TESTIMONIALS
"The five day Biarritz course has far exceeded our expectations. Jonathan's relaxed, but enthusiastic manner quickly gels the group together. He is unobtrusive, but always seems to be there just when you need him for some guidance. With his encouragement we have learned the value of simple forms, tonal contrasts and the changing light. Jonathan's amazing knowledge of the area meant we were treated to fantastic locations every day. Both of us have learned so much about our cameras, composition and digital studio techniques. We shall definitely be booking more courses. Thank you Jonathan".
VIVIEN & ALAN PETERS, FEBRUARY 2010.
"My stay in Biarritz and the beautiful surrounding countryside was truly amazing and totally rewarding. On the 5 Day B&W Long Exposure Course Jonathan taught me new photographic techniques and wonderfully simple methods of processing using Lightroom and Photoshop. Nothing was too much trouble for this extremely talented and patient man whose good company, enthusiasm and passion for his art is is completely infectious. I now, once again, feel inspired and excited about my photography and will be returning in the near future for another photographic fix."
ANITA STOKES ARPS, November 2009 Visit Anita's website
"Great expectations were definitely rewarded; locations, tuition, humour, enthusiasm, individual attention - all there in generous proportions. It is quite rare to find a person who inspires you in such a way that Jonathan does. He is a considerate, intelligent man willing not only to share his knowledge and experience of photography, but also to offer his honest opinion to help you to improve your photography. The 5 day Biarritz course itself is an ideal balance of photography and processing, with each day planned perfectly for you to achieve the best of both skills. Thank you Jonathan, we shall see you in Carcassonne and Reykjavík.
CHRIS(18) & JERRY (a lot older) HUGHES, August 2009
"In the past 12 months I have been lucky enough to be able to participate in Oceancapture workshops in France, Italy and Spain and to benefit from the exceptional tuition and friendly advice provided by Jonathan. In this time, my love of photography has taken a huge leap forward and I hope that my technique is slowly catching up as well! I can highly recommend Jonathan's workshops, amazing experiences, each and every one." SUSAN FURBER, August 2009
"It is such a rare joy to see something done better than it need be, and such was Jonathan's delivery of the locations, tuition........and the weather! A formal thank you, Jonathan, for your hard work and your inspiration."
WILLIAM GRAY, June 2009
"There is no doubt that my photographic skills improved significantly during the week, far more than I realized at the time, resulting both in a higher number of keepers and good results from places I had failed to get decent shots previously. After finishing the workshop in France, I signed up for the Venice workshop (which, by the way, was a fantastic experience in all ways), and I'll also be participating on the Iceland photo tour later this year. I guess that this, more than anything, shows how enjoyable and inspirational I find working with Jonathan."
HARALD INGEBRIGTSEN, February 2009 Visit Harald's website
"A very enjoyable and fulfilling week. We both got so much from it, not to mention some great shots - it's a pleasure to be able to say that there wasn't a single thing that we could say could have been done differently or better. Every single thing met or exceeded our expectations."
BRIAN & VICKY COONEY, February 2009
"If you are reading this because you are thinking about going on one
of Jonathan's courses, then stop thinking about it and just do it! Jonathan is very relaxed and not at all intimidating. He puts you at ease the minute he meets you at the airport. He is also an amazing teacher because you don't realise how much you are learning - you just think you are having fun. I can't believe I nearly didn't go because I was nervous. I would have missed the best thing I've ever done. "
PAM HARRINGTON, NOVEMBER 2008 Visit Pam's website
'Jonathan's patient and enthusiastic approach, together with his intimate knowledge of the area around Biarritz resulted in five days of photographic opportunities that yielded some superb results. Every day we were taken to locations that allowed each participant to develop and improve upon their photographic skills. But that's only the half of it - working with the latest versions of Lightroom and Photoshop, Jonathan then showed us how to further improve our images using techniques that will be famliar to anyone who has used a darkroom. No trickery, no retouching, just proven techniques to crop, dodge and burn and enhance contrast, transforming already good shots into fantastic photos.
Overall I could not have asked for more from the five days I spent working with Jonathan - I learnt so much. Such was my sense of achievment on the black & white workshop in 2008 I am returning again this year for another 5 days - this time working in colour!'
DAVE SMITH, AUGUST 2008 Visit Dave's website
"The course was nothing short of inspirational. Jonathan's easy-going but thoroughly expert and enthusiastic approach put me completely at ease and was hugely motivational. He promised that I would go home with some great pictures and he was right. I learned far more in three days with him than I did on a week-long course elsewhere. The locations he chose and the high level of personal attention helped me take big strides forward in both technique and creativity. Thanks again."
GREG BARNES, former ITV producer and journalist, AUGUST 2008
A treasured experience in a wonderful location. Thank you Jonathan"
LOUISE DAVIS, AUGUST 2008.
"How much is it possible to learn in a week? How many wonderful and varied photo opportunities can fit into the same five days? The answer to both rhetorical questions is ‘far more than you would think possible’. If you are serious about your photography, at whatever level, want EXPERT guidance and a fantastic range of places to shoot, Les Landes is the place and Jonathan is your man. 15 out of 10!
KEITH CHALONER, MAY 2008
“Jonathan created a truly incredible experience for my son and myself. Sharing our love of photography in a wonderful place was the adventure of a lifetime. Thanks Jonathan for making this possible!”
