Beginner's Landscape Photography Workshops in Devon

Learn, Practice, and Capture: Master the Art of Landscape Photography in Stunning Devon Locations

A photographer capturing bluebells in a picturesque Devon wood, highlighting the opportunities for beginners to learn photography skills in beautiful landscapes during our workshops

Workshop Dates

Fri 26th Sept (eve) to Sun 28th September 2025

(SPACE S AVAILABLE)

Your Training at a Glance

Course Name:

Beginner's Landscape Photography Workshop

Location:

Mazzard Farm, Ottery St Mary, East Devon

Course Description:

Elevate your photography skills with a weekend residential weekend workshop in the picturesque East Devon countryside. This beginner-friendly course is designed to help you move beyond simple snapshots and capture stunning landscape photos. With a small group of up to six students, you'll enjoy personalized instruction over two days, covering essential topics like composition, lighting, editing, and post-processing.

We'll venture out into the surrounding area to apply your new skills, capturing breath-taking shots of the East Devon coast and countryside (weather permitting). This immersive experience combines learning with exploration, ensuring you return home with not only improved photography skills but also memorable experiences.

Course Details:

Duration: Friday evening to Sunday late afternoon, with the option to stay Sunday night.
Who It's For: Beginner photographers looking to enhance their skills.
Equipment Needed: Any camera with manual settings (compact, bridge, mirrorless, or DSLR).
Your Trainer: Gary Holpin, a professional Devon photographer.

Pricing:

Residential: £399
Non-Residential: £219
Deposit: Secure your place with a £139 deposit.

What's Included:

3 nights accommodation
15 hours of training over 2 days
Some meals and drinks
Comprehensive course pack
Free follow-up sessions with your tutor

Proud to be five star rated on Google!

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Why Choose Gary Holpin Photography for Your Photography Training?

Award winning accomodation

Our photography retreats are hosted at the award-winning Mazzard Farm, nestled deep in the picturesque East Devon countryside. You'll reside in one of the charming, high-quality cottages, beautifully arranged around a quaint courtyard. Surrounded by 17 acres of lush woodland, orchards, and gardens, this serene setting provides the perfect backdrop for your photography journey.

Award-winning Mazzard Farm cottages nestled in East Devon's countryside, offering comfortable accommodation for beginners' residential photography workshops

Exceptional Training

If you're considering joining me for a photography course in Devon, here are a few compelling reasons to choose me as your trainer:

Simplifying Technical Concepts:

As a self-taught photographer, I understand how daunting technical aspects can be. I excel at breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand language, ensuring you grasp the fundamentals with ease.

Devon Expertise:

With an intimate knowledge of Devon's landscapes, I not only help you improve your photography skills but also introduce you to the region's most stunning and photogenic locations during our longer courses.

Teaching with Enthusiasm:

My enthusiasm for photography is contagious! Previous students have praised how my passion not only makes the training more enjoyable but also enhances their learning experience.

Proven Track Record:

Consistently receiving glowing five-star reviews from my students, you can trust that you're in good hands. Feel free to check out my reviews on Google to see what others have to say about their experience.

Excellent Google ratings for photography training by Gary Holpin Photography

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Experience Devon's Scenery

As a Devon photographer, I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to explore and capture the region's stunning landscapes. On my photography courses, I'll ensure that you experience the best of Devon's natural beauty firsthand. Not only will you learn essential photography skills, but you'll also get to visit some of the most breathtaking locations in the area. This way, you can combine learning with the joy of exploring Devon's picturesque landscapes.

Scenic Devon landscape, a popular location for our beginners' photography workshops, offering stunning views and opportunities to practice new skills

Course Details

Group Size

Group sizes are capped at six students to ensure personalized attention and support. This allows us to provide one-to-one coaching when needed, accommodating different camera makes and models, and tailoring guidance to each student's unique needs.

Refreshments

The fee includes a welcome meal on Friday evening. You'll also have access to a breakfast hamper and tea and coffee making facilities. For the rest of the weekend, you'll need to arrange your own meals, but we can offer suggestions and recommendations. Many students choose to dine together as a group, which can be a great way to socialize.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in a self-contained holiday cottage. Depending on availability, you may share the cottage with one other person of the same sex, with your own bedroom but shared common areas.

