For photographic clubs, societies or other events I provide a series of talks supported by photographs, anecdotes, and examples. Presented in an informal and friendly style. For those locations close to Harrogate I can do this in person, or via zoom world wide.

I provide the opportunity to visit groups to critique their photos and provide judgements for competitions. I am a Yorkshire Photographic Union Judge. Again if local this can be done in person, otherwise on zoom.

For details and prices please get in touch via the contact button

Kempsey Camera Club - What a brilliant evening we all had yesterday, thank you.  Your talk on Urban Night Photography was so absorbing, not only taking us to some amazing locations, but also giving us lots of useful advice on how to try and achieve these results. We loved your images and your commentary, full of advice and tips; thank you for a great evening thoroughly enjoyed by all.  The club has been so inspired that we are arranging a night shoot to put into practise the guidance your talk has given us.

Cookridge Camera Club - We invited Alistair to judge our annual “Eddie Spence” trophy competition at Cookridge CC. This trophy is an annual showcase event at Cookridge and is a test of an entrant’s skills over a wide range of genres and techniques. Put simply Alistair was brilliant . He had clearly spent time going through the entries and prepared his comments with scrupulous attention to detail. His feedback was insightful, helpful and positive . No one went away feeling deflated and everyone agreed with his conclusions. Cookridge CC would recommend him highly 

York Camera Club - We were treated to a number of quite outstanding photographs, embracing the ‘blue’ hour, dusk and dawn, and the dead of night. This, however, was only the half of it. We had mentioned to Alistair that the club was planning a night-time photography excursion, with a subsequent club event, when we could share our resulting images. Alistair provided us with a wealth of information, covering planning, preparation, location management and technical guidance that has equipped us so well for our own Nightscape work. Even when discussing his own work, Alistair frequently drew attention to aspects of his images with which he wasn’t entirely happy and explained how he thought he could strengthen them. So, thank you Alistair for not only sharing with us some wonderful images, but for providing us with so much advice and guidance. We couldn’t have asked for more.

Paisley Colour Photographic Club - I just wanted to drop you a quick line to thank you again for your time, expertise and enthusiasm this evening. You've left me with a fresh appreciation of brutalism, a desire to learn more and a few ideas to pursue. The members that I spoke to were certainly appreciative. You quite clearly have a passion for the subject and that comes across hearing you speak.

Newent Camera Club - Thank you for your zoom talk last night, we all found it very interesting and appreciated your advice and tips on photographing “Brutalist” Architecture. Several of our members have a liking of this type of photography and it found it especially interesting.  

Ripon Camera Club - Many thanks again for the excellent and informative presentation you gave last night. The variety of images you showed and the dialogue that went with them, meant there was something of interest for everyone, whatever the standard of their photography. In addition, showing us how you go about preparing and planning your photography was a valuable lesson for us all. It was obvious that this attention to detail helps to  produce high quality and interesting images. We were also grateful for the valuable information you gave about the resources that can be used prior to setting  foot in a location. 

Knaresborough Camera Club - Thank you for providing an entertaining evening, the members appreciated you overall delivery style and found your comments useful.  The overall feeling was you provided a very supportive commentary that was helpful, constructive and balanced. Members found your approach refreshing and wished other Judges could have seen your delivery style.  They were very impressed and would be very happy to see you again.

Worcester Camera Club - We all enjoyed the presentation, and what you said in response to questions was highly relevant and interesting

Kidlington Camera club - Thank you very much for your wonderful talk

  • Planning to get the best shot

    How often do you turn up a location feeling overwhelmed and leave feeling that you missed opportunities? How do you ensure that you can find locations which are different to those previously captured by other photographers? How do you make sure that you make the best use of your investment in equipment, travel and time when visiting a new or existing location?

    This presentation uncovers photography location preparation and planning showing how to get the most out an area often in a limited time. How you can prepare ahead of a shoot with commonly available resources to both explore new locations and get the most out of your time when in situ.

