What our
clients are saying

Being able to direct and produce our own quality brand and product content has become critical to our digital marketing strategy. In order to remain relevant and foster positive engagement within our social media communities, we embarked on a search for experts in lifestyle and travel photography, as well as image post-production. This quest led us to Simon and Lisa at the Living Lens.

From Thursday, March 14, 2024, I had the pleasure of participating in a Living Lens 'Photo and Post-Processing Weekend Retreat,' spanning three enriching days.

Even before arrival, the pre-training communication exuded professionalism and personalized attention. Simon and Lisa took the initiative to conduct a video call, delving into my expectations for the training, my equipment/software, and my current level of expertise. It was evident that they didn't offer a one-size-fits-all service; instead, they tailored the experience to suit each participant in our small group.

Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed into a diverse community of like-minded individuals, all sharing the common goal of refining our photography skills from good to exceptional.

Each day was meticulously planned to capitalize on optimal lighting conditions and carefully selected photographic locations. From the ethereal dawn over the Welsh mountains, where Simon imparted insights into landscape composition using environmental textures and contrasts, to captivating waterfalls and serene lakeside valleys, every location was chosen for its beauty and seclusion.

Throughout the mornings and early afternoons, we explored different locales, while our afternoons were dedicated to honing our photography skills in Adobe Lightroom. Simon adeptly guided us through transformative post-processing techniques, distilling decades of experience into easily understandable tips and steps.

Evenings were a culinary delight courtesy of our talented chef, Lisa, whose global travels lent inspiration to her exquisite creations. We were treated not only to gourmet meals but also to engaging conversation, intellectual stimulation, and a profound sense of fulfillment.

As I bid farewell on Sunday, I left enriched with newfound photography and post-processing skills, along with cherished memories and friendships.

Already, our marketing efforts have reaped the rewards of improved product and lifestyle content on social media, while I have become a more efficient producer of quality images.

I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone seeking to elevate their content creation endeavors to new heights, whether as an individual or as part of a brand team.

Senior Marketing Executive
Hex Innovate

Whilst I’ve had a long but shallow understanding of photography basics (since Camera Club at School) my appreciation of the true Photography principles (ISO, Aperture, Speed) have been obviously underexposed and/or out of focus these past 50 years. It was therefore incredibly arresting to find that, in just one initial day, that Lisa and Simon could deliver such crisp illumination on so many aspects that I thought I understood (but didn’t) or had been stranded from the perspective for a very long time. With measured yet deeply content rich pace, once again, I remain indebted to have been part of a learning process that was fun and sublimely joyous from start to end.

It is clear to me now that whilst you can read books or watch videos - you can’t ask these mediums ... Questions! Neither can you expect non personal media to identify, unravel and explain entrenched misunderstandings. To this end, Lisa and Simon, from their repository of deep understanding; are able to use their gentle intuition to bring easement and clear understanding by providing simple examples with plain-speaking.

In short, Lisa and Simon exorcised and banished the witchcraft, myth and mumbo jumbo that seems to unnecessarily surround this otherwise elementary creative art.

As a result, aside from profound technical insights, I experienced two principle epiphanies:

Firstly, Photography is Art and you are making Memories. Whereas previously ... I had been so bound up on ‘getting the perfect technical shot’ that I had been missing the point (and more often missing the moment). This takes ones mind to a higher plain i.e. slow down and take time to look at life and make your own recordings. Some, not all, may indeed be worth sharing.

Secondly, it would be the ultimate delivery from any learning experience - Confidence! Not only in the revelation that the Camera (notably in Auto) is not ‘better than me’ - more that - we are a partnership; where, the machine and the human need to meld their distinctly different attributes. One without the other means nothing. In other words, understand and trust in each other.

If I were to make a recommendation, it would be don't hesitate. By any means, then read the books and scan the social channels but if you want to have a truly social (meaningful) experience, then spend some time with Lisa and Simon and let them distill two lifetimes of experience and learning into yours. They provide a genuine deeply personal experience in an environment that is fun and evocative with an intoxicating pace of enlightenment. Simply - best thing I ever did and the best time in my life.

Fabulous experience at Simon and Lisa’s post-processing course. Densely packed, but massively enriching, you will learn a huge amount about Lightroom, Photoshop and Luminar, and how they interact.

