Going Digital Devon and Cornwall reviews

Justin Jordan-Davis reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"I completed the part 1 beginner photography courses with Sid Smallman from Going Digital Devon and Cornwall. Part 1 was held at Dartington Hall, Devon, and was a combination of classroom (mainly theory) and on location (practical). As a complete novice to DSLR photography, Sid pitches the course at the right level so all key beginner aspects of the camera and photography are understood by all. I will mention that there was a mixture of student ability on the course. What I mean by this is that some students were complete beginners, like me, and some students were already keen DSLR photographers but wanted to improve their photography skills and/or knowledge. Camera and photography theory was well delivered in PowerPoint and via handouts; the handouts were very handy to make notes on and take home for revision. The theory was then reinforced with good practical exercises, a few exercises were in the classroom but the majority of the exercises were on location at Dartington Hall. On location, Sid was always around to give handy reminders and tips, but he also gave us all enough photography freedom to begin to develop our own photography style. He would make suggestions as to how we could improve, and give technical feedback on how to use our cameras in the right way to get the results we were looking for. The end of the day was summarised with Sid reviewing the students photographs. Constructive feedback was given to each student in turn, highlighting both our strong points and then making suggestions as to where improvements could be made. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable day with lots to take in and put into practice."

Chris Bell reviewed: Wildlife photography weekend

"Spent an informative and enjoyable two days on the wildlife photography weekend at the West Country Wildlife Photography Centre. Not only was Sid from Going Digital a really good, knowledgeable and patient tutor, but the access offered to a range of UK wildlife that otherwise would be difficult to see was excellent. A range of photographic techniques were explained and explored, with adequate 1:1 tuition. Can thoroughly recommend!"

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thank you for your feedback Chris, your kind words and recommendation are greatly appreciated. I look forward to seeing you again very soon on another workshop"

Jason Dear reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"Sid was an excellent tutor and displayed a fantastic passion and experience for the subject. He was able to spend time with each student and ensured we all learnt how to get the best out of the cameras. It was a very rewarding experience and hopefully I can take what I have learned and now take decent photos."

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Your kind words are greatly appreciated Jason, thank you for such positive feedback. I look forward to seeing your results and following your progress in our Flickr group soon"

Tammy reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"Sid was a patient and encouraging teacher, I've learnt exactly what the course promised - to get off Auto! Enjoyable day all round, many thanks."

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thank you Tammy, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day and feel confident to say goodbye to auto... Enjoy your photography, I hope to see you again soon."

Justin Jordan-Davis reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"Great course. Delivered well, both theory and practical. Pitched at all levels of ability with constructive feedback on all practical aspects. Sid is a great communicator capable of explaining complex aspects of the camera in a way that everyone understands. Highly recommended course."

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thank a lot Justin, your feedback and recommendation is greatly valued and appreciated. I hope to see you again soon on another workshop, in the meantime, enjoy your photography..."

Jonny reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"Sid my coach for the day, on this fantastic course, taught me very well and I feel that I have come away with a better understanding of my camera, as well as taking it off of auto mode. I learned how to take exceptional portraits and landscapes with a soft background for a nice effect and many more things, and strongly recommend this course to any beginner wishing to learn more about photography."

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thank you Jonny for your kind words and recommendation. I'm really pleased to have helped you you say goodbye to auto! It's always a pleasure to meet and work with youngsters, I hope you will join us with the 365 project and good luck with your Duke of Edinburgh award and your future photography..."

Angela Butler reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"This course was excellent. I have always wanted to learn how to take photos properly but always thought it would be too difficult. Sid taught us the theory and then this was reinforced with practical work and critically appraising the photos taken. Sid was patient and coached the whole class very well. I came away with a good understanding of how to use my camera properly and have been able to put my new skills into practice. I really enjoyed the day and would recommend it to anyone who wants to take photos out of auto mode!"

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thanks Angela for your lovely review, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day and now feel more confident with your camera, I look forward to seeing your results in our dedicated Flickr group. Enjoy..."

Jennie reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"Sid was a great tutor, enthusiastic and with a great deal of knowledge to share. Understanding key concepts was quite tricky at times but Sid had endless patience explaining things to us in lots different ways! The practical exercises were a good test of understanding. We really enjoyed the class."

