Testimonials
Having spent one day in the Yorkshire Dales and another on the Yorkshire Coast over the summer, I just returned from 4 days in the Lakes with Chris. I spent the past year travelling and attending photography workshops across Russia, North America, Asia and Europe (including a 4 day National Geographic Photography Expedition in New York another in New Orleans) so was pretty comfortable participating in workshops, but the trips that Chris ran were by far the best. I learned more with him than on any other course – he’s clear, straightforward, helpful and funny. He worked through my technical questions efficiently, which enabled me to spend more time on composition and using the neutral density filters etc – more fun, but for me, more tricky. He’s extraordinarily patient and kind, while managing to still be honest and helpful. Taking a course with Chris is a great way to meet new people, learn new things and enjoy the landscapes of the North, while waiting for the light (and possibly also sheltering from the rain). Amazing value for money as compared to the other courses I’ve taken in the UK (some in directly comparable locations) and abroad. I can’t recommend these workshops enough – whether you ‘re about to open the box that your DSLR came in for the very first time or you’ve been playing with your camera for years, you’ll learn a huge amount, laugh a lot and probably never look at a cloud in quite the same way again. And when you get home, you’ll be astonished at what you managed to achieve. Rebecca Sheppard. (3 day residential course - the Lake District Nov 2014)
I have just returned from a March workshop in the Lakes. This was my first workshop with Chris. It was well thought out and Chris was very approachable. The weather was against us over the 3 days, turning Chris' original plans upside down, but with some rapid replanning and making the best use of the opportunities available - like the afternoon light at Castlerigg - and visiting some alternative locations like an old slate mine and the hamlet of Watendlath, I went home with a range of shots I was really happy with.
Rob Vaughan. (3 Day Residential - Lake District March 2013)
I have attended two of Chris’s courses and have been most impressed by the patience and professionalism of his instruction. The courses are tailored to meet the requirements of all who attend, and the small number of people on each course means that everyone leaves having learned a lot without feeling overwhelmed. You will be taken through the whole composition, image taking and processing procedures such that you will be able to create a photograph of which you can feel proud. I think Chris’s portfolio speaks for itself, and if you are looking to be able to produce images of this quality then one of his courses set in some of the most scenic countryside Britain has to offer may be just
what you are looking for. David Cooper. (3 Day Residential - Lake District March 2012)
This residential photography workshop was superb. Chris was friendly, approachable and patient, demonstrating an outstanding knowledge of the image making process itself and the locations we visited. We always seemed to be in the right place at the right time! The small group of just 4 people allowed Chris to work with us all whilst we were out in the field, providing a 'critique' on certain shots as we were actually making them. He worked with each of us at our own level and his advice on how to break down the composition of a particular scene was extremely insightful. His overviews on RAW processing, (something I had not encountered before) and simple Photoshop techniques were delivered in an effective manner that was easy to understand. The hotel and the food were of a high standard and this added to the 'holiday' experience. All things considered I felt that the course offered excellent value for money, with the emphasis firmly on making quality images! If you are looking to spend time away with your camera as part of a small, friendly group then I would highly recommend one of Chris's workshops. Philip Thake. (3 Day Residential - Lake District March 2016)
"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)
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)