Level 1 Beginner Photography Workshop
Get off Auto. Understand your camera. Feel confident.
This is a calm, practical introduction to photography in the landscape.
If settings feel confusing, or you’re tired of guessing, we’ll slow it down and make it click. You’ll leave with a simple process you can repeat anywhere.
Workshops are available one-to-one or in small groups, with a calm pace and plenty time to practise.
You’ll be learning with an award-winning Scottish landscape and nature photographer. View recognition and features.
Who this is for
Level 1 is ideal if you:
• You rely on Auto and want control without the overwhelm.
• You’ve learned bits and pieces, but it still feels messy.
• Your photos aren’t sharp as often as you’d like.
• You want someone beside you, calmly talking you through it.
• You want a simple way to practise without second guessing.
“Really enjoyed my day. I’m a beginner in photography and have been taught so much throughout the day by Duncan. Was using manual mode all day, which I thought I would never be able to do. Just great thank you, highly recommend.”
What you’ll learn
Practical. Simple. Repeatable. We’ll cover:
• Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO made simple.
• Sharp focus you can repeat on purpose.
• Exposure that protects highlights and keeps colours clean.
• White balance and colour, without overthinking.
• How to choose the right settings for the scene in front of you.
• A simple approach to composition that improves results fast.
• How to slow down and see better photographs.
• A repeatable field process you can use anywhere.
Choose half day or full day
Both options are calm and practical. The full day gives you more time to practise and let things settle.
Half day (4 hours)
A focused reset.
Perfect if you want a clear, confidence-boosting session on camera settings and the basics that make everything else easier.
• Set up your camera for outdoor shooting.
• Exposure basics that actually make sense.
• Focus and sharpness, without frustration.
• Simple composition habits you can repeat anywhere.
• A clear practice plan to take away.
Full day (8 hours)
More time to practise properly.
Recommended if you want space to slow down, repeat what you learn, and build real confidence across more than one location.
• Everything in the half day.
• More shooting time, more repetition.
• Time to refine settings without rushing.
• A second location for variety, light, and composition practice.
• Time for questions as they come up naturally.
If you’re unsure which to pick, enquire and I’ll guide you.
Subjects and locations
Your day is tailored around what you want to photograph, and where you want to be.
We’ll plan it to suit the light, conditions, and your pace.
Coastal & Seascape
Woodland
Landscape
Choosing the right location
Most Level 1 workshops run across Angus, Tayside, Perthshire, and Aberdeenshire, with coastal, landscape, and woodland options.
We’ll choose a location that suits your interests, the conditions on the day, and your pace. You might enjoy places like:
Coastal and seascape options:
St Cyrus
Lunan Bay
Auchmithie Bay
Arbroath Cliffs
Dunnottar Castle
Catterline Bay
Cove Bay
Woodland and landscape options:
Glen Clova
Glen Prosen
Glen Esk
Glen Doll
Linn of Dee
Morrone Birkwood
The Blue Door, “Rocks of Solitude” walk
What you’ll photograph
Your day is tailored around what you want to photograph, not a fixed route.
When you enquire, tell me what you’re drawn to and we’ll build the plan around it. Choose from:
Coastal and seascapes: rock textures, leading lines, long exposures, changing tide.
Woodland: simplifying busy scenes, layers, intimate detail, natural abstracts.
Natural landscape: glens, viewpoints, light, atmosphere, and timing.
If there’s a place you already love, or somewhere you’ve always wanted to shoot, we can tailor the workshop around that location too. Just tell me when you enquire and I’ll advise what will work best for the time of year and conditions.
Bespoke days further afield can be arranged by enquiry.
Pricing
Clear, simple pricing. One to one or small group. No pressure.
Half day (4 hours)
• One to one: £195
• Two people: £155 per person (20% off)
• Three people: £130 per person (33% off)
• Four people: £111 per person (43% off)
Full day (8 hours)
• One to one: £295
• Two people: £236 per person (20% off)
• Three people: £198 per person (33% off)
• Four people: £169 per person (43% off)
Multi-day discount
• 2 days:10% off total
• 3 days:15% off total
• 4+ days: priced by enquiry
Travel during the day is included from our agreed meeting location.
Not sure which option suits? Tell me what you want to photograph and I’ll guide you.
Ready to book?
Choose your options below. Dates are confirmed by email after checkout.
A calm, practical photography workshop built around what you want to shoot.
Choose Half day or Full day, then pick your group size.
Angus, Tayside, Perthshire, and Aberdeenshire.
Includes:
One to one guidance throughout (or a small group up to four)
Simple explanations that make settings feel normal
A repeatable field process you can use anywhere
Travel during the day is included from our agreed meeting location
A short follow up message afterwards with key reminders
After booking, I’ll email you within 24 hours to confirm a date that suits your diary, location, the light, and the forecast.
