Courses & Workshops
Why book with us? 
To my knowledge and from research, our courses are completely unique. Our facilities and the time made available for coaching are indeed unrivalled in this industry. Even the vehicle you will be transported to and from the stunning locations is extremely comfortable and always clean. It would be fair to say that we have examined every aspect of what we do and will always strive to exceed your expectations. We always welcome feedback on any aspect of our workshops. From this feedback process, it became obvious that people were looking for a course with structure and that is just what we provide.
Courses and Workshops
We do not allow typically any more than 2 photographers per course – why? Simply because we want to make sure that you get the most from your experience and the most out of the locations visited. You will receive as much one to one tuition as you feel appropriate, whilst being in a small group of like minded enthusiasts
You will be given the tuition you require when you need it most - on location, or at your dedicated digital work station. (Each photographer has exclusive use of their own digital workstation, all are high spec with a 24" calibrated monitor)
Courses are typically run over three days and are arranged according to requirment.
You can view a typical 3-day schedule by clicking HERE.
- Our guide to successfull composition
- A very useful Hyperfocal distance calculator
- A Photoshop tutorial
- Guide to camera control
- Pre -course questionnaire to establish your ability and experience.
- A guide to what equipment to bring with you.
- A very interesting paper on RAW v's JPEG
Although we take photography very seriously, we never forget you want an enjoyable break too. So the emphasis is also on having a relaxing time, while learning or developing your techniques. We aim to teach you new skills that enable you to go home and create unique photographic images that you'll be proud of.
Fife and the East Neuk have some of the most breathtaking scenery in Scotland and in fact you will be spoilt for choice. We could take a trip to the bird sanctuary of the Isle Of May in the Firth Of Forth (only available at certain times of the year) or perhaps a visit to Dura Den to photograph the waterfalls. With Edinburgh just a 35 minute car or train journey away, you can even participate in some urban landscapes or photograph the world famous Forth Rail Bridge and Road bridges.
We have worked extensively at each location to ensure that you get the very best photographically from your visit. Rather than visiting many locations for a short time we visit just a few fantastic locations each day to ensure that you have time to make the most of each.
Each day begins around 9am and winds up about 5.00pm, with a break for lunch. Please note that on days where a sunrise / sunset shoot is planned we may start later or finish earlier.
Often the best photographs are taken either at dawn or dusk, so there will be an opportunity to have one of these included as part of your package.
You can expect to receive tuition on aspects such as basic camera control, white balance, depth of field, dynamic range, lighting, lens choice, metering, composition, digital workflow (including RAW v’s JPEG) and much more. The exact content will depend on your level of ability. Most of this will be taught in a practical setting rather than abstractly in a class room.
Depending on your level of experience, you may be given access to information pages prior to your course date, which means you can spend more time taking photographs than in the classroom. You will however have plenty of opportunities to discuss any specific issues you have.
Recent Feedback for Ron Walsh
Suzanne Baker -Spain, February 2009
"I wanted to write to thank you so much for the most fabulous week of photography in Spain. Everything exceeded my expectations from the lovely comfortable hotel to the amazing locations that we went to. You are a really great tutor and I learnt so much from you and now I'm just itching to get out and put it all into practice. I enjoyed every moment of my week in Spain even the 6am starts and am now determined to become an early riser and not miss the best part of the day anymore. I feel like I am really getting to grips with Lightroom now thanks to you. I hope to be able to attend a Scottish course sometime this year, so hope to see you again then. Good luck with the other Spanish Courses you are running I'm sure everyone will have an amazing time with you as their tutor!"
Jim Wilson- Spain, February 2009
"Thank you for a wonderful course…………..at last I can see the ‘’big step’’ from snapshot to Image and that is thanks to your guidance and coaching.
I will now have much more satisfaction from my photography.
Also thanks for all of the general help and assistance you gave to myself and the group…..your tireless support was very much appreciated."
Andrew Cooper- Spain, February 2009
"Many thanks for a brilliant course, the results when I got home looked even better, and were well received by family and friends.
Busy printing now in prep for the exhibition next week, I have too many to choose from!
Many thanks again you were a tremendous help and inspiration."
Ian Meek- Spain, February 2009
"Just to say many thanks for an excellent and memorable course in Murcia, Spain!
The five day course was packed with good technical advice alongside plenty of photography with one-to-one tuition at a variety of stunning locations which were all designed to get you out of your 'comfort zone' and push you further in terms of composition; camera, lenses & filter techniques,and finally post production in Lightroom 2. From working quickly on a cliff-top seascape at dawn to a more contemplative & reflective
thought process at a disused goldmine and abandoned village, this course had everything and all delivered in an easy going style.
Then to be shown how to make a slideshow in Lightroom 2 of the best shots at the end of the course was really useful and a great bit of fun!"
