Course Comments
All testimonials are verifiable.
Rick Winter - Portishead - September 2011
"Thank you for your time and patience on Friday. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the course, and learned so much from it.
I would have no hesitation in recommending you to others.
Very much appreciated."
Jez Jerome - Bristol - June 2011
"I attended a 2 day course with Derek, his patient teaching style was hugely appreciated, he delivered exactly the course I was after, giving me an introduction to HDR photography and I came away from the course not only with a deeper understanding of the craft but with some truly stunning images of which I am very proud.
I highly recommend Derek to anyone looking to improve their understanding and develop their skills either with the camera, with photoshop or more importantly in how they can visualise the picture before it is taken."
Kevin Gough - Bristol - May 2011
"Having recently decided I would like to pursue photography as a hobby (and splashing out a fair bit of cash on a new DSLR) I felt I needed to get some expert advice.
I searched for local photography courses and Derek’s website caught my attention.
The quality of his images is very impressive, so I decided I would give it a go.
The days course was relaxed and Derek is a very likeable fellow (at no point did I feel ‘in too deep’ nor patronised).
Derek has opened my ‘photographic eyes’ and I can honestly say that I am now seeing everything in a completely different way.
Light, contrasts, textures and colour are all around when you look for them.
I was very self-conscious about wandering around with a reasonably sized camera and tripod but time spent with Derek has allowed me to put that fear to rest.
Since the course (8 weeks ago) I have taken hundreds of images (quite a few ‘keepers’) and my confidence is growing daily.
I am thoroughly enjoying developing my new skills and feel that Derek’s input has given me the best start one could wish for.
Thanks Derek"
Victor Howlett - Corsham - November 2010
"Firstly, many, many thanks for such an excellent day. I really appreciated all the help and expertise that you gave me in such an enjoyable, relaxed and yet professional way. You were great company too and such a good sense of humour!"
Robin Bradley - Southampton - November 2010
"Got the disc with my course pictures - many thanks. I must say Im quite impressed with the results.
Many thanks for the day, which I enjoyed very much indeed. I wrote down again the important points on the theory that doing so would kick start the left side of the brain and between left and right sides they might stay.
I wont forget the help and support while were in SA."
Bill Johnson - Bristol - October 2009
"Just wanted to say what an enjoyable day we had with you yesterday. Lynne and I both got some great pictures in spite of the awful weather, which I know you can do nothing about. We both know our cameras a lot more now and will try to use your advice when we can. Thanks and kind regards".
Andy Jones - Cardiff - September 2009
"Wish I had you with me when I went to Florida to 'snap' the shuttle take-off. After a magic day with you I feel I should now head back to the USA and wait for the next blast-off. Many thanks".
Elliott Hudson - Exeter - October 2009
"I think that if you study and practice the techniques Derek explains, you’ll eventually be able to mentally ask yourself all of them very quickly, almost instantaneously and get amazingly better shots. What others perceive as talent, is often just knowing the techniques, hard work and practice and the techniques on this course is a perfect way to learn both. I will try to practice one technique at a time over the course of a year and I guarantee my images will look tons better".
Bridget Cottrell - Frome - September 2009
"I was a little nervous about the day my partner had arranged for me as I am only a beginner but I must say that my nerves soon disappeared and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. My results were better than I could have hoped in such a short time and the print is now framed and hanging in 'HIS' study. Thank you and hope to come back for a refresher".
Bridget's Framed Picture
Elaine Gardner - Wells - November 2009
"Beautiful weather and a day on the Mendips, magic!. Just wanted to say thanks for a helpful and enjoyable day. Your advice is paying off and I can't believe the pictures I'm getting".
Andy Johnson - Birmingham - March 2010
"Thanks Derek for opening my eyes for the first time. I was a point and shooter now I'm a think about it, plan and then a point and shooter. You have transformed my picture results. The silhouette picture of the trees at Lansdown, Bath, is the best I have ever taken, fantastic. I must get 'er in doors' to go on one of your courses now so that she will know what I'm babbling on about. Would highly recommend you".
