6. The best locations at the best times

Being led by an experienced photographer to the heart of a ‘high potential' very well researched landscape setting, at the right time of year, at the right time of day and in the right light and then being encouraged to ‘read the landscape' that unfolds in front of you, activates the creative energies and brings them to the fore.

If you are interested in a particular country or region, go with an expert who knows the area intimately. This will help you get the best conditions, locations, and ultimately the best shot possible. We can't book the weather though!

7. Technical support - exposures, composition, hardware, filters etc

Often the camera and its workings can bewilder photographers. Many folk may have temporary amnesia as to what function does what on the camera - I know I do sometimes! In addition, the learning and developing processes of landscape photography are dependent on regular practice.

So a landscape photography workshop holiday is the perfect opportunity to allow both technique and creative composition to thrive.

Workshops give you an opportunity to learn about correct exposure and filtration and to be assisted and encouraged to make the image ‘in camera' - which is where the core and essence of fine composition is to be found - thereby reducing the need for any ‘salvaging' of the image using imaging software. With post processing, students should be encouraged to learn that image manipulation with integrity is the ideal.

8. In the field guidance - chance to put in practice what you learn

One of the most effective methods of learning is to cover the theory and technical aspects and then put it them immediately into practice. This process needs regular repetition. The more you use your new skills, the more the knowledge will stay with you longer. And ultimately it will become second nature. On a workshop tutorials can be given out on location, so you can learn ‘in the field' and put your new skills to use straight away.

9. Previsualisation - learn to see

Landscape photography is very much about previsualisation. To work with a landscape photographer who in their early days of photography would have themselves passed through many agonising periods of uncertainty, is reassuring when it comes to identifying the merit that a potential image may have to offer.

You can look to the highly attuned leader for help with the recognition of aesthetics, balance, colour, design, geometry and relationships and the drawing together of all the elements to assist you to make sense of the image and deliver a photograph that is cohesive and quite simply ‘works'.

10. Constructive critique

On a specialist workshop, you can enjoy the enormous benefit of constructive critique sessions. Very experienced landscape photographers thoroughly enjoy these as they provide rewarding and stimulating exchanges. Teaching shouldn't be a one way process and this is one way to ensure reciprocity.

A leader will always return from a workshop or landscape photography holiday with a feeling of having learned from their students; it should never be a one way street where the leader pontificates about how it ‘should' be done. Artistic intention can be hard to express and manifest. The leader should introduce (without force!) ways in which the student of photography may discover their own signature.

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