Art by Camera reviews

Carl and Sarah reviewed: Photography Days

"We're both quite experienced amateur photographers so we asked Sue to arrange us something that met our particular needs. For Sarah that was a session taking and processing flowers photographs in the style of old botanical prints. Though quite a specialised subject, Sue was as much a master of it as of so much else. Amongst other things, she demonstrated how to use a lightbox and studio lights, and then how to get the best out of those images in post-processing. And for me, she and Malcolm drew on other strengths and set up and talked me through the use of studio lighting for portraits. They even arranged for a model on whom to practice, and I came away with over 200 RAW images taken in various lighting setups. Well pleased. This was very educative time, and very enjoyable, too. It allowed us to get experience with professional studio kit, and to practice under the guidance of a couple who clearly know their stuff! A big thank you to Sue, Malcolm and Brian, the Terry Pratchett lookalike; and a strong recommendation to others to explore their photography training needs with Art by Camera."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thank you. I absolutely love floral photography and it was a joy to share it. It was good that we were also able to do some portraiture at the same time to keep both of you happy. Laughter of clients enjoying photography is always good. Thanks for coming."

Cynthia Leggat reviewed: Photography Days

"My husband and I both did a two course and probably got different things from it. Sue and Richard are very friendly and welcoming and tailored the course to our needs. We were not absolute beginners but learnt how to set a time delay before the shot was taken, something we hadn't done on our relatively new cameras - a Lumix Panasonic G9. I particularly enjoyed taking photos near Ullswater, including Wordsworth's daffodils. Andy enjoyed seeing the fallow deer at Dalemain. I was especially keen to learn how to take and merge photos for panoramas and HDR photos to get the best resulting photo from a series of shots. We also learnt useful tips and about the use of filters."

Andrew Leggat reviewed: Photography Days

"I did a two day course and got to know how to use my relatively new camera - a Lumix Panasonic G9 on the first day, besides having some experience with macro photography, which I hadn't really considered before. I also actually learnt how to use my tripod correctly ! I wasn't aware that I didn't use it to its full advantage ! I learnt how to take panoramas using my own photos of the Lake District and was shown how to stitch them together using Photoshop, which we pay for but have not been using. Sue and Richard are very easy to get on with and are very knowledgeable about the subject. I felt very comfortable learning from them both."

Janice reviewed: Photography Days

"I have recently returned from a thoroughly enjoyable individually tailored two day workshop with Richard and Sue. Both are enthusiastic, friendly and welcoming hosts who are extremely helpful and knowledgable putting you at ease when guiding you through the seemingly array of dials and program sequences on my new DSLR camera whilst demonstrating the photographic benefits. This helped my confidence to take the camera off automatic mode. Opening up freedom of artistic interpretation of the view infant of the lens rather than the preprogrammed automatic - Thank you."

Robert Simpson reviewed: Photography Days

"I had an enjoyable day with Richard and Sue. They are both welcoming and very knowledgeable. I learned a lot and felt like it was a good step towards getting me off of the 'auto' setting! Would definitely recommend."

Philip Chappelhow reviewed: Photography Days

"I am an absolute beginner and this course is great to to start your journey into photography. Sue and Richard were very knowledgeable and were good at explaining things."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thank you Philip, we hope your journey into photography is long and eventful!"

Carl Mantell reviewed: Photography Days

"Sarah and I are hugely grateful for all the help you gave us, Sue and Richard, in preparing to photograph our first wedding. That help was really important to us. As well as giving us lots of technical pointers, the day with you gave us the confidence to handle the occasion and, if we do say it ourselves, to give the couple a set of photographs which they can enjoy as an evocative reminder of a lovely day. They were very complimentary, too, so we regard it as a great success. We are particularly grateful because you put the day together specially to meet our needs, listening to and taking account of what we needed to achieve and of our level of ability. And you did it all in the warm, friendly and patient way which, reading other reviews, has encouraged students to learn well and leave your studio wanting to throw themselves enthusiastically into their photography - it certainly had that effect on us. And we're coming back for more! Again, thank you, Sue and Richard. We'll see you soon."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thank you Carl, we enjoyed the day. It's always great to know that students have made use of the skills they've learnt and tried ideas we have put forward."

ANN FYFE reviewed: Photography Days

"I spent a wonderful day with Sue and Richard on a 121 basis learning all about apertures, ISOs and shutter speeds. Being August it was heaving it down so despite driving to Glenridding and hoping for the rain to stop it was not to be, so we managed to grab a few outdoor shots from the carpark, and then the rest of the day was spent in the workshop. I'm happy to say that Sue is great at improvising and I still managed to practice the skills I needed. My passions are flowers and macro, and I learned about how to improve my photos and get off auto. I would recommend this course to anyone, whether total beginner or (like me) someone with a bit of knowledge but an 'auto' addict."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thanks for that, Ann. We look forward to hearing how you get on with your new macro lens."

Elles reviewed: Photography Days

"If you LIKE photography, you will LOVE it after a course with Sue and Richard. Their enthusiasm and knowledge was amazing. We had a super day, thank you so much. Xxx"

Art by Camera responded:

"Aww! Thank you so much. After our playing with Christmas baubles and shutter speeds I was inspired to do something along the same lines for my own daily Blipfoto shot. I'll send you the image."

