Photography Workshops & Courses
in Northumberland & Newcastle
Master your camera with local photography tuition in the heart of Northumberland, a short drive from Newcastle. Choose from private 1-to-1 courses or small group photography tours along the coast.
Every workshop and course below runs on location around Northumberland - from landscape photography courses on the coast at Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh, to wildlife photography workshops in the Cheviots and astrophotography under some of England's darkest skies. Whether you're after private 1-to-1 tuition tailored entirely around you or a friendly small group photography tour near Newcastle, each session is led in person and built around your own experience level and goals, beginner to advanced.
Christmas gift idea: give a photography experience this year - buy a Gift Voucher below before 1 January and we'll add 20% extra value, redeemable towards a workshop booking or a print.
Gift Vouchers🎄 20% extra until New Year
Give the gift of a moment, framed - and until New Year, every voucher is worth 20% more than you pay for it. Redeemable towards any print at checkout, or a workshop booking by email - valid for 12 months, and any leftover balance stays on the code.
🎄 Pay £50.00, give a voucher worth £60.00 - Christmas offer, ends 1 January.
Hi! I'm Stephen.
I am the photographer behind NorthernPixl. With over 20 years of experience behind the lens, a huge part of my life revolves around capturing the wild beauty of Northumberland, from the crashing waves of the North Sea to the glow of the Aurora Borealis and even the extraordinary wildlife Northumberland has to offer.
I absolutely love sharing my work and I'm fortunate to have been featured nationally and internationally, however my true passion lies in teaching and showcasing Northumberland's beauty. I believe that photography is not just about technical settings; it's about learning to see. Whether you are completely new to photography or an experienced photographer looking for local knowledge, my goal is to help you to get more out of photography and experience what Northumberland has to offer.
1-to-1 Masterclass (Full Day)
A completely bespoke day tailored to your specific needs. Whether you want to master long exposure seascapes at Bamburgh, track wildlife in the Cheviots, or finally understand manual mode, this day is yours. We will cover technical camera skills, composition theory, and fieldcraft.
Ideal for: Photographers of any level who want rapid improvement through dedicated personal attention.
1-to-1 Masterclass (Half Day)
Perfect for focusing on a single specific skill or location. We can spend 4 hours perfecting your bird-in-flight settings, or chasing the perfect seascape at Dunstanburgh Castle. Intense, focused, and highly educational.
Ideal for: Those with a busy schedule or a specific technical hurdle they need to overcome.
Coastal Group Walk
Join a small group (max 4 people) for a social and educational photo walk along the stunning Northumberland Coast. We will tackle the classic locations: Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh, or Howick. Learn from the tutor and your peers in a relaxed environment.
Ideal for: Social photographers who want to discover new locations safely.
Astro & Nightscape Intro
Discover the dark skies of Northumberland. We will meet just before sunset to get ready to learn the art of night photography. Topics include focusing in the dark, the '500 Rule' and 'NPF Rule' for sharp stars, timelapses, milky way and deep sky objects.
Ideal for: Anyone wanting to capture the Milky Way or Aurora Borealis or a general interest in astro photography.
Northumberland Hidden Gems Walk
Put the camera away (or bring it just for snaps!) and immerse yourself in the landscape. This is a guided walking experience designed to show you the parts of Northumberland most visitors miss. From hidden waterfalls in the Cheviots to ancient Iron Age hillforts and secret coves, I will guide you through the history and geology of this incredible land.
Ideal for: Those who want to explore the landscape safely and learn about local history without the focus on photography.
Wildlife Fieldcraft Basics
Learn how to get close to wildlife without disturbing it and while following the ethics of wildlife photography. We will cover basic camouflage, wind direction, stalking techniques, and camera settings for fast action. We will target local species such as birds of prey, deer, seabirds or river birds depending on the season.
Ideal for: Nature lovers who want to move beyond 'snapshot' wildlife photos.
What's in my bag?
To handle the diverse conditions of Northumberland, from dark sky astro shoots to fast-paced wildlife encounters, I rely on a specific set of tools. You really don't need the very best or latest gear to get out and enjoy photography, any camera and lens can be the gateway to your journey. For information I've popped below what kit I use to capture my images. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases using the links below.
Cameras
Sony A7IV
My daily workhorse. The 33MP sensor provides incredible detail for landscapes, allowing for large prints, while the real-time eye autofocus is absolutely essential for tracking erratic birds in flight. It's the perfect hybrid.
Sony A7III
My trusted backup body and astro specialist. Its 24MP sensor has larger pixels which gives it excellent low-light performance and dynamic range, making it my preferred choice for clean nightscapes.
