Transform your photography with one of my DSLR, Smartphone and Drone courses

Nice to meet you!

Thank you for visiting my website to find out more about how I can help you to Transform your Photography with one of my camera, smartphone and drone courses.

I left the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2014 after 29 years of travelling the world (with a camera never very far away) to return home to Scotland and develop my passion by exploring the country and capturing its majestic beauty with my DSLR, drone and smartphone.

I now live in Keltneyburn in Highland Perthshire - a stunning land of mountains, glens, lochs, tumbling waterfalls, big skies, Caledonian Pine forests and rainbows. In this amazing place I run one to one, hands on photography courses tailored to your specific experience, needs and wishes. If you don’t have your own camera or drone yet but would still like to learn or to try the hobby out, don’t worry… you can borrow mine for the day and I can advise you on options to look for if you then decide to buy one.

Whether you are a complete beginner with the whole world of photography ahead of you or an established photographer looking to develop new skills in the panoramic, landscape, drone or macro genres, I will create a specific course just for you.

Don’t take my word for it though… scroll down a bit further to see some student testimonials and details of the courses I offer. If you’d then like a completely free and no-commitment chat to explore further what I can do for you, please get in touch through WhatsApp or just pick up the phone and call me for a chat.

If you’re in the area and see me out in the hills and glens, please stop me and say hi!

Testimonials

  • Julia

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    A specially created 3 day course

    I am late into learning about the science of a DSLR, so when Mike's fb page for his photographic business appeared I immediately realised that he was offering exactly what I had been looking for.

    I contacted Mike and after an in depth conversation he devised a 3 full day course tailored to my learning aims. Mike more than delivered.

    Our 3 days of tuition and learning started with Mike identifying some very basic issues I was completely unaware of, camera abilities I knew nothing about, misconceptions I had picked up during the 16 months ownership of a powerful tool that was being used rather like a basic "point and shoot" . Mike then suggested, guided, demonstrated, corrected so many simple but problematic errors.

    So, we started with strategies to minimise camera shake problems, better use of settings and features (I didn't even know existed), how tools such as tripods make life easier for me and to my advantage etc etc.

    Mike’s focus was on me as his student and client, ensuring that we made the most of our time but never exceeding concentration limits or physical limits. Mike, as an excellent tutor, anticipated potential issues or alternative approaches for both photography and for physically getting to the best views so increasing the odds for the best images.

    I had gone to Mike with a few sections of a large jigsaw puzzle fitted together, however the links that make up the final picture were not in place. I am now far better equipped to continue working on building the final picture.

    In my honest opinion of the quality of tuition and how much thought and effort Mike puts into what is very clearly his passion, 5 stars don't even scratch the surface.

  • Bridget

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    On completing the 2-day beginner course

    As someone who's always enjoyed taking photos and looking for subject matter in Scotland's great outdoors, I grasped the opportunity of retirement to learn how to get more from my DSLR. Mike's approach to teaching, expressed so well on his website, ticked all the boxes and I've gleaned so much in my 2 days. I now have a much clearer understanding of the principles of controlling light and shutter speed, have the confidence to say goodbye to AUTO mode, and am now having so much fun using the 3 lenses that I've owned but not used for years! Thoroughly recommended.

  • Ian

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Gift voucher of an introduction to photography day.

    What a wonderful day it was. I had been a keen photographer 40+ years ago but life, kids and work got in the way of progressing this hobby. My experience with Mike started with a pre-course Zoom call to assess my knowledge, experience and expectations for the day. This was then put into action on the day itself. A great mix of tuition, introductions to the new technologies, practical guidance - but most importantly- taking lots and lots of photos with Mike kindly critiquing the finished results. I left with a new-found enthusiasm for (digital) photography, a commitment to get out there with a camera and a desire to learn more, which means I will be taking additional courses with Mike. Highly recommended

  • Aidan

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    Drone Photography Course

    Mike's Drone Photography course was fantastic! I had not even flown a drone before the day of my course so I was an absolute beginner but Mike's calm encouragement, his structured teaching and his encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject was just what I needed.

    His enthusiasm was infectious and the whole day was great fun; in fact my face was probably sore by the end given the amount of smiling that I did; flying the drone I was like a child at Christmas!

  • Douglas

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    On completing the 2-day beginner course

    Had a great two days on the beginner's course with Mike, the first in July learning about the camera and photography in general with some practical work in the afternoon and the second day this week which involved an all day photography trip to beautiful Buchanty. 

    Mike explains everything in a very clear and straight forward manner, he is very knowledgeable and his enthusiasm is infectious. He is keen to help and offer advice on all aspects of photography but makes sure that it is you who is taking the photographs. His appreciation and love of the countryside shines through and with his guidance I was able to take some great photos. The highlight of the day, apart from Mike's company, was seeing the salmon jumping at Buchanty Spout. I managed to get one photo but it was more of the salmon falling back down rather than leaping, but I am keen to go back and try again

    I thoroughly enjoyed my two days with Mike, and I learnt more in those two days than I could learn watching any number of online courses or reading countless books. I would definitely recommend Mike's courses to anyone who is wanting to take up photography or improve their photography

  • Sharon

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    Smartphone Photography

    It's hard to overstate the high standard and brilliance of my day's Smartphone Photography Course with Mike. 

