The Peak Photo Centre is owned by internationally renowned photographer Simon Watkinson ABIPP who has had over 20 years of experience in professional photography. He features regularly in the national photographic magazines, having a regular column with Digital SLR User magazine. Simon specialises in portraiture/fashion, weddings and travel photography and attracts clients internationally. He is the main tutor at the centre for both home and overseas courses. Simon is widely recognised as a photographer and also for his Digital Imaging expertise. He is an experienced tutor with a unique and entertaining style and has the ability to produce a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Web: web.mac.com/simonwatkinson1/home

Karen is a professional landscape photographer and writer living in the Peak District National Park. She is one of the leading landscape artists within this area. Her first book, 'The Ramblers Guide to the Peak District’, was written by Roly Smith and is illustrated throughout with her images. The work was highly commended in the Year 2000 OWG Photographic Awards. ‘Peak Villages’ was again illustrated throughout by Karen Frenkel. Her work (including illustrations and editorials), regularly appears in major publications, such as ‘Outdoor Photography’, ‘Derbyshire Life’ and ‘Peak District Magazine’ and she has also supplied major landscape calendar producers. Karen knows the Peak District inside out and knows how to optimise the seasons and the scenery.

Web: www.karenfrenkel.info

Fran Halsall LBIPP, BA (Hons) trained in Fine Art at Manchester Metropolitan University. She approaches her practice with an artistic sensibility, creating bold and memorable images. Fran is passionate about the natural world, its history and its conservation, and her photography reflects these interests. She can impart detailed knowledge of Peak District geology and habitats alongside the technical aspects of landscape photography.

Fran has contributed images for many books, writes and illustrates articles for magazines, exhibits in galleries and works on commissioned projects. Her first solo book: “The Peak District”, was published by Frances Lincoln in March 2008 and is now available for sale from us (RRP £14.99).

Web: www.fran-halsall.co.uk

Mark Wood BA (Hons), MA, is an Apple Certified Trainer in Aperture 2. He has fifteen years experience of writing and delivering courses in digital imaging to professionals and under-graduates. Mark has written the Centre's one-day Colour Management course, a must for any photographer wishing to make better digital print.

With a diverse portfolio of photographic work, including newspapers reportage, commercial shoots and portraiture, Mark is now concentrating on his critiically acclaimed fine-art.

As well as working at the Peak Photo Centre, Mark delivers short courses at universities as well as Apple Authorised Training Centres.

Web: www.markwoodphotography.com

Mike Williams has been a professional photographer for 35 years working with a broad range of clients from local businesses to the National Trust and English Heritage, the common theme being his love for the natural landscape. He worked as the official photographer for the Peak District National Park Authority during the mid 1970's where he captured awesome landscapes for  their information and interpretation services.
In 1977 he visited American National Parks meeting with the great Ansel Adams and attended his renowned photography workshop in Yosemite National Park.
Since 1978 he has worked as a freelance photographer with an enduring love for the English landscape. He is widely known and highly respected in the photographic industry and has illustrated many books on the countryside and landscape interpretation. During his many commissions around the UK he has found time to teach on various photographic courses including Losehill Hall Study Centre and at the Photographers Place both here in the National Park. For some years during the 1980's he was a visiting lecturer at Sheffield College of Art and Design.

Web: www.peak-pictures.com

Alex Hyde MSci. MSc. is a professional natural history photographer based in the Peak District National Park. Alex's in-depth knowledge of natural history underpins his imaging, allowing him to capture intimate portraits of wildlife in its natural habitat. During his career, Alex has established himself as an expert in macro photography. This frequently involves photographing moving subjects smaller than a grain of rice, requiring highly specialised equipment and an inexhaustible patience. The resulting portraits of insects, spiders and other wee beasties are truly captivating, providing a unique vision of the natural world. Alex's work is represented by a world-leading wildlife photo library where his images enjoy a global uptake. As well as teaching at the Peak Photo Centre, Alex lectures at the University of Nottingham where he is actively involved in a variety of research projects.

Web: www.alexhydephotography.com

Ben Hall is one of Britain’ foremost wildlife and landscape photographers. His images have won numerous international awards and he exhibits his work internationally too. Ben continually produces striking images that communicate to people the beauty and intricacy of Britain’s natural world. Described by Living Edge magazine as ‘a passionate and experienced wildlife photographer with a perfectionist’s eye for detail’. Ben has illustrated books and features regularly in photographic and wildlife magazines.
Web: www.benhallphotography.com