References for PhotoClassic

Keira Lavelle

Another year running on the Easter Art Nude In The Landscape workshop, and another year of enchanting location adventure, pristine team-value, valuable host input and mentoring... And cheesy-as-heck laughs/jokes of course. :P Wouldn't be PhotoClassic without it!

It's really quite emotional that I'm not going to be modelling on next years Easter event actually - I just double checked for clarification and I have modelled for Howard on the Art Nude In The Landscape workshop 4 years running now - non stop! It literally just feels like yesterday when he approached me to do that first one - where the heck does time go! Well they do say it flies when you're having fun ey! :D But, I am under no doubts that it will absolutely rock next year as it has in previous years - I myself, as quite a specialised location model, learned a lot working on Howard's events in terms of invisible hazards, things to think about that you wouldn't otherwise - it does shed a lot of light on how location work requires care and attention to get the best out of it. And any photographers looking to specifically go on to do this kind of model photography in their profession/hobby - I would highly recommend doing one of Howard's events for a highly insightful experience on approaching shoots on location.

This year was a little different to before - rather than just the single weekend, it was the equivalent of two (back to back) events, also at a different hotel/accommodation. Despite the added workload of overseeing TWO lots of delegate groups, looking after models over a longer period and the one-day-after-another getting up before the sun rose itself, getting out and hosting the shoot sessions in the standard challenging conditions, driving non-stop with commutes to locations and doing pick-ups/drop-offs and still finding time to grab top-notch images himself... He was still functioning with the same massively positive aura - I was surprised he was even still able to stay awake let alone still function as the same upbeat Howard that we all know and love! There is a huuuuge amount of mental and physical energy invested into running event's like Howard's, and year after year - Howard has quite literally run on sheer passion for the work he does for the events because he and Karen genuinely don't stop running around like bluebottles. It is quite literally non-stop for them but they are driven by so much commitment, it shines profusely.

It's not just the "active" shooting part of a PhotoClassic event that makes it as good an experience, but it's the whole package with the research, the talks, the being away in the wilderness and making each session work... Yes the landscapes and scenes that attending photographers to Howard's events get spoilt with are quite special. He scouts places carefully and doesn't just offer a lot in terms of gorgeous picture opportunities "on a plate" but also the tuition for how to approach a model shoot in a landscape (or whatever the specific location brief may be) so the times when we gather together and mingle as a group during the talks and image reviews are all part of that epic experience as an enthused artist. As Howard so suitably says: "concept to completion!" It's about the way that everyone connects and works as a team because the end result cannot happen without one or the other person in a creative team - Howard's workshops emphasise this so much, and in all honesty, his approach and care taken to execute his workshops are the very reason why many models (not all who are well/naturally resistant to the great outdoors/harsh elements) will actually agree to take on such a shoot with Howard. Because they know their safety, and contribution in the working process is appreciated and valued.

Howard himself is a very credible photographer who can capture a beautiful moment from a scene - work fast to frame-up, adjust settings, compose relative to the land and pose changes of the model and BOOM. Literally nothing less than a piece of art frozen in time with so many elements of beauty about it. He participates in many areas of photography (from commercial to plain landscapes to wildlife in Kenya and then models) but he can switch into the relevant mode in an instant and see that magic moment. As he sets up the shots - he keeps the models fully informed at all times in terms of what he's planning/what he's visualised so you're all on the same page and can give it your best and nail the images. :) Because that is what model photography is. essentially - you are a tea.

I would like to issue a complaint against Howard however - every time I come stay with him and Karen/model on a workshop of theirs... I end up busting another vital organ from laughing too much. Or getting conned out of their adorable Husky Tsavo for ear scratches!! Definitely conspiracy material I tell you!

Highly recommended as always and ever. Victims... Um - "models" will be well looked after, laugh a heck of a lot, have half a dozen food comas, and a lot of lovely pictures to show for it during the course of a PhotoClassic event/staying with Howard and Karen at PhotoClassic Towers in Aberdeen when touring. :)

Thank youuuuuuuu!!!

Keira

Mike Rhys

Yet another perfectly organised Artnude in the Landscape workshop.

It's always a pleasure to meet Howard and his wife, they know the best spots and book the most suitable models to ensure a perfect experience.

See you guys again in October.

John McNairn

So Howard and I have known of each other for a few years and we have on occasion met up very briefly to transfer models, etc. This time though I attended one of Howards' well respected workshops, Art Nude in the Landscape, as I expected it was a highly well organised workshop with some of the finest models.

There were talks, practical lessons, early morning starts in fabulous locations, hikes into remote and beautiful areas and locations with plenty of shooting on the way.

