Quest Photography

2007

Please click on the Course Title to get more information about the course content and fees.

Basics for Beginners

Tutor: Colin Westgate; At West Mersea; 1 day workshop, two dates and venues; Saturday 6 January 2007 and Seaford Monday 22 January 2007

A workshop for those starting off in photography, or wanting to learn how to use their camera, and to improve their techniques and picture appreciation. It will explain technical matters, such as the various functions on digital or film cameras and will include discussion on such things as exposure, focusing, lens apertures, shutter speeds and depth of field. Aesthetic aspects such as composition, creativity and appreciation of light and colour will also be covered. A field trip will be included so that participants can put into practice what they have learnt, and everyone will be invited to bring some previously taken pictures for discussion and review

Price £58 (deposit £20)

6 places 

Beginners Darkroom

Tutor: Colin Westgate; At West Mersea, Essex; Saturday 13 January 2007

Although most photographers now make their prints digitally, the darkroom is alive and well, and, arguably, a well crafted monochrome silver print has a depth and intrinsic quality that ink jet prints cannot yet equal. This ‘hands on’ workshop is aimed at those wishing to learn how to make monochrome enlargements in the darkroom, and will cover film development, exposure calculation, use of contrast and simple tonal controls used to get the best from a negative.

Price £55 (deposit £20)

3 places Includes sandwich lunch and all materials.

Advanced Monochrome Printing (Darkroom)

Tutor: Colin Westgate; At West Mersea, Essex; Saturday 13 January 2007

This workshop is intended for photographers wishing to improve and expand their printing skills. Using advanced techniques such as split grading and paper flashing, prints can be made from virtually any negative, (providing there is detail on it!) including negatives that may previously have been dismissed as hopeless. The quality of today's Multigrade and Variable Contrast paper is excellent, and the amount of control and versatility available is such that graded papers are now virtually obsolete This workshop is an ideal follow on from the Beginners Darkroom day the previous week.

Price £55 (deposit £20)

3 places Includes sandwich lunch and all materials.

Lith Printing (Darkroom)

Tutor: Colin Westgate; At West Mersea, Essex; Thursday 8 February 2007

The technique of using a heavily diluted, high contrast (lith) developer with suitable papers is capable of producing a unique and beautiful tonality and colour that is not seen in conventional enlargements. This workshop will cover the specialised techniques involved, and the use of selenium and gold toners, which can enhance the straight print.

Price £58 (deposit £20)

3 places Includes lunch and materials.

Exhibition Printing in Monochrome (Darkroom)

Tutor: Colin Westgate; 2 days at West Mersea, Essex; Saturday/Sunday 3/4 March 2007 (subject to demand, additional dates by arrangement)

This is Quest's top of the range printing workshop, designed to enable you to get the maximum from your negatives and to make prints up to 16" x 12" (40 x 30 cm.) in size, suitable for use in exhibitions or for sale. Fibre based papers will be used for the highest quality, and prints will be archivally processed and optionally selenium toned for maximum depth. Advanced techniques, such as split grading, pre and post flashing will be employed as necessary. The number of prints produced will depend on the difficulty or otherwise of printing any particular negative. As this workshop is time and materials intensive, it is restricted to two people only, and this is reflected in a higher than normal price.

Price £175 (deposit £50)

2 places includes sandwich lunch and all materials.

Really Creative Photoshop

Tutor: Russell Lindsay MPAGB; 1 day, at West Mersea, Essex; Saturday 10 March 2007 (provisional date)

If you want to take your digital imaging a stage further, then this is the workshop for you! Russell Lindsay is very well known for his creative images, which he achieves by using Photoshop imaginatively to change the straight picture into something much more exciting. This he does by moving and adding elements, changing perspectives, combining two or more images, and various other techniques. The secret behind his success is to make the manipulations seamless so that the final result has the illusion of reality. In this workshop, Russell will demonstrate the techniques he has used to create his amazing exhibition pictures. A digital projector and large screen will be used so that the procedures can be clearly seen.

Russell Lindsay has the distinction of Master of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain, their top honour. He has had remarkable success in exhibitions throughout the UK and elsewhere.

