ICM photography tuition

I have just got back from a 1-2-1 workshop with Shona Perkins. I am absolutely buzzing and feel like I did when I passed my driving test! I’ve been doing ICM photography for a year or so now but didn’t realise just how many great techniques there are in this type of photography! It was a fabulous day and Shona showed me so many great techniques which I can’t wait to start putting into practice. 

If you want to learn more about/improve your ICM photography I would highly recommend Shona. Thanks so much for an amazing day!

-James Shaw

I have recently finished a three session mentoring course with Shona and I would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in developing their photography using ICM. 

I was already playing with ICM but I have learnt so much that will help me improve     my work. I love Shona’s images and I now appreciate the attention to detail     and the discipline of getting it right in camera that goes behind creating this beautiful work. 

Shona is an encouraging teacher and working with her has been a very positive experience. She is generous with her time and the information she shares and she will tailor the sessions to your needs.

If you want to explore ICM photography further then start here!

-Elizabeth Hockney

I have always loved Icm and watched videos of ‘how too’ on YouTube but never really got away with it. 

I saw some stunning images created by Shona, then saw the link for the courses, so signed up for the 3 month programme. Temporarily I worried it might not tell me anymore than a YouTube video… I definitely didn’t need to worry about that.
Shona was so easy to chat to, giving great instruction on how to achieve these types of image. The zoom meeting was always followed up with an email and a pdf with all the information covered so I didn’t need to write anything down whilst the zoom call was happening. 

The zoom calls inspired and motivated me to get out and test the techniques I had been shown. The feedback for the images I created was key to improving. Having the shared screen to show ways of editing the image differently gave so much more scope for ideas and creativity. 

I would 110% recommend this course. You will learn so much, be inspired and because it’s over 3 months it gives you the motivation to create and work on some aspect ready for the next session.
I am not usually a fan of zoom or any online call platform, but I really looked forward to these as I knew it was going to be an easy chat and interesting.
This course is definitely worth the investment, Shona will answer or offer advice on anything you need and demonstrate for you if needed. 

- Marie Davies 

My daughter and I had an interesting day with Shona who helped us to master our different ICM movements and settings. We both have some lovely images which we are pleased with and Shona was a delightful and informative teacher. 

- Mrs Alyn Denholm 

If you are curious about ICM photography then Shona’s online workshop is a great way to whet the appetite for this style of creative expression. 

Her images are truly inspirational and Shona went to great lengths in the session to describe her approach and the techniques she used in order to achieve her desired results. 

The follow up slide pack was beautifully presented and also tailored to cover a few extra learning requests that arose during our workshop. 

Shona is clearly passionate about her craft and her enthusiasm is infectious. I now feel I have the skills to practise this technique and understand that it’s a skill that requires a level of continued engagement from me in order to refine my personal style. Thank you Shona! I really hope that I shall have the opportunity to meet you one day. 

- Alison Trimbee

If you aspire to produce stunning ethereal photography, Shona’s online workshop will not only inspire you by providing wonderful examples. She also provides extensive details about her methods with great hints and tips to fast track your leaning.  

The workshop and written supporting materials are very well organised and Shona has a very friendly, enthusiastic and engaging style. I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop, and I am looking forward to developing my skills!

- Maggie James

Thank you Shona for a very enjoyable, productive, interesting and definitely inspirational couple of hours. 

I am so pleased the three of us booked your on-line workshop - quite definitely a treat to spend a winter Monday afternoon looking at beautiful images and learning all about ICM.  

You explained and demonstrated the techniques so well and conveyed your passion quite beautifully.  Thank you for all the hints, tips and for sending the notes from the presentation.  

A really well-spent couple of hours and can't wait to get out to practise - so lucky!

- Hilary Bailey

Having a chance to spend time one on one, with an expert, over a prolonged period of time I found really worked for me. The format of training, goal setting, technique implementation, assessment with editing tips went beyond what I expected, I absolutely loved it.

Your enthusiasm was infectious and sincere thanks for all your encouragement and lovely chats.

-Geraldine O'Driscoll

The tuition takes place along the coast of the Firth of Forth to the east of Edinburgh on some of the nicest beaches on the east coast of Scotland. 

At the start of the first session Shona presented me with a pack that covered everything from equipment to the various techniques employed. (I was given full opportunity to try them out during the day.) Also, at the introductory session, Shona displayed her passion and extensive knowledge of ICM, highlighting the importance of the light and the need to be constantly aware of what’s happening with it. There was also ample opportunity to ask questions.

The first practical action of the day allows you to practice the basic panning techniques and the importance of a smooth sweeping action, with an exposure time of one second! Part of this included how to address shapes of prominent landmarks for inclusion in any shots. Later in the afternoon we went from Dunbar beach to Gullane. This beach presented different challenges to the more open beach at Dunbar. Shona again highlighted what techniques might be useful and with additional refinements. 