Truly a foundational course (without being a ‘beginners’ course), I feel I can build on what I learned over this weekend and take it anywhere. And Simon and Lisa are great hosts.

Location: fantastic. The weather was pretty terrible this weekend and it was still amazing.
Accommodation: lovely. Cosy shepherd’s huts and cabins, each with their own log burners, comfortable beds.

Food: undersold. Local supplies, freshly made, and amazingly prepared and presented. Substantially better than any of the restaurants and gastropubs I’ve been to in this neck of the woods.
5/5. Strongly recommended.

Recently I was fortunate enough to go on thE LIVING LENS Photographic & Image Editing Weekend Retreat at Moto Junkies and the course was absolutely fantastic!

I would highly recommend it to anyone with any interest in photography regardless of what camera gear or experience you have. Not only did I learn a lot about photography and editing, I also had an amazing time, met some lovely people and ate some gorgeous food cooked by Lisa. The venue was brilliant too, very comfortable and there are many great photo opportunities to be had just from the grounds of Moto Junkies/MotoCamp Wales. A huge thanks to Simon & Lisa for such a great weekend!

Simon and Lisa are absolutely fantastic hosts, who take you through everything with such passion and enthusiasm that is just infectious. Bringing out the best in oneself to take fantastic photographs in brilliant settings.

My 15 year old Canon camera was brought back to life taking photographs that it was designed to do. They helped me capture photographs that I'd always thought were beyond me and my old camera. I love now knowing how to create photos with that elegant blurred water effect like the ones you see in the magazines. Simon and Lisa have a way of making feel one of the family and never make you feel awkward. Because everyone is relaxed the photography course is just amazing.

Not forgetting that the food, which is exquisite, delicate flavours and drinks to indulge the senses as you mull over the day, post editing lessons to make the already great photographs really pop !!!
Best weekend of the year...
Guys thank you so much, I'll be booking again!

Firstly a massive thank you for a fantastic weekend, you guys should be truly proud of yourselves.

The atmosphere throughout the weekend was very relaxing and we were treated like old friends from the start. The educational package Simon and Lisa have created was pitched at exactly the right level, fun and informative (despite Simons corny dad jokes). I have definitely come away with a greater knowledge with Which I intent to apply to my photography going forward.

The editing part of the course has only increased my desire to learn more, so much so, that I’ve just booked onto their editing course!

Despite knowing that the main reason for photo errors are down to operator error, during the weekend workshop and based on what I’ve learnt, I have definitely decided to upgrade my camera to an easier to handle unit. The main reason for this is because I intend to take it with me when we tour Spain and Portugal on the bike next year and was impressed by the Fujifilm system used by Simon & Lisa.

Lisa, thank you so much for your hard-work producing fantastic meals, that’s some feat, assisting us all during the day and then cooking a stunning three course meal in the evening. We certainly didn’t go hungry, so much so, the gym has had a number of visits already.

Full points for the venue! It’s fantastic, we need to get up there more often, it's gorgeous countryside.

I’m really looking forward to the next course.

I would recommend this course wholeheartedly to anyone who has a passion for photography, irrespective of the equipment you use or your level. The skills you will develop will ensure your photos going forward will capture the moment, will be memorable and most of all You will be proud to share them.

Arriving on the Thursday after a long drive from London we were welcomed like old friends with open arms, tea and cake; what was to be the start of more food in the space of a long weekend than I think I had consumed in the early weeks of the pandemic in its entirety.

Lisa and Simon were attentive to our needs from the start. The small group really helped with this as we were all given plenty of guidance tailored to our own needs and we were able to really get to know each other as much as a weekend allows.

I am a huge self-doubter and I genuinely couldn’t believe that on the first full day I was able to produce a photo of a waterfall that I was genuinely proud of.

There was no point that I felt stupid, no point that I felt small (pardon the pun; I am in fact five foot precisely and built low to the ground for speed, accuracy and being good at after dinner games that, you may discover the delights of should you choose to book the retreat) but we were made to feel at ease and I was able to feel that no question was an insignificant one.

Anyone can read a magazine and watch a YouTube video about aperture priority and its relation to shutter speed and ISO. But, Simon and Lisa made this make sense and made it all easily understandable without the use of photography jargon that would have meant very little to a novice like myself.

