Photography courses and workshops in Scotland for the best experience!
Our courses in a sustainable environment
Our nature photography courses and workshops are specifically designed to give people of all kinds of levels the opportunity to improve their photography and to enjoy the great outdoors, culture and history of the North East of Scotland. We believe that by working with the local community such as professional photographers, tourism providers and non-profit organisations, you will have an unforgettable experience in an inspiring and sustainable environment!
Our courses and workshops are focussed on learning the technical skills of photography and image manipulation, artistic expression, visualization and conceptual thinking.
We offer different courses to suit your requirements whether you are looking for a day, a weekend, an evening, in a small group, with two people or an individual session. If you don’t have your own camera and equipment, you can rent it with us. The number of participants on any course is kept small, with a maximum of 6 at any one time, in order to provide individual assistance where necessary and to keep impact on the environment as low as possible. By working in teams and supplying relevant notes and other useful material, you are encouraged to develop a critical yet constructive eye on your work.
About the tutors
Clifton Mair has spent 20 years working part time with black & white film, manual mechanical cameras and a convential darkroom, Clifton began the process of converting to digital imaging seven years ago. Although born and bred in Aberdeen, he has experienced the great outdoors of Canada and Europe while backpacking, working, climbing and exploring nature. This close connection with nature grew over a period of 15 years, only coming back to Scotland for a year or so to spend time with the cameras and earn enough money to buy another tent and a travel ticket. His job as senior Engineering Designer gave him the opportunity to fund his journeys and photography.
Clifton is now working as a full time professional photographer and his photographs can be seen both in exhibitions across Aberdeenshire and in high end PR projects around the world. One of these projects which gave him great recognition of his work was during a world summit on fresh water management at the United Nations headquarters in New York. One of his photographs was published on the cover of documents which were placed at each table.
Geoff Banks combines his profession as an ecologist with his passion for photography. As a professional environmental photographer he is involved in various projects for local communities and organisations such as Aberdeen City Council, Atlantic Fiddle Convention and City Church. Over the last few years he gained a lot of experience in teaching people photography at different levels.
Mike Campbell studied photography for three years at the London College of Printing before going on to a career as cameraman in the Film and Television industries. Until 2007 he was managing a Design and Media department and lecturing in photography on a Further Education college. He completed a degree in Post School Education five years ago. Mike is now lecturing part-time and working as a freelance photographer in press, PR and advertising.
Choose the course which suits you best:
Workshop "learn your camera"
Gain confidence in the technicalities of your (compact)camera and achieve the results you've always wanted! You will learn all about the features on your camera like shutter speed, aperture, film speed/ISO settings, exposure and white balance. This workshop is also recommended when you consider upgrading your camera to a D-SLR but first would like to experiment with a rented one. Mimimum is 2, maximum is 4 people.
Dates 2008: Sunday 27 July, 24 August, 7 September, 21 September, 5 October, 26 October. All from 1-4 pm. Minimum of 2 people.
Location: Loch of Leys, Banchory
Price: £50.00 pp
(code WS/CAM)
Individual sessions are available too. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
" Excellent tutor and the workshop was ideal for the level I am at. The ratio tutor-participants was great!"
Helen Macleod, Glasgow
" This workshop has been recommendable for the atmosphere, the pace, the content and the location (particularly with such nice weather). The wrap up over tea and biscuits was a nice touch to end with. Mike was very knowledgeable and approachable".
Ross Malcolm, Milltimber
" The hands-on approach is great. I would definitely recommend a few hours with an expert to show you how to use your camera, to give you advice on your pictures and where you could improve".
Dot Tadman, Portlethen
Introduction course
In two days the following subjects will be covered;
- The art of nature by textures, patterns, colour and size
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Artistic skills such as composition and light
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Technical skills such as shutter speed, aperture, film speed/ISO settings and white balance will be covered briefly. We expect you to have the basic knowledge of how to use these features on your (rented) camera.
-
Equipment
- Photo shop skills:
- converting from RAW
- Adjusting levels, curves and colour saturation
- introduction histogram
Option 1 (code INTRO/GR):
Group with a mimimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 people. 2 full days.
Dates 2008: 5 & 6 July, 2 & 3 August, 6 & 7 September, 4 & 5 October.
Check availability by contacting us.
Price: £190.00 pp (including lunch)
Option 2 (code INTRO/TM):
Team of two people. 2 full days.
Flexible dates; contact us and we will try to find days which suit you best.
Price: £250.00 pp (incl. lunch)
Option 3 (code INTRO/IND):
Individual. 2 full days.
Flexible dates; contact us and we will try to find days which suit you best.
Price: £300.00 pp (incl. lunch)
" The course was beyond my expectations! It was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative weekend. My photography will most certainly have improved technically and artistically and I am highly enthused to get out and take more pictures. Great value for money. Thank you, Clifton!"
Lucy Wisely, Aboyne, Scotland
" The Introduction course was first class. Clifton deserves a special mention. Apart from processing quite superb technical skills, he clearly is very artistic and passionate about photography. Not only that, he has such a down to earth, friendly and approachable manner-he really was the ideal instructor".
Ian Chalmers, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
" I would recommend the Introduction course to anyone, because Clifton takes time and effort to each individually. His advice is always spot-on and he knows how to tell someone ways to improve their work without being highly critical. Clifton is alsoincredibly enthusiastic and gives us a lot of encouragement, which is important when you are trying to be creative".