BRYAN VINCENT, APRIL 2008
"The week exceeded all expectations, it was so good to be in a small group, have such good attention and benefit from Jonathan's generosity on all levels, especially sharing expertise. It is as if I have added a few vital missing pieces to the jigsaw: working in manual, getting a handle on Lightroom and CS3, knowing how I need to upgrade my kit, and getting good feedback to give me, hopefully, that extra bit of confidence to move forward." BARBARA SIMONS, APRIL 2008
"In the few days I spent with Jonathan I learned to control my camera and how to use it to take the pictures I wanted to take rather than have the camera decide that for me. I’m an amateur photographer so photography is a hobby but it is now much more enjoyable than it was because I feel more in control of the technology and the composition – and I learned a lot about composition which had previously been shrouded in mystery. Jonathan simplified things which had hitherto seemed too complex for me to bother with and as a result I now understand what makes a good photograph – and better still, how to achieve it. On top of all that, it was an extremely pleasant way to spend some time in a lovely part of France. Jonathan’s relaxed but always professional approach made the whole experience totally enjoyable; I’d recommend it to anyone."
CAROLINE BROADWAY, OCTOBER 2007
"I rediscovered my love of photography about eighteen months ago. I find Jonathans’ work inspirational, and jumped at the chance to do a photosafari down in South West France. Consequently, I had very high expectations and even those have been exceeded! We have visited varied and picturesque, inspirational locations where we were free to capture the photographic opportunities as we saw them, with Jonathan always on hand to offer advice and suggestions. His enthusiasm and love for this region of France was contagious and the Photosafari was five days full of great scenery, good food, excellent wine, Atlantic air, the smell of pine forests, and a lot of laughter. A huge thank you from me Jonathan. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Jonathans courses and hope to return to do another soon. CAROLINE HARRIS, OCTOBER 2007 Visit Caroline's website
"In one week Jonathan took me from ALWAYS shooting in AUTO to ONLY shooting in MANUAL, guiding me about technique and composition. He has succeeded where others failed and I'm thrilled with the improvement I've made and have some amazing photographs to be proud of. I shall always be indebted to Jonathan for giving me the confidence and knowledge to keep improving my photography. On top of that I had a great week being shown some fabulous locations in France - A wonderful safari run by a top bloke."
ROSIE CASBURN, TRAVEL JOURNALIST, OCTOBER 2007 Visit Rosie's website.
"Jonathan is a natural, both as a photographer and as a guide/teacher and is incredibly generous in sharing his vision and his way of doing things - then helping you to find and develop your own. From the first time I visited his website to the moment he dropped me at the station I felt he was ‘on my side’ - and I really did spend the journey home plotting a return visit or a new experience with one of his other safaris!
Others have described the landscapes, activities and facilities brilliantly. All I want to add is that if you want to take better photographs and enjoy a stunning and varied part of France - and if you have the opportunity to go on one of these safaris, then DO SO - it is both a skill-enhancing and a life-enhancing experience. Oh yes, and its enormous fun too!"
ANNIE DENT, PRO PHOTOGRAPHER, SEPTEMBER 2007
" Lakes, streams, mountains, seascapes, landscapes, mountains, sand dunes, grasses, mist, sunsets ...did I mention mountains... what more could we fit in in a week. You had a plan for when the clouds were playing ball, and also for when they stayed away. Thanks, Jonathan, for a great week. Highly recommended".
MIKE WATSON, SEPTEMBER 2007. Visit Mike's website.
"The three days spent in and around Vieux-Boucau with Jonathan provided me with exactly the experience I had hoped for. Thanks to his passion for his subject, his obvious love of his surroundings, his ability to explain things simply and his endless enthusiasm and patience I was able to take some photographs of a quality I wouldn't though possible in such a short time. Despite some unseasonal rain we made the most of every minute. I look forward to coming again to enjoy this beautiful region of France".
JOANNA CASEY, AUGUST 2007
"Jonathan eased me effortlessly from 'point and shoot" to digital SLR, considering composition, light levels and "dodge and burn" whilst also catering for another guest who had a far greater aptitude for photography. This trip gave me the chance to see the hugely varied landscapes of Les Landes, and as a result of the photographic skills I learnt, take some of their atmosphere home".
KATE RICHARDSON, AUGUST 2007
"What a beautiful area! The beaches are fabulous, and the contrast with the calm of the lakes is stunning. I liked the fact that you can photograph the sea, the sand dunes, the forest and the lakes without having to drive miles between each location."
SHARAYA MALLAM, JULY 2007
"As a semi-professional photographer I was looking for a new region to see and photograph, and in Jonathan found the perfect guide to a beautiful location. His knowledge of the area is boundless, knowing exactly where and when the light will be best, and his patient and friendly manner made for a perfect few days. I will definitely be trying one of his other locations when they become available".
FIONA BROOKS, JUNE 2007
" We wanted to combine an annual holiday with a photography experience, which Jonathan helped us organise. The time spent with him was out of this world, and we (reluctantly) left with some fantastic images. At the airport it was as if we were saying goodbye, or 'au revoir', to an old friend. What a beautiful place to live and work, Jonathan! Thank you so much for sharing it with us."
IAN & CAROLINE HUNTER, MAY 2007.
CAMERON DAVIS, MAY 2007
" A wonderful trip - diverse, friendly and interesting in a beautiful area. I was drawn by the fact that groups are kept very small, which is a rarity on photography holidays today. Jonathan is relaxed, laid back and friendly, and has a way of making you feel like you are the only person on the trip. The facilities in the digital darkroom he provides to download and edit your images are excellent - far better than I had imagined. The hotel was great - clean and friendly and right on the beach. Loads of great shots, stunning locations, and of course some very good wine - perfect!
ANN PRITCHARD, MAY 2007