    The proof is in the pudding, as they say, and the difference between my snaps prior to my day, and the photos that I produced under the tutelage of Mike, is night and day.

    Mike's instruction was great - he'd researched what I was looking for, the specifications of my iPhone 12, and the best place to take me to learn.

    The technical 'stuff' before heading out was spot on, jargon free and easily understandable for someone like me who is fairly useless with technology! Having the PDFs to take home stopped me from panicking about remembering everything.

    On site, Mike was really clear that this was my day and that he was there to support me to take great photos. His instruction was positive, encouraging and good humoured.

    What a superb experience and I'll definitely return for more.

  • Martin

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    Smartphone Photography

    I had a marvellous experience with Mike Hay Photography enjoying a new activity - photography!
    Mike is the perfect instructor, especially for me as a beginner.
    The course was tailored to my iPhone camera system and covered everything I needed to jump into a new world of photography. I am delighted that I spent the full day with Mike. I have picked up so many helpful tips and practical guidelines.

  • Shirley

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    Intro to DSLR/Mirrorless Photography

    Hamish and I spent a fantastic first day in October as part of our 2 day photography course with Mike. His knowledge and passion for photography is infectious and getting out into Mike's beautiful garden and then into the countryside on his doorstep offered plenty of inspiration! Mike was supportive throughout and on hand to help to frame a photograph or alter camera settings to get the best result.

  • Pippa

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    Discover Photography Course

    Mike was very welcoming, open and friendly and made me feel comfortable with something I've never had proper lessons in before, it was personal, not like a teacher.

  • Omar

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Drone Photography Course

    Mike was an excellent, patient and helpful instructor. I would recommend him to anyone interested in learning photography skills.

  • Amanda

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Discover Photography Course

    You really know your subject, you were encouraging and supportive, not intimidating, stepping in with helpful pointers and ideas whilst still giving space for us to explore and have fun taking pictures. The beautiful setting was a bonus.

  • Neil

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Intro to DSLR/Mirrorless Photography

    Mike’s Beginner Course gave me exactly what I needed, was expertly and patiently delivered by Mike and my progress was obvious. I would highly recommend Mike to anyone who wants to learn more and improve their photography skills.

  • Lauren

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Smartphone Photography Course

    An excellent course run by Mike; the passion he has for photography and Highland Perthshire is inspiring. Mike immediately put me at my ease and was very encouraging - I have learnt so much about composition and use the many techniques Mike taught me in every photography I now take!

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Book a Tailored 1:1 Course

2-Day Photography for Beginners Course
£400.00
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Full Day Photography Course
£200.00
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Half Day Photography Course
£100.00
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Discover Photography
£60.00
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Full Day guiding
£150.00
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Half Day Guiding
£75.00
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Take your photography to new heights

  • Photography is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that gets you outdoors, is great for generating and maintaining good mental health and gives you lasting memories to keep afterwards.

    I know it can be very daunting at the beginning…but don’t worry, I can help you break through the confusion!

    I love to meet new or budding photographers so if you want to chat about the hobby in general or even just to explore whether it is right for you, please pick up the phone and call me for a completely free, no-commitment chat.

  • Online courses can be limited and frustrating because they can’t engage directly with you in real time.

    Booking one of my full or half day experiences transforms your photography at your pace with me by your side throughout.

  • Generic online courses have rigid structures that usually have to be followed in a particular sequence, wasting your time and tying you to your computer screen.

    Your day or half day experience with me starts with a chat between us soon after you make the booking.

    During this chat, we’ll discuss your experience and what you want to get out of your time with me. I will then tailor the course specifically to you…and on the day, the emphasis will always be on getting outside into the stunning Highland Perthshire countryside with your camera to learn practically, not from a screen!

  • All courses contain a lot of new information and remembering it all once you get home again can be a challenge!

    Book a full or half day course with me and I’ll help you in two ways:

    First, you will be given a detailed PDF summary at the end of the course to keep as reference on your phone whenever you head out to practice with your camera.

    Second, the end of your course with me is not the end of our communication…if you have any questions at all after the course, I welcome you reaching out to me on WhatsApp or by phone call for a chat.

  • As well as a course designed for beginners, I offer courses in landscape, macro, panoramic, long exposure and drone photography. I also run a course if you want to learn more about using Lightroom for post processing.

 FAQs

  • All of the courses have their own page in the menu at the top but the easiest and best way to get more information is to give me a call and we can have a completely free chat with no commitment to book. I’ll answer any questions you have and we can explore whether any of my courses are right for you.

  • That’s not a problem at all! If you’re starting out with interchangeable lens or drone photography but don’t have your own equipment, I will lend you everything you need to get the most from the day.

  • A full day course is 6-8 hours long, running between 9am and 5pm and a half-day course is 4 hours either between 9am and 1pm or 1pm and 5pm.

    These are guidelines, not set in stone, so if you would like something different, please call me before you book and we can see what can be arranged?

Terms and Conditions for booking a course, workshop or photography guided tour can be found here.

Please call me if you have any specific booking conditions that you would like to discuss.