15th to 22nd October 2013

Join us at the Mistral for our hugely popular Photography week which is aimed at beginners and improvers (no previous knowledge required).

Learn how to take more interesting photographs with simple ideas and tips that you can use immediately and on all future holidays.

During the week long course, you will learn how your camera works, the basic rules of composition, exposure, storing and manipulating your pictures using a PC. Start seeing creatively by enhancing your "photographer's eye" and looking for different subjects to photograph.

Our relaxed environment and positive approach to learning will encourage you to develop new photographic skills. No technical jargon - GUARANTEED!

Join us to experience the inspirational photographic opportunities our beautiful island has to offer.

Meet the Tutor

Your experienced tutor for the week will be Harvey Smith BA (Hons) who lives in Crete and has many years experience in teaching adult education courses.

Harvey has been a professional photographer for over twenty years and has been commissioned by clients such as P&O, ICI, Toyota and Bosch as well as exhibiting at the Natural History Museum (London). Harvey has run a number of adult education courses in the UK and will provide the motivation and inspiration to improve and simplify your photography.

At the end of the course, you will have a basic understanding of your camera, composition, exposure, focusing, lenses and perspective and use of flash.

The price includes hotel accommodation on a half board basis, Chania airport transfers (Tuesday), four day trips with transportation, welcome drink, one light lunch, tuition throughout the week and a personal photo-book as a memento of your holiday.

What to bring: camera, lenses, cases, batteries and chargers, cables to link to PC, comfortable walking shoes.

Useful: tripod, laptop, USB memory stick.

Typical Itinerary

Day 1 (Tuesday) - Arrival

Before dinner, we meet for a welcome drink and to meet the team.
Day 2 (Wednesday) - Introduction to Photography
A morning talk on getting to know your camera - complimentary lunch provided by the Hotel. Afternoon at the nearby traditional fishing village of Kolymbari to start your practice.

Day 3 (Thursday) - Venetian Harbour of Chania

A day based around architectural photography. The first lesson will be over an orange juice/coffee at a taverna on the historical Chania Harbour. You will have a few hours to practice your photography around the ancient City. Meet for a light lunch on the Harbour (included). Afternoon to shop or experiment with "street" photography.

Day 4 (Friday) - White Mountains & Traditional Villages

Visit the beautiful mountain villages of Meskla and Lakki to photograph traditional village life. On to Omalos Plateau in the heart of the White Mountains for lunch at the top of Samaria Gorge. Back to hotel for some relaxation and a review of your work.

Day 5 (Saturday) - Historical Rethymno "Doors & Details"

Morning in the historic town of Rethymno to start developing your eye for finer details. Lunch in the town. On the way back, a short stop at Georgiopolis for further photographic opportunities.

Day 6 (Sunday) - Day of rest!

Day 7 (Monday) - Computing Skills & Review

Last day based at the hotel to develop your photographic computer skills and review the week's progress.

Here's what the Photography Week group had to say:

"The photography week was excellent. Harvey is enthusiastic, patient and I learnt so much. It could not have been better - I have seen the island in a new way and would recommend the course to anyone and everyone! Please do an advanced one and I will sign up now!"

"Harvey was amazing with incredible knowledge, skills and patience...also a sense of humour and kindness much appreciated. The course was perfectly structured. I had an exceptional experience and would love an advanced class in the future - I would definitely return from New Zealand for this!"

"Expert tuition delivered in a user friendly, non-judgemental and supportive manner. Plenty of 1:1 time to ask questions and no sense of being rushed. Varied and flexible itinerary with fantastic chances to visit some of the more inaccessible parts of the area. The course achieved its mission for me and was worth every penny."

"Many thanks to all concerned for another lovely holiday at the Mistral, especially to Harvey for the Photography week which in my book, was a resounding success. I will want to be involved in any future photography courses."