A basic understanding of your camera is useful, as controlling the shutter speed and aperture can be the key to technically good macro shots, take a look at my 'Know The Basics' workshop if you need some help with this.

• A camera!  This is mainly aimed at digital cameras of all types (SLR, compact system, bridge or compacts), but even if you use film, you will gain extra knowledge about your camera.
• A macro lens if you have one, but it isn't crucial, as many of the shots we'll be looking at have been taken with a standard zoom lens, or a telephoto.  You may well find that you leave the workshop with the desire to buy a macro lens though!
• A Tripod if you have one.  Don't worry if you don't.
• Memory Cards/Film/Spare Batteries. We'll be trying many different techniques and it would be a shame to feel limited by the number of exposures you could take. Ensure any spare batteries are fully charged.
• Any lenses/accessories you may have.  You never know when you might need them.
• Footwear and Clothing suitable for a walk in the park, including wet weather gear (hopefully not required).
• Lunch.  Lunch is not included in the cost of the day (except at Walton-on-the-Naze) - please remember to bring something with you to eat.

The Close-up and Macro Nature Photography workshops cost £60 per person, with a maximum of 10 participants.

The workshop runs for 6 hours (including lunch break), and includes an indoor slideshow and discussion in the morning, followed by a practical outdoor session in the afternoon.  Everyone gets some 1-2-1 time in the afternoon, which can be used to address any aspect of the camera, photography, or anything else you wish to discuss.

No.  I have had customers as young as 10 on a standard workshop (I'm happy for children to be chaperoned if preferred), and have even run workshops for children's groups, with an age range of 7-11.  The other end of the age spectrum is no hindrance either!

Please contact the relevant venue, as they deal with all the bookings.  Payment can be made over the phone or in person if you pop into the Visitor Centre.  Payment in advance is required to secure your place.

Yes you can, just follow the steps for 'How do I book?' above, and simply state that you're booking it for someone else to attend.  If you would like a card to give them to show what you've done, you can download one from here, just print it, fold it, and fill in the details.

Hanningfield Reservoir has good surfaced paths and no gradients to speak of, so is best suited to those with more severe mobility issues.

Thurrock Thameside Nature Park has an easy access visitor centre with parking close by, there's even a ramp to enable wheelchair users to reach the roof for panoramic views over the Thames.  Paths are mainly unsurfaced, with slopes of varying gradients, which shouldn't be a problem for those with reasonable mobility, but wheelchair-users, and those with limited mobility, may find them problematic.

The Naze has a varied topography, with the area around the visitor centre and tower being fairly flat grassland, with steep steps down to the sea wall and beach.  If attendees are less mobile, we would stay on the top area to ensure no one finds the workshop too strenuous.