It was a fantastic experience that I highly recommend to beginners and experienced alike, the whole workshop was a joy from start to finish. Howard and Karen work very hard to make the workshop more than a bit special and that tells you the level of commitment and quality invested to make sure all participants, photographers and models alike, have the best experience possible. I thoroughly recommend a PhotoClassic experience.

Cariad Celis

I had the joy of working with Howard and Karen on their Autumn Beauty in the landscape workshop. This is my second workshop them in recent years in Scotland, this time we were outdoors near Loch Ness.

Howard is a great organiser with every detail of our trip planned out meticulously. When working in the cold and sometimes tricky environments it is so important.

To say we were lucky with the weather is an understatement. The locations that Howard chose were off the scale amazing! We had the beautiful autumn colours, a serene landscape with the calm lakes and on one of the days even snow, all the while with sunshine lighting up the colours and textures around us.

Howards teaching to the group for model safety were always priority, he was mindful of us throughout the weekend and how the cold can catch you off guard sometimes. He was prepared with soup on tap, lovely warm jackets and good banter :)

I knew I was going to enjoy this trip but honestly I am was still blown away with both Howard and Karens hospitality and their company. I love working with this dream team!

Definitely a highly recommended :)

Rachelle Summers

All you have to do is read through the umpteenth references I've left Howard to know that I class him as a true friend. So it's not surprising that I always look forward to working on one of his workshops, and that I think he is a first class event organiser :)

However this last workshop I did for him has topped them all! That's saying something giving how many incredible weekends/days I've had working for him on these workshops, but his Autumn Beauty workshop literally blew my mind! We had the most perfect weather! Gorgeous golden tree lines lit up by the sunshine, and then to top it all off - snow! I mean literally location gold!!

Howards locations are always stunning and he goes to great lengths to make sure the photographers booked on will go back with incredible images, but this place just took the biscuit! I've fallen in love with the place and could not be more gutted that I can not join them next year - but seriously people get booked on you will not regret it (shameless plug :P)!!!

Anyway, I think it goes without saying that I recommend him and his workshops to models and photographers, but thanks for another knockout weekend :D

Lensmith70

This weekend was my second with Photoclassic in the Scottish Highlands and it was just as good as the previous one, which is saying something. Howard, Karen and Jason are a very experienced team who think of everything from superb locations and models to makeup, safety and all the elements that make for a successful outdoor photography event. The unpredictable Scottish weather even behaved itself for most of the weekend, providing a combination of snow on the mountains and Sun on the lakes, rivers and forests. Rachelle and Cariad were the two models, both of whom were good fun, obliging and full of creativity (and beauty!). The four photographers gelled well, the food was good and I highly recommend Photoclassic to photographers, experienced or not, who wish to shoot beauty and nature combined in this lovely part of the World.

Neam

Had a shoot organised by Howard with Jessica Taylor. As always just nice people and really good. In fact he set up may camera lights and all i had to do on this ocassion was press the button.

Not likely to get those standard of photos myself for long time. Great people plus great teacher.

Scarlet Jones said...

Modelled for an organised workshop that sadly was moved from outside to inside and slightly scrambled some plans ... Howard handled the caotic situation well and made sure that all attendees were made aware and were given alternative options . The workshop went well and he looked after his clients well . When it comes to there models , they like to feed them up ;) all I can say is the last set involved a lot of chocolate and It was a lot of fun . There respect for models is top notch understanding the physica/mental strain we go through and even spreading the word about the respect we should be given on there workshops ... Its great to see that they teach all aspects from social interaction and technical side too . Now for there hosting skills ;) what can I say scrumptious food , great chat , great movie/gaming collection , cute dog , oh and always looking out for there models even if its not there shoot . I was taken care of and even brought to the airport early which is way out of there duties ... Thank you so much and I would love to part of another workshop in the future . Jessica x

Roswell Ivory

I modelled for another of Howard's "Shooting Shapes" art-nude workshops and can highly recommend him. Despite having an extremely busy few days he taught the workshop and hosted me for two nights with a massive smile and lots of chatting and jokes. He's great at pointing out the things that make shoots go smoothly- like communicating with the model- and encouraging photographers to really look at the images and position of their model.

I wholeheartedly recommend him and look forward to working together again. Thankyou for everything! :)

Neam

Howard gave me personal lessons paid my money and I took all in. As confirmed by another lady I know. Genuinely nice warm guy and great teacher. Highly recommended consummate professional. Karen as he told me is the real boss!