As I said to Simon and Lisa during the weekend; anyone can book a course where they teach you the words and which buttons to press but to go on a course led by people who truly BELIEVE in what they are doing and you feel they are invested in you; that really makes that difference!

Lisa’s food was nothing short of Michelin style. Plentiful, local and well, bloody delicious. You won’t be hungry, and if you are… see a doctor! The accommodation was clean, comfortable and relaxed, in a beautiful location surrounded by fantastic countryside.

I LOVED our challenge in Dolgellau (I can’t give the game away, you’ll just have to book to find out about that but think ‘challenge Anneka’ if you remember the 90s!)
The weekend was an absolute hit. I learnt SO much but what you learn will be different to me as it is so well tailored to the individual. The biggest downside was leaving… but how lucky we were to have had something that made leaving so hard. So much that we have committed to returning for the editing course because; why not? A mini-break, learning and patient people who believe in you, believe in themselves and treat everyone with the respect they deserve was worth its weight in gold (or lisa’s food).

A really great course which Lisa and Simon pitch at just the right level taking into account existing skills and previous experience making the course suitable for complete beginners up to more experienced photographers.

The content covers all the essential information you need to improve your photography. The group size is small enough to ensure everyone gets plenty of quality support and direction. The locations chosen are perfect and varied. The course is suitable for any style of photography... landscape, street, portrait, macro etc.

Lisa and Simon are enthusiastic, accommodating and really welcoming, as is Caroline who runs the centre where the course is based. The centre is perfect...relaxed, spacious, clean...and has a cool bar area. Be prepared to put on a few pounds with the incredible, plentiful food available! Accommodation is comfortable and cosy. It was a really fun, informative weekend.

​When I booked this workshop Simon & Lisa sent me a confirmation email stating “trust me we're going to cram those days (& evenings) full of learning and fun”. Well, I’ve just got back and can state that their workshop did exactly what it said on the tin. The location was amazing, the accommodations quirky (in a nice way) and the food was delicious; thank you very much to Caroline who prepared our meals with such skill and care. Simon and Lisa deliver a workshop that makes learning really good fun. I can thoroughly recommend it to both beginners and intermediate photographers who want to improve their skills with the camera and get a good grounding in editing their shots to take them to the next level.

Last week I spent three days and nights on a course with Simon and Lisa Thomas, Living Lens Photography. In my life courses have been associated with pressure and boring moments. This one was brilliant and definitely had no boring moments. Simon and Lisa’s excellent knowledge of all things photographic practised all round the world on their amazing travels, made the training given highly valuable and believable. I learnt more about photography in those three days than in the previous 73 years of my life even down to the simplest of things as discovering the viewfinder diopter which now means I don’t have to keep removing my spectacles to get focus every time I look through the viewfinder!! The expertise shown by Simon and Lisa was outstanding but the teaching was always conducted in a friendly and patient manner making the whole experience so enjoyable and worthwhile. Good friends were made too. Whether one is a beginner or a much more experienced photographer this is a course to fit all, in beautiful surroundings. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Having fallen in love with Simon and Lisa's travel photography some time ago I was excited when they decided to run courses. I have always enjoyed photography but have always felt that my photo's lacked a little something. This weekend definitely pushed my skills far further than I thought would be possible in only 2.5 days. Not only in composition but it also helped with the processing side of things in an equally impressive way. Couple that with being inspired by other like minded students who were also challenging and improving massively, incredibly tasty and well presented food and great accommodation in a stunning setting and it all adds up to a great weekend! Can't wait to come back for the next level!

Lisa and Simon are so great, being able to teach so much without overloading us with information. I came away after the weekend with a couple of ah-ha moments realising what I had been doing wrong with either the camera or editing. Was a really cool, finding some amazing locations during the day and after relaxing being social in the evenings.

Last weekend I attended a Living lens Photography course that I can't recommend highly enough. Simon & Lisa clearly have extensive knowledge of photography, but more importantly possess the people skills (and patience) to be able to teach to a group with mixed abilities and knowledge. Nothing was ever to much trouble! Set in a lovely, remote location in the Welsh mountains it was a very relaxing weekend without ever the hint of pressure. You got out of the course what you put in! The hospitality was wonderful and the food exquisite (thank you Caroline). Thank you Simon, Lisa & Caroline. I hope i get to do something similar again.

