French Photographic Holidays: Feedback

It was seriously good fun, just to get across the mysteries of focus and aperture was enough to show it was possible in the right hands.

I hadn’t used photoshop like this before and it has opened up a whole new style for me.

Seriously the meals were superb, so good that it has been downhill ever since - breakfast was spartan.

Compared to last year it just put everything right where it should be, I especially like the type and variety of places you carefully chose. I also appreciate the way you worked round various dysfunctions of your students. Finally, the lunch on 25th was a moment in history.

Christine, May 2024

Hi Paul and Pam,

Many thanks to both of you for making an amazing holiday in France a fully rewarding experience for me.

I am now far more confident in processing my images and I am very pleased with the processed work that I have returned home with. The variety of locations that we photographed were great, and stretched my skills away from mainly landscapes to include more street and urban photography. The beautiful lighting that your environment has at this time of the year provided superb reflected light in the shadow areas adding to the balanced feeling within the images.

Paul, thanks seems such a small word to show my gratitude to you for developing my further knowledge and skills in this extremely creative art form. But thanks it is.

Pam, I fully appreciated your culinary skills in producing a superb balanced and healthy menu to further enhance my stay with you, along with the ‘family’ feeling of the whole week’s enjoyable experience.

I have now safely transferred all my images from onto my PC to complete my journey to Les Ages.

Hope to see you again soon.

John H. September 2023

Hi Paul & Pam,

Fabulous location & accommodation, expert photography & photoshop tuition, and delicious food! Paul and Pam are wonderful hosts who will make you feel welcome in their home. Starting with transfer from the airport, getting to the lovely Les Ages where Pam will cook you outstanding meals, and then a week of visiting pretty French villages, countryside & markets where Paul will guide you in getting great shots and then working on Photoshop in the spacious studio, this is truly an outstanding holiday. We visited Bourdeilles, Perigueux, and Brantome (to mention a few), photographed the Les Ages countryside and the sunflowers as the sun set and even photographed the inside of an atmospheric old barn. I came home with many wonderful photos and some prints to display in my home, and some extra weight from all the delicious food, plus many lovely memories. I cannot recommend this holiday highly enough.

P Brenner, June 2023

I travelled down from Paris to Angoulême by train, and Paul drove up from the Dordogne where he is based to collect me, and so my French Photographic Holiday began. Right from the outset I knew I had made a good choice. We arrived at the home I was to be sharing with Paul & Pam and I was shown my room with en-suite and I settled in unpacking my photography kit. Paul showed me around and set me up with a workstation for viewing & editing work.
I had such a good week being well fed morning, noon, and night, and enjoying the various locations Paul had scouted out for us to shoot. He was always there advising when needed and making suggestions on producing the work if required. Pam looked after us so well and I felt very welcome and relaxed throughout the stay. It really helped that, as I follow a vegan diet, I had no worries that a knowledgeable person was catering for me, such a treat!
It was also a great bonus to take home 4 A3 sized prints of my work as part of the holiday package (thumbs up).
I would happily return to Les Ages to continue my photography learning curve, and thoroughly recommend anyone to choose Paul and Pam as their genial and amiable hosts.

F Holie, June 2023

Thank you Paul, for encouraging us in our photography, and for all your expertise. You explained things so clearly and made it such fun. Pam-thank you for all the superb food you provided, and the hospitality. All second to none always.
I hope you have a really good year this year.

Sandra, April 2023

Have just returned from a week's holiday and tuition at Paul and Pam's delightful home in Les Ages and can thoroughly recommend. The welcome was warm, the food superb and the location idyllic. This is quite unlike any other photographic holiday in terms of inclusivity and pace. It features an introduction to the delightful villages and countryside around Brantome, uninterrupted access to workstations for those who want to spend more time processing images, a memorable dining experience and regular feedback on work. A joy for those value a true escape from the pressures of 21st Century life but don't want to forfeit any mod cons. With all the benefits of being off the beaten track Paul's bespoke collection service to/from Les Ages eliminated airport transfer obstacles.

Glyn, Berkshire, September 2022

Just back from a great break with Paul and Pam at Les Ages.
Mike was engrossed with the photographic workshop that Paul designed, and I was delighted to soak up some sun, the forested French countryside, interesting trips out, meeting the dog, cat and hens (Henrietta should be renamed Houdini, I think, for her ability to escape her hen-run), and playing with watercolours for a relaxing week.
The attention to detail both Pam and Paul offer is pretty amazing. Whether it is the technical development of skills with the whole photographic process (from scanning to pick out likely subjects and interesting angles for image taking, to working on the image back at individual workstations, and producing high quality results), to offering fabulous hospitality with health-focused gourmet food, drinks and sociable evenings, both of them made sure our experience was tailored to our needs, and made us feel very comfortable in their beautiful 300-year old (but utterly up-to-date) setting in the hamlet. Visits to local markets and villages were only topped by the amazing visit to a Citroen garage for truly special photographic opportunities.
Many thanks to them both. We will both look at the resulting A3 photographs (once framed) with pleasure, as they will bring back great memories of a special time.

Sarah, Isle of Orkney, September 2022

On 4th June my daughter and I came back to Paul and Pam for the 4th time and it was like going back to see old friends. The place is the same but with some extras like fans in the bedroom 2 hens in the garden and a lovely 3 year old dog called Freddie who is the most placid dog I have ever seen.

