testimonials
- “Many thanks for yesterday I thoroughly enjoyed the day and the content of the course. As a DSLR novice of 3 months I felt that the course was very well pitched at a level that included both technical and practical tips. Your expert knowledge of photography and ability to discuss with me the type of photographs and style I like was brilliant.”
Julian, Severn Valley Railway 2010 - “I’m having great fun with my photos now and playing with the techniques you showed us and just wanted to say a massive thank you for the day, I really enjoyed it!
James, Sudeley Castle 2010 - Thank you again for a great weekend, Roos and I both loved it.
Emma, Portmeirion 2010 - “Thanks for a great day I thoroughly enjoyed it. The course was pitched at the right level for me. Enjoyed your company and those of my camera colleagues. The material supplied will be very helpful to me and have noted your advice on the D5000 lenses.
Ali, Culzean Castle 2010 - “Hi Phil and Rachel,
Just wanted to send a quick note thanking you so much for the fantastic day Jamie and I had with you both today.
Wasn’t quite sure what to expect but we soo enjoyed it and I feel so ready to get out and experiment with my newly acquired skills with DOF, Shutter Speed and ISO. The only down side to the whole thing is that I now need to find a second hand Nikon for Jamie as he is gonna plague me to use mine after taking such great shots today.
I’ve posted a blog post myself on Blipfoto which might even result in some business for you and will whole-heartedly sing your praises in future.
We will spend the next few months practising and then I’m confident will be back for more.
Thank you again.Carole and Jamie, Culzean Castle 2010“
- “I keep meaning to email you to say how much i enjoyed the course i attended at Sudeley on 3rd July. My husband organised it for me as a gift and i loved it! Just the right level for me….fascinating throughout without being over my head technical! I learnt a lot and would love to do another course at some point. Just need to practice now!”
Sue, Sudeley Castle 2010 - “I enjoyed the course back in February it rekindled my interest in photography.”
Hugh, Culzean Castle 2010 - “Thanks for a great course yesterday, Phil – really enjoyed it.”
Ed, Ashton Court, Bristol 2010 - “Many thanks for a wonderful day. Plenty of tips, well run, very informative, just what I needed.”
John, Creative Photography course at Sudeley Castle 2010 - “I enjoyed the day very much. Obviously the weather was a bonus, but more importantly your presentation and assistance was extremely beneficial and enjoyable. Your content was well balanced between theoretical, technical and practical content.”
Archie, Culzean Castle 2010 - “I really enjoyed my day with you at the Severn Valley. It’s certainly helped with my photography, and I’m now getting more keepers and less ending up in the trash. Just got to get my head round Photoshop elements 8 now!!!!
Thanks once again for a great day. ”
Nick, Severn Valley Railway 2010 - “I thoroughly enjoyed the course last Friday (4 June 2010) at Sudeley Castle and learnt a lot of new ideas to try in the future. It was great being able to get constructive feedback on the photos and so much advice on different techniques.
I was also very pleased to see so many of my pictures on your blog.
So again many thanks.”
John, Creative Photography course at Sudeley Castle 2010 - “I enjoyed the course back in February it rekindled my interest in photography.”
Hugh, Culzean Castle 2010 - “Wonderful course. Plenty to think about.”
John, Creative Photography course at Sudeley Castle 2010 - “I thoroughly enjoyed the day and will take the opportunity to learn more on a future course.”
Chris, Sudeley Castle 2010 - “A belated thank you for a really enjoyable day at Charlecote recently on the Intro to DSLR; it certainly brought the camera to life more for me -and of course, brought up all sorts of questions.”
Janet, Charlecote 2010 – see her questions on the blog - “I would like to thank you for our great day last Saturday. I really enjoyed it and I feel like I’ve learned a lot, not only on the technical front but also through your great stories. Right, the batteries are charged, lenses cleaned, bag packed. Think of me tomorrow at 1! I’ll let you know how I got on!
Estelle, Weddings Course Malvern 2010 - “I just wanted to drop you both a line to thank you for such a brilliant course at Charlecote Manor last Sunday. Both Claire and I had a fantastic day and learnt so much and the techniques have already made a big difference to our pictures.”