Mary reviewed: Photography Days

"Great day spent with Sue and Richard learning how to use the camera off auto settings. The weather was not in our favour but we still managed to get some outdoor shots and practice with flowing water. There was a lot of information but Sue and Richard were very patient and the relaxed setting made it easier to process and build on the key ideas. The course has inspired me to continue playing with the settings and hopefully get some better shots."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thank you, Mary. We haven't had much better weather since, but sometimes it's these bleak days that can produce the most interesting landscape shots. Keep practicing and you will find the right combinations more quickly. It looks like we're heading for more time at home due to restrictions so that means more time to give to hobbies like photography!"

Diana Girgova reviewed: Photography Days

"I have spent a day with Sue and Richard at their studio in Penrith. I've learnt about correct lighting, posing and compositions in one day. I really enjoyed the day spent with Sue and Richard. When I walked into the studio, they made me feel relaxed and comfortable. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn more about photography."

Art by Camera responded:

"So glad you enjoyed it, Diana, we enjoyed it, too. It was a joy to see your enthusiasm and how, after the morning tuition, you were able to work so well in the afternoon with our professional model. Looking forward to seeing how your portfolio develops."

David Oliver reviewed: Photography Days

"I took this course as a complete beginner and really did take a lot away from it. Sue and Richard take the time to explain things fully with useful demonstrations that helped me understand. They’re very enthusiastic and keen to make sure the course is tailored around the things that you’re most interested in learning. I now feel much more confident with the different settings on my camera and am looking forward to experimenting and improving the photographs I’m taking. It was also great to see what can be achieved by using software to manipulate images in different ways."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thanks, David. It was nice meeting you and I really hope you will find the extra little bit we did on photographing buildings useful."

Elaine Brown reviewed: Photography Days

"Had a day out with Sue and Richard, went up Ullswater. It was a brilliant day worth every penny. I learned a lot from 1 day, they showed me how to use my camera to get the best out of it, advised on composition and how to edit my photos to get the best out of them. They are so helpful and knowledgeable it was great to spend time with them, they made you feel comfortable and at home and explained everything to you. At the end of the day you also gets notes to come away with. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn about their camera."

Art by Camera responded:

"It was a very nice day for us, too. So glad you also found your DSLR when you got home, Richard was pleased to run through it with you today. Don't forget to protect the lens with a daylight/UV filter."

Andy Blackburn reviewed: Photography Days

"We went on a portraiture course (my partner as the model) earlier in 2019. Sue and Richard explained everything in a clear and 'non jargon' manner and took me through the process of photographing a model in studio step by step without hurrying my ageing brain at all. They are friendly and welcoming people which, at least to ourselves, is as important as their technical knowledge which they have in abundance. I (we) learnt a great deal over the 2 days. Thanks Sue and Richard. Highly recommended!"

Art by Camera responded:

"Thanks for that, Andy. Hope everything is working well for you with your choice of new camera."

John Graham reviewed: Photography Days

"I have just spent a brilliant day with Sue & Richard. I have had my DSLR camera for a number of years but I knew I wasn't getting the best from it. I have learnt so much today from Sue & Richard that will help me take better photos. Although the weather wasn't brilliant we ventured out to Ullswater where I was given tips on landscape shots and shooting water scenes. The afternoon session was spent in the studio where a lot was learnt about depth of field, setting up a studio at home and photo editing. Richard pointed out where was best to buy photographic equipment. I have already given my list of "wants" to my wife!! Thanks for a great day, that I would highly recommend to all levels of budding photographers. John 1 week a go."

Karen Greenhalgh reviewed: Photography Days

"Have had an excellent, informative and varied day with Sue and Richard. They introduced me to the world of DSLR's, the potential of my camera, how to take photos of landscapes, moving objects and still life. And then how to improve and develop my photos using the software that is now available. The whole day was flexible, relaxed and very helpful. It gave me what I was looking for from this course. Thank you for all your helpful tips and patience."

Daniel Docker reviewed: Photography Days

"Thank you Sue and Richard for the excellent one day course yesterday. You gave a great introduction to what my camera can do, and how I can use it. The work out in the field really helped to consolidate your explanations, and to practice the various settings. The afternoon in the studio, explaining the software, and then downloading and editing the photos was really good. I also enjoyed testing the capabilities of my camera on the studio close ups of flowers. I now feel not only much more confident that I can begin to get the best from my camera, but also what other bits would help me, and where I can get them from. Thank you!"

Art by Camera responded:

"Thanks, Dan, hope you get a lot of enjoyment from your photography!"

Marie reviewed: Photography Days

"This was an excellent day run by Sue and Richard. It was very practical and hands-on which was just what I needed. They showed me how to understand the workings of my camera, gave me lots of opportunities to practise with their support and allowed me to borrow some of their equipment when necessary. We worked outdoors in the morning thinking about composition, aperture, shutter speed and ISO settings. All of this was explained and a series of exercises helped to consolidate this new knowledge. Back in the studio, we worked on setting up lighting and composition in order to take photos for product selling. Both Sue and Richard took the time to show the editing software they use which was extremely useful and where to buy cost effective equipment. I’d recommend this course and want to thank them both for the day which was highly enjoyable and informative."

