Specialist Photography Courses
"Mark
We are back and settled into the normal commute to London everyday. It does seem a world away from your 'office' in the Lakes. I had a very enjoyable day, and greatly appreciated your comments and guidance both out taking photographs and then editing them. I can recommend the course to anyone who like myself is interested in photography and wishes to improve their techniques, in a stunning location. Clare and I will certainly call into one of your galleries next time we are up in the Lakes, if you are down in Brighton give us a calll.
Jonathan Harms
"I was given a present of a one day photograph course with Mark but I was apprehensive, as I felt my camera skills were not good enough to spend a day on a course. No worry though as Mark made the day very enjoyable and we took things at my pace. He stated in his introduction that by the end of the day I would have a picture good enough to hang in our home. This proved to be the case and I am pleased to say I have had several comments on the Photo, now hanging in our lounge. I am now looking forward to the second day of the course."
John Parkinson, Lytham St Annes
"Dear Mark
I would like to thank you so much for the fantastic day I had with you last week. I learned so much, and your teaching was great - easy to understand and remember later and at no point during the workshop did I feel rushed (and you didn't get offended when I wanted to wait for the light!) Hopefully my blown skies will be a thing of the past! You have inspired me to get better and better and use my camera in a completely different way. The Photoshop training was also great, and I hope at some point to arrange a whole day of Photoshop with you. I have already been practising what you showed me - though it still needs much work! I really enjoyed working you with you on the workshop. I look forward to meeting you again and learning more in the future.
With all best wishes
Catherine Evans, Buckinghamshire
"Spending time with Mark was an amazing experience that not only taught me new things about photography but also made me look at my photos in a completely new way. Mark's experience and his ability to pass on knowledge are priceless. It was so worth driving from London six hours each way. "
Lukasz Scendo, London
"Hi Mark, just wanted to thank you for 2 brilliant days that I had on your landscape photography course. Your style of teaching and your 'proof of the pudding' images are second to none, you are a real inspiration to me. I came away from the course with a real sense of knowledge and understanding of the subject. I know there is still much to learn, but I feel you have given me the tools to enable me to expand and express myself creatively and to hopefully gain a Professional qualification. Thank you so much Mark for all your help.
Paul Haslen from Montrose, Scotland
"Just got back from Marks course and this is my feedback; Course Level: Mark pitches the training at the level you require. A quick discussion on the first morning and he soon knows your capability.
Before you know it you are out by the water looking for/to create images and for me I soon realised why I have been killing my landscape shots for many years! Mark introduced me to Lightroom and editing which is a wicked piece of software. I promised myself that I would stick with Elements 9, no more software. I now have lightroom3 and it is amazing. Mark has a very unique way of giving depth and perspective to RAW files.
Day two: more of the same but with the pupil in the driving seat. We had very poor weather but got some dramatic shots in the Esk Valley. The outputs of the two days were half a dozen very good examples of can be achieved plus a host of RAW's to play with.
Summary: Originally my family booked a one day course as a present (I extended it two days). The course that Mark delivers is certainly value for money. He is a professional who knows how to pass on his knowledge. As my driving instructor said when I passed my test a lifetime ago "now you have your licence go out and really learn how to drive". Without knowing it Mark has given me a similar mantra and I am looking at the views is a totally different and uplifting way.
Mark, Many thanks for a belting two days and a very good course. "
Peter Limebear, Leeds
"Dear Mark,
I wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed the course I came on with you. I cant believe how much I learned in a short space of time. Even the technical elements were clearly and simply explained in such was that they were easy to understand and put into practice. I was absolutely delighted with the results that you managed to get me to achieve and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the course to anyone with even the vaguest interest in landscape photography. It really was a fantastic day."
Lorna Coates, Kendal
"Can i please thank you for such a Fantastic informative but instructive
course. I had been looking forward to it for the last six months and
was not dissapointed. There are certain times in life you keep memories
and the course, photography and good company is one of them."