Picture taken by Andy Johnson
Pat Kelly - Bristol - September 2010
"I would like to thank you for a great photography lesson. It ironed out a few questions I had re ISO and f-stops,aperture setting and compositional use of light and perspective. In the end I left knowing Im a better photographer and motivated to get out and practice more. The tips on Adobe CS were also insightful and showed how with the subtle use of burning and dodging and careful cropping your pictures come to life.
I would have no qualms in recommending this course to anyone that wanted to improve their photography skills and wanted an enjoyable way to do it."
Chris White - Bristol - August 2010
"As for feedback, I’m not sure why Kate chose you initially but once I’d seen your site and looked at the material you sent through, I was very happy with her choice. The day was about the right length I feel and I guess it massively depends on the weather as to how many times you stop but it was really useful discussing possible shots along the way with you. I think you gave me a good level of information at the start of the day and reinforced that throughout the practical part of the day. My only thought – and it’s very tricky on the small screen of the camera – would be to look at the photos with you more frequently to get feed back on the last few shots taken and how they might be better? That said, this really is the only constructive criticism I could come up with, I really enjoyed the day and felt I learned a great deal! Thank you!"
We Flash any Lash - Weston-super Mare - June 2010
"I just like to say thank you for agreeing to display your photographs in our salon and how much interest we have had in them.
We have received lots of positive comments and impressed remarks regarding the originality of your work. Everybody loves the fact that they are mostly local scenes, therefore the majority of our clients have a childhood memory they can relate to.
We have currently run out of your business cards, as nearly every other client requests one. I have referred several other interested clients more recently, directly to your website, in order for them to place an order for their desired print.
Several of our ladies think that they would make an ideal Father's Day Gift, being very unique and relevant. One lady wishes to post one to her family in Canada to remind them of home. How lovely is that?
We wish you continued success and look forward to promoting many more of your unique views, as we replace our diminishing display of pictures we've sold.
Once again many thanks for your commitment, help and advice. Your natural talent and eye for an interesting or unusual vista has definitely enhanced our working environment.
Sent with very kind regards"
Galice Cooper
www.weflashanylash.com
Rick Winter - Portishead - September 2011
"Thank you for your time and patience on Friday. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the course, and learned so much from it.
I would have no hesitation in recommending you to others.
Very much appreciated."
Jez Jerome - Bristol - June 2011
"I attended a 2 day course with Derek, his patient teaching style was hugely appreciated, he delivered exactly the course I was after, giving me an introduction to HDR photography and I came away from the course not only with a deeper understanding of the craft but with some truly stunning images of which I am very proud.
I highly recommend Derek to anyone looking to improve their understanding and develop their skills either with the camera, with photoshop or more importantly in how they can visualise the picture before it is taken."
Kevin Gough - Bristol - May 2011
"Having recently decided I would like to pursue photography as a hobby (and splashing out a fair bit of cash on a new DSLR) I felt I needed to get some expert advice.
I searched for local photography courses and Derek’s website caught my attention.
The quality of his images is very impressive, so I decided I would give it a go.
The days course was relaxed and Derek is a very likeable fellow (at no point did I feel ‘in too deep’ nor patronised).
Derek has opened my ‘photographic eyes’ and I can honestly say that I am now seeing everything in a completely different way.
Light, contrasts, textures and colour are all around when you look for them.
I was very self-conscious about wandering around with a reasonably sized camera and tripod but time spent with Derek has allowed me to put that fear to rest.
Since the course (8 weeks ago) I have taken hundreds of images (quite a few ‘keepers’) and my confidence is growing daily.
I am thoroughly enjoying developing my new skills and feel that Derek’s input has given me the best start one could wish for.
Thanks Derek"
Victor Howlett - Corsham - November 2010
"Firstly, many, many thanks for such an excellent day. I really appreciated all the help and expertise that you gave me in such an enjoyable, relaxed and yet professional way. You were great company too and such a good sense of humour!"
Robin Bradley - Southampton - November 2010
"Got the disc with my course pictures - many thanks. I must say Im quite impressed with the results.