Lensmith70

I recently travelled to the Scottish Highlands for a shoot organised by Howard, Karen and Jason. The three gorgeous art-nude models added foreground interest not normally featuring in landscape photography 😉

The Team showed respect, care and consideration...for the models and for us photographers. Without booking on Howard's weekend I would never dream of getting up at 5.30am to shoot models posing in minus 2 degrees but it is a tribute to the Team that both models and photographers rose to the occasion, the result being sets of photos that I am delighted with. I have great memories of my first trip to the Highlands and hope to return soon. Thank you all!

Scarlot Rose

Why on earth I ever agree to anything Howard suggests is beyond me, I must be getting crazier every time!

This weekend I modelled for Howard's Art Nude in the Landscape workshop and it was both the most physically demanding/challenging shoot I can recall and also the most hillarious, fun and rewarding!

Myself, kiera Lavelle & Helen Stephens were the models for this trip and I think that alone was quite a handful for Howard, never mind juggling all the photographers that attended and working with ever changing weather conditions. The whole workshop was done incredibly! The locations were beautifully breathtaking (quite literally as it was minus degrees!) And everything was planned immaculately.

There are not many people I would get into a freezing cold bog for, but knowing Howard's attention to safety and aftercare I braved it, which says a lot!! Not only was the content of the workshop in a league of its own for the attendees, but the advice and information given was worth it alone! Absolutely invaluable and if any photographer wishes to book me for a shoot like this one to one I'll be asking whether they have attended this workshop first!

I may hate him for the physical pain I put myself through this weekend to get the shots but I also cant thank him enough for inviting me to be a part of something so wonderful amd creative.

Having shot with Howard a few times now, I whole heartedly recommend him!

Thank you again (and I still hate you :p)

Scarlot xx

StormBringer

Have just returned from attending the Art Nude in the Landscape workshop. PhotoClassic (Howard) leads these workshops with such enthusiasm and attention to detail that, in my opinion, they are some of the best I’ve been on - have attended two years in succession.

Everything is itemised and detailed with alternate plans for inclement weather.

Weather and conditions determine the day schedule - and takes into account both model comfort and photographer ability.

Arranged accommodation is basic but functional - but we don’t come here to sit in our rooms.

Initial reviews suggest I’ve captured some great images that I’m looking forward to editing.

Howard 'Boss' together with Karen 'the Real Boss' - have established what I think is a unique (I’ve not seen others) workshop that does more than just creating great images - you’re also educated in how to host such a shoot yourself ensuring the comfort, well being and safety of the model.

Recommended and truly hope to return again next year.

Bunnie Stevens

Urgh! It’s so difficult writing a reference for Howard. Quite simply because it’s hard to put in words as to how much I value Howard, not just as a super dooper photographer, but also as a very good friend (except when he makes me work in shitty weather ;) )

Seriously though, Howard is one of the few people I would trust to venture out into the wilds of the Scottish Highlands in cold, rainy, snowy weather with. He alway puts the health and comfort of models before everything.

His workshops are always meticulously plannned and the most professional I’ve been on. His professionallism and planning makes the rare opportunity for photographers to shoot models in beautiful, yet often unfavourable, surroundings possible... and they’re brilliant fun and an absolute laugh.

Looking forward to next years workshop already!

If you ever get the opportunity to work with Howard, or to attend his workshops, then do not hesitate!

Very highly recommended!

Keira Lavelle

"Go work for PhotoClassic" they said, "it will be fun" they said... And 500 million laughing-crying fits later, I suppose I didn't die! :P

Howard is a star! Having just returned back from my latest tour of Scotland which was partly made up with this years Art Nude In The Landscape Workshop hosted and ran by Howard, I can safely say that this is a photographer/workshop host who I always enjoy working for time and time again. I still remember the first time I did this workshop and met PhotoClassic and the gang for the first time... It was last minute and I basically got an email saying "oi, get yo butt up here! Like, now!" Okay I tell a lie, it was considerably more professionally put following an unfortunate cancellation of a model they had last minute for the event but 4 years down the line, that is totally how he would word it now! :D PhotoClassic is like a big up-Norf family base for models, they are the epitome of professional and really take wonderful care of the models they shoot whether for a one to one project or a workshop event. Either that or am just one crazy-ass model for agreeing to return to the mad house again and again! :P

No, honestly... I cannot recommend Howard enough. On this particular workshop it takes the delegates on a magical road-trip to the beautiful Scottish Highlands where we are blessed with the most unthinkable scenery. The workshop offers helpful and really insightful information in a non-patronising way to the photographers booked on regarding getting the best out of shooting in extreme landscapes and extreme conditions. This year was actually the perfect example of how they include models welfare as a massive thing because I kid you not when I say we had snowflakes coming down like meteorites! There was actually a number of occasions when us models were fine because despite the snow, it was workable for us but Howard is so conscious of taking good care of his colleagues/employees on the workshop that he would insist on warm-ups for the models routinely after each part of the weekend. Hot soup was at the ready, chocolate and snuggly warm thermal jackets. Anyone would think he was trying to sweeten us up so we wander happily into the bog of doom! Oh, wait... :D :D :D That's actually normally my idea to be fair, but when some of the most petite/cold sensitive models are prepared to get into a freezing peat bog, I think that's saying something.