Colin Patterson, Lancashire
"I would say that if anyone thinks that a wet day in the Lake District is a wasted day they should grab their camera and book a day with you. I certainly saw Wasdale literally in a new light and learnt a lot. You were great company and have a very easy way of imparting valuable tips and information." Jeff Moysey, Cheshire
"Hi mark.
I just wanted to write a quick email to say thank you for taking my Dad out. He had a fantastic day and I have just seen the pictures that he took. They are amazing!
He has raved about the day and the time that you spent with him explaining eveything......, so thank you for your time.
Hannah Moysey, Cheshire "
'Brilliant course'
"Mark focuses on the five or six critical things that you need to know in order to progress as a photographer and puts everything across in a clear and straight forward way. From a novice to a competent photographer you will get something out of this course".
Tim amd Paula, Cheshire
"While the memory is still fresh, just a few words of thanks, Mark, for a wonderful photography course for Pete and I up in wonderful Wasdale! One of those rare occasions when I could honestly say that an activity exceeded all expectations.
I sensed that things would go well from the careful preparation you did on the phone and by email, tailoring the course to current needs and having a real sense of us as individual, real people and not just students.
Extremely professional throughout the day, lots of good humour and a sense of fun, you also inspired us with your real passion for photography. I’m so glad that I took the step to contact you and to stop myself from taking more and more bad photos!!
As I look now on a couple of the shots I took yesterday I’m astonished and more than a bit chuffed.
David was great; it was a real pleasure to meet him, and Lesley and Mark at The Strands, plus all of their staff, made us so welcome.
Value for money? You bet!
Hope to meet up later this year and to work with you again.
Les P, Lancashire
"Mark - breaking off from editing photos to say a quick thank-you for the
most enjoyable day's course, which did exactly what it said on the tin!
The chats the night before and the morning after made it seem more like a
day and a half, and we did cover a lot. As hoped, it allowed me to
consolidate and re-think what I know already, and took me on to further
insights with regard to composition and lighting. Very good of you to lend
me your G2 camera to help my decide whether to go for another SLR or a G2
(still mulling it over). Les and I were delighted with the 'best shots' we
took, and yes, we were blessed with a glorious morning. The editing was as
stimulating as the practical shooting; inevitably in one day we saw more
than we were able to retain, but it's pushed me on to shoot in RAW, and to
try out more editing with Photoshop. The welcoming atmosphere of the pub
and the interesting company all added to the course.
We will be back for the follow up!
Pete T, Redditch
"My family bought me this day as a treat and what a great day it turned out to be! It was so relaxing and I learnt a lot that was put over in a nice style and pace that suited me. I cant recommend Mark enough. I'll be back soon for the two dayer!"
Simon Johns, North Yorks
"I had the most fantastic day, learnt heaps from Mark with it being 'one on
one'.
Weather was pretty ordinary when we started out but by the afternoon it was glorious and I have to boast that I think I took a couple of great shots which now take pride of place in my house in Australia! It was just a
shame that I only had the one day to spare but I have some great memories
and I just adore the "Lakes". Thanks Mark, you're the best!!"
April Woods from Australia
" My husband and I had walked around Eskdale and Wast Water before taking pictures and being disappointed when we saw them back home. However, we now have a much better understanding of whats required to make much nicer pictures. The surroundings are quite spectacular and Marks help was excellent. We have now both bought much better cameras as a result of what we learnt. Truly bitten!"
Celia and David, Lancashire
'A fabulous time! Aquired lots of tips and help from enthusiastic knowledgable people. Mark and Dave were very very helpful.
Worth every penny!' Carl Perkins, Jersey
" Dont just read whats been said on here do it ha ha! I had a two great days and my knowledge of cameras has shot up considerably. I felt nervous at first but that soon disappered after I saw what could be done and Marks style of teaching is so laid back! I took a compact with me but hired one of his DSLR'S and then started working the two together. Fantastic what a few hours with someone who is not only knowledgeable but great fun to be with can do. I will be back soon as this was a great experience. You wont regret it"
Jenny Darbyshire, Lancashire
I provide two workshops of one and two day duration although I can offer a bespoke course for you should you wish. They are set in and around the beautiful area that is Wasdale and Wast Water.