Ian Meek- www.clearviewfotos.co.uk
Jana Bilek- Spain, February 2009
"Having sampled (on several occasions) the excellent courses set in Fife, I was very tempted by the new Spanish venue on offer. I knew, based on previous experience, that it would be well-organised and run to a high standard and I wasn’t disappointed. The hotel chosen was excellent and the quality of the transport and equipment provided was of an equally high standard.
Ron Walsh led the course and nothing was too much bother for him – he carried a rucksack around (that would have defeated all the airline restrictions) full to the brim with things we may, or may not need ‘just in case’. It was like having access to our very own tuck box. His explanations were always clear and concise and his enthusiasm boundless.
The places visited were really varied and they were not just your typical seascape views and pretty white villages (although these were on offer as well) and we saw places that we would never have managed to get around to visiting had we organised the trip ourselves.
I really enjoyed my time out in Murcia with Ron and I know that this sentiment is shared by everyone else who attended the course – I just wish it could have been longer, where did the time go?
So another winner for the Cargill Walsh team!"
Steve Lumsden -Spain, February 2009
“Firstly may I say what a great time I had over in Spain. I am a lot more knowledgeable now than I was before our course. This is all thanks to you Ron.
I will look forward to going on another course with Cargill Walsh Photography later in the year. I thought the group we had worked well as a team, this further added to the fun part of the trip.
Thanks for a great course Ron, I now feel like I can take a good photo without the need for guess work.”
Phil Livesey- Spain, April 2009
"I enjoyed the April course so much, and learned such a lot from you. Your patience was fantastic. I feel that there was so much more to see and photograph the scenery and locations were breathtaking, so I am coming back for a return visit.
I am so looking forward to seeing you again and building on the knowledge from the first course."
Iain and Wendy Campbell- Spain, April 2009
"Thank you for a great week. Wendy and I enjoyed it immensely and both really appreciated how much time you gave us, as well as your humour and patience with us. We learnt a great deal (which was what we hoped!)"
Kate Robertson - Fife, June 2009
"What a fanastic course. Ron is a good teacher who explains things in a clear and concise manner. You never feel you have asked a stupid question! Great locations and good fun. Ron even managed organise the weather too!"
Russ McLean-Fife, July 2009
“I travelled from New Zealand to participate in this course. It was well worth the effort.
Introduced to photography some two years ago, I initially focused on understanding the capabilities of my camera and the ‘capture’. What I was looking for was a coherent connection between the camera and the computer and help in establishing a digital workflow. I got that and more.
Ron Walsh is one of those special people who can inspire the understanding of the seemingly complex. He deals in small participant numbers (4 max) and focuses all his energies on his students. In such an environment I found six things particulary beneficial:
1) specific camera set-up for landscape photography.
2) understanding the functionality of the histogram. (Previously, I had understood what it measured, but not how to use it.)
3) comprehensive pre-shoot briefings at each of the locations we visited.
4) one on one assistance, suggestions and advice - tailored to my level of knowledge and expertise.
5) the introduction to Adobe Lightroom 2.
6) the individual computer workstations where you could apply your new knowledge to your own images.
The more you learn about photography, the more aware you are of what you don’t know. For me the learning process ideally consists of incremental steps, building on what I have already learned & gently extending to the next levels. I felt very comfortable with Ron and benefited significantly from his guidance. It was a very valuable experience.”
Russ McLean, Arrowtown, New Zealand, August 2009
Silke Galloway- Fife, September 2009
"My husband gave me a three-day course with Ron as a birthday present and I have to say what a fantastic present! I have learned so much and have really enjoyed the course.
Ron has an incredible depth of knowledge regarding all aspects of photography. After only a day, so many things I had read about fell into place. Being able to use my camera with somebody at my side answering all questions I ever had (or didn't even know one could have!) about ISO, shutter speed, aperture, not forgetting histograms, was an amazing experience. He seems to know absolutely everything, yet still knows how to explain things to us mere mortals! :-)
I have taken some fantastic pictures and have got some amazing reactions from family and friends.
I would highly recommend this course to anyone, beginner or near professional, and Ron has given me great confidence about photography that I didn’t have before.
Besides all I had great fun – thanks a lot Ron!"
Mike Murphy-Fife, October 2009.
"Just a quick note to say thank you for your help and support during the
recent course.I now have a better understanding of how to control my camera - rather
than it controlling me!!
I downloaded the 30 day Lightroom2 free trial and selected my 'top 15' which I
printed yesterday in Dundee. My colleagues were most 'impressed' with my new photos - all thanks to you.
Hope to keep in touch, best wishes for now, and thank you once again."
Dave Griffith- Fife, October 2009
"Saturday was a truly wonderful day. I learnt so much about composition, camera settings and developing files (amongst other things) that I am still digesting. I downloaded the trial version of Lightroom on Saturday evening and spent most of Sunday using it!
Thank you also for being such an enthusiastic, helpful, friendly and knowledgeable tutor.
I hope Spain goes well. Thanks so much for all your help."