John and Claire, Charlecote Park 2010 - “I just wanted to thank you very much for the fantastic and hugely inspiring course on Sunday.
The course structure was great, as was the setting, and your teaching style is really engaging and enthusiastic……I feel very inspired now and can’t wait to get more practice! Many thanks again and I will definitely recommend you to anyone I come across who is looking for a photography course!”
Sarah, Sudeley Castle 2010 - ” the course was fantastic! My photos have improved 100%, I am taking the best pics I have ever taken, so thank you very much….”
Phillipa, Sudeley Castle 2010 - “Myself and James really enjoyed ourselves on the course. We were in France last week and (tried) to put a lot of the theory into practice. It has certainly opened my eyes about photography. I just wish I had done it a few years ago. We will keep looking at your site to see when the next creative photography course is at Chatsworth. Hopefully see you again soon.”
Paul and James, Chatsworth 2010 - “Just a quick line to say thanks for the tips etc. It’s got me taking my ‘proper camera’ out rather than the compact one now I know what to do with it!”
Tom, Ashton Court, Bristol 2010 - “I just wanted to thank you for my lovely day’s camera instruction on Friday – I enjoyed it very much and have managed to remember the majority of things you told me. I’m looking forward to going out and taking some pictures with more confidence and I’m not worried about dropping the camera now!”
Caroline, Charlecote Park 2010 - “Thanks for excellent course. Comprehensive cover of major features, thought provoking re “what are we trying to say”, portrait vs landscape. Well presented slides and handout. Opportunities to try out what we were shown. Good to have shots shown and discussed. Enthusiastic approach, no hype, no hard sell, honest practical approach. Should enable all of us to feel more confident shooting off the “auto” settings with the knowledge to take a better photo than before.”
John, Ashton Court, Bristol 2010 - “Just wanted to tell you STRAIGHT away how much we both enjoyed the course. It was absolutely fantastic and has taken our passion of photography to a new level! You were such a joy to spend the day with and your enthusiasm and generosity of sharing your wealth of photography info was incredible! Thank you so much for everything and for the warming tea and coffee to go with the gingerbread men! Brilliant. We will definitely be recommending you guys to one and all!”
Claire and Max, Ashton Court, Bristol 2010 - “Just wanted to say how pleased I was with the course. It was exactly what I was looking for and feel truly inspired! I will be in contact if I have any queries but OK for now. Thanks again for a really enjoyable day.”
Alison, Ashton Court Bristol, 2010 - “I just wanted to say thank you very much for the DSLR photography made simple course at Ashton Court today, I really enjoyed it and thought it was really helpful and just what I needed.”
Dot, Ashton Court, Bristol 2010 - “Just a little email to say thanks again for Saturday. We both had such a good day, and are so pleased we decided to take the course. There’s so much to take in, it’s still going round in my head today! Really looking forward to the next one, and getting in some practice in between.”
Nic, Chatsworth 2010 - “Wanted to day thank you so much for the excellent course on Sunday at Culzean Castle!
Both Stewart and I really enjoyed the day and it has given me lots to work on…until the next course…”
Lynne and Stewart, Culzean Castle 2010 - “I just wanted to thank you for today and say how much I enjoyed your course and the relaxed informative manner of your delivery.”
Andy, Pollok House, Glasgow 2010 - “Harriet really enjoyed your double-act teaching style, and the course seems to have been the perfect mix for her in terms of technical info and artistic creativity. She also felt really encouraged that her (new gift!) camera was up to spec, and would do everything she wanted. I’m amazed and impressed that she seems to want to take her photography further. I’ll suggest that she gets in touch with you if she feels she needs a bit more advice or guidance. Do you do further courses aimed at helping students develop their artistic vision, develop projects etc?”
Harriet’s Mum, Ashton Court, Bristol 2010 - “Thank you for a very rewarding 2 hours on Saturday…Elle really enjoyed the time spent with you both and learnt so much…look forward to seeing you next week.”
Donna and Elle, hourly tuition at Malvern 2010 - “Just wanted to say thanks for yesterday. Had a great day, found it very useful and appreciate your time and input and experience.
What I re-learned will definitely be of great benefit – I’ve already bought the recommended 50mm lens !!
