PhotoTrek Reviews
After every PhotoTrek, the guests are sent a questionnaire for a review of their day. These are comments taken from those customers about the PhotoTrek.
We have been running Phototreks for a number of years now. Comments from previous years can be found by clicking : here.
We have been running Phototreks for a number of years now. Comments from previous years can be found by clicking : here.
Mottisfont Abbey October 2011
I enjoyed the way in which photographic techniques were demonstrated and discussed, after an explanation of the technical aspects of the particular area under discussion. I came away reminded of how much the camera can do, if I can only remember to use it all! The workshop will allow me to think in more depth about the photographs that I take in the future, rather than just sticking the camera on ‘auto’.
Burley - October 2011
Thank you for a wonderful Phototrek. Really enjoyed it and learnt so much.
Discovering how to use my camera properly!
As I am such a novice photographer I was worried that everyone else would be miles ahead of me and I wouldn’t enjoy the experience. Nothing could be further from the truth – yes I was the most inexperienced but I had the most to gain. The Phototrek was like a walk in the forest with friends. Informal yet informative. I learnt at my own pace (which is more than can be said for the walking – Ian you do walk fast!) I learnt so much about my camera and about my eye for a good shot. The best part – being told I am a “creative Photographer” Thanks Ian
What did you find most interesting? Explaining how my camera works! aperture, ISO continuing with instruction in 'focal length, depth of field' etc . . .
Bolderwood/Fritham October 2011
I loved it!
I loved combining seeing the countryside with learning more about photography and practising as we went.
it was a good mixture of informal but informative
Mudeford Quay- July 2011
I enjoyed it all - which is good as I do quite easily get bored.
I feel I have learnt a lot and it was at the right pace - especially as you reiterated the information at points during the trek.
I enjoyed the Photo Trek much more than I thought I would, as I had been on a course in Kent and had not enjoyed it that much, as they did not give much individual help . The evening went really quickly as there was plenty to do and think about all the time, which I like. Now it is the summer holidays (I am a teacher) I have plenty of time to try out what we learnt yesterday evening.
Most interesting – trying different settings instead of Auto or Program.
Can’t think of anything I didn’t enjoy.
What did you find most interesting? Learning to use all the settings for the first time – never had a camera with decent settings before.Keyhaven and Hurst PhotoTrek - July 2011
Just wanted to drop you a quick line to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU. I had a wicked time (although a bit sleepy today). I downloaded my pics last night and there ARE some brilliant ones (I my mind).
Mottisfont Abbey PhotoTrek - June 2011
Did you enjoy the PhotoTrek? Yes, very much so
I had a great day and spent a very enjoyable couple of hours critiquing my photos
I never would have believed I would be able to understand and apply (ish) exposure compensation and histograms
Many thanks to you(Ian) and Barry
What did you find most interesting? The new stuff - reflections and statues
It was all enjoyable
Black and White photography - was a quick and effective way of showing what a huge difference choosing composing a subject can have
Fantastic wide range of subjects lighting and landscapes
I had booked both the bluebell walk and the roses at the same time. When I first arrived I was fearful that both were going to turn out the same. But although the basic structure was the same there was sufficient addditional and new material to keep me interested for the whole time
Great day which I would highly recommend I was a bit concerned my lack of technical knowledge and experience would hold me up but I was never left behind and Barry and Ian were never far away with a tip trick hint or friendly critique
Rhinefield PhotoTrek - June 2011
A really useful way to spend a Sunday morning!
The group size was just right. Small enough to chat to everyone and to receive adequate attention from Ian and Barry, and large enough to mean that it didn't feel like one-on-one tuition, which might have been a bit intimidating at this stage in the learning process.
There was a lot to take in and by the end it felt like it was time to go away, think about it all and practice, rather than try to absorb even more!
I enjoyed many aspects of the morning, but I think the most enjoyable was the opportunity to hear how Ian and Barry go about taking photos - composing shots, deciding on how best to take the picture - and to see how their preferred styles vary. Ian made us feel very comfortable - 'no question is stupid' - but constantly challenged us to think.
Bolderwood March 2011
Great location - aided by the sun in the afternoon.
Thanks again for another great day, I really enjoyed myself.
I have done 3 different ones now and have really enjoyed them all - want to do more and learn more about my own camera and how to use to great even better - I can put in to practice what I have learnt and picked - can always learn more. I need to understand the technical side better.
As much (information) as you wanted - could ask if you needed more.
Nice and informative and covered a wide selection of photography issues.
I mosat enjoyed looking at the lovely location in a completely different way and appreciating it better - also being pleasantly surprised by the photos I had taken.
Everything was interesting but particularly being told some technical information and then having the opportunity to put it into practise.
Time was brilliant, probably better than a half day.