Paul always found some new places to photograph no matter how often we come. On the Sunday we went to a “brocante” and Paul advised us on particular interesting objects to take but also which angle etc…. Of course the first thing he checked was our camera settings and told us to set it before we go according to the weather etc… we could not wait after lunch to go on the computer to look at our photos to choose the 4 best ones to process. Monday Paul took us to Brantôme a beautiful small town with a wonderful abbaye reflecting in the river Dronne and again advised us about the best spot to take a photo. It does not matter how often you go there there is always something interesting to photograph. In the evening when the light was perfect we went to Bourdeille a beautiful village with an old chateau a very photogenic bridge over the river Dronne. Tuesday we went to an old 2 chevaux garage/workshop ans as Paul knows the people were able to take some lovely portraits of people working plus all sorts of very old cars parts, fascinating!

On Wednesday we went to Perigueux market and even though it poured down with rain we managed to get some great shots and were treated to a lovely lunch. On our spare times we walked around the hamlet which is again very photogenic with poppies and other flowers and old barns. Every day we visited somewhere different and you can lear any style of photography as he has a set up for still life/macro but you can do street photography portrait landscape etc… Paul is there to advise you whatever your camera or your skills. Every afternoon around 5pm Paul will have a look at our photos of the day and will give us some tuition according to our level. For the enthusiasts we were it was great to go back on the computers after dinner to process our photos until past midnight if you so wish. On Wednesday Paul looked at your finished photos and gave us advice and on Thursday you choose the ones you wish to print which he does Thursday evening or Friday. And you go home with great prints and plenty of photos to take home and lots of new skills. I have over 1300 to look at and a lot of them will be good for camera club competition.

To top all that Pam is a lovely lady and a fantastic cook and presented us every morning with the best breakfast full of fresh fruits and nuts delicious home made yogurt toasts and croissants, cereals fresh orange juice etc… what a treat! We had nice lunches in the garden and beautiful 3 courses dinners with plenty of wine and lovely company as Pam and Paul joined us for dinner in their beautiful garden. Pam is very keen to serve only fresh local produce and I was very lucky she catered very well for my gluten free dairy free diet.

The week is the best holiday as it is very relaxing in a beautiful natural surroundings with a great very patient teacher and a lovely host with Pam. So we will be back. Next time I want to take photos of sunflowers which in the summer are all around Les Ages and I cannot wait to return

Mrs J Horne, June 2022

We have just returned from France having had a wonderful week . Paul Edmunds holds courses based at his converted 17 C house in the hamlet of Les Ages consisting of six or seven houses.

This photographic holiday was the best we have experienced because there was a good balance between (1) Photographic opportunities, (2) Tuition in composition and processing the images -- using Raw files rather than JPEG, ---he will provide a hand out of 10 steps in processing (3) Appraisals with suggestions for improving the image and (4) Relaxation after lunch.

The studio has 5 Apple Mac computers with calibrated monitors and the latest software of Photoshop CC and Light room.

Your hosts Paul & Pam Edmunds are a really nice couple with a genuine warm welcome and we were made to feel at home. They have a docile and friendly dog called Freddie. Paul has recently gained ARPS with a panel. Previously they both lived in the Lake District and he was a master printer.

The maximum number of people on the workshop is limited to 4 so the interaction is mostly one-to-one. Paul will establish the day you arrive what sort of genre of photography interests you, and will try to tailor his itinerary to this end. He will also be interested in one's level of expertise and is quite prepared to help with camera settings and Photoshop for the less experienced. A bonus is that at the end of the holiday he will print 4 x A3+ of your best chosen images to take home.

We visited Brantome several times, which is a delight, and also Perigueux, and Bourdeilles. We were also offered as an extra, a portrait shoot in a derelict house in Les Ages. Pam is a talented cook and the five evening meals she prepared were beautifully presented and would have done credit to many a restaurant. Wine and drinks are all included. Twice Paul will take you out for lunch in a restaurant probably in Brantome and Perigueux, again all included in the price of the holiday. It is true that really you don't need to spend any money but he does appreciate being treated to a coffee!

Accommodation is in two bedrooms with en suite toilet and shower, one with a double and single bed, the other room has a double bed. Tea or coffee making facilities in your room. We were picked up from the airport and taken back at the end of our week, so it is unnecessary to have a hire car, unless one wants to explore the locality in the afternoons in the time set aside for relaxation or processing the picture.

Paul has many repeat guests and we will be one of them.

Drs, C & R Nichols, May 2022

First of all thank you and Pam for a lovely week. The care you take over every aspect of the week - food, transport, locations, teaching, entertainment………is truly remarkable and very much appreciated.

Jane, Surrey, May 2022

A huge Thankyou, to you both! We had a really lovely time, your tutoring was so patient and calm, and very instructive, the places you took us to are delightful, your house is lovely, and your lovely lady wife is a gem! Please convey our thanks to her too for her really tasty cuisine and her attention to our every need.
Haven't unrolled our prints yet! Washing and shopping take priority sadly!

Ruth, Isle of Man, May 2022

Friendly, Professional, Excellent tuition, food and time for relaxation.... This is a week where I can immerse myself in my hobby, learn from the top tips, advice and photographic tuition from Paul, improve my digital processing skills whilst enjoying delicious food in comfortable accommodation.

I visited Pam and Paul for the fourth time in late October 2021....I am a keen amateur photographer and I really enjoy the wide range of photographic experiences that Paul provides. From macro work, to street photography, portraiture and landscape, the week long photographic adventure provides a wide range of experiences across a number of genres. Uniquely, Paul also teaches guests how to use Photoshop and there are plentiful opportunities to learn and work on your images, digitally enhancing them to produce your own unique style. Pam ensures that we are very well fed; her cooking and baking is amazing and will not disappoint! Her home-made yoghurt is divine! Accommodation is very comfortable with ensuite rooms. After a week of focussing totally on photography, indulging in great food and wine and enjoying the company of Paul, Pam and one or two other guests, I leave feeling incredibly relaxed and more skilled in my hobby....French Photographic Holidays provides excellent value for money and I recommend it fully and wholeheartedly.