Wishing you all the best.”
Mark, Crystal Palace 2010 - “”Thank you for the excellent creative photography course on Saturday. Time always seems to go past so quickly, but I am grateful that you were so willing to impart your knowledge to help me become a more creative photographer.
I will always now ensure I check to see exaclty what I am photographing, looking for the stray branch or cropped spire !!!
I will try different setting with more confidence and will look to buy a 50 mm prime lens soon so I can start playing with the short DOF lens offer.] I will of course recommend your courses to all my friends who are looking to take their photography to the next level.”
Richard, Charlecote Park 2010 - “…. many thanks for the passing on your knowledge as well as your advice as per your email…… Thanks again for your email and advice and also for showing me what you can do with a camera to take lovely photos of people, places and things. I will let you know once we have bought a DSLR after the festive season is over and the sales are on.”
Mazula, Birmingham Central Library 2009 - “just to say I so enjoyed the day – sorry not to reply sooner! I may well try the creative next. You were both so easy to get on with, so helpful and so informative. I need to go back to Ashton Court and practice what we did! I have not taken an Auto picture since the course day with you both- but I still need to practice lots!”
Nicola, Ashton Court, Bristol 2009 - “I have been on 2 of Rachel and Phil’s photography courses, the beginners course and the follow on advanced course. Their experience as professional photographers is evident as they teach primarily from their own extensive experience rather than the “text book” solution. Having two tutors rather than just the one was also beneficial as they work so well together (dare I say as a double act?) sharing their own individual areas of expertise.The courses included photoshoots, which can take you outside of your comfort zone but the experience is well worth it. I would thoroughly recommend anyone looking to learn not just how to use a camera, but how to create that perfectly composed picture to get in touch with Rachel and Phil without delay.”
Dave, Worcester 2008 and 2009 - “Hey Phil and Rachel – Thank you! I have a much better understanding of photography and how to take full advantage of my camera, which is exactly what I was after, yup its a lot of info to take in, I just need to get out there and have a play with different settings. Thank you cant wait! il send you some of my best pics when im back.”
Dion, Portmeirion Residential Course (DSLR and Creative), 2009 - “i really enjoyed Friday’s course and felt i got a lot out of it.”
Annabel, Ashton Court 2009 - “Thanks for an enjoyable and educational day at Ashton Court. When the sun comes out again I will be out to practise. My photos of the Scottish Highlands will be even better in future.”
Mark, Ashton Court 2009 - “Peter showed me a number of very useful techniques and ideas which will be very useful to me going forward. He even offered to review the pictures later and showed me how to optimize them using Photoshop. Cars International were also very friendly and helpful. All in all it was a great experience…”
Philippe, Classic Car Photography, Kensington 2009 - “Had a great and very useful day. Many thanks. Can I say great value as well.”
Dave, Portmeirion 2009 - “Many thanks for the course last Monday; I really enjoyed it and learnt a great deal.”
Gina, Stourhead 2009 - “…My tiny brain did take in an awful lot of what you said and the quality and breadth of pics has improved. I am happily going around the dial into uncharted waters (often using a 2nd pic in ‘P’ just in case.) Your notes are very useful as an aid memoir, I just need some time to put everything in place. Thanks once again for your invaluable time last week, you did spoil me with the time you spent and it was very much appreciated.
If I get any opportunities to recommend your company I will be very pleased to do so…”
Paul, his house in Redditch, 2009 - “A few weeks have pasted since completing the photography course for DSLR’s on the Severn Valley Railway. I have been busy with work and a holiday. I wish to say thank you for a really enjoyable and informative day. I would highly recommend to anyone this course. Whilst on holiday I was able to put into practice what you had taught me.”
Kevin, Severn Valley Railway 2009 (bought as a gift certificate) - “I would just like to say a big thank you to you both, I thoroughly enjoyed your course yesterday and I did feel that I learnt alot from it.”
Jo, Charlecote Park 2009 - “..thankyou so much for a great day in Crystal Palace. I learnt so much from you and am looking forward to taking some great photos over the next few weeks..I’ve got two weddings to go to. I have already taken some individual pictures of my boys, and to be honest..they are the best I’ve ever taken!! I thought about everything you said and had a really fun session.”