Price £52 (deposit £20)

12 places 

Adders in the Wild

Tutor: George McCarthy; 1 day, near Haslemere, Surrey; Monday 26 March 2007

A unique workshop, with the opportunity to photograph these shy and often misunderstood creatures safely from close quarters. George's knowledge of snakes, where to find them, and his ability to handle them sensitively without harm to either snakes or photographers (!) will guarantee some very interesting subject matter, which will definitely include adders and with a chance of finding grass snakes and possibly lizards as well. Due to the nature of this workshop, numbers will be limited to a strict maximum of eight.

*SPECIAL OFFER - Book any two or more George McCarthy workshops and take 10% discount on each.

Price £68 (deposit £20)

8 places 

Picture Forum

Tutor: Colin Westgate; 1 day, at Seaford, Surrey; Saturday 28 April 2007

This event has established itself as a ‘must’ in the Quest programme, and the formula of mini presentations, a competition and a talk has proved very successful. Picture Forum is literally that – an opportunity for everyone to share their work. Presentations of up to 15 minutes, say 25 pictures, prints, slides or digital images on CD are invited. These will occupy most of the day, and are a vital and enjoyable aspect of the Programme. It is your chance to show your photography, so please bring a selection of your pictures. These are for enjoyment and appreciation only - there is no judgement, so, please do not be out off coming forward! Slots may possibly, however, have to be restricted, according to numbers, so when booking, please say if you would like to give a presentation, and if so, your subject, and whether you wish to show prints, slides or by digital projection. If possible everyone will be accommodated, (no-one has missed out so far!) but in view of the increasing popularity of this feature, slots will be primarily allocated on a first come, first served basis, but also with regard to the need for a balanced programme.

The talk will be by Colin Westgate on Iceland, who made his third visit to that country last May. This year, Colin will also judge the competition for prints, slides or digital (not more than one entry per person). A critique and appraisal will be given by him, on all entries. Prizes will be awarded for the best work, and will include a free day on a Quest workshop, plus other items of photographic interest. There will also be a special prize of a mounted print by Colin Westgate, for the most popular image, chosen by audience vote. This is always an interesting and exciting day of sharing pictures and experiences, where everyone can join in. Not to be missed!

Price £20 (Payable in full on booking - not eligible for early booking discount arrangements)

 includes buffet lunch and refreshments (but not bar drinks!)

Exploring the Abstract

Tutor: Priscilla Thomas FRPS; 1 day, at Seaford; Sunday 29 April 2007

If you enjoy colourful, intriguing and stimulating abstract images, but are uncertain how to go about making them, this workshop will explain and show you some of the possibilities. Using several ‘photo stations’ various methods will be demonstrated, after which everyone will be able to create and photograph their own designs. You will be limited only by your imagination! Every picture is unique and individual. Colour is recommended, film or digital, although you might consider using some monochrome and hand tinting (or digitally enhancing) the resulting prints!

Priscilla Thomas is well known for her imaginative and artistic pictures, and in this workshop she will be sharing some of the techniques, including one or more new ones, that she employs when producing her creative and often evocative results. Priscilla exhibits regularly and has been awarded numerous medals. Your opportunity to make some truly unusual images!

Price £59 (deposit £20)

10 places 

Spring Impressions

Tutor: Colin Westgate; 1 day, at Leonardslea, nr. Horsham, West Sussex; Wednesday 2 May 2007

This workshop will demonstrate the beautiful impressionistic effects, which can be obtained by using various diffusion methods. The vibrant spring colours of the exotic flowers at Leonardslea make an ideal subject for this. After viewing work and discussing techniques, we will spend the rest of the day photographing in the gardens. Slide or negative film, or digital, can be used. This is your opportunity to try something really different and exciting, with lovely images virtually guaranteed.

Price £55 (deposit £20)

10 placesPrice includes Gardens entrance fee and refreshments (but not lunch)

Garden Photography

Tutor: David Dixon FRPS; 1 day at Merriments Gardens, nr Hurst Green, E. Sussex; Wednesday 9 May 2007

Making really good pictures flowers and shrubs in natural light is more demanding than it might seem, with various problems to be dealt with. Professional photographer David Dixon specialises in Garden photography and will demonstrate and give guidance on technical matters, such as exposure, use of light, backgrounds, focus, including use of depth of field. The important area of aesthetics will also be covered, as it is this that can make a picture stand out from others. The event is being held at the beautiful Merriments Gardens, where there will be ample opportunity to learn and practice the various techniques. Suitable for beginners upward.

