Photography talks for camera clubs, WI, U3A and community groups
A range of talks on photography and the landscapes of the South West
I offer illustrated photography talks for camera clubs, WI, U3A, Probus and other community groups, both in person and online. Talks are available in shorter 45-minute sessions and longer 90-minute presentations, depending on the audience and subject.
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In person or online | 45-& 90-minute options | Based in East Devon
Available Talks
My journey into photography - walking the South West Coast Path
A 90-minute illustrated journey along the South West Coast Path, featuring photographic highlights from Devon, West Dorset and Somerset, with a detour onto Dartmoor.
Best suited to
Camera clubs​
Length
90 minutes + questions​
Guide fee
£79 as an online talk or £99 in person (plus travel)
A photographic journey around the South West Coast Path
An illustrated talk about walking all 630 miles of the South West Coast Path, sharing humorous mishaps, memorable encounters and striking views from the Devon, Dorset and Somerset coast, together with Dartmoor, using a mix of photos and short video clips.
Best suited to
WI, U3A & community groups
Length
45 minutes + questions​
Guide fee
£60 for groups of up to 10, £75 for groups of 11–40, and £85 for groups of more than 40 (plus travel).
How to take better photos
with just your phone
An interactive 45‑minute photography talk covering composition, light and basic camera settings, illustrated with images of Devon and built around audience discussion of what makes a great photo.
Best suited to
WI, U3A & community groups
Length
45-60 minutes​
Guide fee
£60 for groups of up to 10, £75 for groups of 11–40, and £85 for groups of more than 40 (plus travel).
Simplicity in landscape photography
A 45‑minute talk on using simplicity in landscape photography to cut through clutter, strengthen composition and create calmer, more deliberate images.
Best suited to
Camera clubs or U3A photography specialist groups
Length
45 minutes​
Guide fee
£60 for groups of up to 10, £75 for groups of 11–40, and £85 for groups of more than 40 (plus travel). On-line talk £60.
Aerial Perspectives: Creating artistic drone Images
A 45‑minute talk on using a drone to create more considered aerial images, focusing on subject choice, composition, light, simplicity and a handful of basic techniques.
Best suited to
Camera clubs or U3A photography specialist groups
Length
45 minutes​
Guide fee
£60 for groups of up to 10, £75 for groups of 11–40, and £85 for groups of more than 40 (plus travel). On-line talk £60.
Logistics
Set up time
For in-person talks, I aim to arrive 30 minutes before the talk to set up and ensure any IT issues can be resolved.
Venue requirements
My talks are presented using PowerPoint and include sound and video. For in-person talks I provide my own laptop and projector (with sound) suitable for smaller venues. It helps if you can provide a screen or white wall, but I can bring a screen if necessary. For larger venues, I typically utilize the venue's built-in projection and audio equipment, but this often needs some on-site IT support!
Payment
Payment can be by cheque or BACS after the talk. Note that talks about the South West Coast Path include a £5 donation to the South West Coast Path Association).
Travel costs
For in-person talks, return travel from Honiton is charged at 50p per mile, plus any parking fees if applicable.
Talk Schedule
2021
12/04/21 Torquay (afternoon) WI
10/06/21 Dart Valley U3A
17/06/21 Reflex Camera Club, Bristol
14/09/21 Musbury & Whitford WI
27/09/21 Taunton Camera Club
19/10/21 Honiton WI
21/10/21 Lapford Ladies
26/10/21 Newton Abbot Camera Club
03/11/21 Silverton WI
04/11/21 Bradninch WI
2022
19/01/22 Honiton U3A
10/02/22 Exmouth U3A
09/03/22 Coldridge WI
31/03/22 Kingsbridge Camera Club
17/05/22 Axe River WI
01/06/22 East Dartmoor U3A
17/06/22 UPRAWS, Upottery
20/07/22 Cullompton WI
21/09/22 Brimley WI
22/09/22 Broadclyst WI
12/10/22 Torbay Photographic Society
11/11/22 Devonshire Association (East Devon branch)
14/11/22 Exmouth WI
01/12/22 Sidmouth U3A
2023
12/01/23 West Hill Garden Club
14/02/23 Exbourne WI
09/03/23 Woodbury WI
05/04/23 East Dartmoor U3A (revisit)
01/06/23 Culm Valley U3A
06/09/23 Llanelli Photographic Society
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2024
02/01/24 Parke WI POSTPONED
01/02/24 Sidmouth U3A
08/02/24 Awliscombe Ladies
13/02/24 COGS Axminster
7/3/24 Bovey Ladies
24/4/24 Gin & Jam WI Tiverton
5/6/24 South Petherton Photographic Society
15/10/24 Seaton WI
2025
06/2/25 Royston Photographic Society
01/07/25 Cam Vale Group
16/09/25 Alphington Ladies Social Club
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2026
15/01/26 Norton Radstock Photo Society
12/2/26 Uplowman WI
4/3/26 Exmouth WI
10/3/26 Exmouth WI
11/3/26 Sidford WI
16/3/26 Winchester Photo Society drone group
2/4/26 Sidmouth U3A Photo Group
16/6/26 Newcourt WI
4/11/26 North Tawton WI
19/11/26 Exeter Camera Club
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"I've just watched Gary's Zoom talk - probably the best talk I've seen this winter. Thanks again for the wonderful talk"
"Everyone thoroughly enjoyed your talk and seeing your incredible photographs, I am certainly inspired to start walking the South West Costal Path!"
"It was a very interesting talk, showing our lovely county from a different angle. We are now following Gary Holpin on Twitter as he said he posts a new photo each day!"
"The images were superb and the way that you integrated video clips, drone shots and time lapses made it so varied and enjoyable."
"Your talk was very enjoyable with exquisite photographs"
"Thank you for your talk last week. Everyone agreed that it was one of the very best talks that we had had"
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