The Cornish Seascape Academy
MASTERCLASS WORKSHOPS & PHOTO HOLIDAYS
The Cornish peninsular boasts an unparalleled array of coastline and solar aspects. From towering cliffs to wide golden beaches, hidden coves to hushed estuaries, the location variety is spectacular. As is the unique ability to shoot the directional light of the sun's rise and set at locations just a few miles apart. Therefore, providing you know where and when to go, Cornwall offers the ideal Seascape photography destination.
VOTED BEST TRAINING PROVIDER '22, '23, '24 & '25
It's four years in a row!
In the face of tough competition from the biggest names in the Courses & Holidays market, I'm delighted to announce I have won the Photography News Best Training Provider Award 2025!
This makes it four years running and my thanks go to each and every one of my fantastic clients, camera club supporters and social media followers who voted for me. You are stars!
However, rather than getting complacent, this latest success will only make me more focussed on providing the very best workshops and masterclasses money can buy!
So please read on...
THE PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO SHOW '26
Come and say Hi
We're really looking forward to being back at the NEC for the Photography & Video Show 2026. It's on between the 14th to 17th March and if you're going along, be sure to drop by Stand J61 and say Hi.
Use the code CSP26 to save 20% Off your ticket prices when booking online.
Dedicated to excellence
Based in Crantock on the magnificent Atlantic Coast, the Cornish Seascape Academy is dedicated to excellence in all aspects of this challengingly rewarding discipline. Offering a full range of residential workshops, studio masterclasses and self-catering holidays, it gives photography enthusiasts of all levels the chance to hone their imaging skills on some of the finest coastline in the world.
Award
winning
training &
holidays
My passion for Seascapes has come through a lifetime of being around or in the sea. Besides my camera work, there have been a host of other influences such as surfing, diving, kayaking and fishing, that have forged a deep relationship with the coast. Each helping to instil vital insight and understanding of this most complex and demanding environment. When brought together, this experience combines in my award-winning approach to shooting seascapes, and forms the foundation of the Cornish Seascape Academy.
To build on the success and extend the scope of my workshops, in 2024 I opened a new studio/gallery and holiday apartment. Now, under the banner of the Cornish Seascape Academy, new and existing clients have an even wider range of stay options. From a solo two day all-inclusive workshop, to a two week self-catering holiday with partner or friend, the flexibility is now there to create your ideal photographic break.
Fine Art Photography
Keeping it real!
I believe the true skill and reward in the art of photography lies in capturing a dynamic image 'in camera' through manipulating light as it hits the sensor (or film). Thereafter, any post processing should entail only minimal refinement to bring it to perfection. And achieving this, for me, defines the term Fine Art Photography.
Hence I worry about the blinkered acceptance of AI as it creeps further into today's digital workflows. For while I appreciate its many social media and commercial applications, I fail to see how anything genuinely skilful comes from snapping a shot and relying on software iterations to make an image.
For the result is an artificial photo-composite, to be categorised as such and kept well away from real Fine Art Photography. Learning to keep it real and achieving Fine Art perfection is what the Cornish Seascape Academy is dedicated to.
Cornish Seascape Workshops
Being one-to-one my residential workshop's focus is solely on you. Both out on the coast and in the studio you have my undivided attention. There's no group to dilute the experience and the multi-day format is tailored to perfectly suit your aspirations and comfort levels.
You can choose from two to four day's duration, where everything is laid on for you. From luxurious en-suite accommodation and a delicious menu prepared to your taste, to transport around a selection of stunning locations, all you have to do is relax and enjoy immersing yourself in taking your photography to new heights.
Reward & enjoyment
Over the last decade my Cornish Seascape Workshops have earned a reputation for reward and enjoyment. That's because beyond showing them how to approach capturing great Seascape shots, I ensure my clients have a really good time. This way they relax and enjoy letting their creative juices flow!
