References for PhotoClassic

Rick F

I attended a workshop for beginners about shooting art nude, hosted by Howard. I found it hugely beneficial. great advice was given on technical side, using light meters, strobes etc, as well as the artistic side of things, using props etc to create interest. Perhaps most importantly was the advice given to help models feel at ease and comfortable during a shoot, to enable the best images possible (and ensure they will work with you again)!

I walked away with some of the best images I've ever taken, and am booked on another of his workshops already.

Scarlot Rose

I modelled for Howard’s ‘Introduction to Art Nude’ workshop last weekend; he was a great tutor, very informative but with a relaxed teaching style. It was a unique workshop and I heard great reviews from the attendees! I also had a one-to-one location shoot with Howard last weekend and he was just so fun and easy to work with, I had a fantastic time and felt completely relaxed throughout (despite the freezing cold sea)! Pre-coms couldn't have been easier, Howard provided me with all his contact details etc. well in advance of the shoot and put me at ease for my first Scottish tour!! He was very considerate throughout the shoot (and professional) and came fully prepared with towels, jacket and even soup!

Howard was also kind enough to offer me accommodation for the weekend and both him & his wife made me feel very welcome and at home during my stay, I couldn't think of a better way to start my first Scottish tour and can’t recommend Howard highly enough!

Lulu Lockhart

Had an absolutely wonderful time working with Howard again earlier this month!! As always he was his usual chatty, funny and bubbly self, always an absolute joy to be around him :)

Him and Karen were extremely kind to put me up for several nights and made sure I was comfortable, fed and watered through out, both of them care immensely about making sure a model is happy!

The shoot we did was so so fun and enjoyable (as always), Howard is a natural with both working indoors and outdoors and using a wide range of lighting techniques. We tried out a variety of styles and got such beautiful, moody and varied images :) Howard even treated me to the wonderful food delights of the Inversnicky during the shoot!!

Overall, yet another really really great days shooting and wonderful company over the course of several days. Howard is fantastic, do do do work with him!!

Odette Flaur.

I was very lucky to work with PhotoClassic on his recent workshop Nude and the Rocks and Soft and Gentle boudoir.

It was the coldest day of my life but it totally worthed it ! The location is beyond stunning and Howard is super friendly, professional, easy to work with and well organised.

Do I recommend PhotoClassic ? HELL YES :D If you ever get the chanch to work with PotoClassic grab it with both hand :)

Thank you very much,

Odette

Cariad Celis

I had the amazing opportunity to work as a model on one of Howard's confined spaces workshops. It was a last minute casting and I am so chuffed to have got the position and so delighted to have worked with this fantastic man.

Howard kindly picked me up and put a roof over my head for the duration of my stay in Scotland, he has been a true host along with his wonderful wife Karen :) Much love and thanks to you both!

Howards pre comms were fantastic and the workshop went like a dream.

I had the chance to shoot with him at the workshop as well as at an open studio day. Howard is a true artist with a keen eye for detail and composition. He know's what he wants to capture before he starts shooting and nails it with each and every shot.

If you get the chance to either shoot with him as a model or photographer DO IT! You will not regret it. The knowledge and confidence he exuberate's is mesmerising!

Highly Recommended!

Thank you for having me Howard and Karen, I hope our paths cross again in the near future :)

Rachelle Summers

Howard manages to freeze my butt off every year on quite literally the coldest location shoots I have experienced in my entire modelling career.. but I still work with him religiously and would never say no to being part of one of his many incredible workshops/events (or just working with him on a personal project). Why you say? Because he is bloody awesome that's why!!

His locations are to die for! No exaggeration they might be the coldest I've worked on but they are SO worth it! I may moan (a lot! :P) at the time but the experiences and memories you walk away from on his shoots are mind blowing. I also really can't rate him higher for how much he takes care of his models and ensures you have a fun, relaxed time and are not kept cold too long.

