Frequently Asked Questions

Masterclass Workshops

Q: What equipment do I need?

Your digital camera, a range of lenses if you have them, a charger, a tripod and a rucksack. Additional batteries are important too, as there is nothing worse than getting half way up a mountain only to find your batteries are low. Also make sue you have plenty of memory cards and your own laptop if you own one.

Q: Who books the hotel?

For the North Wales Masterclasses we have negotiated special hotel rates with the Royal White Lion Hotel and we will organise the hotel booking for these Masterclasses. You just have to settle the account on the day of departure. For the Kent based Masterclasses and the Photography Experience Days we leave the hotel arrangements to you discretion, although you will find hotel information on the website.

Q: Do I have to stay in the Royal White Lion Hotel in Wales?

No, you can stay in any hotel of your choice, or if you are local you can come from home, but we do have early starts and late finishes.

Q: I'm only a beginner. Are your Masterclasses any use to me?

All all of our classes are primarily aimed at the beginner and intermediate level of photographic knowledge. However, even the advanced practitioner would gain from these courses.

Q: As an advanced practitioner what would I gain from your courses?

Obviously working with a group of like minded people in great locations, is always of benefit but because of our low student to tutor ratio (4:1) we are able to give you guidance and focus. Once in the classroom our critique style of constructive feedback would reinforce and widen your knowledge. Please see our Advance Practitioners Course details.

Q: Can I use my own laptop?

Most people prefer to use their own laptops to work on their images. This has a couple of major advantages: you are often more comfortable with your own computer setup, and any unfinished work can be transported home easily, ready for completion at a later date. If you do not own your own laptop we will be happy to supply you with one for image editing. However please be sure to let us know in advance so that the necessary arrangements can be made.

Q: Do I need to shoot with a digital camera?

Yes, as our courses are computer based we need you to shoot with a digital camera. We can arrange hire for you if you don't own one from £10 a day.

Q: Can I bring a selection of my work with me?

Of course, in fact we encourage people to do this, though try to keep it to no more than 10 images.
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Q: Will I need climbing or walking equipment?

No, though some walking is required, you will need to have a certain level of fitness as we will be active for fairly long periods of time.

Q: What happens if it rains?

We will still try to go out, as some of the best shots are taken in adverse conditions. Obviously, if you feel uncomfortable using your equipment under these conditions, we will abide by your decision not to participate in this part of the workshop. It is important to keep your kit as dry as possible whilst is the field. We recommend taking some food bags that are large enough for your camera to fit in, but still enables you to use it, or purchase a ready made rain cover (something like the Optech RainSleeve Rain Cover).On the return to the hotel it is vital that you carefully dry your equipment and not leave it in your camera bag.

Q: What clothes should I bring?

This will depend on the time of year, but there will be an amount of walking to be done, so comfortable clothes and walking shoes are the order of the day. The British weather can be a bit unpredictable so wet weather gear or at the very least a waterproof jacket is always a good idea. If you are considering the purchase of suitable clothing please see our section on Stealth Gear.

Q: What if I need a break?

Then we take a break. We are never in that much of a hurry that we can't have some time out.

Q: What software will I learn?

Adobe Photoshop is our preferred program as it is industry standard and most widely used.

Q: Can my partner come too?

Yes of course, and as a non participant they will just pay the hotel costs. Check on the Masterclass page for specific details. The course is fairly intensive so only expect to see your loved ones at breakfast and evening mealtimes. The Photography Experience days are only available for the person that is booked on to it. We have arranged special access for these days and not all locations are open for the general public.

Q: Are the rooms always en-suite?

We always try to book en-suite accommodation, but due to availability this is not always possible.

Q: What happens if you don't get enough people booked onto the Masterclass?

Our courses rely on interaction between students and we feel that a minimum of 3 students are required to maintain the quality of learning. If a course has less than 3 students booked on it, two weeks prior to the start date, the course will be canceled. The students will be offered either a full refund, or an alternative date with a 10% discount as compensation.