I'll always vouch for Howard being some of the soundest photographers in Scotland that any touring or local models could work with. :) He's such a fun and upbeat person, the shoots are relaxed and non-pressured, him and his wife Karen are just ace! I always look forward to coming to visit and giving their big fluffy wolf Tsavo cuddles, it's just like visiting pals for a few days and having a non-stop giggle for a few days. Cracking photographer, knows his stuff and the images are looking so darn cool! How he manages to run around like a headless chicken making sure everyone is okay (paying photographers and models included) and still grab stunning images in a few shots is beyond me!

Big huge Thanks Howard!! Until the next zombie badger apocalypse!

Keira x

Mark Abel

Over the Easter weekend I travelled up to Scotland to attend the PhotoClassic art nude in the landscape workshop.

I've deliberately waited to leave this reference so that I could reflect on this experience whilst reviewing my modest efforts with the camera. This is not a conventional workshop where someone sets-up the shot and you step in to press the shutter release. You have to work hard and quickly to deal with challenging and changeable conditions whilst the models suffer for your art. However it is immensely satisfying to create and capture beautiful images in these situations.

The itinerary was well thought out, the locations stunning, the models brilliant and my fellow photographers were all good company. However what impressed me most was the care and attention Howard and Karen showed towards the models to ensure they all remained safe in some really extreme weather conditions.

I can wholeheartedly recommend this weekend and hope to return again. Thanks Howard and Team I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.

Rachelle Summers

If Carlsberg did photographers.

Simple really.

(Edit: You could also just read all my past raving reviews for him :P)

Batwoman

I recently attended PhotoClassics Introduction to Art Nude Workshop, as I am not very experienced when it comes to the studio, I prefer to let mother nature handle the lighting LOL.

PhotoClassic is an excellent teacher however, and each time I go I get some stunning images and excellent tuition, as well as have a lot of fun. I would definitely recommend his workshops to all photographers, he always books the top models, so whether you are a budding beginner or experienced photographer,you are bound to come away with some great images and have a fun day as well.

Em Theresa

Howard is a total sweetheart, I really can't recommend him highly enough. We shot together during the Aberdeen leg of my Scottish tour, but in addition to that Howard very kindly offered to put me up for a few nights. He also helped me with planning my tour, recommending local photographers to me, which was great as I'd not visited the area before. Howard and his wife were wonderful hosts, couldn't ask for better, and our shoot went very well too - we shot a variety from vintage-style portraits to boudoir and even some winter fashion. I really hope we can work together again on my next visit up to Aberdeen, and I recommend PhotoClassic to all :)

Keira Lavelle

I just adore working with PhotoClassic... They are literally the most model-friendly photographer I could think of and being the host of some of the first major location workshops I did at the start of my travelling career in modelling... I have no words to describe how much I recommend them.

Having done a number of events with Howard now: usually involving rolling around in a bog at some crazy hour in the morning! :P Jokes ladies, that's more my crazy antics than anything... but they never fail to make a shoot fun, they plan like complete wizards (even when the shoot plans change last-minute, the improvised plan is still awesome!), they treat the models with such exemplary courtesy and look after their well-being at all times on a shoot, they know their shenanigans off to an all-perfect tee and they're always striving to positively network and assist other photographers who book on their workshops.

I seriously always recommend enthusiastic location photographers to get booked onto one of PhotoClassic's workshops: there are a few throughout the course of the year and they teach so much in the way of valuable know-how... it's not just a case of, "this is where we're going... cameras at the ready guys and shoot" PhotoClassic cover all the elements and even I learnt a lot as a model on the first workshop I did with them despite the fact that I was regularly modelling outdoors beforehand!

But outdoors aside, Howard has generally got a stupendous eye for a beautiful image: we took some stunning lifestyle shots before now as well as indoor "back-up/indoor" shots when the climatic apocalypse happened in the highlands.

PhotoClassic are not only superb commercial photographers, they're amazing friends bearing the biggest heart of gold. I always look forward to visiting on future trips North and future shooting adventures. Tsavo the husky is regularly on-hand to charm the socks off the models who stay with them and give plenty of fluffy cuddles as well of course! :D

Let the fun commence the next time I see this legend!

Thank you for everything as always!

Keira x