And without getting too emotional, I really am honoured that he would choose me as a model time and time again to be part of his team. It's such a pleasure working with him and in particular the art nude in landscape weekend - that I'm already looking forward to next year!! - is such good fun and we are all like a little family now :)

I have a lot of photographers that I adore working with and would consider very good work friends, however Howard and his wife Karen are honestly the only photographers I have ever considering true friends and as such are the only ones coming to my wedding this year as guests. If nothing else convinces you that I recommend them and trust them entirely with my safety/well being then that should!

I am truly so happy that my career allowed me to meet them, and I shall continue to bug the life out of them long after my modelling ceases :P

So yeah... you could say I recommend him I suppose haha :D

Donald Sutherland

I've got to know Howard and his wife Karen for just over a year and I've got to say everyone of his workshops are first class and well worth the money. His attention to detail, variety of concepts and level of care for his models is outstanding. He's got a seemingly laid back style, so up for a laugh, very approachable, that sometimes it's only later you realise how much he was teaching at the same time.

As for the standard of model - he totally spoils you with the quality.

Keira Lavelle

Epic-ness!!! My second time modelling for Howard now on one of his location workshops and honestly thee best model and photographer friendly workshops out there, so much fun and lovely images produced throughout the course of the Easter weekend it's unreal.

There's no glass-half-full, Howard takes the team to the most stunning locations handpicked and all well planned out with equally fabulous plan-B's for bad weather which often result in everyone laughing their hearts out for hours on end. There is so much to be had from a Photoclassic workshop but for the models especially; we're looked after so well (even if we are complete mischief makers when given a radio device for communication!) I honestly cannot recommend Howard enough and so far he's shot me in water, peat bogs, on cliff faces... To be honest, active volcanoes, glaciers and tornado eyes would probably be appealing in the future with Howard purely because you know that your well-being is in very good hands and the pictures are going to look darn cracking as not a single creative moment is wasted!

He's got a pro eye for the most gorgeous angles and overcomes all the challenges of shooting in the open outdoors. Even from a distance Howard bounces off the models to nail composition; this is demonstrated well with his workshops and his teaching is gold dust highlighting all the aspects of location work you need to think about. He's got tremendous knowledge about lighting models in these conditions judging set's carefully for the nicest possible result and if the sun doesn't do as planned, it's no big issue because Howard's will just instantly switch to find an alternative that will look equally stupendous. For photographers interested in this kind of model photography, I would not point them in any other direction!

I've stayed with Howard and Karen on a number of occasions too; their place in Aberdeen is an amazing refuge on travels or either side of a workshop. Hilarious banter, the best hospitality and literally a family-like feel for the models. I'm already extremely excited for next year; a guaranteed blast!

Mahoosive recommendations til' thee end! And no, it's not just the tomato and basil soup talking... Howard is an absolute star. :)

Regards,

The wild one. X

Helen Stephens

I had the pleasure of working with Howard once again. This time was on his epic three-day 'Nude in the Landscape' workshop where I modelled alongside Keira Lavelle and Rachelle Summers - I can't wait for next year's one already!!

Howard is an awesome person and has become an amazing friend over the times we have worked together. It was a privilege to have Howard film me whilst his wife, Karen (PP: Batwoman), shaved my hair off. It made the charity event even more special to me and their support was wonderful. I'm so unbelievably grateful for everything they have done.

Working with Howard is always such a laugh and I feel genuinely relaxed in his company. Howard is also one of the most thoughtful and considerate of photographers I have ever met. Even though I've worked with him in less-than-favorable weather conditions, he never allows the models to get uncomfortable - and always has hot soup to hand - which is very much appreciated!!

I can't recommend Howard enough. Models: work with him!! Photographers: attend his workshops!!

Charlie from Bristol

I just spent an amazing three days as one of the lucky photographers on one of Howard's Photo Classic Nudes in the Landscape workshops. What I experienced was a stage-by-stage masterclass in how this sort of event should be run, as really every possible detail was handled with so much care, commitment and planning.