B, Uxbridge, UK, 2021

This is the third time that I have been on this holiday. It is the only one that I know that provides outstanding tutorials from Paul about how to spot a subject, compose an image, and edit a photo in photoshop. Then there’s the additional ‘draw’ of the outstanding food cooked by Pam. Each visit has expanded my horizons, increased my knowledge and improved my photographic abilities. It’s great value for money and a great experience. What more could you ask for?

Ann, Liverpool UK, 2021

We have just spent a very enjoyable week with Paul and Pam at the very pretty Les Ages. We relaxed surrounded by lovely countryside and good company.

I had a week of photographic tuition during which I feel that I made significant progress. Paul’s patient assistance, suggesting camera settings, pointing out points of interest and where necessary illustrating his point’s by taking an explanatory photo on his phone all helped my progress. The “practical” trips out where we put theory into practice were great fun, for me taking photographs and my wife sightseeing. The live model shoot was a real bonus, putting into perspective just how hard professional photographers work.

With Paul’s help I was able to make rapid progress using Photoshop and learned to produce highly improved images in a very short time.The facilities for photo processing are excellent with individual workstations. He also has a small studio used for still life and for live model shoots.

Pam made sure that we were very well looked after. She provided delicious meals and made sure that teas and coffees appeared at frequent intervals. The accommodation is very clean and comfortable with the guests having use of a lounge area in addition to ensuite bedrooms on the mezzanine floor and a lovely garden to relax in.

All in all a wonderful week which we thoroughly enjoyed and will remember for a long time. A very big thank you to Paul and Pam.

Bryan September 2021

Thank you so much for such a lovely time last week. It was lovely to see you both again. I can’t believe how quickly the time went! I would have loved to have stayed a lot longer.

Karen September 2021

Thanks to you and Pam I really enjoyed my time with you, our trips out and the lovely food that Pam provided all added up to a fantastic week and I ended with some really good photographs.

Mike, UK

Just a quick note to say that I arrived home safely around 10 pm last night a long day and spent today emptying the car and catching up on the usual things.

Paul. Many thanks for your patience and instruction and showing me the EASY and quick way to improve my workflow, something which will now be my go-to way of working. Your enthusiasm for photography and the encouragement in making me think about what and how to improve my photography has been exciting and I will continue to think the Paul Edmunds way.

Pam. Thank you for gorgeous food, I enjoyed every part and every meal so homely and delicious and your pasta dish is going to be tested later this week. Thank you for taking the trouble to knock up my picnic for my journey home I really did need it.

Finally, I’ve had a fantastic week and got some great shots which I’m hoping to enter club competitions with some of them, I hope I wasn’t too much of a pain in the **** asking for help so many times but your response was always of encouragement and eagerness to help, so appreciated.

So I will have no doubts about recommending you to our club by putting an article in our club magazine and maybe generate some interest for you.

You both were such fantastic hosts and I can’t wait to return next year,

Rgds. Mike L. October 2020

Hi Paul, I received the photos, they are amazing! Thank you for the amazing week, the prints, the photos and the details of the Photo Club. We really appreciated it.

Lena, Switzerland. August 2019.

Hello Paul, A big thank you for all your tuition - I've learned loads - and to Pam for her wonderful food and good company. I will make every effort to keep working at the photography, and hope to see you again at some point in the future.

With best wishes
Ianthe. France. August 2019.

I thought that you may be interested in my news, as you set me going on my photographic journey. I am pleased to report that I have just returned from a trip to Bath and Bristol, where my portfolio was accepted for the Licentiate distinction. Assuming all goes to plan, I should be LRPS by the end of the month. I know that such accolades are not everyone’s bag, but they do provide some external validation that my pictures are not too shabby. Centre stage was my picture of the mason taken in Brantome at the Sunday market on the first day of our first visit. It goes to show what your tuition can do!

Our visit to you in 2017 really did get me started and I have been enjoying my photography ever since. Many thanks for helping me up the learning curve with both camera craft and processing.

Martin, Surrey. November 2019.

I returned to Pam and Paul and their French Photographic Holiday experience for the third time in October 2019...why do I keep going back? Paul is an excellent teacher who takes us to amazing photographic locations and creates superb photographic opportunities. From macro to street photography, shooting models to landscapes this varied and creative week long adventure provides it all.

But the unique selling point (USP) of this holiday is the digital editing tuition that is provided every day. Having been on a number of photographic holidays and workshops, none have come close to FPH - every day time is devoted to teaching you how to digitally enhance your images using Photoshop and Camera RAW (all machines, software provided by Paul - your own dedicated work station) this is NOT half an hour stolen at the end of the week (like some of the workshops I have attended) - but dedicated, focussed time every day to learn and develop your digital editing skills.

This is absolutely THE BEST photographic holiday! Each day consists of an indulgent breakfast, followed by a photographic outing or opportunity. More delicious food (often cooked by Pam) for lunch followed by an opportunity for relaxation or to start digitally editing the photographs in Camera Raw and Photoshop. The digital editing enables you to enhance your images and learn new techniques. More tuition from Paul who is always on hand to provide advice and guidance. Pam cooks again for the evening where we indulge in a three course meal! (Expect to put on the pounds!!) Whether you are a beginner or an advanced photographer, there is something for everyone! I wholeheartedly recommend this photographic holiday....you will not be disappointed. And I will return again....enjoyable, relaxing, informative, inspiring, interesting,.....just brilliant!