Lenses
Sony F4 24-105mm
The 'do it all' lens. If I'm hiking and only want one lens, this is it. It covers wide landscapes at 24mm to short telephoto portraits at 105mm, offering incredible versatility without changing lenses.
Sony 200-600mm
Essential for wildlife. The internal zoom means it stays balanced on a gimbal, and the 600mm reach allows me to capture intimate portraits of seabirds and deer without disturbing their natural behaviour.
Viltrox 16mm F1.8
My go-to for the Milky Way. The ultra-fast F1.8 aperture lets in huge amounts of light, allowing me to keep ISO lower for cleaner images of the night sky.
Samyang 14mm F2.8
An ultra-wide alternative. The extra width (14mm vs 16mm) is crucial when I need to fit a massive foreground element, like Bamburgh Castle, and the entire arch of the Milky Way into one frame.
Accessories
Artcise Carbon Tripod
A rock-solid foundation is non-negotiable for long exposures on the windy Northumberland coast. Carbon fibre absorbs vibration better than aluminium and saves weight on long hikes.
Star Tracker (MSM)
Rotates the camera to counteract Earth's rotation. This allows for 2-minute exposures instead of 15 seconds, capturing far more detail and colour in deep sky objects without star trails.
Rolanpro Lens Cover
Protects the big white lens from rain, sand, and accidental bumps while adding camouflage. Essential for blending into the environment and protecting your investment.
Wildlife Photography Hide
Essential for static observation. It allows me to stay comfortable and unseen for hours while waiting for shy species like otters or kingfishers to emerge.
3D Camo Ghillie Suit
Perfect for stalking or when a static hide isn't practical. It breaks up the human outline completely, allowing me to merge into the hedgerows and get closer to wildlife.
Peak Design Slide Strap
A versatile, comfortable strap that connects quickly. The seatbelt-style material glides over clothing, and the smooth adjustment handles make changing length instant for different carry styles.
Peak Design Capture Clip
Keeps my camera securely attached to my backpack strap for instant access while hiking. It keeps my hands free for scrambling but ensures the camera is ready in a split second.
Peak Design Cuff Wrist Strap
Minimalist protection against accidental drops. It creates a magnetic bracelet when not in use, so it's never in the way, but instantly secures the camera if I lose my grip.
Cotton Carrier G3 Harness
Essential for carrying heavy telephoto lenses over long distances without neck strain. It distributes the weight across your chest and back, making all-day hikes with big glass manageable.
K&F Magnetic Lens Filters
A game changer for seascapes. The magnetic system lets me swap ND and CPL filters in seconds without freezing fingers screwing them on, allowing me to control shutter speed for smooth water effects.
Lens Dew Heater
Vital for astro photography in the UK. It wraps around the front element to gently warm the glass, preventing fog and dew from forming during long, cold nights.
Remote Shutter
Ensures absolutely zero camera shake for long exposures. It also allows me to lock the shutter open for 'Bulb' mode exposures longer than 30 seconds.
Vallerret Senja LRS Zipper Mitt
Essential for cold weather photography. The zipper allows instant access to my fingers for adjusting camera dials, while keeping my hands incredibly warm during freezing Northumberland mornings.
Essential Equipment
Tips, gear reviews, and stories from the field in Northumberland.
Surviving the Chill: Why the Vallerret Skadi LRS is my go to cold weather glove
Brutal winds and freezing temperatures can ruin an outdoor shoot. Here is why the Vallerret Skadi LRS mitts are my ultimate cold weather solution.
What People Say
Workshops & Tuition FAQ
Do you run photography workshops near Newcastle?
Yes - every workshop and 1-to-1 tuition session runs on location across Northumberland, a short drive from Newcastle upon Tyne. Locations include Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh, the Cheviots and Howick, all within about an hour of the city.
Do I need experience, or are these beginner-friendly?
Both the private tuition and small group sessions are built around your own level, from complete beginners who've never left auto mode to photographers polishing one specific skill. Just mention your experience when you get in touch.
What's the difference between 1-to-1 tuition and a small group workshop?
The 1-to-1 Masterclasses (full or half day) are entirely private and tailored around what you want to learn. The Coastal Group Walk is a small group photography tour - capped at 4 people - along the Northumberland coast, with the same hands-on tuition in a social, shared setting.
Do you offer wildlife photography workshops?
Yes - Wildlife Fieldcraft Basics covers fieldcraft, camouflage and camera settings for fast action, targeting local species such as birds of prey, deer and seabirds depending on the season.
How do I book a photography course or workshop?
Get in touch by email with your preferred dates and goals - every booking here is arranged personally rather than through an automated calendar, so you get a reply built around what you actually want to shoot.