Summary
Unique 1-2-1 photography workshops with Chris. Locations include Venice and the Lake District. Dates are flexible to suit you.
These new, exciting and very exclusive workshops are for you if you like the idea of spending 5 days with your camera alongside top Landscaper Chris Ceaser.
Chris will take you to the perfect locations at the right time of each day and will assist you in finding the most engaging composition and making your best shots in each location. Plenty of time will be spent considering the composition process and proper camera technique to ensure you get great results.
Each day will contain 1 of Chris's 'MASTERCLASS' sessions on composition out in the field so you can see how Chris considers a scene, working through the all-important composition process as he gives a valuable insight into making the perfect shot.
While the main focus is on sunrise and sunset field sessions, other field sessions will take place during each day and Chris will lead you through the various techniques required.
In the evenings, there will be the opportunity to discuss your best (or most challenging) shots of the day in a relaxed and friendly critique session.
This workshop will give you the opportunity to build your own portfolio whilst learning new techniques in the field such as stitching and focus stacking.
Five days of personal tuition that will elevate your photography to a new level. Suitable to all levels, this is an opportunity not to miss!
Cost (5 day 1-2-1 workshop)
£5.950 per Photographer (see 'What's included' & 'What's not included', below). includes all tuition and your own private room in the hotel.
A £ 1,000 deposit* is due at time of booking payable to Chris Ceaser Photography.
Balance by monthly payments**, or by deposit with balance paid 5 weeks prior to course.
** Your balance can be split into monthly payments with the final payment due 5 weeks prior to course date. Contact Chris to discuss this option.
Non-photography partners may be welcome, depending on teh location however a small surcharge for the hotel will apply. Please ask for details!
What’s included?
Your unique 1-2-1 Workshop typically includes:
- 4 nights’ lodging at a lovely 4-star Hotel or equivalent
All bedrooms have private, en-suite bathroom.
Breakfasts are included - Welcome drinks and course introduction on the first day.
- 4 sunrise, 4 sunset and other daily field sessions are normally achievable.
- Personal instruction by Chris in the field, including on the spot critiques and advice.
- Processing overview using Lightroom during the 5 day workshop.
- You will be eligible for a discounted rate on one of Chris's processing/print workshops at his studio
- You will also have the opportunity to have 2 fine art prints made from your images captured on the workshop
What’s not included?
The following is not Included but we are happy to advise you on options, where appropriate:
- Airfare & Visas -
- Travel to and from the location, though Chris can advise on options for your particular workshop.
- Insurances - We strongly advise you take out personal travel insurance. Companies like AA travel insurance will provide single trip cover for just £10. This covers all monies paid in the event of illness, jury service etc....
- Airport Transfers etc.
- Meals - Breakfast is included in our hotel.
Lunch is up to you – we normally stop for a cafe break
Dinner is up to you but you are welcome to join Chris and chat about the day. - Local Tourist Taxes etc.
Itinerary
Day 1
You are welcome to arrive at the Hotel from 2pm to settle in – Chris will be there to meet you. After a short chat about the workshop we will head out to shoot the late afternoon and sunset.
Complimentary Drinks will be served at the Hotel at 7pm and then you can either join Chris for dinner or have some time to yourself.
Days 2,3 and 4
Sunrise
Your day will begin around 1 hour before sunrise as we leave the Hotel for our first shoot of the day- locations will vary.
We head back to the Hotel after shooting the golden hour (or so), for breakfast.
Day
The period between the sunrise and sunset shoots is broken up into small sessions.
- Chris will also run a critique session at the end of each day, normally before dinner. This will feature the Photographer’s own work and Chris will give constructive feedback on the chosen images from each day.
- Other field sessions with Chris will be available during each day. The emphasis of the course will be on taking photographs and having a great time away with your camera!
- If you wish to have your shots critiqued in the evening, please bring your laptop or anything you can show your images on. The shot can be straight from your camera or one that you have processed. We limit the critique sessions to two or three shots per day, per Photographer, to ensure that the discussions are useful. You may choose to submit a shot you are particularly happy with, or one that you would like help to improve.
Sunset
Sunset is a highlight wherever we are and Chris will select the perfect location given the light at the time.
Your shooting day will end at around 18:00, as we will shoot beyond sunset into the exciting 'blue hour'.
Evening
Critique sessions will be held back at the Hotel at around 6.30pm and should last 30 minutes. After that, dinner is up to you - you might choose to join Chris at a local restaurant to continue the discussion, or to head out individually to explore a little more. We will look to have dinner at around 8pm.
Day 5
We will begin with a sunrise session followed by breakfast. The workshops normally finish around noon on the last day, but this may vary depending where we are. Often, we shoot until sunset on the last day if there are no palnes to catch!!
Terms and Conditions
Chris Ceaser Photography offers 'no interest payment plans'. (Ask foir details)
If you would like to arrange a monthly payment plan, please contact us at info@chrisceaser.com or on +44 7920 044094.
We insist that you purchase travel insurance for your workshop. This can protect you in case of an unforeseen situation that would require a last minute cancellation. Your gear will also be covered!