    It will unpack a number of practical examples such as Berlin, Leeds, Manchester, Iceland, Isle of Skye, Isle of Arran, Glencoe, N Yorkshire Dales, London, Northumberland and many more, providing useful pointers on location scouting, practical preparation and composition.

  • Brutalist Architecture - it’s like marmite

    Most people have a clear view about Brutalist Architecture, but there is more to see than just hulks of concrete. One of the more difficult architectural subjects to capture since it is largely a grey subject, with acute lines and uncompromising structures.

    Drawing on many examples from the North of England and further afield his talk will look at intimate details and explain how he photographs these tricky subjects.

    The talk will also highlight many locations, often overlooked details and interesting aspects of brutalism that make really good photographic content.

    Techniques such as using a shift lens and post production software editing will also be touched on.

  • Tools, Tips and Techniques to improve your landscape photography

    This is a very practical session walking through images to suggest and highlight ways of improving your landscape images.

    How can you create depth by using layers in the images? How important it is to have a focal point, to create separation in what can be complex images and how to create balance over the image.

    The talk will also touch on exposure blending, focus staking and other techniques. The approach will be to share easy ways that all photographers can embrace these techniques, and also tips on how you can minimise landscape photography being about the settings and gear and not the emotion of the location.

    Using case study images from Scotland, Iceland, North Yorkshire, North Wales and beyond the talk provides plenty of source material and stimulation to all landscape photographers.

  • Sport and Action

    As a regular sports photographer covering events as diverse as lacrosse and korfball to the more mainstream football and motorsports, this talk aims to take you through what can often feel like a daunting subject area.

    How do you set up your camera and yourself to give you the best chance of getting the action? What are the tips and tricks you might want to use to create a professional looking shot.

    As an amateur how do you get access to and select sports where you can get close up. You might be surprised how with regular camera equipment and a bit of know how, you can turn a flash of action into a great image.

    Using images from events such as the Commonwealth Games, local football matches, university sports events, and open access events, the talk aims to improve the photography of any budding sports photographer.

  • Urban and Street Photography

    This talk will unpack how you can best use your time to capture great Urban and Street photographs. How to approach the scene, what gear, tools, tips and techniques.

    If you are a budding urban photographer, new to street or just interested in another take on how to get better urban and street photographs this is for you.

    Using examples from London, Manchester, Leeds and beyond this should boost your confidence and provide you with new ideas.

  • Urban night photography

    Photographing cities during blue hour or darkness can provide spectacular photographs. The contrast between dark and light, combined with the lines of buildings provide ample material for the photographer.

    This talk focuses on everything from cityscapes in Docklands to car parks in Leeds. In addition to static photography the capture of moving light from things like cars, trains and people will also be included. Composition techniques, equipment and lighting will all be covered to provide insights and examples of successful night photography.

  • Travel Photography

    How do you turn a holiday snap into a genuine travel photograph? This talk unpacks the different genres of travel photography for those visiting places new or familiar.

    I have travelled far and wide - Egypt, China, Mexico, Russia, South America, Eastern Europe to name a few. What makes a good travel location? How do you get the best out of that destination and make sure that you come back with memories that capture the essence of where you went, but at the same time bring something new.

    Using examples from places such as Italy, Eastern Europe, Egypt, London and others the talk will share some of the tools and techniques to get the most of of your trip, or inspire you to go further.

  • Iceland - land of Fire and Ice

    Iceland remains one of the biggest destinations for photographers. Exciting and unique landscapes, challenging weather, plus the draw of the aurora.

    This talk covers a range of locations and subject matters for photographers who have been before and want inspiration, to those planning their first trip. Recommendations on where and when to go, with some inspirational photographs from a photographer who has visited on many occasions.

    In addition to be a photographer the author is also a geographer so will comment on why Iceland remains such a draw and why the landscape is so challenging and rewarding in equal measure.