Price £65 (deposit £20)

8 places 

Professional Studio Portraits and Lighting

Tutor: Steve Gubbins; 1 day nr. Horsham, Sussex; Sunday 2 September 2007

Professional photographer Steve Gubbins will instruct you in the often worrying subject of working with flash in a studio setting and will give you a host of tips to help you dramatically improve your technical skills at taking portraits He will also take you through one of the most important, and often overlooked, aspects of portrait photography - building a rapport with your subject. It is of little use knowing about lighting if you cannot work comfortably with your model. So if you aspire to be a portrait photographer, either in a professional capacity or simply for your own pleasure, this workshop will be invaluable. The venue will be Steve’s own studio at Warnham, near Horsham.

Steve Gubbins is a professional portrait photographer, with over 20 years experience. He was voted Photographer of the Year for the Fuji sponsored competition for family and individual portraits, and has two Kodak European Gold awards,

Price £95 (deposit £25)

8 places 

The Expressive Landscape

Tutor: Colin Westgate; Two day workshop with two dates and venues West Mersea, Essex, Saturday/Sunday 9/10 June, and Seaford, Saturday/Sunday 13/14 October 2007

This workshop is an expansion of the previous single day event, and will allow more time for in depth discussion, review of participant's pictures, and field work. A new, and very important feature, will include the use of a computer and Photoshop to demonstrate how the straight picture can be greatly improved, using, as far as possible, images taken by everyone on the day.

Landscape photography is often thought to be simple and indeed, it is not difficult to obtain straightforward pictures. However, results are often disappointing and to make outstanding landscape photographs requires commitment, patience and vision. In this workshop, we will discuss the principles of landscape photography applicable to both monochrome and colour, including the uses of various lenses and filters, choice of subject matter, selection of viewpoints, principles of exposure, use of light, dealing with movement etc. Enhancement of the taken image will show how simple procedures using Photoshop can enable the photographer to put feeling into a picture, thereby achieving the expressive landscape

Price £105 (deposit £30)

5 places 

Cyanotype, Argyrotype (VanDyke) and Sun Prints

Tutor: Colin Westgate; 1 day, at West Mersea; Wednesday 13 June 2007

Cyanotype and Vandyke are two of the better known alternative processes, invented in the 1840’s by Sir John Herschel (although the Vandyke name was not given until later) Cyanotypes (or blueprints) are a lustrous Prussian blue in colour, whereas Vandykes have a rich brown tonality (they were originally known as brownprints). Both are made by coating a suitable carrier, such as an art paper, with light sensitive ferric salts. This is done in subdued light and when dry, the coated paper is then exposed in contact with a suitable negative to ultra violet light. This can be sunlight, or an artificial source, such as a sun lamp or u.v. light box. The processes are also very suitable for making photograms by laying objects, such as flowers or leaves, in direct contact with the paper. Processing is very simple, and the resulting prints have a long tonal range and depth. In the past, except for large format users, the practicality of making large negatives has been a drawback, but with the advent of digital it is now relatively straightforward to make negatives from scanned film or digital capture. In this workshop, the process will be explained and demonstrated, after which everyone will have the opportunity to make their own images. Participants with experience of digital imaging will be encouraged to bring digital negatives, (instructions will be given), but if this is not possible, facilities will be available to make them on the workshop.

Sun prints are simply made by exposing a coated, sensitive paper to sun light, using either a negative or an object placed on the paper under a piece of glass. Specialist Printing out Paper is still available, but it is also possible to use standard darkroom papers. This promises to be an intriguing day, with the marriage of old and new technologies making possible the production of images with a timeless quality.

Price £68 (deposit £20)

5 places Includes refreshments, and all materials, including art paper

Model on Location

Tutor: Eddie Sturgeon; 1 day, at Seaford; Saturday 23 June 2007

After a successful return in 2006, we are again running this workshop, where you will be able to photograph an attractive model in a stunning beach location, and in one or more other settings. The workshop will be under the direction of Eddie Sturgeon, for whom this type of photography is a speciality.

Help and guidance regarding poses, angles, best use of light and exposure will be given, and everyone will have time with the model to request individual poses. Furthermore, if you would like to bring along a model of your own, you would be most welcome to do so.

