References for Devon Photography Training

Budebuddy

I have done a few class's with Gemma (Devon Photography). Portrait Shoots in her studio and on location, learning how to use different lighting scenarios and camera settings. Gemma is well versatile in her trade, easy to talk too and is very patient with her clients. Also, you might be lucky to get a Jaffa Cake.

Phox Photography

Fist Studio Lighting session with Gemma Varney today at the spacious and well equipped Rawpics Studios.

Training and guidance was excellent. Small enough group to still feel like 1-2-1 support. Walked away with may more knowledge and confidence.

More in the calendar so will try to attend

David Austerberry

Had a group lighting workshop with Devon Photo Training..

Gemma is an excellent trainer. Gives detailed and clear instructions on the use and positioning of studio lighting, with plenty of opportunity for each attendee to try different lighting set ups.

Highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn new skills.

BRT Photography

I had a fantastic course with Gemma today. Incredibly knowledgable about everything I wanted to know. She was extremely patient and explained everything clearly throughout practicing as afterwards when I was experimenting around with a few bits and pieces when we had some time to spare afterwards.

She also has really good connections for models as Candice, who was the model for the session, was incredibly chatty and friendly as well as professional. She also didn't need any direction, which was very helpful as it meant I could focus on what Gemma was teaching at the time.

If you ever need a tutor for something photography related talk to Gemma if you need someone who'll make you feel at home while you go through the course.

RoxySkrabka

I was a model in 1-2-1 studio workshop. Gemma meet up with me with plenty of time before the shoot for coffee and chat, then when photographer arrived we she explained how her workshop is working and she answered all questions in a very professional way. Photographer and myself had plenty of time for shooting with diffrent style of outfits and studio lights. Shoot was very fun and relaxed.

I would recommend from a model`s perspective. Thank you so much for choosing me for your workshop!

Roxy xx

Colin W

Gemma's Street Fashion Workshop in Exeter was such fun, and just right for a newcomer, coming back into serious photography after many years, with a new camera and new enthusiasm. It gave just the right balance of being in a group and doing things on your own. Gemma has the knack of being there at the right time, with the right piece of advice, but doing it with a light touch. I am now a more confident photographer, ready to put what I have learned into practice on my own.

Spiderman

I completed the 'Intro to Studio Lighting Techniques' at Devon Photography Training's Studio back in April. With Gemma, who runs the course, and Candice, who Gemma had arranged to be my my model for the session. Having never done any sort of studio portraiture before, both Gemma and Candice made me feel at ease right from the word go. Gemma is very knowledgeable and after we'd run through the various bits of kit (Light Meter, Studio Lights, light modifiers; Umbrellas, Soft boxes, Snoots, etc.) we soon got down to trying out various lighting setups, on Candice, who was very professional & kept smiling throughout the the 4 hour session!

Being a one to one course, the pace is set very much by how quickly you pick stuff up, there is a list of topics to work through but there's also time to do a bit of experimenting along the way. We spent a bit of time trying to get a particular look I'd seen in a magazine & Gemma & Candice were both keen to see if we could do something similar.

Having Gemma arrange a model to shot with is an additional cost above the basic course cost but well worth it, because they know exactly what to do, in terms of posing, clothing, makeup etc. I spend hardly any time needing to direct Candice because she knew what looks good, which was great because it meant I could concentrate on practising what Gemma had taught me, w.r.t. Lighting and composition.

I came away from the course full of enthusiasm to do more about Studio Portraiture, all in all it was a great day.

Shannie

I was approached by Gemma for a 1-1 workshop with studio lighting. It was very well organised and ran to time, with plenty of opportunity for myself and the photographer to work together. I was also given clear instructions on outfits, hair and makeup, which we used a few of during the shoot.

Would happily recommend from a model's perspective, thank you for choosing me to be part of your workshops!

