Workshops

Background
Before becoming a full-time photographer, I worked for fifteen years as a teacher and teacher trainer. I now combine my teaching and photographic skills and my in-depth knowledge of locations in Dorset, and run one-day landscape photography workshops based in Swanage, on Dorset's Jurassic Coast.

In partnership with award-winning nature and landscape photographer Ross Hoddinott, I also offer 3-day workshops in Dorset and other locations in the South West.

One day Workshops - details and 2008 dates
  • These take place on Saturdays
  • We meet (time depends on season) at Quarr Gallery, Swanage, for coffee and a short briefing
  • The day is spent in the field , typically at 3 different locations, shooting until dusk (weather depending)
  • Included in the price is an optional dawn shoot on Sunday
  • Maximum 7 participants, so lots of individual attention


As well as acting as a guide to the locations, I am available for guidance and help on any areas of landscape photography, including composition, metering, use of filtration and so on. I also set exercises specifically designed to help develop your ability to 'see' shots and improve your technical ability. Both digital and film users are catered for - I have experience of both media. Transport between locations is provided, but please note that food and accommodation are not included.


If you require help with finding accommodation, please let me know.

Price
£95.00 per person

2008 Dates
Please note that, weather permitting, there will be an optional dawn shoot on the Sunday after each of the following one-day workshops:

-Saturday March 8 - FULLY BOOKED
-Saturday April 19 - FULLY BOOKED
-Saturday May 10 - FULLY BOOKED
-Saturday September 13 - FULLY BOOKED
-Saturday October 11 - FULLY BOOKED
-Saturday November 1 - FULLY BOOKED

West Cornwall – Thursday 6th to Sunday the 9th of November 2008 - NOW FULLY BOOKED
I am co-leading this workshop with Ross Hoddinott

The rugged Cornish coastline is among the most beautiful and photogenic in the UK. Participants will be staying at the Mount Haven hotel (www.mounthaven.co.uk) in Marazion for 3 nights. The hotel overlooks St Michael's Mount – one of Cornwall's most stunning and recognizable landmarks. Breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal will also be provided, with the hotel boasting one of the most popular restaurants in the area.

There are just too many great locations in West Cornwall to photograph in such a short time, but during the workshop we will photograph the view of St Michael's Mount from picturesque Marazion beach, visit the quaint fishing village of Mousehole and shoot the stunning sandy bay at Sennen. We will also visit Porth Nanvan, which is one of the best locations in Cornwall. It is a designated SSSI, due to its wonderful round granite boulders – or dinosaur eggs as the locals refer to them – and unusual rock formations, so our visit will be one of the highlights of the 3 day tour. During November, the light can be stunning and dramatic. The days are still long enough to visit several locations each day, yet short enough to ensure we're back at the hotel after sunset in time to eat, relax and share a drink or two…

There will also be an evening slideshow, with Mark and Ross showcasing their favourite scenic images, and also the opportunity to have your portfolio reviewed… so please bring along a selection of your work.


Transport is provided, but numbers are limited to a maximum of 12. Cost is £540.00 – with a £135.00 deposit required at the time of booking.


To book, please contact me on: 01202 518734 or Email me

Dorset Coastline – Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd November 2008
I am co-leading this workshop with Ross Hoddinott

Dorset boasts one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the UK and in 2001 this 'Jurassic' coast was awarded World Heritage status. The winter months can offer perfect light for scenic photography, with dramatic sunrises and sunsets. Participants will enjoy and photograph some of the most striking and photogenic locations in the area, including Charmouth and Golden Cap, Kimmeridge and Lulworth Cove. Weather permitting, we will be taking pictures from dawn to dusk and Mark and Ross will provide expert advice on all aspects of landscape photography – including composition, exposure and filter use.

The package includes three nights stay at the Purbeck House Hotel in Swanage, (www.purbeckhousehotel.co.uk) with breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal included. There will be evening slideshows and the opportunity to have your portfolio reviewed.

Transport is provided, but numbers are limited to a maximum of 12. Cost is £540.00 – with a £135.00 deposit required at the time of booking.

To book, please contact Ross on: 07970869935 or email: info@rosshoddinott.co.uk

One-to-One Tuition
I am also available for one-to-one tuition. A day's tuition comprises a dawn-to-dusk shoot and I will be able to help you set up and compose shots and give you advice on determining correct exposure, choosing filters, depth-of-field, etc. You will, of course, also benefit from my in-depth knowledge of locations in Dorset and / or the New Forest.

A day's one-to-one workshop costs £175.00

Gambia Photo Holidays
From May 2008, I will be leading photography workshops / holidays for Focus Gambia. For further information, please visit www.focus-gambia.co.uk

Testimonials
"What a superb day I had yesterday! Thank you very much for a most enjoyable and informative day - your approach was very professional and well considered"
Hugh Letheren, Ringwood

"Not only did I learn & remember a lot about how to approach taking a photograph..but I came away with 250 photos. I found the whole weekend thoroughly rewarding and enjoyable."
Paul Winstone, Surrey

"Firstly, thanks for a great workshop. It was most enjoyable, well organised and Harry and I learnt a hell of a lot. The atmosphere was very friendly and encouraging."
David Tilsley, West Sussex

"Mark certainly knows his craft, I have done a couple of Photography workshops in the past but this was the best I have been on. I especially like the way Mark spent time with each person giving them advice & guidance.
I would certainly recommend Mark's workshops to anyone wanting to improve their photography."
Mark Lewis, Southampton

"I enjoyed your company very much as well as learning an approach to taking landscapes that was quite new to me. I was really pleased with some of the results and would never have produced such pictures without your advice and guidance"
Peter Shepheard, participant on a one-to-one workshop