Nevertheless, for me it was the sunset and the blue hour that brought some very atmospheric ICM outcomes. Using the additional panning techniques beyond straightforward horizontal technique resulted in some of the most atmospheric shots of the day.

Overall, I am very happy to recommend the ICM 1-2-1 tuition. I was impressed by Shona’s

· Organisation – the website, the course pack and communication

· Professionalism – general overall approach to the delivery of the course and her interaction with me.

· Enthusiasm – her enthusiasm is infectious

· Personability - some may feel a day in a 1-2-1 workshop might be difficult. However, Shona’s personality shines through to make it a great day!!

- Gordon Davidson

Shona is an approachable, enthusiastic, professional instructor, whose love of ICM can not help but rub off. 

Right from the beginning of our session Shona put me at ease and was an engaging, encouraging and an illuminating tutor. 

She gave clear and concise explanations and tailored our session to my abilities. 

The timing and choice of location was well thought out and superb. 

A real bonus was the excellent summary booklet  to take away. 

My time with Shona gave me not only a clear understanding of what it takes to create an amazing ICM image, but also what I need to do to take my ICM photography to another level. 

The whole experience was a sheer delight. 

If you want to learn about ICM photography you couldn’t ask for better!

- Nat Spring

With a 1:1 with Shona you will get warmth, an easy going and very effective teaching style, plus access to an unbelievable knowledge and passion for ICM. 

She is very generous with sharing that knowledge. It was a real eye-opener for me, just to understand the extensive thought process and skills for first class ICM. It was invaluable.

- Hugh Ferguson

Our small-group session with Shona / My Beautiful Scotland exceeded our expectations. During our short time together, Shona offered tailored instruction and supportive feedback while guiding us to beautiful seascape locations. Shona’s enthusiasm is infectious and she is a delight to work with. Would we do it again? Absolutely!

- Beth / Fiona / Frances / Michelle

My two friends and myself met up with Shona Perkins and she was amazing. If you want to have your heart sing and feel a Big smile on your face at all times, you need to do a workshop with @mybeautifulscotland

- Frances K

I was initially intrigued and inspired by Shona’s artistic creations relating to the fascinating subject of ICM. Consequently, I became enthused about learning more about this subject and decided to arrange a one-to-one session with Shona, which took place at the amazing woodlands and beach of Tenstmuir, Scotland. 

Throughout the session Shona’s Enthusiasm, dedication and commitment was significantly evident. A true and honest professional with a unique and friendly personality together with a most enjoyable and informative session is not to be missed by anyone who is thinking about learning more about the unique photographic subject of ICM - you will not be disappointed. 

It’s an exhilarating aspect of photography and as a result of my session with Shona I’m truly hooked. 

The observation of the pink moon rising across the sea from the horizon within the blue hour at the end of our session was an awesome and most memorable phenomenon. 

Thank you so much Shona your presentation, tips and gained knowledge is noted and will never be forgotten.

- Larry St Croix

As someone who has only held a camera for a year, I have not fully immersed myself into any specific genre. I have a love for both landscape and seascape photography.

As a result of following several social media platforms I discovered Shona (My Beautiful Scotland) and I was taken aback by Shona’s stunning coastal images, particularly Shona’s use of ICM. 

I have followed Shona and her amazing work for a number of months now. Knowing that Shona lives fairly local to myself, I decided to contact Shona to arrange some 1-1 tuition.

I was quite anxious at first, more so as Shona’s images never cease to amaze me and being a relative novice I knew I would not be able to emulate Shona’s work, that said Shona really is up there with some of the best ICM photographers’.

Shona arranged a ‘Zoom’ so that we could have that initial introduction and to make arrangements for meeting.

I met Shona in the car park next to the beach that we would be heading to. We initially discussed the principles of ICM, Shona handed me a very well put together guide on ICM, the different styles, example images, settings etc.

Shona is clearly very knowledgeable and experienced in the field of ICM. While I had some anxieties on initially meeting with Shona, those were soon put to the side. Shona has such a lovely personality, explains the processes very clearly and at all times sharing and demonstrating.

As a novice and someone with a love of all photography genres, I gained so much understanding of ICM during these few hours, in fact one of my best images to date was taken on that evening in the company of Shona, it has since been liked probably more than any other image I have shared to social media.

I have been out a couple of times since having this 1-1 session with Shona and already I can see a marked improvement in my images and I know more, that knowledge is now being put into practice and the results are quite astounding.

I would have no reservations whatsoever in recommending anyone to take up some 1-1 tuition with Shona, as far as I am concerned this was more valuable than having the latest piece of gear etc.

- Mark McDonald

I had the most fantastic 1-2-1 with Shona.  Firstly, she was friendly and immediately I felt at ease and did not feel apprehensive about how our day was going to turn out.  

She is very knowledgeable about her chosen Genre of photography, willing to share her techniques both in camera and post processing.  I came away from our lesson with confidence and an eagerness to get out on my own with my camera.  