Many thanks for the day, which I enjoyed very much indeed. I wrote down again the important points on the theory that doing so would kick start the left side of the brain and between left and right sides they might stay.
I wont forget the help and support while were in SA."
Bill Johnson - Bristol - October 2009
"Just wanted to say what an enjoyable day we had with you yesterday. Lynne and I both got some great pictures in spite of the awful weather, which I know you can do nothing about. We both know our cameras a lot more now and will try to use your advice when we can. Thanks and kind regards".
Andy Jones - Cardiff - September 2009
"Wish I had you with me when I went to Florida to 'snap' the shuttle take-off. After a magic day with you I feel I should now head back to the USA and wait for the next blast-off. Many thanks".
Elliott Hudson - Exeter - October 2009
"I think that if you study and practice the techniques Derek explains, you’ll eventually be able to mentally ask yourself all of them very quickly, almost instantaneously and get amazingly better shots. What others perceive as talent, is often just knowing the techniques, hard work and practice and the techniques on this course is a perfect way to learn both. I will try to practice one technique at a time over the course of a year and I guarantee my images will look tons better".
Bridget Cottrell - Frome - September 2009
"I was a little nervous about the day my partner had arranged for me as I am only a beginner but I must say that my nerves soon disappeared and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. My results were better than I could have hoped in such a short time and the print is now framed and hanging in 'HIS' study. Thank you and hope to come back for a refresher".
Bridget's Framed Picture
Elaine Gardner - Wells - November 2009
"Beautiful weather and a day on the Mendips, magic!. Just wanted to say thanks for a helpful and enjoyable day. Your advice is paying off and I can't believe the pictures I'm getting".
Andy Johnson - Birmingham - March 2010
"Thanks Derek for opening my eyes for the first time. I was a point and shooter now I'm a think about it, plan and then a point and shooter. You have transformed my picture results. The silhouette picture of the trees at Lansdown, Bath, is the best I have ever taken, fantastic. I must get 'er in doors' to go on one of your courses now so that she will know what I'm babbling on about. Would highly recommend you".
Picture taken by Andy Johnson
Pat Kelly - Bristol - September 2010
"I would like to thank you for a great photography lesson. It ironed out a few questions I had re ISO and f-stops,aperture setting and compositional use of light and perspective. In the end I left knowing Im a better photographer and motivated to get out and practice more. The tips on Adobe CS were also insightful and showed how with the subtle use of burning and dodging and careful cropping your pictures come to life.
I would have no qualms in recommending this course to anyone that wanted to improve their photography skills and wanted an enjoyable way to do it."
Chris White - Bristol - August 2010
"As for feedback, I’m not sure why Kate chose you initially but once I’d seen your site and looked at the material you sent through, I was very happy with her choice. The day was about the right length I feel and I guess it massively depends on the weather as to how many times you stop but it was really useful discussing possible shots along the way with you. I think you gave me a good level of information at the start of the day and reinforced that throughout the practical part of the day. My only thought – and it’s very tricky on the small screen of the camera – would be to look at the photos with you more frequently to get feed back on the last few shots taken and how they might be better? That said, this really is the only constructive criticism I could come up with, I really enjoyed the day and felt I learned a great deal! Thank you!"
We Flash any Lash - Weston-super Mare - June 2010
"I just like to say thank you for agreeing to display your photographs in our salon and how much interest we have had in them.
We have received lots of positive comments and impressed remarks regarding the originality of your work. Everybody loves the fact that they are mostly local scenes, therefore the majority of our clients have a childhood memory they can relate to.
We have currently run out of your business cards, as nearly every other client requests one. I have referred several other interested clients more recently, directly to your website, in order for them to place an order for their desired print.
Several of our ladies think that they would make an ideal Father's Day Gift, being very unique and relevant. One lady wishes to post one to her family in Canada to remind them of home. How lovely is that?
We wish you continued success and look forward to promoting many more of your unique views, as we replace our diminishing display of pictures we've sold.
Once again many thanks for your commitment, help and advice. Your natural talent and eye for an interesting or unusual vista has definitely enhanced our working environment.
Sent with very kind regards"
Galice Cooper
www.weflashanylash.com