This one day course will take place in and around the picturesque spa town of Buxton where the centre is based so only gentle walking will be involved. The weather in Buxton can however be quite unpredictable so we recommend that you still bring sturdy comfortable shoes and weatherproof clothing just in case!

HOW MANY GUESTS ARE ON EACH COURSE AND HOW MANY TUTORS?

We take a maximum of 9 on the Absolute Beginners course, with 2 tutors if the group numbers are greater than 5. If we have less than 5 in a group, there is a need then for only one tutor.

MY PARTNER WANTS TO COME ALONG BUT IS NOT A PHOTOGRAPHER AND WISHES TO PURSUE HIS/HER HOBBY DURING THE DAY. ARE THEY WELCOME?

They are most certainly welcome but we unfortunately cannot take them on the course unless they are a paying guest. They can join the rest of the group for lunch if they wish. Being based in the beautiful Peak District National Park, there are plenty of stunning sites to see and activities to keep them amused during the day.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

On the Absolute Beginners course you should bring your own digital SLR and at least a wide angle lens as well as your camera manual, spare battery (fully charged) sturdy comfortable shoes, warm clothing, weatherproofs and your own images for dicussion (not essential).
We loan out our Manfrotto tripods on all courses and we can also loan a digital SLR camera if required (please notify us if this is the case).



WHAT EXACTLY IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

All tuition from our various tutors (2 tutors on hand with groups greater than 5 and above), transport, lunch and course notes. Exclusions are any alcoholic drinks.

WHAT TIME DO WE ARRIVE ON THE FIRST DAY?

We aim to start the course at 9am and Coffee/tea and biscuits will be served on arrival. Many of our guests arrive the night before as they may be travelling some distance. We will then have a slideshow which covers all the fundamentals of digital photography before venturing out into the spa town of Buxton to put it all into practice.


WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO COME?

Everyone has their own favourite season, and it really depends on what you like and what suits you. As this course is run within very close proximity of the centre of Buxton, bad weather is not really an issue as we can retreat back to the Cente if really necessary. We run courses throughout the year but can emphasise:

Spring - this is such a refreshing time to be in the Peak District National Park. So far this year, we have had beautiful blue skies, clean sharp air and snowdrops and daffodils dotting the countryside.

Summer - generally warm and green and great to be outside from morning to dusk!

Autumn - perhaps the most photogenic of all seasons. The moorlands turn russet and the landscape is bursting with colour. You can’t help but gasp at the beauty of the surrounding countryside. It’s also a great time to photograph the heather.

Winter - we are regularly subjected to snow flurries that coat all the surrounding mountains and hills. Occasionally, heavier snowfalls transform Buxton into a magical landscape. We are rarely snowed in, however.

WHY CHOOSE THE PEAK DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHY CENTRE?

What other training centre can you attend that has gained approval for their courses from the British Institute of Professional Photographers, as well as Skillset (the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries)?
We know of no other course out there that offers 2 tutors with groups greater than 5 in number; this means you will receive more personalised tuition. We also have a comfortable 15 seater minibus allowing lots of space and room whilst travelling from location to location.

Our tutors are professional landscape photographers with published books behind them. We understand that in group situations some photographers may be unwilling to ask questions, due to shyness. Our philosophy to teaching is being proactive and our tutors will rally round you ensuring you are understanding every step of the course. However at some points throughout the day, we will allow you freedom to venture out and develop your own creativity.