Shona answered questions and led the lesson at a pace I was comfortable with.  The reference material which Shona supplies, is also a great tool for learning.  Thank you Shona.

- Angie Robertson

I have loved Shona’s work for some time now, ever since I saw her on a zoom meet sharing her love of ICM.  Her photos draw me in from the get go with the colours and the absolute tranquility of each shot.  

I loved my 1-2-1 session with her on the beaches off the east coast of Scotland.  I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and was quite nervous to be honest but Shona quickly put me at ease with her warm and relaxed manner.   

Her enthusiasm and passion for ICM clearly shone through and inspired me as the day went on. I began to understand that ICM is absolutely a skill and something that you cannot pick up and master all of a sudden.  

I would definitely recommend Shona’s Workshops to anyone that wants to be educated and mystified at the same time.  Thank you Shona for an amazing education and a day that passed far too quickly.  It was an absolute joy to meet you. 

- Aileen Forrest

I can highly recommend Shona's 121 workshop. She takes the time to explain the process and then shows you how it's done. She is super friendly and makes you feel comfortable and at ease.  The day went past so quickly and I learnt a lot in the day.

- Ann Marie Trotter 

Having had 1.1 tuition with Shona I can honestly say it was one of the most enjoyable photography classes I have ever had.  Shona is a real expert in the ICM field and is also a lovely person to spend time with.  She carefully explained the techniques before guiding me to some stunning locations and gave great tips and feedback during the day.  I can highly recommend booking a workshop with her and very much hope our paths cross again in the future.  Thank you Shona. 

- Sarah Benson 

Shona's expert knowledge, tuition skills and joyful enthusiasm for ICM photography makes booking an individual learning experience a must! 

Highly recommended. 

- Tom Clark

I would highly recommend a one to one session with Shona. 

As a keen landscape photographer, I have tried ICM in the past and not managed to make sense of it but a couple of hours of Shona’s tuition gave me the platform I needed to progress with it. 

She did a brilliant job of working out my level of understanding of photography and camera functions so we could start at the right point and get the most out of the session. 

I left with a lot of images that I’m chuffed with, even on a day when the weather didn’t co-operate, and the follow up session on editing was equally valuable.

- Nick Naylor

I’ve admired Shona’s work for quite some time now and I reached out to her regarding a private tutorial session when I noticed quite a few of her photos were taken in an area of Scotland where I come for extended visits a couple of times a year.

I spent a full day with Shona on the East Lothian coast.  She managed to find the perfect mix of instruction and fun.  

We started the day with a coffee and a chat about ICM.  Shona gave me a well-prepared folder of visual aids introducing me to the process.  The folder included beautiful examples of ICM, along with simple technical descriptions of the process, and some artistic reminders and advice.
Scottish weather is unpredictable, but we lucked out.  It was a beautiful day.  I have confidence though – good or not-so-perfect weather – Shona would have the bases covered and still create a good learning experience.  

I can’t say enough about Shona’s teaching style.  She’s very relaxed and incredibly easy to spend time with.  Learning anything is so much more fun when you’re comfortable with your teacher.  We traipsed around beaches, we laughed, we got to know each other, and we both took TONS of photos.  But Shona never lost sight of our purpose, and kept a close eye on my technique, advising and encouraging me every step of the way.

The session doesn’t end there.  Shona offers a follow-up video call once you’ve had a chance to take a good look at your photos and do some editing.  I’m looking forward to getting back to LA where I can see my images more clearly on my larger monitor. I have no doubt Shona will have some valuable critiques and suggestions, along with editing and processing tips (which I can’t wait to hear).
I highly recommend Shona’s private tutoring. I guarantee you’ll have a great time, and come away from a session leaps and bounds beyond where you started.

- Linda Campanelli

I can’t recommend enough the “One to one photography tuition” I went on 17th May, in the East Lothian coast of Scotland with the amazing photographer, Shona Perkins. 

In 5 hours we visited  2 beautiful beaches starting off at Seacliff Beach in North Berwick and finishing for sunset at Gullane Beach. We got very mild and good weather with beautiful light and soft bluish colours of the sky, clouds and ocean against the golden sand coast.  

Shona is very professional in her tutorial. At first we met on Zoom to get to know each other and to prepare the trip, getting to know everything about my needs and wishes. Then she went some extra miles to look out if the weather would be okay on the sets dates and gave me a lift from and back again to my hotel in Edinburgh, much appreciated. 

The last session is then after few weeks in Zoom, looking at the after processing and editing of the pictures.  Shona is very kind, helpful and easy going and a great company. Her tutoring is very welcoming and effortless.  She has very good knowledge about photographing and  ICM procedures and we did all kind of fun and interesting exercises. I went easily into a “flow” mood, although I was learning new things at the same time.  

Now I want to go more often outside to take more pictures and practice the ICM methods more. Shona’s guidance gave me more confidence and inspiration to do so.  Thank you so much Shona. 

- Rannveig Bjork Gylfadottir