Price £75 (deposit £20)

8 places 

Church Architecture & Interiors

Tutor: Clive Tanner FRPS; 1 day, at Lancing College, West Sussex; Saturday 30 June 2007.

This workshop provides a rare opportunity to either photograph in the magnificent Lancing College Chapel, situated between Brighton and Worthing. Clive has a deserved reputation for his beautiful church pictures, which have been exhibited widely. Photographing this subject can be technically very challenging, with the lighting often difficult, and such things as tilting verticals to consider. Clive will give guidance and advice in dealing with the technical problems, but will also focus on artistic and pictorial aspects, as well as exposure and, for film users, development techniques for controlling contrast. While large format cameras with movements would be the professional’s choice much can be done with smaller formats, so do not be put off if you only have 35 mm or digital - you will be in good company!

Price £68 (deposit £20)

8 places 

Butterflies in the Wild

Tutor: George McCarthy; 1 day, nr. Haslemere; Wednesday 4 July 2007

Another chance to work with this renowned Sussex wild life photographer. Butterflies in their natural surroundings are notoriously erratic and elusive, and are a great challenge to any photographer. George will be guiding participants how to tackle the difficulties involved in photographing these insects in the wild. The location is rich in subject matter, with some of Britain's rarest species usually being seen, including the diminutive Woodland White, the beautiful Silver Washed Fritillary and possibly the elusive Purple Emperor. Please note - this workshop will commence at 6.30 a.m. (finishing 2 p.m.) as the insects are likely to be more static in the early part of the day, thereby enhancing opportunities of capturing them at their best.

*SPECIAL OFFER - Book any two or more George McCarthy workshops and take 10% discount on each.

Price £64 (deposit £20)

10 places 

Dragonflies in the Wild

Tutor: George McCarthy; 1 day - Surrey location; Thursday 5 July 2007

Along with butterflies, dragonflies are among the most beautiful of insects, but being small and often very mobile, they make difficult subjects. On this workshop we will devote the whole day working on a site in Surrey that contains more species of dragonfly than any other in Britain (exact location revealed to workshop participants only!). Photographing them is, in itself, a considerable challenge and to do so in a technically correct as well as pictorial way is the goal of professional George McCarthy. Find out the methods employed by George and see the tips and tricks he uses to make his stunning pictures. This is a rare opportunity to photograph these insects at an outstanding venue and as they are at their best early in the morning, the workshop will commence at 6.30 a.m. (finishing 2 p.m.). However, if you are unable to arrive this early, a later start will be acceptable, but regretfully Quest cannot offer any reduction for this.

*SPECIAL OFFER - Book any two or more George McCarthy workshops and take 10% discount on each.

Price £64 (deposit £20)

10 places 

Thames Barge Race

Tutor: Colin Westgate; from Pin Mill, nr. Ipswich; Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, 6 to 8 July 2007

A unique opportunity to sail and photograph in a genuine Thames barge! Quest has again chartered Reminder, built in 1929, for our exclusive use. She will sail from Ipswich early Saturday morning to take part in the Barge Race that day. There could be as many as eighteen barges in the race and we will be sailing with them throughout. The Sunday will be spent cruising along the Orwell and the surrounding area. The barge offers an unusual viewpoint for exciting images, such as the jumble of gear, the rigging, villages with colourful waterfronts, local boats at anchor and under sail, as well as, of course, the magnificent racing barges themselves! We will embark on Friday evening for a seafood supper (alternatives available) and will sleep on the barge Friday and Saturday nights, returning during the afternoon on Sunday. You will not have to do anything on the barge except relax, enjoy the experience of a lifetime and take photographs – although you are welcome to help the crew if you would like to. This is a wonderful and very different weekend, away from it all! All meals included.

*SPECIAL OFFER - Book any two or more George McCarthy workshops and take 10% discount on each.

Price £295 (deposit £80)

 Price is based on double or sharing a twin or triple berth – regretfully, no singles are available. In the event of adverse weather conditions it may be necessary to change or curtail the planned itinerary - this will be the decision of the skipper. In the extremely unlikely event that it unsafe to sail, no refund can be given, but the barge, her crew and all food will remain at our disposal.