The workshops include: Bed & Breakfast lodging in a 4 star Venice hotel, Welcome Drink, Vaporetto pass for the first 3 days, plus the various field sessions and seminars described above, all of which include thoughtful, personalised instruction from Chris.
Not included: Airfare, transportation to and from Hotel (including airport transfers), passport or visa fees, meals (other than breakfast & welcome dinner). (Typical air fare from Gatwick is around £160 return with BA)
Cancellation & Insurances
- All deposits* are non-refundable
- Chris Ceaser Photography does not offer cancellation refunds. Please take out adequate insurance to cover cancellations due to ill health, jury service etc. Please ask for recommendations and see below.
Insurances and refunds:
YOU are responsible for your own insurances. This needs to cover you and your kit for things such as emergency illness whilst away, theft of your kit, inability to travel due to illness etc. Should you not be able to travel at the time of the course you will need to claim on your own insurance. Chris will provide you with an invoice and a letter confirming you did not attend. There is NO refund should you cancel after paying your deposits and balances. This is why you need your own insurances in place.
WE are covered under our own EVENT INSURANCE in the case that Chris cannot attend (due to illness, etc).
Our event insurance is quite comprehensive, but it does NOT cover things such as rainy weather, overcast weather etc. In these cases the course goes ahead, just like a normal booked holiday would. Make sure you or any operator you may use has such EVENT insurances in place or you may risk losing your money. You still need your OWN insurances in place to cover you and your kit (policies can cost as little as £9 for £5000 cover). Contact Chris on 07920 044094 to chat about insurances. You may already have such insurances in place, with your bank for example, but please check the policies cover you in case of illness or theft of kit either abroad or at home.
Chris runs his courses on a personal basis and normally provides all tuition etc personally. However, Chris Ceaser Photography reserves the right to replace instructors in the event of illness, emergency or death.
The Hotels
For Venice....We will be staying at The Hotel Saturnia International, situated in the heart of the San Marco area, close to the wondefrul Accademia Bridge and St Mark's Square.
For the Lake District ... we will be staying at the Swan Inn at Grasmere
You will stay in your own room with private facilities. The Saturnia is one of Venice's most established hotels and has a reputation for fantastic service. The Swan at Grasmere has been recently refurbished and is in a prime location by one of the Lake Distrtict's prettiest villages.
Feel free to arrive after 1pm on the Sunday and we will head off for a little extra photography or meet for a get-together drink at the Hotel at 7pm, whichever works for you, before heading out for the dinner in one of our favourite little restaurants.
Check out the Hotel websites: Hotel Saturnia (Venice) Swan Inn (Lakes)
Is this Workshop suitable for you?
Are you comfortable with your camera and its settings?
Yes - This Workshop will help you develop your technical & compositional skills and allow you to develop your own photographic style.
No - Please contact Chris on +44 7920 044094 to discuss, as a short pre-workshop session may be arranged to give you the confidence to join this Workshop.
Are you comfortable using Lee Filters?
Yes - This Workshop will help you build on your experience to date, introducing you to new filters / techniques.
No - Chris has filters available to borrow during the Workshop and will teach you how to use them effectively. Please contact him on +44 7920 044094 to discuss, prior to booking.
Do you have Lightroom and/or Photoshop on your laptop?
Yes - This Workshop will help you build on your editing / workflow experience to date – Chris will demonstrate his own techniques, providing lots of pro tips to help you improve.
No - Free trial periods are available on Adobe’s website.
Please contact Chris on +44 7920 044094 to discuss, prior to booking.
Requirements
All Photographers must bring:
- A digital SLR camera & lenses
- Filters, if you have them – if not, please let Chris know so that he can arrange for you to borrow them
- A laptop computer with lightroom if you want to work on your own images during rest periods.
- A sturdy tripod
- Cold weather gear
- A moderate level of fitness – there will be lots of walking on the flat with the odd little bridge to cross.
Testimonials
My surprise 21st birthday present was a ticket to Venice with my Dad on Chris’ course. We both own cameras and wanted to learn how to use them properly. It was well worth the year-delay through Covid, and Chris managed to coax some great photos from us. Chris has a thorough understanding of the city and was able to show us the perfect vantage points, filling our day from blue hour to blue hour to make sure we squeezed every moment out of our time there. The rapidly changing weather wasn’t in our favour but Chris remained flexible and ensured the days were tailored so our experience was unaffected and we achieved numerous fantastic shots using the elements to our advantage. The small group meant that we had plenty of one-to-one time and with mixed experience levels it made sure that we all learnt a huge amount. Chris managed to deftly deal with Dad’s broken camera – scouting the local shops and quickly finding a rental replacement!
An unforgettable experience in a beautiful city with a patient and knowledgeable host, we will both look forward to a future of far higher quality and better composed photographs – thank you Chris! Iwan Stone
An unforgettable experience in a beautiful city with a patient and knowledgeable host, we will both look forward to a future of far higher quality and better composed photographs – thank you Chris! Iwan Stone
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.