If you’ve ever bought a “proper” camera and thought I have no idea what any of these buttons do…, you’re not alone.

In fact, almost every beginner or amateur photographer I meet on my workshops arrives feeling exactly the same:

• Photos turning out too dark

• Everything blurry

• Confusing buttons everywhere

• Videos and tutorials making it feel even more complicated

• That constant feeling of “I must be doing something wrong”

RSPB Bempton Cliffs

There are places that make you stop, breathe in, and feel something — Bempton Cliffs is one of those places. Standing at the edge of the coast with endless sky and sea stretching out ahead, you can’t help but feel inspired to create. That’s exactly why I’ve chosen it as the home for my brand-new 2026 Beginners Photography Workshops.

These sessions are designed for anyone who wants to build confidence with their camera, understand the basics properly, and start taking images they’re truly proud of — in a setting that naturally encourages creativity.

On Saturday, I had the privilege of leading a Grass Roots Photography Workshop at RSPB Saltholme — and what an inspiring day it was.

This workshop wasn’t about wildlife, high-end gear or chasing portfolio shots.
It was about something much more valuable:

I’m absolutely thrilled to be teaching at yet another fantastic RSPB reserve — RSPB Old Moor. It’s a real privilege to work in such a beautiful and ecologically significant location, especially one that draws in a wide variety of wildlife throughout the year. For anyone passionate about nature photography, Old Moor offers an incredible backdrop: from majestic marshland landscapes to close encounters with rare bird species.

Standing on the edge of RSPB Bempton Cliffs, it’s impossible not to feel inspired. The dramatic chalk cliffs, the roar of the sea, and the sheer spectacle of thousands of seabirds make it one of the UK’s most breathtaking places for wildlife photography. Recently, I had the joy of leading a beginners’ photography group here — guiding people to not only capture images, but also to connect with the landscape and its incredible wildlife.

As a landscape photographer in the North East, few places stir my soul like Redcar Beach. There’s something raw and alive about this stretch of coastline — the endless sands, the ever-changing skies, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Every time I set foot here, I feel that familiar surge of excitement, knowing the landscape will offer something entirely new to capture.