Belinda Uxbridge. October 2019.

Hello Paul and Pam,

Just a note to say thank you for a lovely week we had with you both. We both felt that you went the extra yard for us and for our part felt we were simply staying with friends. Thank you also for our 45th wedding anniversary photo shoot – that was a lovely idea.

Robert & Lesley, October 2010. Kent, UK.

Hello Paul and Pam,

Thank you for a most wonderful holiday. We couldn't have been looked after better.
We loved every minute that we spent with you. The hospitality that you offered was superb. We loved the food, the freedom to wander and we loved it that you spent time sharing your area of France, and your experiences with us.

Thank you Paul for being so patient and encouraging, even when I got things the wrong way round and muddled up right and left. You have truly opened my eyes to the wonders of photography and the excitement of finding gems in the ordinary everyday aspects of life. I can't wait to get practicing.

Rosie, Somerset, UK. October 2019.

I wanted to personally say a huge thank you for, once again, giving us a really memorable holiday. I feel much more confident with my camera now, and also with the editing process. Thanks for all your encouragement and expertise.

Pam, thanks again for the hospitality and the wonderful food.

Haven’t had time to check my hard drive for the back up yet, but will do it ASAP and let you know. My night shoot pics are still in the camera anyway as I didn’t get time to transfer them over.

I hope you enjoy the haggis and oatcakes!

All the best,
Love, Sandra.

Sandra, Fife, Scotland. October 2019.

Pam and Paul were perfects hosts and my time in Les Ages was truly amazing. I visited in September with my sister (who had already been before) a little apprehensive and unsure of what to expect. My worries were soon put to rest and I slipped very comfortably into the daily routine set by Paul. Paul delivers a very comprehensive tutorial covering most photographic styles and has the ability to coax even from an amateur, excellent images. Although its a little difficult not to produce something special as the surroundings are idyllic. Although we picked the worse week to travel, the rain did not put us off and Paul was able to quickly adapt to the ever changing weather to ensure we had enough opportunity to take different shots and put our cameras to the test.

The converted cottage/barn is beautiful and is very inviting and homely. Pam did a wonderful job to make us feel welcome and ensure we were well nourished. The standard of food was excellent and she went above and beyond to cater to our tastes and needs. There was many opportunities to relax in the cottage in between lessons and both Pam and Paul were happy to allow us to do this, only interrupting to offer more refreshments.

I would recommend this vacation for anyone who has an interest in photography, certainly for those just starting out in the hobby or for anyone who has a few years under their belt. The teaching style is very relaxed and works well to develop your ability in a natural way. From start to finish I could see how I was improving daily as I became more confident in my composition, technique and post production skills. To be honest, I think I would have benefited from being there for another week.....perhaps the reason why so many return.

Thanks again, for a wonderful experience.

Amanda, Aberdeen. September 2019.

I have just returned from a week staying in Les Ages, near Brantôme, experiencing my first ‘educational holiday’, having booked a week’s photography course with French Photographic Holidays. Like many, when not getting the shots I wanted, I found it difficult to stop myself reverting to auto-mode, and a couple of day courses locally have not produced any sustained benefits in terms of my skills. But all has changed now!

Having arrived somewhat earlier than planned (I had wanted to explore the area after arriving on a very early flight) I was a touch traumatised by a puncture on the way from the airport and headed straight to this delightful hamlet for refuge! Despite being hours earlier than planned, Pam greeted me with a warm welcome and allowed me to just chill and relax and recover in the comfortable lounge area. She showed me to my accommodation in the ‘annexe’ - another restored property in the hamlet, less than two minutes walk away which was stunning - if a little eccentric!

Once Paul arrived with the other two guests for the week (one a returning guest) we had the first of many delicious meals, and he outlined what we would be doing through the week, in a very informal and relaxing way.

The photographic studio (a raised area in the converted barn) worked really well, with four computer stations, each with a Mac with Photoshop CC software, plus a plethora of photographic equipment, items for still-life photography and examples of his own work. I actually spent far more of my ‘free’ time here than I had anticipated, as I was actually very much enjoying learning to post-process my photos, and marvelling at how much easier it became over the week. And the other two guests and I shared our queries and suggestions.

We had lots of opportunities to take photos in a wide variety of settings, from still-life and portrait photography in the studio, to ‘arty’ photographs in the local derelict barns to street photography at local markets and architectural shots in the abbey in Brantôme. The less than ideal weather dictated some of our activities, but the week’s activities are flexible enough to alter plans as circumstances change.

Even if I’d had the chance to take my camera to all of these settings, I would only have been taking ‘snapshots’ had it not been for Paul’s expert and patient tutoring. He is a natural teacher, wanting to share his skills and enthusiasm without overwhelming a beginner. I learnt so much about composing shots, as well as the technical settings to use and also how to make the best of the photos when I get home. He provides a ‘crib sheet’ of his post-processing suggestions which was invaluable especially in the first few day, but by the end of the week I was confident without consulting it numerous times for each photo - but I’ve still brought it home! I have genuinely been inspired by my week’s experience - the only downside is that I feel that I have outgrown my bridge camera for what I want to do with my photographs, so I sought Paul’s advice about buying a ‘proper’ SLR. That, in a nutshell, is what I had hoped to eventually achieve, but never thought that I would get to that point in a week!