The basic idea of the event was to drive to one of the most scenic corners of Scotland over the Easter break and photograph three of the world's best models (Rachelle, Keira and Helen) in various well-picked locations. What really sets this event apart from all others for me was the way that Howard and Karen were ready to adapt to the weather conditions - and they certainly had plenty of weather conditions to adapt to. This was the Easter weekend when airports were closed and high winds destroyed cranes and downed power lines.

But every photo-shoot had a plan B and a plan C so we either worked with the weather, learning how to plan a set so that lenses were facing out of the rain, or we side-stepped the weather by shifting the time or location slightly. The models, all brilliant in their own unique ways, displayed almost super-human levels of endurance, which was partly down to their professionalism and commitment but also partly down to the trust that they clearly have for Howard and Karen, knowing that every aspect of their safety has been considered and that their own personal favourite flavours of hot soup will be available as soon as they've got their clothes back on.

As well as coming away with the best images ever to pass through my camera's lens, I've also learned an enormous amount about how to organise outdoor shooting and work in a way that models will want to come back and work with you again afterwards. I would highly recommend this and any other of Howard's work-shops and I hope that one day I'll have the chance to attend another one.

Artemis Fauna

I finally got to meet and work with Howard on one of his workshops last week during my tour.

From the first moment I met Howard, when I shouted across the road "Fit Like!" and he laughed- I knew we were going to get on! ;)

He was a super host and looked after me amazingly! Nothing was too much bother and the workshop (despite the weather being a bit cruel) went amazingly! I saw some of Howard's shots too and they looked great! Especially some of the ballet ones- very proud of what I achieved considering the weather.

There was always warm soup on hand and I felt so welcome! I can't wait to go back (hopefully) and do it all over again! Thank you, Howard! Highly recommended!:D :D

Rachelle Summers

Ahhh gosh, I don't know what there is left for me to say about Howard.

If you read through the many references I have left him over the years you will soon realise not only how much I would recommend him, but how much of a good friend he has become over the years too!

He truly is a great guy to be around, he has such a warm personality and would do anything for anyone. He runs his workshops with a great deal of care and makes sure everyone is happy, and always has hot soup etc with him to take care of the nasty Aberdeen weather :)

I honestly can not express how much I would recommend him, and that's genuinely not because I consider him a friend, it's because he deserves all the recommendation he can get for his work ethic and how well he looks after his models.

You may have to deal with cold weather up there in Aberdeen, but you would honestly be mad to not go and work with him :)

Until next time Papa Smurf!

Keira Lavelle

Well this has to be the most short and sweet shoot I have had with Howard up to now! :D We're normally making a full weekend of throwing models in bogs or something of the like but still ever so much fun and really lovely to catch up nonetheless... Tsavo the husky had a whale of a time as well... rubbing it in that he has a bigger following/fan club than me! But all round awesome and we even shot some pretty clothed ideas this time - what's that all about! :D They didn't half look darn awesome though, that is Howard all over though he is able to capture magical looking images with the click of a shutter in no time at all. His photographic experience is just off to a tee so the sets were in the bag and we got dragged off by the woof to his favourite café!

So my adventure in Aberdeen this time went something like this: lots of nattering/laughs... went out on location made some GORGEOUS piccies and caught crabs towards the end of the session (the beach dwelling kind that is!) Ending with becoming entourage for a pooch. Nothing less than the routine awesomeness with Howard but squeezed into a short space of time which felt ever so strange, I'm usually crashing at theirs for at least half a tour when I don't have to move on quickly for bookings. It's ALWAYS a blast no matter how brief, Howard's a gent in every way and one of the kindest hearted people/photographers you could meet in this industry. Period.