Peter B reviewed: Photography Days

"Richard and Sue provided me with exactly what I wanted as an introduction to DSLR photography for a complete novice. They even allowed me to use their gear for the day by prearrangement as I had indicated that I intended to use the day, and their knowledge, as a platform on which to base my future decisions on investment in kit. Weather was atrocious on the day but they didn't let it stop us from an outdoor lakeside practice. Very relaxed and accommodating day well worth the fee."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thanks, Peter. Thank goodness for large umbrellas! Whilst we sometimes rig up a fake stream and rocks it was nice to have got outdoors with you. So glad you felt ready to make a choice of camera and lens to suit your needs. Wishing you years of fun as your skills grow in using them."

Becky Marsh reviewed: Photography Days

"What a great gift! Richard and Sue gave me a relaxed, friendly welcome and put me at ease from the very beginning, and after a good cuppa we headed straight out to a snowy Ullswater. I love taking pictures, but lacked the confidence to use my manual settings and never felt I could use my DSLR to its best capacity. They were very knowledgeable, and guided me on using manual settings, editing software and lighting. They tailor made the day to suit my level. Come home time I didn't want to head home to Manchester, but stayed out for a few hours to catch a glorious sunset and tested out my newly discovered skills! My confidence has increased and I can already see the results in my photographs. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who loves taking pictures."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thank you, Becky, we would love to hear how you get on with the wedding shoot later in the year. In the meantime, have fun with your camera!"

Debbie Stevens reviewed: Photography Days

"Excellent enthusiasm and patience throughout my one day workshop. Would highly recommend them."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thanks, Debbie. It was lovely to see the images you had been taken recently. We loved your dedication to getting up and out in time to catch the early light."

Ian Murray reviewed: Photography Days

"I wanted to express my sincere thanks to Sue and Richard at Art by Camera for the thoroughly enjoyable two days I had. It was a privilege to have the insight of two passionate photographers - all to myself! Their approach ensures that learning and working with the camera doesn't have to be intimidating and their style made me feel comfortable and at ease which made my learning experience both informative and FUN! I still can't believe that within an hour I had been able to produce an image that I had only seen in books until that point, and it didn't stop there, even though the weather didn't play nicely - the days were very flexible and personalised to meet my interests. I learnt so much over two days and that was undoubtedly down to a clear and interesting style of delivery, which allows every opportunity to ask questions and seek advice. The Craft Courses voucher was a gift which in turn has given me memories and skills for life. Anyone thinking about attending a course with Art By Camera shouldn't hesitate in booking. Sue and Richard are most highly recommended! Many thanks!"

Art by Camera responded:

"Thank you, Ian, for that very nice review, for your enthusiasm about learning, and obvious joy from the images you were achieving. It will be nice to see you again if you come north on holiday. We'd love to hear how you get on!"

Shirley reviewed: Photography Days

"What a week! I had no idea what to do with my camera other than turn it on. A week in the company of Richard and Sue and I am ready to take on all manner of photography adventures. I was initially perplexed by the terminology and settings of my camera but was soon put at ease with easy to understand examples and explanations. I would recommend this course for anyone wishing to understand their camera and who want to explore their creativity. Thanks Richard and Sue, a fabulous week!"

Art by Camera responded:

"Thanks so much for that, Shirley, we're really looking forward to hearing how your projects work out!"

James Meakins reviewed: Photography Days

"I have just completed 5 very enjoyable and informative days with Sue and Richard. Was part of a birthday present to myself and was lucky enough to have one to one tuition in very relaxed and welcoming surroundings. The thing i liked best was the pace and flexibility of the week . Both were enthusiastic about their craft and keen to share their knowledge and experiences . Both showed a very personal touch to ensure you really understood your camera and what you could achieve with it. The highlights were the trips out to see some outstanding Cumbrian scenery and how to get the best results to portray it . I would highly recommend the course but would suggest that if you had limited knowledge of photography ,like I did ,that you take the multiple days options . Thankyou again for a brilliant week ."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thanks, James. It was great having you with us for the week, I'm just sorry we had no control over the November weather! At least there was plenty to keep us dry and occupied. Having said that, the winter months are so good for landscape photography with the sculptural look to bare trees and the starkness of snow. Have fun with your new skills."

Dale Towers reviewed: Photography Days

"What a brilliant day I had. Echoing what others have said, only me and 2 tutors. I contacted Sue and Richard a few months ago, as I have been asked to take photographs at my Nieces wedding in a year. I have been taking photographs for the last couple of years, but wanted to know a little more to help me prepare for the wedding. They definitely helped me from learning what a few more of the buttons do on my camera, to experimenting with different lenses to demonstrate various techniques. The whole course was tailored to my needs and my current level of experience. The course is run at a very relaxed pace, but covered everything I wanted to and more. Thank you for a great day Dale"