Location Photography Course - Southern Spain - 2010 dates to be confirmed soon

Location - We will be staying in beautiful historic Tarifa, the most southern town in Europe,  ideal for fashion and landscape photography, as well as being within easy reach of other stunning locations like Cape Trafalgar, the Alcornocales mountains and traditional Spanish white villages - all of which we will explore together. Our base in Tarifa offers great Moorish architecture, atmospheric cobbled streets, views of Africa across the Straights of Gibraltar and a host of other  stunning photographic locations within walking distance.

Tutor - Stephen Potts' career in commercial photography began in 1986 when he left school to serve his time in an advertising studio, self employed for the last 15 years he regularly shoots on location with clients including Benetton, Coca Cola and the BBC. His diverse client list includes authors, musicians, chefs and designers (textile, interior, shop, web and graphic). If you want to see more, click on the banner at the top of this page, it will open Stephen's website. Having learned on film in the 80's Stephen likes to "shoot it right, not fix it later" and he combines this with his extensive knowledge of modern photographic techniques and technology to produce top quality results under all conditions, often with considerable pressure for time, always making it look deceptively easy! Stephen's passion for photography is obvious as he explains the techniques he uses to get great location shots in a variety of environments and the small number (maximum 7) attending the course will ensure you will get plenty of 1-2-1 tuition as well as loads of time to experiment on each set while taking your own pictures. Stephen is a regular visitor to Andalucia for both work and pleasure, so his excellent local knowledge mean you get to enjoy great locations.

Content - You will learn the skills required to reliably produce high quality results on location shoots, including a workflow which combines lighting, exposure and white balance. Flash for fill (both on and off camera) will be made easy, as well as sure fire techniques for dealing with mixed lighting environments and many of the other hazards frequently encountered by the location photographer. Most of this takes place during a series of practical shoots which makes it easier to remember while avoiding potentially boring classroom lectures. Stephen will answer all your questions as he goes along and is happy to discuss other topics of interest to you between sessions.

Model – Lynette Coleman, with over 5 years as a professional model, has worked with the best in the business for clients like Gossard, Benetton and Firetrap. Her published work includes Loaded, Nuts, Zoo, numerous newspapers and she is the current Miss Karting GP. Lynette’s career also includes television work on The Tudors, The Ultimate Guide to Everything, The Weakest Link and some TV adverts. Her friendly personality and experienced approach means stunning results and lots of help while you build experience in directing a model on set. She is also a good guide to the wildlife in Tarifa, mainly after dark!

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Leave Malaga airport 1130 and travel approx 90 mins to Tarifa. Check in and introductions over lunch before running through the initial techniques which will be built upon over the weekend. This is when we ensure everyone understands the required features of their own camera and has a basic working knowledge to take forward. After dinner we will use the atmospheric streets in the old town to shoot some location fashion.

Day 2 - We will be shooting late so a leisurely start to the second day sees us meeting for lunch before driving to Cape Trafalgar for a beach wear shoot. This amazing location is perfect for surf shots and the surrounding scenery provides many additional photo opportunities. After a swim (if you fancy it) we will share a beach barbeque before the shoot continues into the sunset.

Day 3 - We go inland to see rural Spain's stunning white hilltop villages dotted along the former frontier between the Christians and the Moors. The area is rich in unique architecture, campo scenery and character filled faces for reportage pics. We will visit the working cork forest which is harvested by stripping the bark from living trees (don't worry they recover), leaving striking red tree trunks which we will use for today's fashion shoot.

Day 4 - Two location shoots today, first the penthouse roof garden to fine some tune lighting techniques  before going out to work locations on the streets and seafront. Mixed light sources and great photo opportunities abound!

Day 5 - Time to put your new skills and local knowledge to use! Paired up together you will preview an outfit and receive a client brief for the garments (exactly as it happens in the commercial world). Its then up to you (with as much or little help as you want) to pick your location and outline your shoot brief to your team. Naturally Lynette will model the clothes but in a change of role Stephen will be your assistant on set and if your plan is more elaborate others can be drafted in to help and hold things! Each pair will shoot their own assignment, sharing the camera time. The day will finish with a light hearted de-brief over dinner and some prizes for the best results.

Information:

Who is this aimed at? - Some basic photographic knowledge is required, if you class yourself as an absolute beginner then get in touch before booking to discuss and maybe arrange a session at home to bring you up to speed.

Photographic kit - To get the most from this trip bring a digital SLR (or rangefinder) with manual setting capability. You should bring the operators manual for your camera, a medium range zoom lens or primes covering approx 28mm-90mm (full frame equivalent) and, if you have one, a laptop, no problem if you don't. A polarising filter, a hotshoe mounted flash gun and a travel tripod are also handy, though not vital.

Climate - Expect temperatures in the mid 20's on the coast and a bit higher inland when considering what to wear and remember some sensible shoes for the days when we have to walk a bit. There is no climbing or even serious hiking involved but expect some 20 to 30 min walks. 

Travel -The group meets in Malaga airport at 11:30 on Thursday the 17th of September and our transport will get you back to Malaga airport at 09:00 on Tuesday the 22nd of September. We are using the following flights (£133.86 today):

Easyjet flight 6755 leaving Belfast International at 06:30 Thursday 17/9/09, arriving Malaga 10:35

Easyjet flight 6756 leaving Malaga at 11:10 Tuesday 22/9/09, arriving Belfast International 13:20

Insurance - Nobody should go abroad without travel insurance so please ensure your policy is up to date or add insurance when you book your flight (its usually around £11 per person with Easyjet).

Cost - £925 with a single room or £840 per person sharing a double or a twin room. A deposit of £150 per person is required when booking and the remainder will be due before the 1st of August.

What's included? - Tuition, model fees (including a release form so you own the copyright), accommodation with breakfast, private transport while in Spain and the beach barbeque.

What's not included - When we break during the day for refreshments its up to you to choose and pay for your own meals and drinks. Typical prices in the areas we will be visiting are much lower than at home (even with a bad exchange rate) - expect lunch with a beer to cost 5 or 6 euro and dinner with wine around 12-20 euro. So 150 euro will easily see you through the necessities, the excellent shopping and night life cost a little more if you decide to indulge!

Advice - The breeze from the Atlantic ensures that the temperature is not oppressive but the sun is still shining so sunscreen and a hat are both advisable.

email -  stephen@stephenpotts.co.uk  /  telephone - 07836 613372