Thanks Howard! You are officially a legend! :D

K x

Roswell Ivory

Photoclassic organised a workshop with me during my recent visit to Scotland and I highly, highly recommend him. His pre-shoot communication was excellent, during the shoot he made sure each photographer got an equal amount of time with me and a wide variety of pictures and lighting setups. He had great ideas of his own, let me try out new poses and was very approachable throughout.

I also stayed with him and his wife Karen the night before the shoot- I could not have asked for better hosts! They kept me fed, took me sightseeing and were just great company all round. Thankyou so much and I look forward to seeing you again. :D

ABZ Photo

I attended Howard's Shooting Shapes workshop held at Red Dawn Studios in Aberdeen. The workshop was really well organised and ran like clockwork. Howard was really friendly and helpful and spent time with each photographer helping them to get the best possible shots. I learned a lot and had a really enjoyable half day. I'd recommend Howard's workshops to both photographers and models and I'd also recommend Howard as a highly skilled professional photographer in his own right.

RayLiv

A low key shapes studio morning with Howard... great morning. .. nice and relaxed, with endless support and advice.. lots of oppurtunity to shoot and came home with lots of gret shots... well recommended. .

Rachelle Summers

Ahhh what is there left to say about this guy?

I seriously look forward to going to stay with him and his lovely wife, Karen. They have become such great friends over the years and I really could not rate them higher if I tried!

We always have such a laugh, he has such a great sense of humour and always has a smile on his face (even when I am destroying his xbox gamertag - I mean seriously most people would not find this a laughing matter and may even chuck me out their house :D !)

Last year I did his nude on the rocks workshop where I was dragged out of bed at 2:30 in the morning and thrown in the north sea up to my neck at 6:30. So the best way I can get across how much I love working for this guy is the fact that after all of that - I went back and did the same workshop again for him this year and was even looking forward to it! Now this may just make me sound like a complete nutter (and I may be!) but I can honestly say this is not something I would agree to lightly, if you are not looked after correctly on these shoots they can be horrific! Yet I would never one hesitate in signing myself up to do his workshops, they are just that good!

He runs his workshops extremely well and efficiently, not only for the model but for the photographers booked on them too.

And to top it all off - he always makes sure he has my favourite soup waiting for me when we finish a set :D

If it isn't obvious already - I kinda recommend him highly :D

Helen Stephens

So far I've seen Howard three times this year, yet he still manages to put up with me and my childish behavior - which is no mean feat.

I have not only worked with Howard on various shoots as a model, but I have also attended two of his workshops as a photographer. Not only are his workshops informative, but they are also incredibly fun. My Dad came along with me to one of his workshops, and he had a total hoot too - he's definitely planning to come to another one!

On Howard's shoots, model comfort and safety is a priority at all times. Hot soup is always provided on chilly location shoots too - which is very much appreciated!!

Howard as a wicked sense of humour and the banter is just wonderful. It really is a laugh-a-minute on his workshops, yet still remaining utterly professional.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!!!

Anthony Wadham

Great Workshop! Excellent 2nd options to cope with variable Highlands weather. Models were great and worked above any expectations!

As an Old F*rt I found some of the locations challenging but Howard, Jason and Karen made me feel comfortable and assisted me when I needed assistance. Great Team! Rachelle, model, even carried my back pack from waterfall shoot after I slipped fell and immobilised my left arm!

Great team, fun to work with. Highly recommended. Howard's workshops are filled with sensible advice without too much Political Correctness. Refreshing!

Slink

I have now attended a couple of Howard's workshops and I have found them to be informative and hilariously good fun.

Both courses were well organised with lots to do. Howard is an excellent tutor, and has a way of explaining things in a way that makes sense. He's very laid back too, so despite initially being very nervous with a camera, I soon felt totally at ease. Additionally with such wonderful locations and experienced professional models to work with, it's difficult to take a bad picture.

I highly recommend going on one of Howard's workshops - and I can't wait for next years Nude in the Landscape workshop with Rachelle Summers, Keira Lavelle and Helen Stephens!