After the initial tideline shoot, where I will introduce you to reading the sea (and wearing chest waders if you're up for it), how much guidance you get will be up to you. I will be around to keep a watchful eye and point out features and evolving aspects, and maybe suggest a filter change here or there. Yet what and how you shoot will be your call. This way you build a body of work that reflects your own take on the Cornish Coast.
Ideal shoot locations
I've been photographing the Cornish coasts for over 40 years so there are very few places I haven't shot. Especially around Mid and West Cornwall where I focus my workshops. For here you find the best locations the peninsular has to offer. Where alongside the wonderful coastal geology found west of Bodmin Moor, there's the superb 'Atlantic Light' conjured by clear, shallow waters over bright, reflective golden sands.
In matching my locational knowledge with the prevailing conditions and your aims and comfort levels, I will create an ideal itinerary for your days out with the camera.
Opening up
New editing horizons
Back in the studio, post processing plays a crucial role. For here, only the highest standards will do. The true art and reward in Photography lies in capturing an image 'in-camera' and editing it to print readiness perfection through the skilful manipulation of considered refining techniques.
Such skills are fundamental to advancement and they resonate way beyond the coastline to open-up new editing horizons across all photographic disciplines. To help you master them, I will introduce you to an approachable, step-by-step workflow that harnesses the unmatched Fine Art combination of Adobe Camera Raw through Photoshop CC.
If you want to advance beyond using the likes of Lightroom, Capture One, or relying on AI photo-comping, I can show you how. And this is where the one-to-one, multi-day format stands apart, because there's plenty of time for the learning to sink in. So, even if you've never opened-up Photoshop, I guarantee I can help overcome what you may have previously considered an all too steep learning curve.
Printing & framing
We all aspire to seeing our work beautifully printed and framed. And having the ability to achieve this rounds off the fine art photographer's skill set. Yet there's a lot to master in taking an image file from screen to gallery ready artwork.
That's why I offer a Proofing & Printing day as an addition to a workshop. In my studio print room, I can show you how Photoshop provides a superbly capable graphic platform that will lead to presenting your work in a new light.
And if you want to finish things off perfectly. Using frames taken from my stock (or those you chose and ordered during the booking process), you can frame your images to take home.
4 season availability
Because the seasons play such an influential role in coastal atmospherics, I run workshops all year round. This has proved very attractive and many clients return to shoot through the seasonal transitions. Matching their choice of timing with their growing Seascape skill-set.
Here's my overview of the seasonal range for your consideration...
SPRING
SUMMER
AUTUMN
WINTER
A time of regeneration with vivid colours, brightening skies and lengthening days. As the sunlight strengthens the cliffs and sand dunes are carpeted by wild flowers and the Atlantic takes on bright turquoise hues. Yet there's always the chance of a low pressure front sweeping in to set the big waves free!
Long, bright sultry days and vibrant sunrise and sunsets abound at this time. Summer is usually the easiest season to shoot in terms of coastal conditions. So if you are new to Seascapes photography this is the best time. Yet very early starts and late returns make 2 or 3 days the ideal duration.
The golden season of richly mellowed atmospherics, plus the increasing chance of some big wave action. The temperatures may be dropping but the shortening days make for easier dawn and dusk shoot timing - so a longer stay is viable. Yet be warned, this is my busiest time so book early!
The brooding months of glowering light, raging tempests and stormy atmospherics. The chilled golden hours extend with the low sun and 'wild Cornwall' is at its very best. The ideal time for seasoned seascapers seeking excitingly rewarding challenges alongside plenty of studio time.
Solo, couple, or two friends?
The workshop structure ideally suits a solo individual, yet it can readily adapt for a couple, or two friends who share the same photographic aspirations. The studio has two fully equipped workstations and the accommodation provides separate bedrooms with en-suite facilities if required.
So while a 'Solo' client gets my undivided attention, those on a 'Twin' course can share the experience while benefitting from the cost saving.