As someone who had only ever used Auto mode, I applaud Simon and Lisa for teaching me how to take control of my camera. The workshop was immense fun, the food delicious (thanks Caroline), the location beautiful and the venue relaxed, plus it was great value for money. Just awesome!

We recently attended a Living Lens photography and post-progressing workshop aimed at beginner and intermediate camera users. We visited a number of great locations where we practiced different photographic techniques. We then returned to the classroom to review our photos and learn how to post-process them. The course was intensive but Simon and Lisa shared their incredible knowledge and experience in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. Their enthusiasm knows no limits. The food was of a very high standard thanks to Caroline who worked tirelessly during our stay. We came away having gained a great deal of knowledge through hands on experience and now need to put this into practice. However, we now have the confidence to do this. We also enjoyed the comradery of our fellow students. All in all a very informative and enjoyable weekend. We look forward to returning to continue our photographic journey. David and Myfanwy.

I can hands down say that this is the best money I have spent in a very long time!

Having met Simon and Lisa a couple of times earlier this year and started talking about photography they told me they were starting this course and I had to take part! It was clear from the start that Simon and Lisa had thought about this course and had spent time researching and planning where they were going to take us. I'll be honest I can't remember the names of the places we went but I can say that they were spectacular! They had arranged our accommodation and food at the Nick Sanders Expedition Centre. This was great with a lovely double bed in a glamping pod to relax in! But most importantly with a great seating area for the workshops, the pair gave and a bar for us to debrief and unwind in at the end of each day. I can't even start to describe the food except to say that it was quite frankly incredible. I have been to restaurants that couldn't match the quality and you were never left wanting more as Caroline normally had enough for seconds! Throughout the course, nothing was too much trouble for Simon or Lisa and if anyone needed a hand they were never far away! If you look at a course by these and think it's too good to be true I urge you to put that feeling aside and trust that it's worth every penny you pay!

Just back home from an awesome weekend at Living Lens Images photography workshop! 100% recommend this to anyone who has an interest in photography.

None stop laughs all weekend with great company, stunning locations, the most incredible home-cooked gourmet meals (This alone was worth the cost!) and of course, amazing teachers in Simon and Lisa. Really helped me rekindle my mojo with the camera, and the post-processing, to tune in to what I can achieve when I think about it. Everything was explained in a step by step process, in easy to understand simple language, that helped produce instant results for everyone there. One of my favourite things was the way we all learned from each other, making this a "workshop" in the truest sense of the word, rather than the boring "I am holier than thou" environment you get on some other, much much more expensive options out there. Looking forward to building on the knowledge learned, and also returning for more workshops in the future! Thanks, Simon, Lisa, and of course, the wonderful Caroline who kept us fed and watered the whole weekend.

What an amazing few days. The course was incredible, with Simon and Lisa’s knowledge imparted in a friendly and understanding manner. No pretence, no preaching. I learned so much not just about photography and editing, but also about the hidden capabilities of my camera and me! The venue was sublime and Caroline’s cooking worthy of some Michelin stars! All round a perfect course with superb instructions. Thank you.

I really enjoyed learning photography with Simon and Lisa, as they have an easy delivery style, are both engaging, talented and experienced. The photography weekend was a nice balance of on-site practice in stunning and carefully selected locations and technical editing, with much interaction and time for individual and group discussions. I loved the setting for the workshop, the structure of the course and the good cheer. Looking forward to the next course.

As someone who has been on many training courses as part of my job I can honestly say the Living Lens blew them all away, fantastic tuition from both Simon and Lisa in all areas from camera craft and the technical aspects (delivered in a much more memorable way than I have ever seen before), right through to reviewing everyone's photos from the weekend and together discussing what had worked and what had not, a real joy to see everyone's skill improve over the weekend. The last part of the course was editing, the recommended software works brilliantly and has enabled edits that I would not have been able to do in programs I have been using in the past. The setting that has been chosen for the course is fantastic, as were the locations for the photoshoots. The food served by Caroline is absolutely outstanding and locally sourced, a massive thank you to her for keeping us all full of energy all weekend. I learned loads from the weekend and had a fantastic laugh with a brilliant group at the same time. I can’t recommend these guys highly enough, get in quick before they head back out on the road!

