Welcome to our 2010 Programme

Quest Photography holidays and workshops have been running for an incredible seventeen years. When Colin Westgate established Quest in 1993, there were very few such events available. It is very different today, with more and more operators entering the field. Yet, despite that, Quest continues to thrive, based on a very loyal body of supporters, many of whom book one or more holidays or workshops every year. Moreover, Quest continues to attract new photographers to experience the thrill of taking photographs in some of the most stunning locations in Britain and elsewhere.

Quest specializes in small groups, usually a maximum of eight, which avoids over crowding and enables individual tuition to be given to all who require it. Beginners and more experienced photographers are equally welcome. Holidays are hotel or guesthouse based, ensuring comfort and good food in a relaxed environment. The atmosphere is friendly and informal, while prices remain very competitive and excellent value - we do not produce expensive glossy brochures or advertise widely, which helps keep costs down. Travel during the holidays is by minibus, which gives the maximum flexibility to stop as and when the light is right.

For 2010, Quest’s most ‘in demand’ destinations have again been included, such as Glencoe, Northumberland, Isle of Skye and Iceland, with its amazing landscape, and there is a welcome return to the Outer Hebridean islands of Harris and Lewis. A fabulous new trip to Venice is featured as well as a new ‘local’ short holiday, for the dedicated landscape photographer, in East Anglia, led by David Peck. David’s use of light and atmosphere will astonish anyone who feels that the landscape in East Anglia is flat and uninteresting and this event is sure to be very popular.

We are fortunate to be able to include one of the country’s top landscape photographers in the programme for the first time – David Ward, whose vision and unique style will enthrall everyone. This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Quest year and early booking is advisable to secure a place. Colin Westgate and Hugh Milsom will again be jointly leading landscape workshops and these and the ever-popular Picture Forum are, for the first time, to be held in both Essex and Sussex.

More good news! After a three-year absence, Colin Westgate’s darkroom is back! He is, therefore, now available for darkroom tuition, either on a ‘one to one’ or small group basis. A week of darkroom workshops in July is included in this programme, covering everything from basic and advanced printing, to specialised techniques, alternative processes and print mounting and presentation (the latter is also suitable for digital printers).

Quest’s new website is coming on line in late October, where news of events and late vacancies will be listed. The long awaited Quest gallery will also be featured.

For many years, Quest has been a retailer of the excellent Fotospeed products, both for darkroom and digital. Colin Westgate is an official Fotospeed lecturer and is available for talks to Camera Clubs and other organisations - either contact Colin direct or refer to your Federation handbook. Quest can supply high quality Fotospeed ink jet papers and other products, including the Quill continuous ink system (CIS) at discounted prices. Modern photo printers are voracious in their demand for ink, and a CIS can be a massive saving. Moreover, Fotospeed will supply free custom profiles for their own and Hahnemuhle papers, an invaluable service for best results from your printer. Please ask if you would like a catalogue.

Quest is grateful for the support of David Kilpatrick, of Icon Publications Ltd, publishers of Photoworld magazine. This is available by subscription from the Icon website www.iconpublications.com

Finally, should you have picked up this programme from your camera club or elsewhere, and would like to be included on our mailing list, please email or post your details. Please also ask if you would like any additional programmes for friends or your Camera Club.