Workshop scheduling
To avoid the busier weekends, workshops usually start around mid-day on a Monday or Tuesday and run-through to mid-morning of the day of departure. A two day workshop will include 2 x Dusk shoots, 2 x Daytime shoots and the choice of 1 or 2 x Dawn shoots - depending on travel plans - with multiple studio sessions in between. Four days is the maximum workshop duration but any length of stay can be bookended by an additional B&B night/s to help with jet lag or travel arrangements.
Workshop prices
To book a workshop or find out more please email me - chris@c-simmonsphoto.co.uk - or call me on 07850 569409
Please note the accommodation and studio facilities are no smoking/vaping environments
Cornish Seascape Holidays
At the heart of the academy is the new holiday apartment. Accommodating two people in stylishly relaxing comfort, it affords the choice of a Cornish Seascape Holiday. Now photography guests can stay longer, with a participating or non-participating partner, and combine their photography with enjoying everything else a holiday in Cornwall has to offer.
The holiday apartment provides the ideal base for a self-catering 'vocational vacation'. It comprises an elegantly modern Lounge/Diner, Double Bedroom (with Super King or Twin Single Bed options) and Shower Room W/C, alongside its own garden Sun Deck and ample off-road Parking.
Being fully flexible, just how you structure your holiday is up to you. You choose from the range of masterclass courses (listed below) and combine them into your days to create your ideal balance.
Holiday duration and prices
Holiday stay duration ranges from five to fourteen nights self-catering and dates are available all year round. To take advantage of these prices, a minimum of two 'Credited' Masterclass days must be booked -
5 NIGHT - minimum stay - £700
14 NIGHT - maximum stay - £1,800
To book your photo holiday or to find out more please email me - chris@c-simmonsphoto.co.uk
Or call 07850 569409
Masterclass courses
From a Seascape beginner taking a camera to the beach for the first time, to an aspiring professional looking at setting up business, there are masterclass options that provide the ideal start. All are suitable for one or two people and can be mixed and matched to create your ideal course structure.
1. GO SOLO ITINERARIES
If you want to shoot some of Cornwall's best locations under your own steam, I offer 'Go Solo' day itineraries. Matching your aspirations and comfort levels to the prevailing conditions, I will create a self-drive schedule for a great day out with your camera.
£75 per itinerary - Non Credited
2. YOU AND THE SEA
For seasoned outdoor photographers who'd like to join me for a half day out on the coast without any formal guidance. I drive us to a great dawn (or dusk) location where you're free to do your own thing. Followed (or preceded) by second shoot at another location.
£235 (+£75 for two) -
Half Day Credited
3. STARTING OUT
A one day course that is the ideal first step on a Seascape journey. Includes a 3 hour morning location shoot (with camera, tripod and filter hire if required) and 3 hour afternoon studio session introducing Raw file processing through Lightroom/Camera Raw.
£410 (+140 for two) -
1 Day Credited
4. YOU, ME & THE SEA
A day course that can be extended into multiple days to advance your Seascape photography and Photoshop processing skills. Each day includes 2 x location shoots and 4 hour studio session. Choose from Dawn & Mid-Morning or Mid-afternoon & Dusk shoot with studio time at your convenience.
£420 (+ £140 for two) -
1 Day Credited
5. 'FLASH EFFECT'
A half day course for advanced outdoor enthusiasts who seek honest colouration and dynamic action captures. I will show how Manual settings and your Flash Gun can add a whole new dimension to shooting out on the coast.
£235 (+ £75 for two)
Half Day Credited
6. FINE ART EDITING
If you want to master Fine Art post processing this intensive 2 day course will transform your Raw and Photoshop skills. Open your mind, follow your notes, and I guarantee you will be editing your images to a gallery standard.
£800 (+ £280 for two)
2 Days Credited
7. ADVANCED PHOTOSHOP
If you're already proficient with Photoshop CC, on this day course I can show you my progressive palette of refining measures I have conceived over a +30 year professional career. These can be conjured in a host of ways to add enhancing character to a final image.
£400 (+140 for two) -
1 Day Credited
8. AN EXPERT TOUCH
If there's a favourite shot you feel hasn't yet realised its full potential perhaps it needs an expert touch to transform it from contender to competition winner? If so, bring your raw file along and together we can bring it to life.
