Guest Reviews

Reviews and photographs contributed by workshop guests

What a wonderful workshop! Met some great people, learnt more about my camera and what makes the perfect photo whilst enjoying the picturesque surroundings of country France and feasted on some traditional French food. Really a perfect combination! I felt extremely welcomed and cared for by Gareth and his family. The locations were stunning and I return home with a collection of great images and a renewed vigor to practice the art of photography.

There was much to take in and we covered a lot of ground over the weekend. But by the end I really was seeing photography in a new light and it has really inspired me to continue.

Thank you for a wonderful time.

Belinda Clarke, Australia

I was shopping for a European photographic workshop where I could stretch my skills but still photograph a part of Europe to which I had never been.

I came across Gareth's site and fell in love with his images and the Dordogne Valley.

I signed on and was very, very pleased with my experience. Gareth stretched me from being a "fair weather" photographer by not only getting me up at 4 am for a shoot at dawn but kept me going until darkness set in. The results were outstanding. I learned so much about light and its impact at different times of day. His teaching was hands-on and personal. He could explain photographic techniques simply. I discovered this was not a slide show about pretty pictures. Instead, this workshop was an intensive field experience with a serious photographer who knew his stuff.

To make my stay sweeter, his wife Lila was a delightful woman who added to my experience and made the few days we were together perfect. She was an excellent host, a great cook, and a knowledgeable interpreter and guide.

Aldis Knight, United States of America

I took Gareth's course this May and found it to be so valuable. Gareth and his lovely wife Lila went out of their way to make my time in the Dordogne a good one. I learnt so much about photography and how to use the camera.

This course would be good for all levels. We ventured out every morning to some amazing places and shot pictures. We learnt how to use filters to enhance our shots. We visited charming villages and had lovely lunches at traditional bistros. Dinner was at Gareth's house cooked by Lila. The food was amazing!

This was not just a photography class it was so much more. We not only took pictures but also had our own guide for the Dordogne. My accommodation was in a charming farmhouse that was spacious and clean. I hope to return one day.

Heather, Hyannis Port, Mass. USA

I found the workshop very rewarding. Gareth is very easy to work with and has a gift in sharing his knowledge in a relaxed and informative way. I learnt many aspects of landscape photography that I had not realised existed. Gareth's use of filters and the appreciation of early morning light made for a great collection of photos that I will find difficult to improve on. Coming from Australia, it was hard to get use to being able to drive for 15 minutes in any direction from our base and be surrounded by scenery that included quaint villages that originated so many centuries ago. This provided us with an endless number of opportunities to get interesting subject matter on which to base our training.

Thank you Gareth and Lila for your hospitality and great company.

Alan Lunghusen, Australia

Thanks to you and Lila for a very pleasurable and informative weekend. It was a lovely place to stay and Le Verger is quite magnificent.

I was a bit dubious about the ridiculously early starts, but once I got into the swing of it, I can now really see why photographers go to all that trouble.

The use of filters was a particular eye-opener for me, also that my camera settings were all wrong. Not that Gareth said that. He was keen to stress that there are no “right and wrongs”, however, clearly they were wrong!

I now finally have the confidence to turn off the auto settings on my camera so that I decide what image I want to take, not the camera. This may not be much for some, but for me it’s a big step.

Great course.

Jonathan Paine, Southampton

What a great weekend - relaxed, interesting and challenging (in particular the dawn shoots!). Gareth offers a very warm welcome in a beautiful part of France and, very importantly, really knows his stuff! I'll be back...

Beverley Hipkin, West Sussex

It has been a very enjoyable experience, Gareth makes it very special and valuable.

He is an excellent teacher and a magnificent host in the Dordogne. His eye catches unimaginable details of these beautiful French landscapes and the magic of the light in those very special hours between night and day. He knows how to transmit to you his passion, drive and knowledge.

I would recommend to anyone interested in photography to try this workshop. It is really worth it and it is not only technically interesting and challenging but charming also.

Nacho Martin, Madrid, Spain

I discovered Gareth's photography here in the Dordogne. So I decided to do a workshop in spring and it was really very instructive. I am a keen amateur photographer and was looking for something to take me to the next level. Having not much experience in landscapes, I was able to acquire some very practical knowledge for this type of photography as well as general photography skills. Gareth’s explanation and advice were very beneficial for me. I was able to use equipment that was new to me. Gareth was very professional and friendly and I was very happy with the course. I hope to have the opportunity to participate in another workshop.

Wilfred Decavele, France

When I signed up for Gareth’s photo workshop, I was a little unsure, as my level of experience wasn’t great. However, right from the start, I was made to feel really welcome and quickly relaxed. We all got on really well in our group and had a great weekend.

It really is a beautiful part of the world, the food, (the wine) and locations, were great.

Louise Gentry, London

I have to say that I did enjoy the photography course and learnt so much in the three days, it was excellent! I now have to put this knowledge in to use. I wake up in the mornings and see the first rays of sun and feel horribly guilty that I am missing those special moments when the light touches the countryside. But I will get out there soon.

Having lived here since 2003 and visited the area long before that, I was still surprised at the beauty of the Dordogne when seen through the eyes of a Photographer.

Thank you so much for your patience and expertise, and not least to Lila for her cuisine.

Keith Lamb, Daglan, Dordogne, France