“I was fortunate to have Duncan on hand to give me all the little hints and tips to make the experience all the more worthwhile. His calm approach and deep technical knowledge meant I came away with images I otherwise may have missed.”
Meeting and timing
We’ll agree a meeting point that suits Angus, Tayside, Perthshire, or Aberdeenshire, then choose a start time based on the light and conditions on the day.
What’s included
You’ll get a calm, practical day built around what you want to photograph.
• One-to-one guidance throughout. Or a small group up to three.
• Simple explanations that make settings feel normal.
• A repeatable field process you can use anywhere.
• Travel during the day is included from our agreed meeting location.
• A short follow up message after the day with key reminders.
What to bring
Bring what you already have. I’ll help you get the best from it.
• Your camera and a charged battery.
• A memory card with space.
• Your lens or lenses. We’ll work with what you’ve got.
• Weather layers and comfortable shoes.
Helpful, not required
• A small bag to keep gear dry between spots.
• A spare battery (especially in colder months).
• A small lens cloth (sea spray, rain, fingerprints).
• A flask and snacks.
• A tripod if you own one (not essential for Level 1).
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FAQs and practical details
Everything you need to know before you book. Clear answers, no pressure, and no awkward surprises.
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Use the Enquire button on this page. Tell me what you’d like to photograph, your rough availability, and whether you’re looking for one to one or a small group. I’ll come back with date options and a simple plan.
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Yes. You can book one-to-one or a small group up to four. Small groups stay calm and personal, without anyone being put on the spot.
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Yes. Two and three person bookings are discounted and shown in the Pricing section. If you’ve got a specific group in mind, tell me who’s coming and what level everyone is at.
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Yes. If you want time to slow down and really practise, multi day is ideal. Discounts are listed in the Multi day discount box. For 4+ days, it’s priced by enquiry.
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Most Level workshops run across Angus, Tayside, Perthshire, and Aberdeenshire. We’ll choose a location based on what you want to shoot, the light, and the conditions on the day.
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Aye. If there’s somewhere you already love, or somewhere you’ve always wanted to photograph, tell me when you enquire. I’ll advise what will work best for the time of year and conditions.
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We’ll choose a start time based on light and conditions. Sometimes that’s early. Sometimes it’s later. The aim is to put you in the right place at the right time, without rushing.
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Yes. Travel during the day is included from our agreed meeting location. If we’re moving between spots, that’s built into the day.
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Not as standard. If you’re travelling in and don’t have transport, mention it when you enquire and I’ll tell you what’s possible.
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We don’t panic and we don’t waste the day. If it’s unsafe, we’ll reschedule. If it’s just Scottish weather, we’ll adapt, choose sheltered locations, and work with what we’ve got. Some of the best learning happens in imperfect conditions.
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No. These are calm, unhurried days. We’ll keep walking sensible and choose locations to suit your comfort. If you’ve got any mobility concerns, just tell me upfront and I’ll plan around it.
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Bring what you already have. I’ll help you get the best from it. At minimum:
Camera and charged battery
Memory card with space
Lens or lenses (whatever you’ve got is fine)
Weather layers and comfortable shoes
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A tripod is not essential for Level 1. If you own one, bring it, but you can still take part without one. If the conditions suit a tripod moment, I will show you how to use it properly.
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Yes. These workshops are built to work for all levels, from getting off Auto to refining your approach. Tell me where you’re at when you enquire and I’ll tailor the day so you’re learning the right things, not wading through stuff you don’t need.
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Yes. If you already know your camera, we’ll go deeper. We can refine decision making in the field, tighten composition and technique, and build a repeatable process you can use anywhere, without trying to change your style.
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These workshops are focused on shooting in the field. We can absolutely talk through editing and Lightroom during the day too, especially around what to look for when you’re shooting so your files edit cleanly later.
If you’d like more hands-on help afterwards, I also offer online Lightroom tuition. Just tell me when you enquire and I’ll recommend the best option based on what you want to improve.
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Yes. Gift vouchers are available for Half day or Full day. Send me the name of the recipient and I’ll sort the details.
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I offer custom quotes where needed and I’m happy to provide an invoice for your booking. Bank transfer is standard.
For Level workshops, you can also book and pay using the online checkout on the page, including Add to cart options where available. If you’re unsure what to choose, just enquire and I’ll guide you.
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Yes. A 30% deposit is required to secure your date. The remaining balance is due before the workshop, or can be paid in full at booking if you prefer.
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If you need to cancel, give me as much notice as you can. The 30% deposit is non refundable if you cancel.
If I have to cancel due to weather or unforeseen issues, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.