The whole experience was brilliant and was a good follow on from the half day I attended recently at Mudeford. Being able to spend a whole day with Ian and Barry and tap into their knowledge and experience was fantastic. They were always happy to offer constructive criticism and help improve my skills. Both of them challenged me during the day to make sure I understood what settings I was choosing for my camera in AV mode. This does help to make it sink in a little more and hopefully one day it will all become second nature. I will certainly attend more photographic days with Ian and Barry and look towards the workshops to improve my skills even more.
Flapjacks were fantastic again – thank you!
Mottisfont Abbey February 2011
As a complete novice, I found the day really informative and look forward to practicing the techniques taught on the day
At the start of the day, I found focusing on individual objects i.e. trees rather tedious. In retrospect, however, I can see how the light/texture when combined with techniques such as depth of field can actually produce some great images.
Beautiful setting, with distinct sections (walled garden vs river vs snowdrops) that contained unique features (statues, fountains, trees, architecture) to create a range of photos.
Liked the way Ian set up his camera for various viewings
A good day out in good company – although I would need to go back to take the pictures I should have seen. A good chance to practice and remember how I should be doing it.
I don't think there was anything that I didn't enjoy (maybe the onion at lunch)
Very good facilities, I was more than happy with the food and service
I think the structured yet easy informal approach to the day was good, for me it worked. I felt with you (Ian) at the front explaining the procedure and Barry backing you up going into more detail if required certainly helped. I did find that the size of the group in certain areas was larger than I would have liked just because someone was always in shot.
It was good to have the different functions of the camera explained appertaining to the shot that was being taken in terms that I could understand. As you said there was a lot of nodding going on but I think most of us got at least the gist of it so we could go away and practice.
Although it appears obvious after it is explained, the composition of a scene and the different ways of looking at it were a great help. And of course not forgetting the 'less is best' motto.
To sum it up, I have learnt to stop and look at the subject before taking the shot, and to look at things that I would not have given a second glance at before the Workshop. Now to put it into practice!!
Mudeford February 2011
What did you find most interesting?
Learning how to use my camera on AV setting
Nothing was boring
Time was good although I could easily have spent all day taking photos with Ian
I enjoyed every aspect of the day
Information was perfect for the amount of time
I really enjoyed the day at Mudeford Quay. Ian's tuition was brilliant and I learnt so much in such a short space of time. His encouragement throughout the experience was excellent and his advice and tips for the photos I took was great. The venue was superb offering opportunities for all types of photo. It is likely I will not return to the automatic setting on the camera again and will use AV in most situations although I am looking forward to learning a bit more on another experience with Ian soon and finding out more about my camera and what it can do!
The flapjacks provided for our tea/coffee break were lovely – thank you
I enjoyed the way in which photographic techniques were demonstrated and discussed, after an explanation of the technical aspects of the particular area under discussion. I came away reminded of how much the camera can do, if I can only remember to use it all! The workshop will allow me to think in more depth about the photographs that I take in the future, rather than just sticking the camera on ‘auto’.
Burley - October 2011
Thank you for a wonderful Phototrek. Really enjoyed it and learnt so much.
Discovering how to use my camera properly!
As I am such a novice photographer I was worried that everyone else would be miles ahead of me and I wouldn’t enjoy the experience. Nothing could be further from the truth – yes I was the most inexperienced but I had the most to gain. The Phototrek was like a walk in the forest with friends. Informal yet informative. I learnt at my own pace (which is more than can be said for the walking – Ian you do walk fast!) I learnt so much about my camera and about my eye for a good shot. The best part – being told I am a “creative Photographer” Thanks Ian
What did you find most interesting? Explaining how my camera works! aperture, ISO continuing with instruction in 'focal length, depth of field' etc . . .
Bolderwood/Fritham October 2011
I loved it!
I loved combining seeing the countryside with learning more about photography and practising as we went.
it was a good mixture of informal but informative
Mudeford Quay- July 2011
I enjoyed it all - which is good as I do quite easily get bored.
I feel I have learnt a lot and it was at the right pace - especially as you reiterated the information at points during the trek.
I enjoyed the Photo Trek much more than I thought I would, as I had been on a course in Kent and had not enjoyed it that much, as they did not give much individual help . The evening went really quickly as there was plenty to do and think about all the time, which I like. Now it is the summer holidays (I am a teacher) I have plenty of time to try out what we learnt yesterday evening.
Most interesting – trying different settings instead of Auto or Program.
Can’t think of anything I didn’t enjoy.
What did you find most interesting? Learning to use all the settings for the first time – never had a camera with decent settings before.Keyhaven and Hurst PhotoTrek - July 2011
Just wanted to drop you a quick line to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU. I had a wicked time (although a bit sleepy today). I downloaded my pics last night and there ARE some brilliant ones (I my mind).