Regards

Shannie :)

Dino Vas Photography

I've now had the pleasure of three separate training sessions with Devon Photography Training under the tutorship of Gem, two studio and one outdoor. Gem is fantastically knowledgeable, patient and well versed in her craft helping her students to be as creative as possible whilst helping us to learn how to use light, props, model positioning and your camera to get the best. I have been amazed on all three occasions of the pictures I produced, always better than I have ever achieved on my own. I will continue to work with Gem at Devon Photography Training to hone my skills and also just because they are such relaxed, informative and fun sessions. Thoroughly recommended.

John Downes

Myself and my partner (who acted as the days model) had an enjoyable and informative 1-2-1 natural light/photography workshop with Gemma on 15-06-15.

Gemma supplied comprehensive course notes for the day, along with her own encouragement and style of tuition.

We obtained some good shots from the day and I would not hesitate to recommend Gemma to photographers looking to update and improve their skills and techniques.

A great day and with afternoon tea and biscuits :-)

Dixie's Clicks

Completed an enjoyable and informative one two one lighting/photography workshop with Gemma from Devon Photography Training. A well structured and comprehensive day - course notes - hints and tips -abundant tea/coffee and guided hands on.

Time towards the end of the day to put into action the lessons from the day and encouraged to try own lighting setups to produce portfolio shots unique to the shooter not the tutor.

A great value day, would not hesitate to recommend Devon Photography Training whether a beginner or experienced photographer looking to update/improve technique.

KirstyM

Had a test shoot with Gemma on Friday with another model, and it was very enjoyable and creative. Gemma was very welcoming and easy to work with, she created a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere while also showing her talents. Would definitely recommend Gemma, fab day.

Kayleigh Haydock

Gem was great to work with, really good communication before the test shoot.

She took into consideration the lighting and props in the shot which was great as it can make such a difference.

High quality professional photos with a relaxed fun easy going photographer. Would definitely recommend to anybody.

Gus Gregory

Just attended the highly enjoyable Studio Lighting Techniques Part 1 workshop with Devon Photography Training. I have to say Gemma managed to provide a very professional training course, with course notes, Q&A sessions, plenty on hands on experience, and an experienced model to boot. I found the whole day to be very informative and I was more than pleased having managed to add some interesting photos to my portfolio. Seriously, whether you are a total beginner or simply looking to improve on your techniques I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending one of Devon Photography Training workshops.

GavinWarland

Had a newborn training session with Gemma, as usual she was professional but made it fun, told me lots of tricks of the trade and my income from my photoshoots has increased by around 3 times! Highly recommend

Ian Smith

Just completed my second workshop and really enjoyed it. Gemma is a confident workshop leader who really knows her stuff. Best of all, she's an encouraging mentor for the participants. Just wondering which workshop to do next...

Diego said...

Had the honour of being invited to be the model for one of Gems workshops. It was a great day, and we covered a number of different ideas throughout the day. The Photographers who attended were great as was the chosen venue and organisation. I would highly recommend attending these workshops if you wish to develop your photography, lighting set ups or just generally working with models. Gem is always on hand to advise both model and tog as required and the whole day was a very amusing relaxed event. Thank you :) x

Andy Manns

Yet another wonderful workshop from Devon Photography Training! Gemma is a great teacher, you have so much fun and you learn as well! I will keep doing her workshops because I can see significant improvement in my photography from working with Gemma so I totally recommend her!

Kelvin Bennett

Attended a workshop on saturday 17/01/15 with Gemma (Devon Photogaphy Training )Had a fantastic day as always setting up lighting for different themes with eperienced models.I have attended a number of workshops with gemma and had a great time I would highly recommend going.

GavinWarland

Another fantastic workshop with Gemma, excellent tutor, always happy to answer any questions and ensures it's a fun, relaxed and informative day. Handouts were provided which were well written and a model was provided (Nikita) who was excellent and had several outfits available. She kept us fed on jaffa cakes, tea and coffee and provided lunch. Highly recommended