1‑2‑1 Landscape Photography Training in Devon
Practical, jargon‑free 1‑2‑1 photography training on location in Devon and the South West
1‑2‑1 photography training in Devon
If you’d like to take better photos but feel unsure where to start, 1‑2‑1 training is a relaxed and effective way to learn. We’ll usually begin in your home (or another suitable indoor location) so we can go through your camera in comfort, cover the key settings and answer your questions without rushing.
Depending on the course you choose, we’ll then build on this foundation with practical shooting time at a suitable local location. Whether you are a complete beginner or an improver looking to move beyond auto mode, every session is tailored to you.
Who my 1‑2‑1 courses are for
My 1‑2‑1 photography courses are for everyday photographers who want clear, straightforward guidance rather than technical jargon. They’re ideal if you:
– Have just bought a camera and want to learn the basics properly.
– Have been taking photos for a while but feel “stuck” on auto and want more control.
– Love getting out into the landscapes of Devon, Dorset or Somerset and want to do them justice.
– Prefer individual attention and a relaxed pace instead of a large group workshop.
Most students come from across Devon – including Honiton, Exeter, Sidmouth and the wider East Devon area – but I also work with people travelling from further afield or visiting the South West on holiday.
Spring 1‑2‑1 Training Bonus – extra coaching on every spring 1‑2‑1
For spring 2026 I’m including two free bonuses with every 1‑2‑1 photography training booking made between 1 March and 30 April. You’ll get an extra 30 minutes on the day (ideal for extra questions or a quick edit demonstration), plus a 30‑minute Zoom follow‑up image critique once you’ve had time to put things into practice.
This limited‑time spring offer is designed to help you turn new skills into lasting habits – at no extra cost, and with the same relaxed, practical approach as all my training.
How 1‑2‑1 training works
Most 1‑2‑1 courses start at your home or another agreed indoor location, where we can work through your camera settings in comfort and answer questions without rushing. I’m based in Honiton and include up to 20 minutes or 10 miles of travel each way at no extra cost; beyond that I charge a simple mileage and time rate, or we can meet halfway at a café or other suitable venue.
Depending on the course, there may also be an outdoor shoot at a local location to put what you’ve learned into practice. Before your session I’ll send a short checklist of what to bring, from cameras and charged batteries to suitable clothing if we’re heading outdoors.
To secure a date, I usually take a £50 deposit at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due after the course once any mileage and additional costs have been confirmed. If you need to move the date, I’ll always do my best to rearrange with no extra charge, and in rare cases of genuine emergencies I’m happy to discuss a refund or transfer.
Choose your 1‑2‑1 course
I offer a range of 1‑2‑1 courses for beginners and improvers, from short introductions to full‑day masterclasses across Devon and the South West. Each course has its own dedicated page with full details, but here’s a quick overview.
Course content
This half‑day session shows you how to get the best from the camera that’s always with you – your smartphone. You’ll learn how to see and use light more effectively, how to spot and frame stronger compositions, and how to avoid common problems like blurred photos.
I’ll explain the key features of your phone’s camera in clear, simple terms, so you understand what they do and when to use them. You’ll learn practical techniques you can use straight away on holidays, days out and everyday scenes, all explained in plain English, plus a straightforward approach to editing on your phone so you can quickly tidy up and improve your favourite images.
Course content
This focused 2‑hour session is designed to give you a clear, confidence‑building introduction to your digital camera. We’ll start by looking at the main controls and menus, so you understand what everything does and which settings actually matter day to day.
You’ll learn how the different camera modes work and when to use them, how to focus reliably, and which key settings to check before you press the shutter. We’ll also cover the basics of composition and how to use light more thoughtfully, so your photos start to look more intentional and less hit‑and‑miss.
Course content
This half‑day masterclass is ideal if you already use your camera but want to feel more in control of the results. The content is tailored to your needs, but typically includes a clear explanation of exposure and how ISO, aperture and shutter speed work together.
We’ll look at the different camera modes and when to use them, how to move away from fully automatic settings, and how to manage exposure so your images are neither too bright nor too dark. You’ll also refine how you focus, choose the most important settings for the way you shoot, and develop a stronger eye for composition and light so your photos look more deliberate and polished.
Course content
This full‑day 1‑2‑1 masterclass gives us the time to build a solid technical foundation and then apply it in real‑world situations. The content is tailored to you, but usually includes a clear explanation of exposure, how ISO, aperture and shutter speed work together, and how to use different camera modes – including shooting in Manual with confidence.
We’ll look at on‑screen information, managing exposure in changing light, focusing reliably, choosing the most important settings, and using composition and light more thoughtfully. As the day progresses we can explore kit basics (such as tripods, lenses and filters) and more advanced techniques like working in difficult light, creatively long exposures, focus stacking or astro‑photography basics, depending on your interests.
There is also time for a practical, guided outdoor shoot, a simple introduction to post‑processing in Lightroom, and a constructive feedback session so you know exactly how to keep improving after the course.
Course content
These shorter sessions are designed to help you improve a specific aspect of your photography, without committing to a full‑day course. Each one focuses on a single theme, so we can go into more depth at a relaxed pace.
They’re ideal as follow‑ons once you’ve completed a beginner or essentials course, or if you already have some experience and want targeted help in one area.
Explore My Course Topics:
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Introduction to Editing: Learn the fundamentals of Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to enhance your images.
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Long Exposure Photography: Discover the art of capturing stunning long‑exposure shots.
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Drone Photography Basics: Get started with drone photography and unlock new perspectives.
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Sunrise & Sunset Mastery: Learn how to capture atmospheric images during the golden hour.
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Intentional Camera Motion (ICM) Photography: Experiment with creative motion techniques to add unique effects to your photos.
Photography course gift vouchers (Devon 1‑2‑1 courses)
Photography course vouchers make a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys taking photos. Vouchers can be used for any 1‑2‑1 course on this page and are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. You can choose between printed or electronic vouchers, making it easy to give the gift of learning photography.
Why learn with me
Why choose me?
I’ve been helping people across Devon and the wider South West improve their photography for many years, from complete beginners to keen improvers. My approach is calm, practical and jargon‑free, with everything explained in clear, simple language.
Sessions are genuinely tailored to you – your camera, your experience and the type of images you want to create – so you’re never pushed into a one‑size‑fits‑all course. As a small, independent business I’m easy to contact, flexible with dates where possible, and focused on giving you a relaxed but productive learning experience.
Experience the best of Devon's scenery
Many of my 1‑2‑1 courses and workshops make the most of Devon’s coast and countryside, so you’re learning in locations that are inspiring as well as practical. From the East Devon coast and nearby countryside to the wide open landscapes of Dartmoor and other favourite South West spots, I’ll choose locations that suit the light, the weather and the skills you want to develop.
You’ll pick up new techniques while also coming away with images that capture some of the area’s character, making the day feel like a great photographic experience as well as a training session.
What previous students say...
"I learned more in 2 hours than I have in the last 5 years!"
"Brilliant training. Your experience and enthusiasm shone through"
"Incredible. Better than I imagined, Gary packed so much into my session"
All reviews are from real 1‑2‑1 students across Devon and the South West.
Frequently Asked Questions
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TRAINING
Beginner's Photography Weekends
Improver's Photography Weekends
Mastering Mobile Phone Photography
Photography Masterclass for Camera Users
Adobe Lightroom & Other Short Courses
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