The whole week was really relaxed, there was never any pressure to take photos in a particular way or to get more of them processed - we were absolutely allowed to work at our own pace, and we all three had different levels of skill, but all produced photos that we loved. Of course, the photography was only part of the stay, Pam was the perfect hostess, welcoming us into her lovely home and making us feel so comfortable. Her food was absolutely delicious, and she is more than happy to cater for any dietary requirements. She and Paul were friendly and funny, and we all shared life’s anecdotes. They were happy to go way beyond what could be expected, Paul took me to Nontron to get my tyre replaced and they both made sure that I was fine after I face-planted while trying to get a street shot!

I have come home with five good quality large photographic prints of which I am proud. But more than that I have gained enormously in confidence, and had a wonderfully relaxing week (despite the mishaps). I can’t wait to go back!

Eileen, Harrogate. September 2019

Hi Paul/Pam

I just wanted to say thanks again for having us last week. Both Amanda and I had a great holiday and have picked up lots from our visit. We're both looking to start putting it all into practice and hopefully will get some nice pictures in future.
Thanks Sarah

Sarah, Glasgow. September 2019

Pam & Paul.
Thank you for one of the best experiences of my life.....

Photography will now shape my next life chapter. Be-well till hopefully we may cross paths again.

Billie, South Carolina, USA. September 2019

If you like your photography like I do, then don’t look any further as French Photographic Holiday is the best experience you will ever have!

I previously had a few private lessons here in the UK, but I didn’t really learn a great deal unfortunately and you just don’t get a great deal for the money. Then I decided to try something different and booked this Fantastic Holiday in beautiful rural Dordogne, France. Paul is a very professional and very talented photographer who will identify your weaknesses, encourages and educates you and gets your photography to the highest possible level by really accelerating your learning. I was a beginner when I came to France but I am feeling much confident now and ready to enter some Photography competitions.

From day 1 Paul & Pam make feel so welcomed and as a solo traveller I never felt lonely, I must admit Pam is a wonderful hostess & exceptional cook so you will never leave the table unsatisfied.

I truly enjoyed my photography holiday with Paul & Pam and look forward to coming back in September!

À Bientôt :)

Ms L Kerr, Bristol, June 2019

What a great week! Many thanks to Paul for the expert advice and trips to some lovely locations, and Pam for great food and looking after us. Plenty of time to do some studio work and post photography photoshopping on the PC as well. Thanks as well Paul for the use of your barn for the car! All in all a thoroughly enjoyable week.

Thanks again!

Jim H, UK. May 2019

This was my fourth visit to Pam & Paul of French Photographic Holidays and once again it was a great week. The setting is a beautiful part of rural France and the accommodation is very comfortable.

Paul is an extremely knowledgeable photographer and an excellent teacher. I have always come away with a large number of good quality images (often doing well in my club's competitions) and in the many computer based hours have learnt a great number of new tips and acquired or extended my photoshop skills.

There are many attractive villages and towns within easy reach, and a variety of activities such as markets, street photography, and crafts to photograph. Paul is very good at opening his students eyes to details that they would probably otherwise miss.

Pam is a wonderful cook and every day begins and end's with a veritable feast.

Pam and Paul make a very good team and do all in their power to ensure that their guests have a memorable and enjoyable holiday stay.

Jenny UK, May 2019

Hi Paul and Pam.
Just a quick note to say I arrived home ok and on time. Good flight, good weather etc. I must add a very sincere thank you to you both for making my trip so memorable and comfortable. My editing knowledge and ‘seeing eye’ have improved considerably and my photography will certainly benefit from this (where have I been for the last 60 years??). Also my previously very limited culinary skills have benefited from Pam’s knowledge. Thanks again to you both and I hope I can make a return trip in the near future.

Ted, Somerset. May 2019

This has to be the most pleasant holiday I have had for years. Admittedly I had a week of perfect weather but this was simply a bonus on top of the idyllic surroundings of our lovely comfortable farmhouse base at Les Ages; our ventures out to a selection of highly photogenic locations and even a six o'clock start to catch a misty dawn. Add Pam's superb cuisine to Paul's skill and patience in delivering his photographic knowledge and experience made this a perfect break. Thanks both, I had a great time.

Mr J Smith, Leamington Spa. May 2018

For me the biggest plus was the fact I could take and process images to my hearts content without a guilty conscience .. something which is difficult at home in the normal hectic of daily life. The weather was perfect, the food fantastic, and the company was lively and interesting. Paul knew his way around the area extremely well, and took us to places we would never have thought of visiting. I learned much during my weeks stay, almost all of it things i can use in my "normal" photography. One of the highlights for me was having my images criticised by the other guests. Pam kept us going by producing meal after meal, each one better than the last- nothing was too much trouble for either Paul or Pam. A very enjoyable week, which I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone.

Stephen, Cologne. October 2018

Another superb Photographic holiday. This was my third visit to Les Ages to stay with Paul and Pam. They provide an amazing experience. Fantastic, friendly, professional photographic tuition, geared to your level of experience and skills. Paul will ensure that you get technically great photos whilst encouraging you to look beyond the 'ordinary' shots! He has drastically improved my skills and confidence. He is a great teacher who listens to what you want to achieve and makes it happen. The accommodation is spotlessly clean, and very comfortable. It is their home as well and that makes it very special. The garden is lovely and eating outside under the gazebo or on the decking is so relaxing. Pam's cooking is amazing and she always cooks fantastic and healthy food using local and home grown produce. Pam can cater for all dietary requirements and adapts the menu to people's wants or needs. There is full access to a studio setting and an Apple Mac computer which is yours while you are there. So you can work on your processing and editing as much as you like. If you drive there, Paul and Pam can direct you to places to visit in the free time. If you fly there airport transfers can easily be included and transport throughout the week is provided for the photography outings. Nothing is too much trouble for Paul and Pam and it makes for a superb holiday. Can't wait to go back in 2019.

