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All the advertising and promotion in the world simply cannot beat the power of a sincere endorsement. So I will simply let our alumni speak for us with our sincere thanks to them all...
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"I had been contemplating spending some 'hard-earned cash' on a fast Nikon lens to bolster my arsenal of existing gear in the hope of improving my images and earning potential. I then read a reminder from the SWPP about a mentoring programme run by Martin Grahame-Dunn. The name didn't mean that much to me at the time but the alphabet of letters trailing after his name sure impressed.
I decided to take a gamble. The lens could wait. I decided to invest the cash to see what could be learnt in a week. I was one of 4 photographers accepted onto the “Fast-track to Licentiateship” course in October 07, held at Martin's villa near Seville. Think orchards of olives, lemons, limes and the like, add in a splash in a swimming pool, a dip in a hot tub and a week of first class catering provided by Martin and his lovely wife Elaine.
The week was over before we knew it. We had 'shot' the ancient city of Cordoba, an ex-pat family who were great and so patient, local Spanish children and even each other. We had learnt the hard way where we were, what we needed to work on, where we should be going and some great practical tips on lighting, business& marketing tips, Photoshop, printing and how to work more effectively with people.
I am going to save you some money here! I gambled my extra lens that a week with one of the best photographers you will ever meet would be better than a heavier kit bag. You don't have to gamble. Put that catalogue down, close that webpage and invest in what matters most, you, your knowledge and what a master of his craft can teach you given a willingness to learn and a love of photography. The lens or upgrade will still be available later and it will be cheaper then anyway!"
- Darcy Brown LSWPP,LBPPA
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“Martin Grahame-Dunn’s long and distinguished career in photography, which is evidenced by a seemingly endless list of industry appointments, accolades and awards, should be testimony enough for any aspiring professional photographer seeking to improve their skills. More than this however, it is perhaps his energy, enthusiasm, originality of thought and enduring sense of humour that are more likely to leave the longer, more lasting impression on those who would be sceptical. Martin, a polished presenter-communicator, is on hand dawn to dusk to offer guidance on all aspects of photography and good business practice.
These days, Martin, ably assisted by his delightful wife and ‘mentor’, Elaine, runs the Illuminatus Academy of Photography from their home in Seville, Southern Spain. Seamlessly fusing photography with a hospitality package which far surpasses many of those offered by more established and expensive centres in the UK, the academy offers a unique blend of courses specially put together to meet the needs and demands of photographers of all abilities. Be warned however, Illuminatus is no place for the faint hearted – be prepared to be worked hard, to explore personal boundaries, to challenge and be challenged!
I am honoured to be able to call both Martin and Elaine my ‘mentors’ and friends – Thank you both for a most enjoyable week. I look forward to returning to Illuminatus in 2008!”
- Stuart Holman LSWPP
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“Martin was instrumental in helping to point my company in the right direction, on both the business side and the photographic skills side. Since spending a week being instructed by Martin, my confidence at shoots has improved drastically. Also, my Photoshop technique has come on in leaps and bounds. I feel as though I’m in a different league than I was before the trip. Thanks, Martin!”
- Julia Boggio ABIPP, AMPA, ASWPP
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"I signed up for Martin’s “Fast Track to Licentiate” course as soon as I could after attending his one day course in the UK. My expectations were high, as the one day course was so professionally delivered and packed so full it left me reeling!
The prospect of spending a week with Martin and three other photographers was so exciting, but also daunting – would I be up to the task? Everybody was able to work to their ability, but Martin quickly picked up where each individuals weaknesses lay, and the whole week was engineered around improving and correcting techniques.
The week flew by and we all improved immeasurably. With his expert tuition and no distractions from everyday life, my confidence soared. I am already putting a lot of what I learnt into practice.
Oh, and did I mention the location – fabulous accommodation, treated to wonderful meals by Martin’s amazing wife Elaine, sunshine, a pool and hot-tub – you won’t want to leave.
It’s fair to say that my expectations were exceeded and I can thoroughly recommend any training that Martin has to offer."
- Cara Donovan LSWPP
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“I’d met Martin a couple of times through the SWPP’s ‘Mentor me’ training days so when I decided to get serious about improving my photography it was an obvious choice to give Martin a call and get myself on one of his courses in Spain.
The “Fast track to Licentiate” course gave me so many ‘penny dropping’ moments it was silly. It covered all the things I had set out to improve, and then improved areas I didn’t know existed. The key thing for me was my new found ability to critically evaluate an image and to know why it does, or doesn’t work. It seems so simple now but the impact it has had on developing my portfolio and my confidence in presenting images has been huge.
I can honestly say that the course was time and money very well spent. It was hard work, hugely enjoyable and to see my photography skills improve in the space of a few days made it so worthwhile. Martin is a great communicator with a wealth of experience and talent that probably makes this course unique. Mixed with the great location, great food and tremendous hospitality then it has to be the best investment you can make in your career.”
- Richard Lake LSWPP
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"The Mentoring programme is headed by Martin Grahame-Dunn in which case its gonna be good......... I know MGD from way back and he always took time and care to give me good advice. Our paths parted when he moved to Spain , but when we met-up again last year he was still the same nice fella I remember........"
- David W
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"Once again thank you for your help, both on the course I attended last year in Leicester at Maz’s Studio and for you efforts in ‘Mentoring Me’ towards my LSWPP, I really appreciate your time and expert advice and I hope to benefit from your experience in the future."
- Paul Hubbard LSWPP
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"Regarding wedding courses, spend your money wisely, join the SWPP get on their "mentor me" program, there is guy who looks after this program called Martin Grahame- Dunn he is the best instructor you will ever find, I learnt more in one day with this guy than I did in 5 years reading books etc."
- James Carter LSWPP
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“Attending a residential training course in Spain with Martin was one of the best things I have done for my business. I don’t think I have ever learned so much about such a variety of different things in such a short space of time. I returned to the UK with a new lease of life armed with so much new knowledge. I found that as there were only two of us in our group I learnt so much more than I do from seminars and that Martin’s tuition was tailored directly for my needs. The location and hospitality also makes his courses extra special. Martin puts so much time and energy into his courses, which makes learning easy and enjoyable. I look forward to returning to extract more expertise from him next year!”
- Sylvia Hooley
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"Thanks for organising the course this weekend. I learned plenty and had loads of fun too. With Martin's expert tuition, hopefully I'll be able to submit an L panel soon."
- Lauren
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"Martin Grahame-Dunn is a wealth of information, but better still, he is a flawless communicator, I can remember every word he said. I will be leaving my previous career behind me next September to turn full time, receiving my Licentiateship with the SWPP was one of the goals I had set for myself and I am proud to have achieved it on Monday."
- William Quain LSWPP
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