Photographic Expression

Tutor: John Blakemore; 2 days, at West Mersea, Essex; Tuesday/Wednesday 4/5 September 2007

John Blakemore is one of the U.K’s most respected photographers and has probably done more for the recognition of the medium as fine art than anyone else in this country. His skill as a darkroom printer, combined with his tremendous sensitivity and vision, result in very special pictures of great insight and emotion. In his earlier years, he photographed mainly in the landscape, before moving to what could loosely be described as still life. These latter included such tours de force as his Tulip Garden series and Chimera Landscapes. More recently, John has been working in colour, from which has been created The Illuminated Garden, a series of beautiful ethereal images in complete contrast to his better known monochrome pictures. In this workshop, John will show his work, discuss its development and share his thoughts and philosophy. An invaluable part of the workshop will be to review and discuss pictures from participants, where his insight and gentle encouragement will stimulate and inspire.

Until retiring a few years ago John was Reader at Derby University, where he taught the BA (Hons.) course in Photographic Studies. His pictures are highly collectable and he has been exhibited extensively in Europe, Japan and the USA. . He has been the recipient of numerous awards from the National Arts Council, including the prestigious ICI/Fox Talbot award for Photography in 1992.

*SPECIAL OFFER - Book both John Blakemore workshops for £185 (deposit £55). Save £32!

Price £138 (deposit £40)

10 places 

Hand Made Photography Books

Tutor: John Blakemore; 1 days, at West Mersea, Essex; Thursday 6 September 2007

Probably the most effective way to present photographs is by way of a personal photographic book. There is an immense amount of satisfaction to be gained by looking through a book of one's own photographs, sitting in a favourite chair with a glass of malt whisky or wine! And of course personal books also make very special gifts for family and friends. The content of books can range from a selection of favourite pictures, to a themed approach, such as a documentary, a story of a trip, or a dedicated project. Over the years a library of these can make a wonderful collection of your work. There are many different styles of books and John will demonstrate the making of two of these, after which you will be able to make a book of your own under his supervision. John has been making books for many years, and will be bringing a selection from his very diversified collection.

*SPECIAL OFFER - Book both John Blakemore workshops for £185 (deposit £55). Save £32!

Price £72 (deposit £20)

10 places 

Traditional Oyster Smacks and Winkle Brigs.

Tutor: Colin Westgate; 1 day, at West Mersea, Essex; Sunday 9 September 2007

Mersea native oysters are claimed to be amongst the best in the world and this event marks the opening of the season, when a multitude of smacks, bawleys, bumkins and brigs dredge for them under sail in the traditional way. There is a contest for the biggest catches, and there is plenty of action! These boats, are often well over 100 years old, and are truly picturesque subjects for the camera. Quest will be chartering one or more small motor vessels in which we will be able to move amongst the smacks for the best views of the action as well as longer distance shots with the boats under sail. We will be on the water from about 10 a.m. and at 1 p.m., the contest ends. We will then be taken to a small island in the estuary for the weigh in and a delicious seafood lunch, including optional oysters if you like them. Here there will be further opportunities for photographs of the fishermen and onlookers. A fabulous and unusual day, with the feel of travelling back in time to a different way of life.

Price £75 (deposit £25)

10 places Includes seafood lunch.

Birds of Prey & Owls

Tutor: George McCarthy; 1 day, near Horsham, Sussex; Tuesday 9 October 2007

A superb workshop, that has been oversubscribed every year. It takes place at a Falconry Centre, which houses the largest collection of these magnificent birds in the South East and which is available for the exclusive use of Quest on the day. George will demonstrate his own individual and professional approach to photographing captive birds in such a way as to make it virtually impossible to distinguish them from those in the wild. The falconer will arrange for individual birds to be positioned to the best photographic advantage, thereby guaranteeing stunning pictures. And one or two surprises may be in store too! Many of you will be familiar with George’s famous owl posters and this is a great opportunity to learn how it is done!

*SPECIAL OFFER - book any two or more George McCarthy workshops and take 10% discount on each

Price £75 (deposit £20)

10 places Includes refreshments.

Deer in Richmond Park

Tutor: George McCarthy; 1 day, Richmond Park; Wednesday 10 October 2007

The deer are rutting and in prime condition at this time of the year, and make majestic subjects for the camera. With the autumn conditions just setting in, there should also be some very pleasing backdrops, not only for photographing the deer, but also for conventional pictorial photography. George will guide you in finding the best situations and techniques to use for pictures of these attractive animals. There should also be a few fungi around, for additional interest.