Mottisfont Abbey PhotoTrek - June 2011
Did you enjoy the PhotoTrek? Yes, very much so
I had a great day and spent a very enjoyable couple of hours critiquing my photos
I never would have believed I would be able to understand and apply (ish) exposure compensation and histograms
Many thanks to you(Ian) and Barry
What did you find most interesting? The new stuff - reflections and statues
It was all enjoyable
Black and White photography - was a quick and effective way of showing what a huge difference choosing composing a subject can have
Fantastic wide range of subjects lighting and landscapes
I had booked both the bluebell walk and the roses at the same time. When I first arrived I was fearful that both were going to turn out the same. But although the basic structure was the same there was sufficient addditional and new material to keep me interested for the whole time
Great day which I would highly recommend I was a bit concerned my lack of technical knowledge and experience would hold me up but I was never left behind and Barry and Ian were never far away with a tip trick hint or friendly critique
Rhinefield PhotoTrek - June 2011
A really useful way to spend a Sunday morning!
The group size was just right. Small enough to chat to everyone and to receive adequate attention from Ian and Barry, and large enough to mean that it didn't feel like one-on-one tuition, which might have been a bit intimidating at this stage in the learning process.
There was a lot to take in and by the end it felt like it was time to go away, think about it all and practice, rather than try to absorb even more!
I enjoyed many aspects of the morning, but I think the most enjoyable was the opportunity to hear how Ian and Barry go about taking photos - composing shots, deciding on how best to take the picture - and to see how their preferred styles vary. Ian made us feel very comfortable - 'no question is stupid' - but constantly challenged us to think.
Bolderwood March 2011
Great location - aided by the sun in the afternoon.
Thanks again for another great day, I really enjoyed myself.
I have done 3 different ones now and have really enjoyed them all - want to do more and learn more about my own camera and how to use to great even better - I can put in to practice what I have learnt and picked - can always learn more. I need to understand the technical side better.
As much (information) as you wanted - could ask if you needed more.
Nice and informative and covered a wide selection of photography issues.
I mosat enjoyed looking at the lovely location in a completely different way and appreciating it better - also being pleasantly surprised by the photos I had taken.
Everything was interesting but particularly being told some technical information and then having the opportunity to put it into practise.
Time was brilliant, probably better than a half day.
The whole experience was brilliant and was a good follow on from the half day I attended recently at Mudeford. Being able to spend a whole day with Ian and Barry and tap into their knowledge and experience was fantastic. They were always happy to offer constructive criticism and help improve my skills. Both of them challenged me during the day to make sure I understood what settings I was choosing for my camera in AV mode. This does help to make it sink in a little more and hopefully one day it will all become second nature. I will certainly attend more photographic days with Ian and Barry and look towards the workshops to improve my skills even more.
Flapjacks were fantastic again – thank you!
Mottisfont Abbey February 2011
As a complete novice, I found the day really informative and look forward to practicing the techniques taught on the day
At the start of the day, I found focusing on individual objects i.e. trees rather tedious. In retrospect, however, I can see how the light/texture when combined with techniques such as depth of field can actually produce some great images.
Beautiful setting, with distinct sections (walled garden vs river vs snowdrops) that contained unique features (statues, fountains, trees, architecture) to create a range of photos.
Liked the way Ian set up his camera for various viewings
A good day out in good company – although I would need to go back to take the pictures I should have seen. A good chance to practice and remember how I should be doing it.
I don't think there was anything that I didn't enjoy (maybe the onion at lunch)
Very good facilities, I was more than happy with the food and service
I think the structured yet easy informal approach to the day was good, for me it worked. I felt with you (Ian) at the front explaining the procedure and Barry backing you up going into more detail if required certainly helped. I did find that the size of the group in certain areas was larger than I would have liked just because someone was always in shot.
It was good to have the different functions of the camera explained appertaining to the shot that was being taken in terms that I could understand. As you said there was a lot of nodding going on but I think most of us got at least the gist of it so we could go away and practice.
Although it appears obvious after it is explained, the composition of a scene and the different ways of looking at it were a great help. And of course not forgetting the 'less is best' motto.
To sum it up, I have learnt to stop and look at the subject before taking the shot, and to look at things that I would not have given a second glance at before the Workshop. Now to put it into practice!!
Mudeford February 2011
What did you find most interesting?
Learning how to use my camera on AV setting
Nothing was boring
Time was good although I could easily have spent all day taking photos with Ian
I enjoyed every aspect of the day
Information was perfect for the amount of time
I really enjoyed the day at Mudeford Quay. Ian's tuition was brilliant and I learnt so much in such a short space of time. His encouragement throughout the experience was excellent and his advice and tips for the photos I took was great. The venue was superb offering opportunities for all types of photo. It is likely I will not return to the automatic setting on the camera again and will use AV in most situations although I am looking forward to learning a bit more on another experience with Ian soon and finding out more about my camera and what it can do!
The flapjacks provided for our tea/coffee break were lovely – thank you