Training

Training sessions typically run from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Outside of these hours, you're free to explore the local area or relax in the comfort of your cottage accommodation.

Transport

Transport from Honiton rail station may be arranged upon request. During the training, transportation to coastal photo shoots is typically facilitated through car sharing.

Payment

To secure your place, a deposit of £139 is required at the time of booking. The full balance is due 28 days prior to the course date. We recommend reviewing our cancellation policy, available in the FAQs, and considering travel insurance to protect your booking.

Weekend Itinerary: What to Expect & What You'll Learn

A photographer capturing a photo on a beautiful Devon beach, highlighting the opportunities for beginners to learn photography skills in beautiful landscapes during our workshops

FRIDAY

Late afternoon: Arrive at Mazzard Farm & check into your cottage
Evening (around 7 pm): Meet and greet meal at a local Ottery St Mary pub

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SATURDAY

9.30 am: Training session at Mazzard Farm
1.30 pm: Location shoot at Sidmouth, including the Clock Tower challenge!
3.30 pm: Back to Mazzard Farm to review and discuss your photos
5.00pm: Finish for the day

What You'll Learn

What makes a great photo
Improving your composition
Ideas to get creative
How your camera works
Understanding on screen info
Moving off automatic mode
Checking exposure
How to focus properly
Important camera settings

SUNDAY

9.30 am: Training session at Mazzard Farm
1.30 pm: Location shoot (Beer)
3.30 pm: Back to Mazzard Farm to review and discuss your photos
5.00 pm: Prize awarded for the best photo of the weekend & finish

What You'll Learn

It's all about light
A bit about kit
Creative use of shutter speed
Techniques for difficult light
Introduction to editing in Lightroom
Apps to help photo planning

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Beginners Photography Workshops in Devon: Capturing the Beauty of the Devon coast and Countryside

Beginners photography students in Devon learning to use cameras in beautiful countryside locations, practicing skills on a guided workshop.

Beginners Photography Workshops in Devon: Capturing the Beauty of the Devon coast and Countryside

Beginners photography students in Devon learning to use cameras in beautiful countryside locations, practicing skills on a guided workshop.

Beginners Photography Workshops in Devon: Capturing the Beauty of the Devon coast and Countryside

Beginners photography students in Devon learning to use cameras in beautiful countryside locations, practicing skills on a guided workshop.

Beginners Photography Workshops in Devon: Capturing the Beauty of the Devon coast and Countryside

Beginners photography students in Devon learning to use cameras in beautiful countryside locations, practicing skills on a guided workshop.

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Student Feedback

"If you want to spend a weekend improving your photography skills in the beautiful South Devon country side, you will not go far wrong in booking with Gary. All in all I found the course to be great value for money and felt that I came away a much better photographer."

"Delighted with the photos we took on a weekend course with Gary on the East Devon coast. His relaxed, interactive teaching style and ability to impart knowledge meant we came away with more than we thought possible in such a short time."

"Gary, your knowledge and enthusiasm is fantastic, you're inspiring and my knowledge and confidence have both increased"

"I love your professional, but informal style. I've learned loads which I can apply to my photography and I'm already delighted with some of my photos from the weekend."

"Excellent course, great pace and thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Really liked Gary's relaxed and easy going style"

"The training was the right balance of theory and time out in the field. The combination of both really helped to put the theory into practice and see where things worked and didn't work. Thank you, Gary for two enjoyable days."

"Gary is passionate & knowledgeable. I felt I could ask him anything and he has a relaxed and informal style"

"Really well paced. Gary gives full consideration to individual learning needs"

"The level of training was perfect & Gary's knowledge & patience was endless!"

What camera is required?

For courses involving mobile phones, all you will need is and smartphone with a camera. For camera training courses, generally any camera which has some level of manual control (usually a dial on the top which has modes such as 'A, P, M' etc is sufficient - which is almost all compact, bridge, mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
What prior experience is required?