Jacky, Crystal Palace 2009 - “Just a quick note to say thank you for such and enjoyable and worthwhile course yesterday. I had a brilliant day, have come away with a new found confidence to go and use my new camera, and can’t wait to start seeing the results. I would recommend without hesitation for anyone to attend, thank you both for your kindness and patience.”
Amy, Portmeirion 2009 - “I absolutely loved the day and thought that both of you were very good. I have taken some pictures since and have a big photo opportunity on Saturday, visiting my son & daughter in law and two grandchildren.”
Hugh, Sheffield Park Gardens 2009 - “Thank you for the course yesterday it has bought so much of the mystical art of photography into focus which is great. Hopefully more of my pictures will be from now on!! But equally as important you have reignited my desire to get out there with my camera and capture this beautiful world as best I can. I am checking my diary for Portmeirion and hope to see you both soon!!”
Lynne, Sudeley Castle 2009 - “As for what I learned on the day, I couldn’t have asked for more. I thought you got the measure of my technical level almost intuitively & pitched all the discussion & practical exercises brilliantly. It was a fabulous distillation of your experience, delivered in a wonderfully positive, thoughtful, non-patronising way & the pacing of the day was great, with presentational material followed by practical work, followed by constructive criticism. The practical hints were solid gold – there were so many things I just wouldn’t have thought of. Your advice about kit & workflow were invaluable…”
Sarah, Wedding Course Portmeirion 2009 - ““Really enjoyed the day… “”
Si and Sue, Severn Valley Railway 2009 - ““I just wanted to say thank you for a great day! Tim and I have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! I came in this morning having absolutely no idea how to use my camera and I now know what all the settings do!””
Sian and Tim, Sheffield Park Gardens 2009 (have a look at Sian’s blog article) - “I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for your patience on Saturday. I got a huge amount out of the day…”
Joanne, Birmingham Central Library 2009 - “A big thank you for your patience . I have driven the boys mad today with picture taking but have enjoyed experimenting and didn’t use any automatic settings . Are you impressed ?”
Nicola, Sheffield Park Gardens 2009 - “I wanted the course to start me off an a creative journey and that’s exactly what you’ve done.”
Ann, Portmeirion 2009 - I really did enjoy my day on Thursday at Shugborough and I have noticed a real difference in my photos. Thank you again for a great day.”
Claire, Shugborough 2009 - “I certainly enjoyed the day’s course at Shugborough. Your enthusiasm was obvious – and infectious!! I feel that at the moment my camera etc is far better than my ability to use it! Still, I’m better equipped than I was before Thursday.”
Peter, Shugborough 2009
- “Great course, great tutors, great fun.”
John, 2009 - “The course has been BRILLIANT and I have REALLY enjoyed it. I thought the way you ran the course was spot on – and you made it FUN!!!”
Ade, 2009 - “Very good, enjoyed the course and content. Learnt a lot.”
Mary, 2009
- “Excellent, loads of fun, learnt loads”
Carol, 2009 - “Exceeded my expectations, also good fun.”
Ian, 2008 - “Your enthusiasm is inspirational.”
Judy, 2007 - “Tuition was innovative, interesting and enthusing. The best further education course I have ever attended.”
Ben, 2007 - “Feel like I’ve had a lot of course for the money.”
Zoe, 2007 - “Phil you’re the man!”
Jackie, 2009 - “Learnt a lot – great personable tutors”
Jon, 2009 - “Enthusiasm of the tutors inspired me and they pitch the level of understanding very well.”
Bob, 2009 - “Feel enthusiastic about continuing with my learning, gaining confidence with voice and camera.”
Joan, 2008 - “Rachel inspired me, and gave me confidence, which spilled into other areas of my life. Thank you”.
Faye, 2008 - “Phil and Rachel have a PASSION for photography that pervades their friendly and professional approach to their customers. They produce extraordinary results by understanding exactly what the client needs and then instilling in them a feeling of confidence and trust that enables an image that precisely reflects those needs to be captured AND THEY MAKE IT FUN!! I have no hesitation in recommending Phil and Rachel.”
Andy, 2009