Do you have any questions?
Below are FAQs that people ask. Hopefully they help, but feel free to contact Ivor if not.
What do previous customers say about Ivor’s courses and workshops?
Ivor’s courses and workshops have received five-star reviews on Google and Trustpilot. You can read independent feedback from previous clients through the review links on this website.
I am just starting in photography. Which course is right for me?
Ivor offers a range of courses. Most beginners choose either a three-lesson or five-lesson one-to-one course. You will learn how to control your camera, understand its principal settings and start taking better photographs.
Where does Ivor Rackham run photography courses?
Many of Ivor’s courses and workshops take place in and around Amble on the Northumberland Coast. He also runs workshops elsewhere in Northumberland, Newcastle upon Tyne, the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh. Please contact him to discuss your preferred location and any associated travel costs.
Does Ivor offer online tuition?
Yes. Ivor has provided online tuition to clients in Australia, the USA and countries across Europe. Tuition is delivered in English.
I have a friend who wants to come along. Is there a discount for a second person?
Discounts are available when two or more people book together. Contact Ivor before booking, and he will confirm the appropriate price or provide a discount code.
My pictures are not sharp. Can Ivor help me with that?
Yes. Unsharp photographs can result from camera movement, subject movement, missed focus, unsuitable settings, lens limitations or several other causes. Ivor can examine your photographs, techniques and camera settings, identify the likely cause and show you how to achieve sharper results.
I am studying photography at school. Will what I learn from Ivor help me pass?
Ivor has taught photography to dozens of young people and can provide specialist technical and practical tuition to complement their school coursework. He can help students understand camera controls and improve their photographic skills, but cannot guarantee a particular examination result. Ivor holds an appropriate DBS check for working with young people and vulnerable adults.
I see Ivor is an OM System Ambassador. I use a Nikon/Sony/Canon. Can Ivor still teach me?
Yes. Although Ivor is an OM System Ambassador, he teaches the principles and practice of photography to users of all major camera brands, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Leica and Panasonic.
Can Ivor give me advice about what camera to buy?
Yes. Ivor offers free preliminary advice to help you choose a camera that suits your requirements, budget, experience, physical needs and preferred subjects. Different cameras suit different photographers, so he will discuss the advantages and limitations of the available options.
Does Ivor give talks?
Ivor will happily give a talk about an aspect of photography to camera clubs, businesses and other organisations. Contact him for details.
I want to become a professional photographer. Can Ivor help me achieve that ambition?
Yes. Ivor has mentored several photographers who have gone on to establish successful professional careers. Mentoring can cover photographic technique, developing a portfolio, working with clients, pricing and the practical aspects of running a photography business.
Most of Ivor’s lessons are 1½ hours long. Can I combine them into one longer lesson?
Longer sessions can be arranged. However, Ivor has found that 1½ hours is an effective length for most people, allowing time to learn and practise without becoming overloaded with information.
Lessons occasionally run slightly over the scheduled time at no additional cost. If you need to finish promptly, please tell Ivor at the beginning of the session.
Should I need to cancel at the last moment, will the lesson be rescheduled?
If you need to postpone because of, say, a family emergency, contact Ivor as soon as possible. He will normally try to rearrange the session, subject to the cancellation terms applying to your booking. Different conditions apply where Ivor has already purchased non-refundable tickets or incurred other costs.
Farne Islands workshops require at least 48 hours’ notice because boat tickets are purchased in advance. Any non-refundable costs may still be payable. Travel insurance is recommended.
What experience levels are Ivor’s workshops aimed at?
The workshops are adapted to any level of experience. His clients range from complete beginners to seasoned professionals.
How do I choose the right course?
Many of Ivor’s courses are priced similarly, and he is always flexible to meet your needs. If you have any questions, please get in touch with him, and he’ll help you choose.