Question 1

What kind of camera do I need?

Accepted Answer

For courses involving mobile phones, all you need is a smartphone with a camera. For camera‑based training, almost any compact, bridge, mirrorless or DSLR is suitable as long as it offers some manual control (typically a mode dial with ‘A’, ‘P’ or ‘M’).

Question 2

What prior experience is required?

Accepted Answer

For all courses described as “beginners”, no prior photography experience is required – just a suitable camera and the enthusiasm to learn.
Courses for improvers assume you already have a basic grasp of the fundamentals, such as how to operate your camera, change key settings, and apply simple composition techniques.

Question 3

How do I know if I’m a beginner or an improving photographer?

Accepted Answer

There’s no hard and fast rule, but I’d usually describe an “improving” photographer as someone who:
 • Knows the basics of how to operate their camera
 • Understands at least a little about exposure, aperture and shutter speed, and has some experience of using Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual
 • Has at least a basic understanding of composition
In general, an improving photographer needs less help with the basic operation of their camera, and is more focused on learning how to use it creatively to take consistently better images.

Question 4

What equipment do I need?

Accepted Answer

For all beginner‑level courses, the only essential requirement is a suitable camera or a smartphone with a camera (along with a charged battery and a memory card, where applicable). A waterproof bag or case to protect your camera or phone is also advisable. Courses for improving photographers may require some additional equipment, such as a sturdy tripod and ND filters.

Question 5

Where do you offer your training?

Accepted Answer

I’m based in Honiton and usually run one‑to‑one training sessions locally, using a suitable pub or café as our base. I’m also happy to travel a reasonable distance to you – up to around 20 minutes / 10 miles from Honiton is free, and beyond that I charge reasonable travel costs. If you’re outside my free travel area, you’re very welcome to come to Honiton, or we can arrange to meet somewhere convenient in between, such as a pub or café.

Question 6

What travel costs do you charge?

Accepted Answer

I include up to 20 minutes of travel time and 10 miles each way at no extra cost. Beyond this, I normally charge 50p per additional mile, and may also charge for extra travel time depending on how long the journey is and the length of your session. This applies both to travel from Honiton to your home and to any extra travel for an outdoor shoot.
If you’d like to keep additional costs to a minimum, you’re very welcome to come to Honiton, or we can arrange to meet at a convenient halfway point.

Question 7

Which locations will we go to?

Accepted Answer

For courses that include an outdoor shoot, the locations will depend on where the training is taking place. We can discuss and agree suitable locations in advance so they match your interests, fitness and experience level.

Question 8

Is transport required?

Accepted Answer

On courses that include an outdoor shoot, some local travel is usually involved. Where possible, I can offer transport to locations, or we can arrange to meet directly at the chosen spots if you prefer to use your own vehicle.

Question 9

Are refreshments included?

Accepted Answer

For one‑to‑one courses, meals and refreshments are not included in the price. However, we can build in regular breaks for drinks and snacks as needed, especially if we’re based in or near a café.

Question 10

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Most courses include some time outdoors, so you’ll need clothing suitable for the season and the expected weather. As a minimum, please wear stout shoes suitable for uneven ground and bring a waterproof coat.

Question 11

What if the weather is bad?

Accepted Answer

We can work around most weather, but persistent heavy rain is a problem for outdoor shooting. For one‑to‑one day courses, if the forecast is very poor we can usually agree an alternative date, or adapt the session to include more indoor or theory‑based work so the time is still useful.

Question 12

What if I want to share the cost of the training with a friend?

Accepted Answer

You’re very welcome to share your training with friends or family, up to a maximum of six people in total. There is an additional fee of £50 per extra person to cover the extra admin and planning involved in running the session for a group rather than a single person.

Question 13

Is there an age limit for courses?

Accepted Answer

There is no upper age limit, but any child under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

Question 14

Do I need insurance?

Accepted Answer

My business is covered by public liability insurance, and my own equipment is insured. I would strongly encourage you to consider insuring your own camera equipment against loss, theft or damage, especially if you are bringing expensive kit. You may also wish to take out insurance that covers any financial loss if you need to cancel a booked session at short notice, as I’m not able to insure against client cancellations in the same way you can.

Question 15

Deposits, payments and cancellations

Accepted Answer

For all courses, a £50 deposit is required at the time of booking, payable either via the PayPal button on the booking form or by BACS once I have sent your invoice. The remaining balance is due after the training has taken place (and once any travel costs are confirmed) and is payable by BACS on receipt of invoice.

Deposits are required to secure your date and are non‑refundable, except in genuinely exceptional circumstances. However, you are welcome to move your booking to a future date within 12 months of the deposit being paid, provided reasonable notice is given

Mastering Mobile Photography: How to Take Stunning Images

Devon smartphone photography course helping you take better photos with the camera that’s always in your pocket.

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