M Carr, Lancashire. September 2018

As always, thanks so much to you and Pam for looking after us so well and making us feel so welcome. Leaving is more and more of a wrench for me every year, and I know Sandra was welling up a bit too! Can’t wait to see what fantastic photos she produces in the future.

Alison, Aberdeen. September 2018

Hello Paul and Pam, We just wanted to thank you both for your excellent hospitality over the last week. We have just checked that our photos are safely with us and have installed them on our computers. We had a super time with you both. It was great learning from you, Paul; nothing was too much trouble. What can we say about Pam's food!? We enjoyed every mouthful. You have definitely created a unique recipe with your business and we hope it goes from strength to strength. We have already been in touch with Alison- it was so good to meet Alison and Sandra and to get on so well with them both. We sincerely hope to return and would welcome your 2019 schedule.

Angela & John, UK. September 2018

This has to be the best holidays I have had. Back for a fourth year with Paul and Pam, the most friendly of hosts you could ever meet. Admittedly weather was wonderful, a bit hot at times, but my hosts can’t be held responsible for that, but most important a lovely relaxing holiday break, great photography and wonderful food; and to top it all I learnt something new about photography again!! I plan to return again next year

Frank, UK. July 2018

Amazing week with Paul and Pam....French Photographic Holidays certainly knows its business. It feels wonderfully French, the Photography tuition is constructive and gentle and the Holiday aspect is so superbly handled by Pam who makes all the delicious meals, snacks etc seem effortless (but we know it cannot be that easy!). We learnt a tremendous amount and Paul encouraged us to make a big leap with our photography and editing. Thanks both for making us so welcome, for giving us such an enjoyable and beneficial week and we look forward to joining the growing list of returnees.

John & Hilary, Amersham June 2018

Pam and Paul are fantastic hosts and it was so lovely to come back again with my daughter for the third time, nine months after our last time in September 2017. It was so welcoming and so relaxing as we were also the only two guests. But I must say last year there was a third guest, a lovely Scottish man and we all had a fantastic time. Thanks to Paul, Photoshop is getting easier and easier to navigate. I wanted to learn about layers and colour popping and Paul gave us a very good tutorial on that. We also very much enjoyed taking portrait photos of the lovely Marie, a beautiful model, with the old streets of Perigueux as a background, what a fantastic combination!! Pam was as lovely as ever, prepared some fantastic meals and baking numerous gluten free and dairy free treats more than respecting my diet. We could go back again and again, and we most certainly will as there are so much to see and so much to learn in such a friendly atmosphere and we always are very happy with the quality of the photos we produce thanks to Paul’s advice.

Joselyne, London June 2018

I would like to thank you both for your warm welcome and lovely stay. I learnt a lot about my camera and photographic style, and hope I improved it as well. After a couple of rough years,photography had gone on the back burner but has now been rekindled. My use of photoshop improved so much thanks to Paul’s expert knowledge. I tried CS6 just now and the content aware is there and works well! It was a holiday as much as a workshop as it felt like staying with pals rather than strangers: I shall recommend you and hope to stay again hopefully with my chum David. Pam’s cooking was very tasty and improved my diabetic control and I even lost weight painlessly; I just hope I can continue the eating style here. I do hope I meet up with you soon. Fond regards

Alain, Kingston May 2018

Thank you again for your great hospitality and a very enjoyable week. It was very interesting to see how well you both (seem to) have adapted to life in rural France. You have a wonderful set-up/location for the photography and we both found it very relaxing. I am very pleased that Vikki enjoyed the photography side of things.

Phil & Vikki, Sheffield UK. May 2018

Hi Paul and Pam, Many thanks to you both for the lovely holiday. The days went by so quickly, I had a brilliant time. I learnt loads and will put it all into practice. Its fired up my enthusiasm,and its a shame I have to go to work as I have very limited time to devote to it The food was all very delicious. The area you live in is very beautiful-I'm very jealous! I am about to sign up to photo-shop.Looking forward to getting my prints. Alls well with loading my pictures at home Sincere thanks once again, and I hope to see you both again, Best Wishes.

Jo, UK. July 2017

Hi both - I wanted to thank you for a lovely week. You made me feel very welcome - given that this was my first single holiday I felt I was very lucky. The tuition was great and pitched at the right level. Pam your cooking was wonderful thank you for making a good holiday complete. I would like to wish you both well with your school in the future - who knows maybe I will come again!

Carole, Reading UK. July 2017

Paul, Thanks again to you both for a superb holiday, everything was fantastic! You both worked so hard to make it such a great holiday! I have learned so much and know now that I can improve my photography and editing skills.

Margaret, Lancashire UK

Paul, I found the week of tuition and hands-on activity both highly informative and useful. Hopefully the results reflect that! You are wonderful hosts and made us feel most welcome.

Martin, Surrey UK. July 2017

Just one comment on my (BIG NEW CAMERA) day with (BIG CAMERA COMPANY). The trainer was, in my opinion, a Technician rather than a photographer. He insisted that when dealing with images in Bridge one should increase the highlights and decrease the shadows. I asked him why and he said that it was to maximise the number of pixels in the image! Having now fully edited my pics from our week and my week in the Lakes, I can say from experience that your way is better - I used the sliders to check and the images are better when edited the Paul Edmunds way than the (BIG CAMERA COMPANY) way! I don’t really care if here are fewer pixels - there are more than enough anyway! Thanks again for a wonderful week - I will be back in 2019! I already have plans/commitments for 2018!.

