Dunstanburgh Castle and Coast – Absolute Beginners Photography Workshop - 27th September 2026

• Date 27th September 2026
• Time 11am – 3pm
• Max. group size 8 participants
• Cost £50 per person

Are you a photography beginner looking to unlock the potential of your digital camera? Let two award-winning photographers teach you how to master your camera and empower you with the knowledge to take great photos.

Based at  Craster and the Northumberland Heritage Coast, the aim of the workshop is to help you learn how to understand your digital camera. We will look at the various functions available on modern digital cameras with a view of understanding which of these functions are actually important. We will discuss shutter speed, lens aperture, depth of field, ISO, exposure and the histogram.

After this, we will discuss the art of composition, with the aim being to help you understand what actually makes a good photo and how you can improve your own composition skills. Techniques discussed will include the rule of thirds, leading the eye and the use of colour.

The Workshop Tutors

Jason Friend / www.jasonfriend.co.uk

Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Jason Friend is an award-winning professional photographer with nearly two decades of experience spanning landscape, travel, commercial, and editorial photography.

Landscape photography was Jason’s first love — inspired by the dramatic black-and-white work of Ansel Adams and driven by a desire to explore the emotional connection between light, land, and atmosphere. His work moves beyond simple scenic views, aiming instead to convey the experience of being present in a place — the feel of changing weather, the texture of the land, and the quiet moments between light and shadow.

Jason’s career highlights include publishing multiple photography books (including best-selling titles with GMC Publications), exhibiting at the renowned Joe Cornish Gallery, working with international clients such as National Geographic, Microsoft, British Airways and Rough Guides, and being personally invited to photograph Prince Harry during a visit to Northumberland.

Alongside his commercial and travel work, Jason is deeply committed to teaching. His approach to tuition is calm, reflective, and encouraging — helping photographers slow down, see more clearly, and develop a stronger personal connection to their work. Whether working in colour or black and white, Jason places light at the centre of everything he does.

David Taylor / www.davidtaylorphotography.co.uk

David Taylor is an award-winning landscape and travel photographer who was born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne and has spent a lifetime photographing the landscapes of Northumberland and the wider North East.

David took his first photograph at the age of 14 and has been photographing ever since — combining a deep knowledge of the region with a thoughtful, measured approach to composition and light. His landscape work has been widely used by councils, tourism organisations, and the Northumberland National Park Authority, and is licensed internationally through Alamy.

In addition to his photography, David is an experienced photography writer and educator. He has written and contributed to more than forty books on photography and photographic technique, published by leading publishers including Dorling Kindersley, Ammonite Press and Emons, with translations into several languages.

David’s teaching style is clear, practical, and quietly enthusiastic. He particularly enjoys one-to-one tuition, where he can help photographers build confidence, refine their technique, and develop a more personal way of seeing the landscape. He now lives on a north-facing hill overlooking the Tyne Valley near Hexham — a fitting base for a photographer deeply attuned to light, weather, and place.

Useful information

This photography workshop is intended for absolute beginners with the group size being limited to eight  to allow Jason and David to devote ample time throughout the day to every participant.

We will be walking over uneven ground throughout the day. As this is the Northumberland coast, be sure to wear warm and windproof clothing – and bring waterproofs just in case! You will also need sturdy and comfortable and waterproof walking shoes or wellies. There will be a reasonable amount of walking required during the day. Although the Dunstanburgh Castle coastline is relatively flat, a reasonable degree of fitness and mobility is recommended.