​"It does what it says on the tin"!! As a newbie to Digital SLR cameras (previously used GoPro and iPhone) this was by far my biggest challenge. But I have to say the advice and knowledge from both Lisa and Simon was excellent. They both have such a wealth of skills in camera use and editing that you will simply improve no matter what your own skill level is. The facilities are certainly worth a mention let alone the photo shoot locations and I haven't even mentioned the FOOD !!! Now the food was outstanding, simply home grown or locally sourced it all added up to being such an immersive few days not to be forgotten in a very long time. Thanks Living Lens

Wow! What a wonderful experience with professional photographers and motorcycle overlanders Lisa and Simon Thomas!

Everything from the location, accommodations, food, field trips, and training was amazing! I had such a fun time, while still learning so much. Simon is a wonderfully patient instructor who genuinely wants his students to succeed. Lisa was equally supportive, but in a way that ensured the class stayed on schedule. Together they made the workshop feel like a valuable experience that was well worth the expense. Sign up for one of their photography workshops - you won’t be disappointed.

My photography (I really mean me!) needed a kick up the rear to get it back to where it once was as I've become lazy over the years. Lisa and Simon are world travellers and a lovely couple to boot. They also take outstanding photographs and I felt quite honoured to be a part of the small group of other photographers whom, for whatever reason, wanted to take better photos and we all achieved that over the course of just a few days, by way of the hands on, individual and group approach to the delivery of the course and the kind of personal touch only available in small groups. Group critiquing sessions were very useful to get another person's eye on each photo, so we all learned from each other as well as the tutors regardless of our level of ability which ranged from total novice to paid (semi) professionals.



Simon is a whizz with Photoshop, which was very helpful for me and I am now capable of carrying out a lot more complex edits. We finished each day with our heads full of new knowledge and bellies full of Caroline's awesome home cooking (all locally sourced and plentiful) YOU WILL NOT GO HUNGRY (see attached photo of what was left of the best creme brulee ever - taken with my phone, I know!) The accommodation was cabin style with a log burner in each and the most comfortable bed I have possibly ever slept in - and it wasn't just my luck, we all slept very well. The local scenery is so idyllic and laid back as is the atmosphere of Nick Sanders' Expedition Centre where the course was held.

***

Was this was money well spent, compared to an online course or watching Youtube videos? HELL, YEAH!!

***

An ideal getaway for a few days for any budding photographer and would make an awesome, unforgettable gift. Well done!

Just spent 3 days with Simon and Lisa. Wow got three nights full board with gourmet cooking, lovely accommodation in a shepherd's hut with food to die for and they throw in a Photography course as well. Simon and Lisa what a team. Thanks guys had a great time.

I’m not sure I can complement this photography workshop enough in a short review. Location, accommodation and food (especially the food) were superb. The learning environment and atmosphere created by Lisa, Simon and the other participants leaves you laughing and enjoying every minute of it. The tutoring style and extensive knowledge of Lisa and Simon was such that if you have a desire to produce better photographic images, you could turn up with any level of equipment and skill and leave the workshop a better photographer. 100% 5 star review and I will look forward to following this one up with the more detailed editing workshop in future.

This is an easy one! I admit I hadn't really got a clue about my digital SLR camera. I'm one of those who always leaves it on auto, too scared to touch the other stuff! Can't believe by the end of this pretty intensive photography weekend I was taking decent shots (off Auto!) all thanks to the best teachers Simon and Lisa. I learned so much about how to create beautiful photos and editing, my head's still buzzing! Stunning location in the Welsh hills, cosy rustic accommodation, fab-tastic food and new friends. Great value, thoroughly recommended.