£45 per image -
Non Credited
9. PROOFING & PRINTING
If you want to complete your photography skill set, this one day course introduces you to mastering digital Proofing and Printing. I will show you how to prepare hi-resolution 16 bit files and take them through a streamlined colour balancing, strip-proofing and printing process that leads to graphic perfection.
£400 (+ £140 for two) exc materials -
1 Day Credited
10. FRAMING
To complete the Imaging process, I offer a half-day Framing masterclass. Choosing frames from my stock, I will show you how to prepare your prints, varnish/seal them if required, then mount and frame them.
£200 (+ £70 for two) exc materials -
Half Day Credited
11. GO ONLINE
If you want an online presence but need a hand in building your website, I can help. Using an award-winning hosting platform, we can build an easily updatable site. Then create your galleries and start populating them with the web ready imagery I've shown you how to prepare.
£400 exc URL and hosting -
1 Day Credited
12. GOING PRO
To take the first steps on a professional career path, this multi-day modular offering provides your foundation. From creating your brand to budgeting and planning, you choose which options you need to support your concept -
• New Business SWOT Analysis
• Budgeting & Critical Path Analysis
• Company Reg Set-Up
• Branding Design
• Marketing Collateral & Website
• Online Retail
£500 per day exc expenses
Client reviews
Winning multiple national awards and advertising is great but nothing is better for driving new business than word of mouth. So here are a few client testimonials that I hope will persuade you to get in touch.
Huw Jones, Glos
"Well what can be said that truly encompasses Chris' Cornish Seascape Workshop?
It's more than a workshop, it's a true experience!
His passion for the sea translates into wonderful photographic shoots in places way off the beaten track. He explains how to get the best from the conditions and you came away with wonderful images.
So if you don't want to photograph amazing coastline, don't want to spend time with a genuinely nice guy who's passionate about what he does, don't want to leave knowing you will be back, and don't want to eat delicious food (this guy can cook!), then don't book this workshop!!"
Graham Jones, Fowey
"I am a published bird and wildlife photographer, but being self-taught I have gaps. I have wanted to improve my photography and bring my post processing to a 'Pro' level for years. As such I have watched innumerable You Tube videos and attended many courses with recognised 'big names'. Then I hit gold and found Chris Simmons!
Chris is a proper Photographer having earned a living handling top commercial accounts, so he can 'walk the photography walk'. But my greatest discovery was that he can teach!
The problem I have found with professional photographers in the past is that they may know everything about their subject, but they show off and bombard you with information.
So, to find someone who actually listened to my needs and structured a series of days to fit my skill level was a surprise and a pleasure.
My sessions have gone really well, and I am full of confidence in all the areas I wanted to improve. I have learned to produce work at a completely different level and to be honest I have discovered not just a teacher but a mentor!
So if you want to improve in all you do with your camera, do yourself a favour and book a course with Chris."
Marlis Rawlins, Wilts
“Just a quick message to say 'Danke' for a most terrifically good time. I learned such lot and will now be able to continue with Raw and Photoshop. You have opened a new door for me and I am thrilled!
Thank you for your generously given help, it was THE best photography course I have ever attended!”
Paul & Beryl Tomlinson, Staffs
"It's hard to put into words Chris just how much we enjoyed our Cornish Seascape Workshop. It was enormously satisfying for both of us. We saw fabulous locations and learned so much. You should write a book! When I go away on a week's course, I am usually happy at taking home three or four good shots. In just three days with you I have fifteen and a number yet to process"
Steve Hammond, Surrey
"I've just returned from another three day Cornish Seascape Workshop with Chris. This is my third and they just get better and better!"
Carole Mclatchie FBIPP ARPS, Berks
“As a professional motorsports photographer, Chris's Seascape workshop was a complete revelation. A huge step beyond what I consider as landscape photography and his passion for his art is totally infectious. I shall be back!”