*SPECIAL OFFER - book any two or more George McCarthy workshops and take 10% discount on each

Price £68 (deposit £20)

10 places Includes refreshments.

Photographing Fungi

Tutor: George McCarthy; 1 day, at Ebernoe Common, W.Sussex; Thursday 11 October 2007

Fungi are fascinating and interesting subjects, but are not nearly as easy to discover and to photograph as it might seem - often they are very tiny, and in awkward, dimly lit positions. George will show how to find these sometimes elusive subjects and will demonstrate the techniques he uses to photograph them. These will include choosing the appropriate lens, making best use of available light and reflectors, using flash, selecting viewpoints, dealing with backgrounds, and other 'tricks of the trade'. The day will be spent entirely in the field, in order to make most of the many photographic opportunities. Within a fairly small area, it should be possible to find plenty of excellent specimens, including rare and unusual varieties.

George McCarthy is the author of the best selling book The Wild Mushroom, and his work has appeared in numerous magazines and books.

*SPECIAL OFFER - book any two or more George McCarthy workshops and take 10% discount on each

Price £65 (deposit £20)

10 places 

All about Exhibiting & Exhibitions

Tutor: Colin Westgate; 1 day, at Seaford; Friday 12 October 2007

Exhibitions are one of the showcases of photography, and to have your work viewed on the exhibition wall is an achievement of which to be proud. This workshop will look at all aspects of exhibitions, including types of exhibition and venue, one person shows, open exhibitions, how pictures are judged, fashions, fads and formulae, paper work and packaging, keeping records, FIAP & BPE distinctions, and much more. It will also include a short review of participants work with the aim of encouraging participation in exhibitions. Remember, if nobody sent work to exhibitions, we would not have pictures to see! Suitable for print, slide and digital workers

Price £55 (deposit £20)

8 places Includes refreshments

Autumn Impressions

Tutor: Colin Westgate. 1 day at Monks Hall, nr. Colchester; Thursday 1 November 2007.

This workshop has featured in every Quest programme since inception and continues to be very popular. Colin has an established reputation for his beautiful, impressionistic images, and you will learn how to produce these yourself, using various diffusion techniques - you are virtually guaranteed to get some lovely pictures. After showing pictures and discussing methods, the day will be spent photographing in the Park, well known for the variety of exotic trees and spectacular autumn colours.

Price £59 (deposit £20)

8 places Price includes Park entrance fees (where applicable) and refreshments on arrival

A Way of Seeing - Unlocking your Photographic Potential

Tutor: Les McLean; 2 days, at Seaford; Friday/Saturday 2/3 November 2007 (provisional dates)

This highly acclaimed workshop is designed to stimulate ideas and encourage you to think about your photography. If you belong to a camera club, the competition judge will, at best, give you a couple of minutes critique, which is hardly of much use in helping you improve your photography. On the other hand, if you work alone, you may have reached the point where you are getting nowhere. So If you are feeling photographically jaded, lack inspiration, need guidance on how to develop ideas, or simply enjoy in depth discussions about pictures, then this interactive workshop is for you.

During the workshop, Les will talk about his photographic philosophy by showing examples of his work, ranging from landscape to still life and documentary, but the core element will be to look at pictures from participants and discuss everyone’s aims and desires. All will be involved in the discussions and the bouncing of ideas and thoughts promises to make this an extremely interesting event. You will be invited to bring a selection of pictures, whether these are individual images or on a theme .A vital aspect of the workshop will be an assignment, the results of which will be discussed and analysed. Les is a sensitive and feeling photographer and his aim will to get behind your thoughts and intent in making your pictures with a view to giving you the stimulation and impetus to take your work to new levels.

Les McLean is the author of the book ‘Creative Black & White Photography’ and the subject of a tutorial CD on digital techniques. He is well known for his beautiful monochrome pictures and teaches photography both in the UK and the USA.

* SPECIAL OFFER - Book two or more Les McLean workshops and take a 10% discount on each.

