Photography Courses on the South Coast

From vast landscapes to Close-up and Macro shots why not come along and develop your photographic skills in the presence of one of our expert tutors. The cost includes all entry fees, minibus transport for the duration of the course and tutoring fees. 

Accommodation and meals are not included but we will be based at the Premier Inn Hotel Weymouth, Gateway Business Park, Mercery Road, Weymouth, Dorset. DT3 5HJ (Located 2 miles from Weymouth town centre).  Please contact the hotel directly on 0871 527 9384 to book your stay. Clients who live nearby are welcome to book the event without the hotel stay. 

 

Once we are all assembled at the hotel between 10.30 and 10.45 we will board the minibus and head off on our practical photographic experience.  Weather permitting, we will start at the Portland Heights hotel for coffee and to take some stunning photos along the full length of Chesil Beach, with the Olympic rings in the foreground; then we will move to Portland Bill to concentrate on photographing the lighthouse and the rocky coast surrounding it.  The Isle of Portland offers many photo opportunities in addition to these two main attractions and we will further investigate the potential in some of these, before dropping down onto Chesil Beach itself where further landscapes and more detailed photos will be our focus.

Our second major photo experience will be in Weymouth where the harbour and seafront offer the chance to take some wonderful shots around the bay and of the vessels in the fishing fleet. Also, there is the chance to wander around the town with some free time where you can visit the shops or just create a portfolio of photos of this wonderful Victorian holiday resort.

The water lilies at Bennett's Water Garden are a famous attraction in Weymouth and the hope is that we will visit here but for best effect, the sun needs to shine in order that the lily blooms will open.

If we are likely to have a wonderful sunset on either evening, we will take the opportunity to travel to a suitable venue to capture some shots of this, for those who wish to join us.

So much of this itinerary is outdoors that we will be subjected to whatever weather is current; as a result, please bring suitable clothing and protection for your equipment. 

There are a few  alternatives that may be used if the weather is not good and these include the Sealife Centre, Monkey World, Abbottsbury Swannery and village with its famous Priory, Tithe Barn and thatched cottages, we may then have the opportunity of photographing St. Catherine’s Chapel on the hilltop as well.  (Please note, the programme will be varied as necessary to meet the needs of the group and to make the most of the weather conditions).

The final days activities will conclude at about 2.30pm when we will return to the hotel for the collection of vehicles.

 

Activity Level: 

Generally flat walking, with a few slopes, eg. onto Chesil Beach. Most terrain is even but the ground just away from Portland Lighthouse is slightly uneven and the rocks can be wet and slippery but these can be avoided. 

Equipment 

Filters: For those who have Polarizers and ND/ND Grad and 10stop ND filters we can practice using these for wonderful seascapes and long exposures during this weekend to gain some great effects. 

Lenses: From wide angle and up to about 100mm are most useful for general use, but telephoto and macro could also provide some excellent pictures of wildlife, sailing activity and much more. Please don’t go out and buy equipment specifically for this course but bring the lenses with you if you have them. Your tutor will guide you as to which will be best for each occasion. 

Tripod: A tripod can be very helpful for much of the weekend so please bring one if you have one.

Peter Hitchman will be your tutor for this event. Peter will contact you before the event to finalize any details. If you have any questions or need more information please either email south@goingdigital.co.uk or phone 07546 231044.