the Ansel Adams zone system.

Location finding. Using Ordnance Survey map reading techniques to understand the lie of the land, and using a sunrise / sunset angle compass to work out the direction of light. This is one of the most important aspects of landscape photography. Knowing before you set off if your chosen location will be bathed in glorious golden light helps to cut down on wasted journeys and gives you a higher success rate of good photographs. Understanding synoptic charts to interpret weather patterns and predict cloud formations is a useful skill to learn when planning longer photographic trips and this is something that is also discussed. Local knowledge of the area does of course play a big part in helping you to get the most out of your workshop, and having spent years exploring the Cornish coastline I am in a very good position to guide you around the area.

Photographic shoot. Visiting at least two different locations for hands on photographic tuition with an emphasis on composition, direction of light and camera techniques.

Analysis. Included in the price of a workshop is a free two hour tutorial based in my studio teaching you how to use Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. This will show you how to get the most from your digital files and create an efficient workflow. It is arranged for a mutually convienient time after your workshop, or you can submit a series of images taken on the day for critique by email.

Residential workshops.

Accommodation is at the excellent Beacon Country House Hotel in St.Agnes. Ideally placed for exploring both the North and South coasts and with stunning views towards West Penwith. The hotel is a five minute walk from St.Agnes Beacon which offers a 360 degree vantage point.

For up to date prices and workshop information please visit my workshops website: www.focusonlight.co.uk

Why should you come on a photography workshop?

The single most important reason to come on a workshop is to understand how to meter properly. Forget all the clever ways that modern DSLR’s can work out the exposure for you and take control of your camera properly. You decide how the image looks, something that is of immense importance when you are not using graduated ND filters to control the contrast. Your cameras dynamic range is not the same as the human eye so sacrifices have to be made. Knowing the limitations of your camera enables you to quickly assess the lighting in front of you and act accordingly. Having someone clearly explain to you how to use the cameras spot meter properly has got to be worth the price of a day’s tuition in itself. Not to mention the stunning locations that we visit, the company of other photographers, and the inspiration it will give you to go out and take more photographs.

Lots of photographers run workshops why should I choose you?

Good question. Primarily I would like you to look through my websites and decide if you think that I could teach you something. Do you like my photographs? Going back to the previous question I only ever shoot in manual mode using the cameras spot meter to work out my exposure. Every single image on all three of my websites was taken this way and I can say with certainty I understand light and how to use it. As for composition there are some basic rules to help guide you in the right direction which I will explain and I will also analyze your compositions and give my opinion on what I think works and what doesn’t in your images. I will do this at the time also giving other top tips and if you have booked a residential workshop I will analyze your results in the hotel over a pint. I must stress that ultimately composition is not really something you can learn as such, you should look at lots of other good photographers work and you will naturally get a feel for it.

Where will we go?

This depends on the weather conditions. Some of the controlling factors will be the size of the swell, the wind direction and where the sun rises and sets. Your personal preferences also come into it. If you have spent lots of time on West Penwith and want to explore some of the North Cornwall beaches like Sandymouth Bay or Crackington Haven we can do that instead. The point I am trying to make is that I am always flexible and will go where conditions are best. Because I live in Cornwall I have local knowledge of some amazing locations, and because I go out taking photographs all the time whether I am running a workshop or not I have explored a lot of different places looking for good photographic opportunities.

Is there a basic kit you would recommend for landscape photography?

A camera that has a built in spot meter, a wide angle lens, a set of graduated ND filters, a shutter release cable and a tripod. I would also recommend a 50mm prime lens, you can get a new f1.8 for under £100 and the superb f1.4 is £300. Don’t forget to also order a lens hood for it, frustratingly not included with the lens. If it is the choice of buying a 50mm prime lens or coming on a workshop, buy the lens, photographically speaking it is one of the best bits of kit I own and I have some very expensive optics.

What clothing should I bring?

Waterproofs, decent footwear, a pair of wellies and clothing suited to being outside for the time of year you are coming on a workshop. My campervan is used as base camp so extra clothing and footwear can be stored in it as well as tea and coffee making facilities.

What is the best time of year to come on a workshop?

Personally I like winter, when the sun is low in the sky giving longer periods of useable light than in summer when the harsh midday sun can mean taking photographs for practice rather than for the portfolio. Having said that when the sun sets into the sea bathing the landscape in a stunning golden light it doesn’t matter what time of year it is, the end result is the same and the potential for taking amazing photographs is all year round.