Frequently Asked Questions
When are your workshops?
Workshops run throughout the year and are located around the UK. Dates are published on this website, Facebook page , group page - Paul Williams Photography Group - and to anyone who's on the subscription list. There are a strictly limited number of places on each one as I don't believe you should only get a few minutes with me because I'm too busy with a big group. Locations, cost and timings will also be highlighted on my Facebook page and this site. I try to cover either a sunrise or sunset so expect an early start or late finish. Alternatively you can email me paul@paulwilliams.photography
What kind of workshops do you do?
I facilitate 1:1 and group landscape and wildlife photography workshops as well as macro, night sky and post production days. It's entirely possible to have a weekend workshop where we cover wildlife and landscape on individual days. You can also have a 1:1 day where we add on an hour of post production. Groups are between 6-8 people - never bigger.
What skill level should I be at to come on one of your workshops?
Easy answer is - whatever skill level you are at. My workshops are designed to mentor and support photographers at every stage of their photographic journey. Keeping the group numbers down gives everyone the opportunity to have plenty of time with me so whether you want to know more about how to use your first camera or you are thinking of making the jump to pro there will be something for everyone. 1:1 is individually tailored prior to the workshop using a questionnaire and a few questions from me about your goals and aspirations.
Where do your workshops take place?
I now live back in Wales - Powys to be exact so many of my 2022 workshops will take place in and around Powys. Past workshops have been on Brownsea island, Isle of Portland, the River Stour, Dumfries and Galloway as well as a number of stunning locations in the Lake District, Northumbria and the Yorkshire Dales. I have plans to expand workshop locations in 2022 to include northern Sweden. You can also request a location to suit you but I ask you to find a minimum of six people who would book before I commit if it's some distance away.
What do we do on your workshops?
Workshops generally have two main themes; tuition and guiding. There are people who come on my workshops to learn more about photography and how their camera performs best, whilst other more advanced clients often only want a knowledgeable guide to show them the local but often hard to find wildlife hotspots. Both of these themes can easily be accommodated on the same workshop. For those of you wanting tuition we will explore the exposure triangle, composition, how to set up your camera to maximise your photo opportunities and any other subject participants would like to discuss.
What kind of camera do I need for a workshop?
I get asked this a lot. The workshops are perfectly suited to compact, bridge or DSLR cameras. I use mirrorless Sony's with lenses that cost thousands, but I also have a Sony RX10 iv bridge camera and a Galaxy S20 Note mobile phone. I've taken shots on the second two that have sold as prints and cards as well as being used for magazine covers. Sure, sooner or later you might need a piece of kit for a specialist subject like distance wildlife or sports photography but I wouldn't rush out and get the next whatever. Get in touch with me and we can talk about equipment and just how much more you can probably get out of your existing camera - you'll be amazed what it can do when you put it into manual mode!
There are lots of photography workshops out there. Why should I book with you?
Good question. I've been taking images for over 30 years now so have a wealth of experience - but not so much that I've forgotten what it feels like to be confused or frustrated when I can't get the image I want right. I'm an award winning wildlife and landscape photographer who's produced calendars, magazine covers and been featured on BBC radio and television and in numerous publications. I pride myself on being patient and approachable with an ability to put complicated concepts into relatively simple terms to help people better understand light, weather, their subject and how to set their camera so it performs at its optimum best. But don't take my word for it. There are plenty of people who've been on my workshops and who return and bring friends or relatives with them. Last but by no means least, I keep my costs down and I consider my workshops to be true value for money. If you would like to know more about how much 1:1 and group workshops cost please contact me paul@paulwilliams.photography or ring me on +447810862599.
Do you sell prints?
I'm in the process of uploading a lot of images to my site on Picfair. Sadly bandwidth in rural Wales is less than great so this is going to take some time. I will update this site once I'm in a position to again offer prints via Picfair.
Do you do corporate work, weddings or portrait photography?
I never do weddings but have been known to do corporate work - mainly for charities. Portrait work is also possible but this would be on a case by case basis and really depend on what you had in mind. I'm currently looking for participants for my 'Facing Up To Trauma' project so if you or someone you know has had mental health difficulties and would like to be featured please get in touch.
What is your refund policy should I have to cancel a workshop?
Please see my workshop terms and conditions page for a full and comprehensive overview of your rights - and mine - in the event you have to cancel. Booking a workshop with me is on the basis you have read and understood my terms and conditions and they are acceptable to you. In every instance I strongly urge you to contact me as early as you can should a problem be looming on the horizon. There's always a way to sort out these things if we start a dialogue sooner rather than later.
I have sooo many questions but your FAQ doesn't cover them...
Communication is the key. I can be found on Facebook Paul Williams Photography, Insta - Paul_Williams_Photography, via email paul@paulwilliams.photography or my mobile +447810862599