Peter, UK. June 2017

Hi Paul and Pam - I have arrived safely home. Thank you both for such a lovely week. It was great to see you both again, and like before, you made me feel so very welcome. You spoilt me - both in terms of the fantastic food (you are a wonderful cook Pam and I love the flavours you add to the food, the freshness and the fact that so much is home-grown) and the superb photographic opportunities you took me to Paul. I really appreciated the new range of places and the top tips on processing and composition.... it won't surprise you to hear that my computer is struggling to load all my images!!! Thank you...thank you....and to quote a famous actor..."I'll be back!" Looking forward to doing it all over again in the future! Big hugs to you both.

Belinda, UK. May 2017

It was a wonderful experience and I have learned so much. Thank you for being terrific hosts and for being truly outstanding teachers…..both of you. Take care

Ann, UK. May 2017

We have just spent one of the best weeks ever with Paul & Pam, French Photographic Holidays. The accommodation was very comfortable with a large en-suite bedroom. The guest lounge area was very comfortably furnished. Pam & Paul spent most evenings with us and it really was like staying with friends. Pam’s cooking was exceptional and very enjoyable. Paul’s tuition, both in the photographic side and the post processing side has taught us a great deal more about photography than we thought we knew. Giving us a whole new way at looking for images and what to take that was outside the normal landscapes, street photography, etc. There was an area set aside for each of us to have exclusive use of a computer at any time for reviewing and processing our images. At the end of the week we left with 4 amazing images printed on a very good quality paper and many more to be processed by ourselves when we returned. I would strongly recommend a week with Paul and we will be returning next year.

Barbara & David T, UK

Just to let you know that we changed our plans and returned home yesterday evening, abandoning our five day return trip through France. In truth, after such a great week with you and Pam it all felt a bit flat once we left, so we changed our plans. We really did have a wonderful time and thank you both for being such great hosts and being so attentive. We will definitely be back, I can assure you both of that.

Robert, UK

A big thanks to you both for a very enjoyable week, the whole experience was great, I really enjoyed your guidance, experience, teaching and patience during the week. I liked the variety of photographic tasks presented, hi-lights for me were the markets and night photography. Pam's cooking and hospitality was excellent, together you make a great team, a very nice business you both should be proud of.'

John B, UK - April 2017

I am in the process of moving house and wanted a complete break. What better place to go than stay in
Les Ages chez French Photographic Holidays? Paul is a real enthusiast, a patient and assured communicator, very camera savvy and he has developed an editing process to help beginner and expert alike. Pam, an excellent cook in all disciplines especially gluten free meals, radiates bonhomie at all times. They prioritise looking after you to make sure you relax completely and enjoy the rural serenity. One to one attention for a whole week works wonders. Give it a try!

Malcolm, UK - April 2017

Last Thursday I won the club print competition with the 'bottles' image!!! Everybody was very excited about this wonderful, perfect amazing picture!! Thank you very much for all your inspiration and help and support you give when you are out and about with your guests and show them/us all these great places and motives..... I wish I knew more by now but it is a special year. Say Hello to Pam and I hope you'll have a wonderful start into the 'season'! Best Wishes

Manuela, Germany

I have been on photo holidays in Italy, Spain and France and can confidently say that French Photographic Holidays is in a class of its own. In fact it is so good, I have returned for a second week. Paul is exceptionally conscientious and dedicated to helping all his students whatever level. Pam provides great hospitality and marvellous meals. I will be returning next year for my third trip and I know I will learn new things and see new places. If you are interested in photography a visit to French Photographic should be a 'must do'.

Bill Leech, Warwickshire, UK

All things considered, I have never spent a single day of training in any genre from which I carried away more useful improvement. Absolutely marvelous!

Mary, France

Paul and Pam........Good afternoon,

We have returned safely, and with great memories of an outstanding week with you both. It was all - and more - that you said it would be, and we are truly grateful for your time, expertise and patience in casting your pearls before swine, so-to-speak. I would like to think that I have reached Grade 1, but I note, rather pointedly, that this has yet to be certified by the great panjandrum! It was certainly a steep learning curve for one who had never used a computer until the late 80s, and then only for the purpose of inter-office emails. Photoshop is, it seems to me, certainly a complex and very capable programme. I think I could have saved myself quite a bit of frustration had I studied something like 'Photoshop for Dummies' before arrival. Overall, I'm well gruntled with the results, and I look forward to working with it back here when time permits. Carol, too, is well gruntled, and is pleased to have discovered a menu system on her little Canon that actually has some useful information! She's already talking about an upgrade to something more capable. This is very worrying!

Jeremy, Salisbury UK

Sorry to interrupt tonight's editing session (I'm missing it already!) but I just wanted to say thanks for forwarding me the link and THANK YOU for a fab week. I truly enjoyed my photo-time with you and Norman and the social time with Pam and Daf in addition. I've learnt a lot, eaten a lot, and laughed a lot- all good for one's health and so I feel I have had a very relaxing holiday, even though we 'worked' quite hard too at times! Although I've got much more confidence and knowledge about photo-editing now, I may need to return for a top-up... as I type Countryfile is calling for submissions for the next calendar- hope your mate doesn't get it a 3rd time! I may try myself, haha. For now, cheers, enjoy dinner- I seem to remember it was to be my favourite ever pudding of meringues and fruit so I will think of you all while I have a yoghurt!

Thanks again, all the best.

