Personal Guidance in the Craft and Art of Seeing

There is a difference between taking photographs of the landscape and learning to work with it.

For over two decades I have spent time in these places, often in quiet light or challenging conditions, learning how land, sea, light, weather and timing shape images. Teaching grew naturally from that practice. It remains one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

I have led workshops across Ireland with photographers at many stages of their photographic journey. Today my focus is on bespoke tuition and mentorship, offering a quieter, more considered way of learning that adapts to the individual rather than a fixed programme.

These sessions are designed to be personal, practical, and flexible. Whether you are building confidence with manual control, refining your use of filters, or developing a more cohesive body of work, my aim is to guide and encourage, offering support as you develop your own practice and way of seeing. Enquiries are welcomed.

For those who wish to deepen both the craft and the vision of landscape photography.

What We Will Work On

The Craft

Camera setup and operation
Exposure and field discipline
Filters and long exposures
Planning, research, and working with conditions

The Vision

Light, timing, and atmosphere
Composition and framing
Shape, line, texture, and rhythm
Developing a more intuitive and personal way of seeing

The Digital Darkroom

Editing with restraint and intent
Establishing a clean, reliable workflow
Catalogs, backups, and file management
Capture One as the primary platform. LR & Photoshop where appropriate

What we might work on:

Understanding light, weather, and timing in the landscape
Composition and the discipline of “seeing”
Technical fluency with camera and filters
Working with long exposures and dynamic range
Building cohesive bodies of work
Developing your personal vision and storytelling
Post-processing for subtlety and intent

These are examples, not limits. Every photographer comes with a different question; our work begins there.

Formats

Private Tuition

Focused sessions in the field (half-day minimum) or online (hourly), tailored entirely to you (or you and a companion).

In-the-field: based in Wicklow, available across Ireland and worldwide by arrangement.
Online: live screen-share for editing, critique, workflow, or creative direction.

Mentorship

For those seeking longer term guidance. Mentorship offers an ongoing conversation that unfolds over time, either fully online or combined with occasional in field sessions. The emphasis is on steady development, reflection, and building clarity in both craft and direction.

Once in a lifetime….
I recently took two Ireland workshops with John and Athena, and they were terrific. They’re both great photographers, teachers and people! They have scouted the best locations and know the best times to get you there. I came back with memories, and images, I’ll treasure for a lifetime. All in all, it was a great experience and I can confidently recommend Light, Land & Sea if you’re considering a workshop with them!
Tony Gouge
Workshop Participant
South Carolina, USA
treated as close friends
We recently participated in two Light, Land & Sea workshops, one in County Kerry and the other along Ireland’s Copper Coast. Light, Land & Sea is true to its word in offering unique photographic experiences. John and his co-instructor focused closely on the needs of participants, dividing their time so each of us felt fully supported. Locations were well scouted in advance, with suitable alternatives for changing conditions. We were given ample time at each location and came away with our best photographs.
Ted & Dora McGee
Workshop Participant
Georgia, USA
I learned a lot…
It takes me a while to look at my pictures without prejudice and a critical eye but I finally started reviewing my work in earnest. I got some really good shots I never would have seen before and realize what a great trip it was for me. I learned a lot about how to improve my long exposure, how to use the equipment I have and what equipment I needed to purchase to improve my work (not sure if I should be thanking you for that). I just wanted to thank you for your time and the experience. If you ever find yourself in New England, feel free to look me up.
Michael Kopel
Workshop Participant
New England, USA
a great weekend of long exposure photography…
A big thanks to Athena and John from Light Land and Sea for a great weekend of long exposure photography at the Copper Coast Waterford. Over the weekend we visited some fantastic coves along the copper coast which were excellent for long exposure photography. The weather was in our favour, the people were friendly and extremely pleasant. The workshop was certainly insightful and resulted in some excellent imagery.
Owen O’Donohoe
Workshop Participant
Waterford, Ireland

A Personal Approach

My teaching draws directly from my own long term practice as a landscape and seascape photographer. The emphasis is always on clarity, curiosity, and craft. I value patience, attentiveness, and learning to respond to what the landscape offers rather than forcing an outcome.

Whether through a single session or an ongoing mentorship, the intention is the same: to support your development in a way that feels grounded, thoughtful, and sustainable.

Enquiries

If you are interested in one to one or two to one tuition, in the field or online, or in a longer mentorship arrangement, you are welcome to get in touch.

Tell me a little about your experience and what you would like to explore, and we can shape the next steps together.

Photography Tuition & Mentorship