Price £145 (deposit £40)

10 places Includes refreshments

Candid Street Photography

Tutor: Les McLean; 1 day, at Brighton; Sunday 4 November 2007 (provisional date)

This has become a very popular workshop, (especially with the ladies!) and is your chance to take pictures with a real difference! There are probably very few people who could teach andid photography in a live situation, and Les is certainly one of them. He has spent a great deal of time photographing in Belfast and New York and has developed a number of techniques which have enabled him to produce some very strong and telling images. In this workshop, he will show and discuss his work, followed by location photography in Brighton. Here, Les will demonstrate various methods of approaching street photography, after which, under his supervision, everyone will break up into smaller groups to tackle some 'live' photography. We will reconvene at agreed times to discuss progress and any problems before getting involved in more candid work. Les works in monochrome, often using ultra fast films such as the Ilford Delta 3200. However, those wishing to use colour film or a digital camera are also very welcome. Les is an enthusiastic and inspiring tutor, and will give everyone the confidence to take photographs of people in public locations. .

* SPECIAL OFFER - Book two or more Les McLean workshops and take a 10% discount on each.

Price £58 (deposit £20)

10 places 

From Darkroom to Digital

Tutor: Les McLean; 1 day, at Seaford; Monday 5 November 2007

Les Mclean is best known for his superb darkroom work, but he now also uses the computer to make many of his monochrome pictures. Building on his darkroom experience and using high quality pigment inks he is now producing prints comparable to those produced by traditional methods. In this workshop, he will demonstrate his techniques, including a practical method of monitor calibration, scanning, use of curves, tonal controls (burning & dodging) and layers. His approach will be to replicate the controls employed in the darkroom - this workshop is not a step-by-step Photoshop tutorial, but a practical means of learning how to obtain the finest aesthetic results. A digital projector and large screen will be used so that all procedures will be clearly seen.

Les McLean writes for various magazines, and regularly leads workshops in the UK and America. He also demonstrates at Focus for companies which include Ilford. Permajet and Fotospeed.

* SPECIAL OFFER - Book two or more Les McLean workshops and take a 10% discount on each.

Price £52 (deposit £20)

10 places 

Bird Photography Masterclass

Tutor: George McCarthy; 1 day at Arundel, West Sussex; Friday 23 November 2007

This very comprehensive workshop will cover techniques for successful bird photography including use of cameras, lenses, and more specialised equipment, such as flash and hides, and will also look at aesthetic considerations, such as choice of background, viewpoint and lighting. George will show examples of his work, and discuss in detail the various methods he employs to take his outstanding pictures. There will, of course, be opportunities for practical photography, under George's supervision. At this time of the year, the birds will be displaying colourful winter plumage, and will make attractive subjects for the camera. Bird photography requires considerable patience and skill, but subject matter is abundant in this location and with tuition by an expert, everyone will gain confidence to make the most of the opportunities. George McCarthy is a nationally known bird photographer, and sells his work through picture libraries and fairs.

Price £68 (deposit £20)

10 places Includes entrance fee to Wildfowl Trust

Digital Workshops by Steve Wilbur

Tutor: Steve Wilbur; Seaford, East Sussex; 24 - 29 November 2007

The 2006 workshops were originally scheduled to be led by the late Barrie Thomas, but we are, very fortunate to have Steve Wilbur, who has very kindly stepped in to take Barrie's place, for the second year running. Steve is an expert tutor and was very well received last year. This is a very comprehensive series of one-day workshops, which have been expanded to allow more time to cover as much ground as possible. The computer monitor will be projected onto a large screen so that each step can easily be seen and followed in full detail. Attending one or more of these workshops will, therefore, be of great benefit in helping you to improve your digital techniques, whether you are an absolute beginner or more advanced. The workshops may be booked individually or in any mix of days and the cost of each individual workshop is lower the more that you book.

Steve Wilbur is an accomplished digital tutor featuring Photoshop and Elements. He writes in-depth articles for Digital Photo Art, produced by Arem Publishing, 0208 686 3283.