We are back and settled into the normal commute to London everyday. It does seem a world away from your 'office' in the Lakes. I had a very enjoyable day, and greatly appreciated your comments and guidance both out taking photographs and then editing them. I can recommend the course to anyone who like myself is interested in photography and wishes to improve their techniques, in a stunning location. Clare and I will certainly call into one of your galleries next time we are up in the Lakes, if you are down in Brighton give us a calll.
Jonathan Harms
"I was given a present of a one day photograph course with Mark but I was apprehensive, as I felt my camera skills were not good enough to spend a day on a course. No worry though as Mark made the day very enjoyable and we took things at my pace. He stated in his introduction that by the end of the day I would have a picture good enough to hang in our home. This proved to be the case and I am pleased to say I have had several comments on the Photo, now hanging in our lounge. I am now looking forward to the second day of the course."
John Parkinson, Lytham St Annes
"Dear Mark
I would like to thank you so much for the fantastic day I had with you last week. I learned so much, and your teaching was great - easy to understand and remember later and at no point during the workshop did I feel rushed (and you didn't get offended when I wanted to wait for the light!) Hopefully my blown skies will be a thing of the past! You have inspired me to get better and better and use my camera in a completely different way. The Photoshop training was also great, and I hope at some point to arrange a whole day of Photoshop with you. I have already been practising what you showed me - though it still needs much work! I really enjoyed working you with you on the workshop. I look forward to meeting you again and learning more in the future.
With all best wishes
Catherine Evans, Buckinghamshire
"Spending time with Mark was an amazing experience that not only taught me new things about photography but also made me look at my photos in a completely new way. Mark's experience and his ability to pass on knowledge are priceless. It was so worth driving from London six hours each way. "
Lukasz Scendo, London
"Hi Mark, just wanted to thank you for 2 brilliant days that I had on your landscape photography course. Your style of teaching and your 'proof of the pudding' images are second to none, you are a real inspiration to me. I came away from the course with a real sense of knowledge and understanding of the subject. I know there is still much to learn, but I feel you have given me the tools to enable me to expand and express myself creatively and to hopefully gain a Professional qualification. Thank you so much Mark for all your help.
Paul Haslen from Montrose, Scotland
"Just got back from Marks course and this is my feedback; Course Level: Mark pitches the training at the level you require. A quick discussion on the first morning and he soon knows your capability.
Before you know it you are out by the water looking for/to create images and for me I soon realised why I have been killing my landscape shots for many years! Mark introduced me to Lightroom and editing which is a wicked piece of software. I promised myself that I would stick with Elements 9, no more software. I now have lightroom3 and it is amazing. Mark has a very unique way of giving depth and perspective to RAW files.
Day two: more of the same but with the pupil in the driving seat. We had very poor weather but got some dramatic shots in the Esk Valley. The outputs of the two days were half a dozen very good examples of can be achieved plus a host of RAW's to play with.
Summary: Originally my family booked a one day course as a present (I extended it two days). The course that Mark delivers is certainly value for money. He is a professional who knows how to pass on his knowledge. As my driving instructor said when I passed my test a lifetime ago "now you have your licence go out and really learn how to drive". Without knowing it Mark has given me a similar mantra and I am looking at the views is a totally different and uplifting way.
Mark, Many thanks for a belting two days and a very good course. "
Peter Limebear, Leeds
"Dear Mark,
I wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed the course I came on with you. I cant believe how much I learned in a short space of time. Even the technical elements were clearly and simply explained in such was that they were easy to understand and put into practice. I was absolutely delighted with the results that you managed to get me to achieve and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the course to anyone with even the vaguest interest in landscape photography. It really was a fantastic day."
Lorna Coates, Kendal
"Can i please thank you for such a Fantastic informative but instructive
course. I had been looking forward to it for the last six months and
was not dissapointed. There are certain times in life you keep memories
and the course, photography and good company is one of them."