Val, UK

Thank you again for a wonderful holiday, we really enjoyed our stay with you. You have got it all just right - the delicious and varied food, the balance of activity and the extremely useful photography tuition. I am looking forward to having some time in Sept to review my photos and to try to use your instruction sheet to edit. My flight has just been called so I shall be in contact soon. Best wishes.

Jean, UK

Both Tinnie and I agree that our photographic holiday with you was probably the most enjoyable holiday we have ever taken. You have created a wonderful atmosphere in your home in a beautiful and quiet part of the countryside, just what we like. The accommodation was just right, the food was excellent and we both felt completely relaxed and at ease. You are both so friendly and give your guests a wonderful holiday experience. Paul, you have a great deal of patience and I learned a lot. Thanks for a great time. We hope to visit you both again soon. Every success to you both and take care.

Mike and Tinnie, UK

Thought I'd let you know how I had got on in the judging in the Uckfield Camera Club competitions. A first for me: 20 points out of 20 for 'Two Men'. And this appears on the front page of the camera club. And then 17 for four others including the shot of me in the bath, which raised much laughter, and a couple of 16s and a fifteen. On the whole much better marks than I usually get. So thanks for your help and encouragement. Let's hope I can continue the trend.

Regards Martin, Uckfield, Sussex UK

PURE DEAD BRILLIANT, no not Glasgow, but French Photographic Holidays run by Pam and Paul Edmunds from their beautiful house in Les Ages, Aquitaine. I have just spent a wonderful week with them and enjoyed excellent cuisine created by Pam, photographing the great scenery and receiving endless amounts of information from the ever enthusiastic Paul. A superb holiday and one I can highly recommend.

Alex, Cumbria UK

May I say that my stay with you was a experience I will look back on with fond memories, the way you both welcomed me into your home , the excellent coaching that you provided to enable me to improve my photographic skills beyond my dreams, and if I may be so bold Pam's cooking was a delight in every way.

Tony, North Wales

Thank you again for such a lovely week. I'm sure we'll be back as soon as finances allow!

Andrew & Alison, Scotland

I just wanted to thank you for my workshop, it was fab and I really enjoyed it, and meeting you both. Please thank Pam the food was outstanding.Thank you once again and good luck for this years bookings,
Kindest Regards,

Becky UK

My Own little Tour De France - Photography

I went on holiday with my father (21st August-1st September) with French Photographic Holidays. I can honestly say without a doubt that I feel that I've learnt more useful skills with the camera in a week than I have with a whole year in A Level Photography.

Megan, Bristol UK

Simply the Best!

The best photographer I've seen in years. His pictures have such artistry. The best teacher - patient, clear, inspiring! Lots of ground covered, and well thought- through "hands on" experience. The best course I've been on in a long time, thoroughly enjoyable, creative and motivationable. Many thanks Paul, and thanks to to Pam for her support. Great experience

Barbara, Thivers, France

Hope the new course has started well. Thank you again to both of you for your kindness and hospitality; you really went out of your way for us. Truly loved the very inspirational course! I miss the course already!
Best wishes, do stay in touch.

Anna Delany, London UK

"Paul’s emphasis is on finding two images per day to edit and improve, and using our dedicated Apple workstations. We had all the time and help we needed to give our shots the perfect finishing touches. The balance between escorted and free days was spot-on and proved very productive. The en suite accommodation was very comfortable, and Pam's cuisine at was superb with breakfast and a four course evening meal everyday"

Ian Gearing, Bristol UK

‘Where are you?’ That was me on the phone asking Paul for directions in the tiny hamlet of Les Ages; ‘I think I can hear you’, was the reply, ‘carry on down the hill’. I’d covered 400 miles from Le Havre without much problem and was now in a village of less than 20 people – lost!I moved back down this narrow lane and was mercifully spotted by a waving Paul.My home for the next seven days looked (and indeed was), just perfect; a 17th barn conversion full of charm and character. Mine hosts Paul & Pam greeted me warmly which set the tone for the whole week. A comfortable en-suit room, great company, fabulous food and an exceptional learning experience for yours truly with my trusty Nikon.Early morning shooting catching the sun coming up, evening and into the night learning all the skills required to capture night-time charm, busy market scenes, city architecture and the wonderful picturesque town of Brantome were all totally consumed by my camera under the watchful guidance of Paul. Evenings were spent getting to grips with Photoshop; boy can you do stuff!!Everyone is aware of images that have been ‘photoshopped’, but not may know how it’s done – Paul does! And now so do I, thanks to his expert and painstaking tuition. This was a great get-away-from-it-all break with the added bonus of having a real expert navigate me around the morass of dials, buttons, menus (and other stuff) on the camera, and someone in the kitchen passionate about food who never disappointed. To Paul & Pam I say from the bottom of my heart thank you so much and I shall be recommending the ‘Frenchphotographicholiday’ experience to everyone I meet. Well done Guys, I wish you well.
One satisfied customer

Ian Gillett, UK

On looking back over the week and the images I returned home with, it is obvious my photography has definitely moved up quite a few pegs.I now look at photography in a different way and see subjects I would have missed before, and I think this is due to the relaxed atmosphere through the week and the small class sizes.The meals were superb as was the accommodation, when can I come back!

G Robinson, Cumbria UK

Dear Paul & Pam,
Just thought I would let you know what a great week I spent with you, Learning to take better photo's in fantastic surroundings with such a friendly and welcoming couple. The accommodation was spot on and Pam's cooking was simply divine, I wish you all the success you deserve, well done. Thanks.

Jim Rowland, Manchester UK