Photography Holiday Courses and Workshops in France
Photo HERO PLUS Course - FAQ
The Photo HERO PLUS course is for photographers who want more from their camera and software.
Photo PRO Frequently Asked Questions - Menu
Who is the Photo HERO PLUS Course for?
How long is the HERO PLUS Course?
What does the HERO PLUS Course cover?
What does a HERO PLUS Course cost and what does the price include?
When are the HERO PLUS Course Dates for 2015?
How do I get to Studio Lavalette?
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Who is the Photo HERO PLUS Course for?
If you're looking for an extra day over the Photo HERO Course, or fairly confident using your camera, then you’re ready for the Photo HERO PLUS Course. In a group of six people or less, we’ll help you push the boundaries and get the absolute best out of your camera and software.
Most photography creatives are self-taught, consequently there’re bound to be gaps in your knowledge and understanding. So why not take some time out and in a relaxed environment, focus on your passion for photography. In five days, whatever your make of camera, having an expert at your side, and being taught using the STEP Method®*, you’ll significantly improve your picture taking and making - we promise you’ll be amazed.
* STEP Method ® = Seeing, Taking, Editing and Printing
If the Photo HERO PLUS Course is not for you, click on the links below and have a look at the other Courses and Workshops on offer:
How long is the Photo HERO PLUS Course?
The Photo HERO PLUS Course lasts 5 days and starts with our Welcome Dinner on a Thursday at 19:00, when we run through the Course Program. The Photo HERO PLUS Course ends at 16:00 on the following Tuesday.
A day consists of two Sessions, each lasting a minimum of 3 hours – that’s over 30 hours of expert tuition, but there's plenty of time to relax, read, go for a stroll, or take a dip in the pool.
Our times are flexible, as we may go for dawn, or sunset shoot, or take a picnic lunch somewhere, but on a typical day a Continental Breakfast is served at 9:00 with the first Session starting at 10:00. We break for lunch at 13:00, and with the exception of the last day, the afternoon Session starts at 14:00 and ends at 17:00. Dinner is served at 19:30.
What does the Photo HERO PLUS Course cover?
If you take the Photo HERO PLUS Course you will learn how to move a photograph into a stunning picture. We’ll be exploring:
- when, how and why to use a wide angle, zoom, prime or macro lens;
- polarising filters, auto-bracketing and high dynamic range images;
- how get your photographs to pass the 200% zoom Clarity Rule, on every shot;
- lots of on location visits – we'll shoot Villebois-Lavalette; some of the most picturesque towns in SW France; rolling countryside and vineyards; châteaux; rivers; and rustic, pastoral French villages - (see the galleries on the French Factor page);
- Histograms, Levels, Curves, Adjustment Layers and even more Layers – why these are key for any photographer;
- how to create fantastic textured/suffused images;
- image sharpening - when and how;
- how to use a Wacom tablet effectively and why a mouse is of little use;
- how to, carefully clean your camera’s sensor and save money;
- printing and image storage – how to print photos properly as well as safeguarding their future;
- personalised notes relating to the Course, with how-to's and “Don's recipes”;
- online post-course support; and…
- ….lots, lots more!
What does a Photo HERO PLUS Course cost and what does the price include?
The price for the Photo HERO PLUS Course is £999.00. We are pleased to welcome your non-photographer partner/friend to accompany you at a cost of £499.00. Prices include:
- dinner (with wine), bed, breakfast and lunch for 5 nights and 5 days;
- collection from, and return to, Angoulême railway station or Bergerac or Limoges Airport;
- transportation to and from on-location photo-shoots;
- occasional use/trial of our stock of digital cameras, lenses and lighting equipment;
- 4-5 A4 prints of your best work;
- printed/PDF notes of all Course presentations and tutorials;
- on-site Wi-Fi;
- local taxes;
- use of the Studio, grounds and swimming pool; and
- a 15% discount off any future Studio Lavalette Courses or Workshops you attend – we want to see you again!
The cost of the Photo HERO PLUS Course does NOT include:
- your own health, travel, holiday and photo equipment/clothes insurance; and
- your transportation costs from your home to either Angoulême railway station or Bergerac or Limoges Airport and vice versa.
All Terms and Conditions are on the Booking webpage, which you will find here.
When are the Photo HERO PLUS Courses for 2015?
All Photo HERO PLUS Courses for 2015 will start at 19:00 on a Thursday and end at 16:00 on the following Tuesday.
| Start Date | End Date | Places |
| Thu 02-Jul | Tue 07-Jul | Full |
| Thu 06-Aug | Tue 11-Aug | Full |
Special Note: If the airline dates or times don’t fit with our dates, do let us know and, (for discounted price), we’ll do our best to accommodate you in our B&B either before or after the Course.
To checkout the Availability of Places, please follow this link, which opens a new webpage.
Booking a Photo HERO PLUS Course
You can book a Photo HERO PLUS Course by following this link.
How do I get to Studio Lavalette?
We have comprehensive notes on how to get to Studio Lavalette that you will find on this page.
For those coming on the Photo HERO PLUS Course, we recommend you bring the following photo-shoot essentials:
- your camera, lenses, camera bag, memory cards, battery charger and any other equipment you might have/need;
- a laptop, if you have one;
- comfortable clothes and walking shoes – there’s no serious hiking involved, but we will get out and about quite a bit;
- a hat/cap or sun cream – the sun can get quite strong here; and
- an anorak – it does rain!
Please download and print this page by following this link. Alternatively we can post/mail it to you plus a Booking Form if you send us your postal address by following this link.
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