Colin Patterson, Lancashire
"I would say that if anyone thinks that a wet day in the Lake District is a wasted day they should grab their camera and book a day with you. I certainly saw Wasdale literally in a new light and learnt a lot. You were great company and have a very easy way of imparting valuable tips and information." Jeff Moysey, Cheshire
"Hi mark.
I just wanted to write a quick email to say thank you for taking my Dad out. He had a fantastic day and I have just seen the pictures that he took. They are amazing!
He has raved about the day and the time that you spent with him explaining eveything......, so thank you for your time.
Hannah Moysey, Cheshire "
'Brilliant course'
"Mark focuses on the five or six critical things that you need to know in order to progress as a photographer and puts everything across in a clear and straight forward way. From a novice to a competent photographer you will get something out of this course".
Tim amd Paula, Cheshire
"While the memory is still fresh, just a few words of thanks, Mark, for a wonderful photography course for Pete and I up in wonderful Wasdale! One of those rare occasions when I could honestly say that an activity exceeded all expectations.
I sensed that things would go well from the careful preparation you did on the phone and by email, tailoring the course to current needs and having a real sense of us as individual, real people and not just students.
Extremely professional throughout the day, lots of good humour and a sense of fun, you also inspired us with your real passion for photography. I’m so glad that I took the step to contact you and to stop myself from taking more and more bad photos!!
As I look now on a couple of the shots I took yesterday I’m astonished and more than a bit chuffed.
David was great; it was a real pleasure to meet him, and Lesley and Mark at The Strands, plus all of their staff, made us so welcome.
Value for money? You bet!
Hope to meet up later this year and to work with you again.
Les P, Lancashire
"Mark - breaking off from editing photos to say a quick thank-you for the
most enjoyable day's course, which did exactly what it said on the tin!
The chats the night before and the morning after made it seem more like a
day and a half, and we did cover a lot. As hoped, it allowed me to
consolidate and re-think what I know already, and took me on to further
insights with regard to composition and lighting. Very good of you to lend
me your G2 camera to help my decide whether to go for another SLR or a G2
(still mulling it over). Les and I were delighted with the 'best shots' we
took, and yes, we were blessed with a glorious morning. The editing was as
stimulating as the practical shooting; inevitably in one day we saw more
than we were able to retain, but it's pushed me on to shoot in RAW, and to
try out more editing with Photoshop. The welcoming atmosphere of the pub
and the interesting company all added to the course.
We will be back for the follow up!
Pete T, Redditch
"My family bought me this day as a treat and what a great day it turned out to be! It was so relaxing and I learnt a lot that was put over in a nice style and pace that suited me. I cant recommend Mark enough. I'll be back soon for the two dayer!"
Simon Johns, North Yorks
"I had the most fantastic day, learnt heaps from Mark with it being 'one on
one'.
Weather was pretty ordinary when we started out but by the afternoon it was glorious and I have to boast that I think I took a couple of great shots which now take pride of place in my house in Australia! It was just a
shame that I only had the one day to spare but I have some great memories
and I just adore the "Lakes". Thanks Mark, you're the best!!"
April Woods from Australia
" My husband and I had walked around Eskdale and Wast Water before taking pictures and being disappointed when we saw them back home. However, we now have a much better understanding of whats required to make much nicer pictures. The surroundings are quite spectacular and Marks help was excellent. We have now both bought much better cameras as a result of what we learnt. Truly bitten!"
Celia and David, Lancashire
'A fabulous time! Aquired lots of tips and help from enthusiastic knowledgable people. Mark and Dave were very very helpful.
Worth every penny!' Carl Perkins, Jersey
" Dont just read whats been said on here do it ha ha! I had a two great days and my knowledge of cameras has shot up considerably. I felt nervous at first but that soon disappered after I saw what could be done and Marks style of teaching is so laid back! I took a compact with me but hired one of his DSLR'S and then started working the two together. Fantastic what a few hours with someone who is not only knowledgeable but great fun to be with can do. I will be back soon as this was a great experience. You wont regret it"
Jenny Darbyshire, Lancashire
I provide two workshops of one and two day duration although I can offer a bespoke course for you should you wish. They are set in and around the beautiful area that is Wasdale and Wast Water.