For all courses which state they are for beginners, no prior experience is required, just a suitable camera and the enthusiasm to learn. Courses for improvers require you to have a grasp of the basics (basic use of the camera, composition etc)
How do I know if I'm a beginner or an improving photographer?

There's no hard and fast rule, but I would say that an improving photographer: - Knows the basics of how to operate their camera - Understands at least a little about exposure, aperture, shutter speed and perhaps has a little experience with Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual - May understand a little about composition In general terms, an improving photographer should need less coaching in the basics of how to operate their camera, but may need more coaching in how to take great photos with it!
Where do you offer your training?

I'm based in Honiton, and If you're happy to come to my home, that's great. If not then that isn't a problem as I'm happy to travel a reasonable distance to provide you with training (up to 20 minutes / 10 miles from Honiton is free; after that I charge reasonable travel costs). If you are outside of my free travel area, you're welcome to come to Honiton, or we can arrange a venue half way such as a pub or café.
Is there an age limit for courses?

No, but any child under 18 would need to be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
Are refreshments included?

Meals are not provided for 1-2-1 courses.
Is transport required?

On courses which include an outdoor shoot, some travel may be required. I can usually offer transport to locations.
What equipment do I need?

For all beginner level courses, the only essential requirement is to have a suitable camera (along with a charged battery and memory card). A waterproof bag to protect your camera is also advisable. Courses for improving photographers may need some additional equipment such as a suitable tripod and ND filters.
Do I need insurance?

My business is covered by public liability insurance, and my equipment is insured. I would strongly encourage you to consider insurance for your equipment. In addition, for residential workshops I would also strongly encourage you to buy travel insurance, as your fee may be lost if you have to cancel. This is so that courses don't become unviable due to last minute cancellations, and whilst you are able to insure for a financial loss, we are not.
What if the weather is bad?

We can do outdoor shooting in most weather, but not in persistent rain. For most day courses, we can just agree an alternative date. For residential workshops, I will do my best to structure the learning so that we can make the most of any dry weather during the weekend.
What should I wear?

Most courses involve some element of outdoor work, and so you will need to have clothing suitable for the season and the likely weather. As a minimum you will need stout shoes suitable for uneven ground, and a waterproof coat.
What if I need to cancel?

For one-to-one courses, please do let me know as soon as possible if you need to cancel, but there is no financial penalty to doing so. I cannot give refunds, but I am happy to rearrange a mutually agreeable alternative date. For residential workshops, 28 days notice is required for a refund to be possible, and so it is strongly advised that you take out travel insurance in order to minimise any financial loss. It we can fill your place, we may be able to offer you an alternative course date but this cannot be guaranteed.
Which locations will we go to?

For courses which have an outdoor shoot included, locations will depend on where we are holding the course. Locations can be discussed and agreed ahead of training sessions.
What are your payment terms and conditions?

For all 1-2-1 courses, full payment is due at the time of booking and no refunds can be given. However, if you wish to move the agreed date then please give as much notice as possible.
What travel costs do you charge?

I include up to 20 minutes travel time each way and 10 miles each way for free (so a 20 minute / 10 mile radius of Honiton). Anything above this I charge 50p per mile of additional distance and £40 per hour of additional travel time. This applies from Honiton to your home, and any travel for an outdoor shoot. There is always the option for you to come to Honiton, or for us to meet at a halfway point if you would like to minimise these additional costs.
What if I want to share the cost of the training with a friend?

You can share the cost of the course with friends (up to a maximum of six people in total) although I will need to add an additional £50 fee per person.
Why do you ask for full payment up-front?

Unfortunately I have had a number of occasions where a date for training has been agreed with the client and they have cancelled at very short notice. In these circumstances it is too late for me to find other work for this day, and so I end up not earning anything. As a small business this is not sustainable, and so I made the decision to ask for full payment up-front. Once payment has been made, if you need to move your training date (even at short notice) then I am happy to try and accommodate your needs, but would obviously prefer as much notice as possible so that I don't end up with empty days when I don't earn. Thanks for your understanding.
How can I pay?

Payment can be made by: - BACS (bank transfer) via the bank details provided on your invoice - Payment via Revolut or Paypal are available on request (please ask)