1 workshop £52 (deposit £20); 2 workshops £98 (deposit £30); 3 workshops £138 (deposit £40); 4 workshops £172 (deposit £50); 5 workshops £196 (deposit £60); all 6 workshops £216

Please view the detailed description for each digital workshop by Steve Wilbur 

Introduction to Digital Imaging including Digital Cameras

Tutor: Steve Wilbur; Seaford, East Sussex; Saturday 24 November 2007

Most photographers now use a digital camera and/or computer and this has made it possible for them to produce their own pictures without a darkroom. However, for those new to digital photography the subject can be quite overwhelming. This workshop is, therefore, designed for novices and workers with limited or no experience, and will provide a foundation from which to move forward. The workshop will cover use of digital cameras, image capture, and scanning, printing and some basic, but important, imaging techniques. The latest Photoshop CS version will be used, but Elements will also be covered. Steve will discuss and demonstrate the technology and procedures in a very clear and methodical way, avoiding jargon' and making everything as easy to understand as possible

Price £52 (deposit £20) - For savings on booking multiple digital workshops please see Digital Workshops by Steve Wilbur

8 places Price includes Park entrance fees (where applicable) and refreshments on arrival

Developing your Digital Skills

Tutor: Steve Wilbur; Seaford, East Sussex; Sunday 25 November 2007

This will explore the main Photoshop techniques and will cover the use of Filters, Tools, Layers and Masking etc. By understanding and employing the methods outlined, photographers will gain the confidence to use these features effectively in the production of their prints. The latest version of Photoshop will be used, but the vast majority of the procedures will be applicable for users of earlier versions, as well as Photoshop Elements. This workshop is suitable for beginners as well as those with more experience.

Price £52 (deposit £20) - For savings on booking multiple digital workshops please see Digital Workshops by Steve Wilbur

8 places Price includes Park entrance fees (where applicable) and refreshments on arrival

Advanced Photoshop

Tutor: Steve Wilbur; Seaford, East Sussex; Monday 26 November 2007

This day will cover digital techniques in depth, including advanced and creative procedures. Steve will use the latest version of Photoshop, but if you have an earlier version, or Photoshop Elements, do not worry, as many features are common to both. This is an ideal workshop for those wishing to progress their techniques to a higher level and to learn some of the lesser known aspects of Photoshop.

Price £52 (deposit £20) - For savings on booking multiple digital workshops please see Digital Workshops by Steve Wilbur

8 places Price includes Park entrance fees (where applicable) and refreshments on arrival

Digital Problems, Questions and Answers

Tutor: Steve Wilbur; Seaford, East Sussex; Tuesday 27 November 2007

A unique, interactive workshop, where you ask the questions and Steve provides the answers. He will work through problem images with participants, suggesting solutions and improvements. Although designed for workers with some digital experience, it is also suitable for beginners. This is an opportunity to get an answer to that frustrating question you have had the back or your mind for ages and will also discuss how to overcome difficult situations, arising not only from your own work, but also from that of others. Questions will be taken in order of booking, and it is expected that there will be time for all participants to be accommodated. Much can be learnt from the questions of others, so even if you do not wish to ask one yourself, the workshop will certainly be of benefit and will expand your digital knowledge.

Price £52 (deposit £20) - For savings on booking multiple digital workshops please see Digital Workshops by Steve Wilbur

8 places Price includes Park entrance fees (where applicable) and refreshments on arrival

Digital Monochrome

Tutor: Steve Wilbur; Seaford, East Sussex; Wednesday 28 November 2007

This workshop will explore the particular techniques required to get first class monochrome results, whether from black & white and colour negatives, transparencies or digital files. There are applications specific to monochrome, such as converting from colour files, which Steve will illustrate and by using various techniques, show participants how to achieve first class results. These will include digital tools to fine tune tonal controls and produce effects similar to those obtained in the ‘wet’ darkroom.

Price £52 (deposit £20) - For savings on booking multiple digital workshops please see Digital Workshops by Steve Wilbur

8 places Price includes Park entrance fees (where applicable) and refreshments on arrival

Beyond Photoshop

Tutor: Steve Wilbur; Seaford, East Sussex; Thursday 29 November 2007

Photoshop reigns supreme as the software for the vast majority of digital users, but there are other plug ins which are worth considering, as these can enhance pictures in different ways. These can include such programmes as Neat Image for noise reduction and Genuine Fractals for sharpness when enlarging small files. The new Adobe Lightroom will also be featured. And demonstrated. This promises to be a stimulating day, (with possibly some surprises!) and you can be expected to come away with some fresh ideas.

Price £52 (deposit £20) - For savings on booking multiple digital workshops please see Digital Workshops by Steve Wilbur

8 places Price includes Park entrance fees (where applicable) and refreshments on arrival