I recently spent an amazing few days with Simon and Lisa Thomas on their photography course. Simon and Lisa's easy-going, relaxed and more importantly 'non-jargon' teaching style really appealed. They both take stunning photos which, as motorcyclists and keen travellers ourselves, we have always admired. We’d heard about their course and their claim that by the end of the course we each would have taken photos we would be extremely proud of ... I did have my doubts about that and thought, 'Hmm, they haven't met me yet!' I tended to use Auto mainly if I even got the DSLR out (which to be honest, I very rarely used now). How WRONG I was! I was delighted with the whole experience, and amazed at what I achieved, and the photographs I ended up with, especially the ‘fairy water’ as Lisa describes it. I even had a number selected through to the Final of the Course Photo Competition.
Photography Software had previously also been a 'black-art don't-even-attempt-to-go-there' sort of place for me! Simon and Lisa worked with us individually to help ensure that we achieved all, and way more, than our expectations. Their structured approach was perfect for us. A little bit of homework (15 - 20 mins) to ensure we knew in advance where to find certain features on our camera (with each camera being different).
The venue was Nick Sanders Expedition Centre, hosted so incredibly by Caroline. We enjoyed tea and cake, the first of many delicious culinary offerings. The first session on the basics of photography – Composition, Shutter, Aperture priorities and shooting modes, RAW verus JPEG etc and how post editing can draw images from the darkest of shots was very interesting and enlightening. The next days sessions were well constructed and we practiced what had been discussed and taught the night before, with Simon and Lisa always on hand to explain or support us. We did a morning of Shutter Priority, then an afternoon of Aperture priority, and Macro for me (thank you Lisa ...), with an evening editing session as well. The small course group is great as it allows for a lot of 1-1 time. And everyone helps each other out if needed with Windows or Mac issues. Whilst there was plenty of time to achieve everything, an extra day on the course would have been even better in my view.
The locations Simon and Lisa used for the sessions were well chosen with a lot to capture the interest of everyone.
The accommodation was very comfortable, warm, and spacious and we enjoyed the areas for the group to gather and chat around the wood burner, with bar, hot drinks and home made cake always available. The meals Caroline served us were all delicious 5 stars. Caroline is well assisted by her Customer Entertainment Assistants who were all ‘on paw’ to play with anyone willing to throw a ball or play tug of war with a toy. That added to my enjoyment.
So, would I recommend the Living Lens Photography course? Absolutely 100%. And Clive and I would love to come back and do another one with Simon and Lisa as we enjoyed it so much. It is a beautiful part of the world too.

Living Lens Photography review 30th June to 3rd July 2022
Having attended Simon & Lisa’s excellent photographic presentation at this years on-line Armchair Adventure Festival I decided it was about time I understood my DSLR camera better, rather than defaulting to ‘auto’ when taking photographs!
The course was held at Nick Saunders Expedition Centre in mid Wales which provided some excellent locations for taking photographs during the course.
During the 2 ½ day course there was a lot of well delivered information from Simon & Lisa with there always being time to review the information & ask any questions.
The course taught you how to use both the aperture & shutter priority modes along with a recap on F stops & shutter speeds.
With the locations chosen you were able use these modes along with advice on how to compose shots e.g. using lines to draw you into the picture.
One of the main learning points I came away with was that as you were shooting in Raw not to delete the picture you had just taken if you did not like it as it could always be post-processed & digitally enhanced later – this did take a while to sink in!
With the courses only having small numbers it ensured that Simon & Lisa always had time to assist you on both the locations & the post processing sessions.
Prior to the course there is a small amount of homework to be undertaken to make sure you know where certain functions are on your camera which saves time during the course.
To ensure you get maximum benefit from the course you will need to ensure you have a post-processing programme on your laptop prior to attending. Simon & Lisa recommend a programme & rather than include this information in the final instructions this will now be included with the homework e-mail to ensure you have time to install it.
The Nick Saunders Expedition Centre is the perfect location & offers a mixture of accommodation of Sheppard’s Huts & log cabins all of which are well appointed along with a central barn area which has the wet rooms etc. As part of this barn there is bar & seating area where you can relax at the end of the day & review the course – more importantly homemade cake & tea is served at 4.00pm everyday!
Nick’s wife Caroline cooks all the meals which are truly outstanding with all the produce sourced within 5 miles of the centre – there is no chance of you going hungry!
Coming away from the course I am now looking at my DSLR in a completely different way thinking now about F stops, shutter speeds, composition, colours along with what would make a good picture.
I cannot recommend this course highly enough to anyone who has an interest in photography & can guarantee you will come away not only taking better photographs but also looking at your DSLR in a completely different way!

Photoshop is a hugely complicated program for a newbe to even start to understand. This course was delivered in such a way that regardless of your starting point you will leave the weekend having learnt something. It's a fun weekend with time given to everybody. The glamping style accommodation is great and the food truly fantastic. This is way more than just a photoshop course

Thanks Simon, at the end of our day together I came away knowing much more about the complexities of how my camera works than I did when we first met. The lessons I learned have improved my skills, and more importantly my enjoyment of photography.