Vilma Mc Adam, Aberdeen, Scotland.
" I was attracted to the course because of the photographs on the website. The style is one I find appealing and the standard is better than many I have seen. Although I chose the Introduction course, Clifton was able to adapt it to suit my needs and pushed me ahead rather than going over things I found I remembered. He advised me about equipment for my style of photography and suggested which areas to work on to improve. I found the course enjoyable and was inspired to get out and take photographs with greater confidence".
Patricia Snowdon, Fintray, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
" Cliff is an excellent and enthusiastic teacher, who uses his passion to inspire students, no matter what level they are at. He taught me how to see things differently by moving my body. Technically, Cliff paints a picture of how all the different elements come together and interact with eachother. We had great fun and it didn't seem like learning at all. I can't wait till next time!"
Maxine Fawcett, Dyce, Aberdeen, Scotland.
Intermediate course
In this course you will not only apply the skills learned in the Introduction course but also learn about:
- how to use filters and extension tubes
- white balance
- long exposures
- histogram in depth
- preparation for printing
- sharpening
- colour balance, noise reduction and layer masking
Included in this course are some useful photographic accessories to practice your skills during the course and in your own time. Having your own D-SLR or extensive experience with a rented D-SLR is prerequisite for this course.
Option 1 (code INTM/GR):
Group with a mimimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 people. 2 full days.
Dates 2008: 13 & 14 September.
Check availability by contacting us.
Price: £200.00 pp (including lunch)
Option 2 (code INTM/TM):
Team of two people. 2 full days.
Flexible dates; contact us and we will try to find days which suit you best.
Price: £250.00 pp (incl. lunch)
Option 3 (code INTM/IND):
Individual. 2 full days.
Flexible dates; contact us and we will try to find days which suit you best.
Price: £300.00 pp (incl. lunch)
" I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend and would not change a thing in the Intermediate course. It was very relaxed and informal and Cliff is a great guy too. I would definitely come back and recommend it to my friends".
Pamela Cameron, Perth, Scotland.
One or two day Individualised Intensive workshop
This workshop is completely tailor made to meet your requirements, no matter what level of photography skills. Whether you want to learn more about photography in general or a specific skill you would like to improve or a special landscape location, we will design the course you have always been looking for!
We offer you a free personal meeting with your tutor (or phone call if this isn't possible) without any obligations. This will give you the opportunity to discuss your requirements in full detail and the tutor can assess your ability. If you are happy with your personal photography plan, you can book the workshop. Maximum amount of people is 2.
Flexible dates; contact us and we will try to find 1 or 2 days which suit you best.
Price one day: £250.00 pp (including lunch). Code WS/IND1
Price two days: £450.00 pp (incl. lunch). Code WS/IND2
" I am glad I chose the Individualised workshop because I have learnt so much in one weekend. Clifton is a fantastic tutor and makes you feel completely at ease. He let me experiment with my photographs and never made me feel that there were any limits to expressing my creativity. In fact, he actively encouraged it! I have bought many books on photography and have always struggled. I will definitely come back for the Intermediate course".
Yasmeen, Scotland
" I am very pleased because it has been extremely worthwile doing a one-on-one workshop. In that way all my questions were answered. Clifton's enthusiasm, patience and attitude has definitely encouraged me. The workshop is excellent value for money and I would recommend it to anybody who would like to improve his skills".
Jacqui Morris, Scotland
Workshop Digital Imaging
Learn how to manage your digital workflow and edit your photos with Photoshop Elements 6.0 which is specifically tailored to the amateur photographer! You will be guided through the essential steps to manage, improve and present your photos with the help of a professional photographer. In the first session of three hours you will familiarise with the software. During the second session of the workshop you will apply the learned skills to your own photos. A book about the software, course notes and a 1GB USB stick are included. The software can be provided for an extra cost. Minimum amount of people is 2, maximum is 4. Basic knowledge and experience of how to use a computer is required.
Dates;
Contact us for availability.
Location: Banchory Business Centre
Price excl. software: £150.00 pp. Code WS/DI
Price incl. software: £200.00 pp. Code WS/DI+
We can also provide one-on-one sessions at your house or office on a time which is convenient for you. The price is £35.00 per hour. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Corporate photography experience events
Our photography workshops can be a great team-building experience for your staff. If you would like to do something differently or want to reward them for excellent performance, offer them a unique creative experience in the great outdoors.
We are able to organise the event from renting cameras, transport, competitions and prizes, professional tuition including individual feedback on various photography skills and creating slide shows afterwards. Contact us to discuss your requirements and we will send you a proposal.
Gift vouchers; unique and personal
Our gift vouchers are a perfect present for a birthday, anniversary, retirement or wedding. The person can choose the course or workshop that suits him/her best. The vouchers can be redeemed at any time. Different values are available in the shop. More information about our gift vouchers can also be found in customer services of this website.
Terms & Conditions
Please read our terms & conditions before you make a booking.
How to make a booking
After you have contacted us for available date(s), please fill in our booking form, submit it to us and make payment online via our secured system Worldpay or offline by giving your debit/credit card details by phone. We will then send you a confirmation of your booking. Prior to your course or workshop you will receive detailed information about the content of the course, the times, the place and other relevant issues.
If you have any questions about our courses or workshops or if you want to arrange a personal meeting with your tutor as part of a workshop, please contact us by phone or email or send us an enquiry form.