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thanks Jennie, I'm so pleased you enjoyed and benefited from the weekend and thanks for travelling down to join us, I hope to see you both again very soon..."

Michelle Finch reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"I really enjoyed the course but felt that for me a smaller group would have been better as you could then recieve more one to one."

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"I'm so pleased you enjoyed the course Michelle and thank you for your feedback it is greatly appreciated. With regard to group size, I have already significantly reduced the group size by 20% for a better individual experience but obviously there remains a limit to group size and viability. I always have and always will do my utmost to ensure that all participants get as much individual attention as I can share between the needs of the group as a whole... Thanks again Michelle I look forward to seeing you on our next part 2 course in a couple of weeks."

David Handcock reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"Having been using my digital SLR on auto for years, I knew I should be doing more with it. Sid's one-day course introduced me to exactly what the possibilities were and there was ample opportunity on the day to experiment with the various modes. The small "class size" was a real advantage and I now have plenty to go and work on myself. Much appreciation to Sid and his patience!"

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thanks for your review David, I'm so pleased you feel you are able to explore the possibilities from your camera, I look forward to seeing your results very soon."

Jane reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"I attended this course held by Sid. I'm a complete novice when it comes to cameras. Sid was a wonderful teacher, patient and attentive to each person. He was clear with instructions and gave all of us individual time also. The group size of 6 was just right. The setting at Dartington Hall was beautiful. I highly recommend this course. Thank you ?"

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Jane thank you so much for your kind words. It is so rewarding to receive such positive feedback and greatly appreciated. I hope to see you again soon on another workshop..."

Viv Craze-Wuttke reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"I recently attended the Get Off Auto course run by Sid Smallman at Dartington and cannot praise it enough. Sid is passionate about photography and his presentation style encourages learning and participation. The workshop benefits from being a small group and this ensures everyone can contribute. As a novice camera user I learnt so much about my camera and whilst only scraping the surface of what it can do, I still feel more confident to go and try different things and get that perfect shot! Thanks again Sid."

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thank you Viv, I'm so pleased you feel the workshop has been of practical benefit to your photography. I look forward to seeing your progression in our dedicated Flickr group. Enjoy..."

Edward Kaminski reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"Sid is an excellent and enthusiastic teacher. The course covered all the basics of DSLR cameras and has indeed given me the confidence to get off 'auto' and start exploring what my camera has to offer. Overall I very much enjoyed the day and am very satisfied with the result."

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thank you Edward I am so pleased you enjoyed the day and feel it has benefited you. I look forward to sharing in your future photographic progression with 'no more auto'..."

Megan Braide reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"I really enjoyed 'getting off auto' with Sid. The class was kept small and Sid was very patient, taking time to answer our questions and spending time with each of us to explain how to use our cameras to their potential. There was a good mix of theory and practical. Can't wait for day 2!"

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thank you Megan, it was a real pleasure to meet and work with you today, your positive words mean a lot to me, thanks. I also look forward to day 2...!"

Ali Procter Miller reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"A fantastic day delivered by Sid, the key to actually using my camera has now been unlocked! Can’t wait to complete more of these courses and enjoy exploring photography. Sids passion for photography makes him an excellent teacher and what better surroundings can you get than the Dartington estate!"

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thank you so much Ali, your kind words are greatly appreciated. I too, look forward to sharing more time with you on future workshops..."

Jenny reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"An excellent mix of theory and practical assignments. Sid is an informative and patient teacher; his passion for photography is inspiring."

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thank you Jenny it has been a real pleasure to meet and work with you on this and the follow up part 2 workshops. I hope to see you again soon on another of our varied workshop programme, in the meantime, enjoy your photography"

Penny and Jim reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"A clear and well paced day."

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thanks for your review Penny and Jim, I enjoyed meeting and working with you both. I look forward to sharing the day with you in February for the follow up 'Explore your camera part 2 - developing skills' workshop"

Albee reviewed: Wildlife photography weekend

"I found Sid incredibly informative, patient and a great teacher. For me being able to get close to a variety of English wildlife was simply fabulous and I am absolutely thrilled with my photos. I can’t wait to do another course with Sid!"

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Albee, it was a real pleasure to share the experience with you, I look forward to seeing you again soon..."