I attended the Living Lens Post Processing Course to learn from Simon and Lisa's wealth of knowledge and experience from processing photos whilst living on the road.

I arrived full of anxiety as my knowledge of Lightroom and Photoshop was minimal at the start of the course, but I didn't need to have worried. Simon took us through his workflow and made sure each of us understood what we were doing.

I feel able to navigate my way around these programs now and hopefully produce better edited photos. Simon and Lisa have certainly given me the skills to do so.

Location and accommodation is outstanding. Best night's sleep I've had for four years!

Caroline's catering is absolutely phenomenal. Locally sourced food with back stories to it all as well. Fabulous.

Anyone who is considering a course with Simon and Lisa, either photography or processing, should consider no longer. Get it booked! If you haven't considered one yet then you really should. You won't go wrong.

Simon & Lisa have spent so many years on the road, building a wealth of experience on how to edit photos quickly, with minimal PC/MAC processing power, producing stunning images from around the World.

We spent 3 days learning Simon's workflow, bringing us from beginner to intermediate with well explained and patient tuition. From initial setting up Lightroom and Photoshop preferences, to RAW editing in Lightroom, to layers and export protocol, to use of Luminar plugins, to filing protocols... You name it, I now have the tools to further my processing journey.

The location, accommodation and food is stunning. Views overlooking North Wales valleys, with Cadar Idris in the distance, find you watching the early morning mists roll through the valleys, as the sun barges the hills in early morning light. Shepherd Huts staggered up the hill provide a camp environment but with plenty of space and privacy. The food... All locally sourced produce with a story and heritage to every item... Caroline takes such pride in combining flavours that just wants you wanting more!

Would I recommend? Hell yes! You meet as strangers and leave as friends, with a wealth of shared knowledge and experience.

I recently went on this beginners photography weekend with living lens and can honestly say it has been such a valuable and eye opening weekend. I am a complete newbie to photography (camera still in box type new) and by the end of my time there I had grasped the basic knowledge of my cameras functions in order to take my first decent photographs. I have never used any editing programmes before but the software we used was so straight forward and fool proof and the end results were stunning. The food was high end restaurant quality and beautifully presented. The accommodation was comfy and rustic and gave the added feel of a mini weekend adventure. I would highly recommend this course for anyone wishing to start out on their photography journey but equally to anyone who just wants to gain extra tips and knowledge, Lisa and Simon ensure that everyone is catered for and challenged at their photography level. A huge thanks to you guys!

Before I talk about the course itself, I will mention the accommodation and the food that the package includes. Simply excellent. But onwards…

I have to admit that I was rather nervous going into the course, but the warm, friendly and informed tutelage of Simon and Lisa dealt with my shortcomings and I found the class to be full of people like me. Hungry to learn.

On this course, Simon and Lisa explained how to use the likes of ISO, shutter speed, aperture, bracketing, different lens possibilities, tripods and so much more. And they did so with excellent timing. I feared I was going to feel like I was on an uncomfortable intake overload for the duration of the course. Not with these two. Their teaching style is fun and even eye-wateringly mad at times. The breaks are well spaced and I knew that they were adapting these to our group’s needs.

The groups are never more than 12 people so the instructor to student ratio is great.

Something else I really liked about the course was the lack of jargon. Lightbulb moments were happening regularly around the class.

I can’t recommend this course highly enough.

The venue, the locations, Simon and Lisa’s knowledge, their ability to describe, their sage advice, the pace in the class environment, their humour and much more.

I wish I had been able to do this course before I went travelling. My photos would have been far better than acceptable, and the fun of photography would have been greatly enhanced.

Whether you are a complete novice, intermediate or skilled, Simon and Lisa’s ‘Living Lens’ courses are a great opportunity for you to expand your abilities significantly, and to have fun while doing so. I will be signing up for the next stages of courses. I want to practice this stack of no longer intimidating knowledge first.

Thank you Simon and Lisa!

Arriving at such a beautiful location and on first meeting Simon and Lisa, I knew the following 4-days were going to be fun.

Simon and Lisa's style makes learning easy and intuitive, they made the complex simple, and explain things in a way that enabled me to take a 25-year-old hobby to a whole other level.​

Overall I would heartily recommend this course for a truly relaxing, fun and informative few days 👍