Testimonials

I spent a fantastic day with Shona exploring the world of ICM.
The initial communication was useful after the booking was confirmed. The start of the session with Shona was informal and the meeting place was a lovely coffee shop in a beautiful setting. Shona covered the basics of ICM before heading out for the day. The beaches we visited were lovely and ideal for ICM. The day was filled with heavy showers which produced some dramatic skies which suited ICM. 

I found Shona approachable and enthusiastic about ICM and her knowledge is easy to see. She was happy to share her knowledge and passion for the subject in an informal and fun session.
It was like going out with a friend for a day's shooting. Shona is happy to give you as much or as little tuition as you want. I highly recommend a workshop with Shona if interested in this genre of photography. It was a lovely relaxed day with one or two keepers which is always a bonus. 

Shona also gives you a wee summary booklet with some hints and tips to take away which was also beautifully presented.
All in all a fab day. x 

- Fiona Barney

I’ve been an admirer of Shona’s work for some time and been inspired by her amazing images, so when an additional workshop date was announced I had no hesitation in applying. 

The small group meant that the experience was informal, like meeting and chatting to old friends. In true Shona style, her enthusiasm and professionalism  was evident from the outset as she introducing the group to ICM, running through all the technicalities and aspects of capturing wonderful images. I was a little surprised to learn just how technical capturing an ICM image is, however, over coffee and delicious cake, Shona ran through all the elements, explaining everything in detail but in an easy to understand way,  which meant that we were all eager to get started.  

Shona’s studio is the local beautiful beaches where many of her amazing images were captured, again her in-depth knowledge of the tides, light and landscape meant that we were soon encouraged to practicing our own ICM styles, capturing some great images.  Fortunately, we had a great group of photographers and the banter which flowed added to the experience while Shona engaged and encouraged the group. Alas all good things come to an end and our day was over and then the real work started with hundreds of images to review and edit.  

If your reading this review, then like me you your interested in learning a new technique and enjoy the relaxing style of creating ICM images. So would I recommend joining one of Shona’s experiences, you bet I would. Her passion, knowledge and enthusiasm is infectious, the experience will leave you wanting to get out and shoot more and more of your own images. Shona’s courses are very busy, so if your lucky enough to find availability then don’t hesitate, book it straight away and start your own ICM experience. 

- Alan Sinclair

Having widely researched ICM landscape photography, I decided to shorten the learning curve by booking a workshop with, in my view, the very best in this genre… and that is Shona.  The afternoon and evening-long workshop (with two other participants) was everything that I had hoped for. Shona’s enthusiasm towards her clients and photography was obvious from the start as she explained the camera settings, equipment and movements behind her amazing photographs before we travelled to some lovely coastal locations to put it all into practice.  

In trying to perfect our techniques, Shona kept the perfect balance between offering advice and tuition while still allowing one time and space to experiment and iron out the flaws.  Although the rain clouds continually threatened, the workshop was primarily a learning experience and yet I was delighted to come away with not only some really impressive and satisfying images but also the enthusiasm and motivation to rush out to experiment more with my new-found knowledge.

My own ICM journey has suddenly become a reality and taken off thanks to Shona’s workshop - which is simply a ‘must’ for anyone interested in this genre of photography; I can’t recommend it enough.

- Charles Everitt

I have experimented with ICM photography for a few years now and absolutely love Shona’s images, so when my husband needed ideas for my birthday present, I immediately suggested one of Shona’s workshops.

Shona started the course by talking us through the best camera settings and the different movements you can use to achieve ICM images. She did this by relating it back to her own work, explaining her own process for individual images and what she had wanted to achieve in that image.

We then got the opportunity to put what we had learnt into practice and set off for some beautiful beach locations. Shona talked us through possible compositions and again ran through her own camera settings and the movements she would or could use to capture the different landscapes that we were presented with.

Shona was a wonderful and patient teacher, giving feedback to each of us on our images in real time and suggesting different movements and speeds we could use to achieve different results.
If you already love ICM, are keen to experiment with a new genre, or want to create images that reflect how the landscape makes you feel, I would highly recommend Shona’s courses. 

- Katie Glass

Shona Perkins has shown an honest and enthusiastic approach to mentoring. She was well prepared with slides covering the topics; the topics were explained in a very clear way. I could perceive that she really desired to help me grow / develop both in the session to explain ICM and in the second one when she presented digital marketing. I appreciated her care and attitude.

I would like to recommend Shona as a mentor to other photographers / photo enthusiasts. 

- Barbara Gugliotta 

I am not old dog, but as a photographer of 30+ years experience I know my way round a camera and I am probably quite set in my ways. Recently however I felt my photography needed something new as I was churning out the same old wildlife and landscape shots… 

My Beautiful Scotland’s ICM 1-2-1 has been just the injection of adrenaline I needed to get my photography mojo back! 

During our pre workshop zoom call Shona took the time to understand my photography ability and ICM experience then tailor our workshop together to suit my individual needs. The workshop itself was a perfect balance of technical detail and theoretical discussion on the fundamentals of ICM and Shona's knowledge and enthusiasm shone through all day! 

There is a lot of varied approaches to ICM… but the basis of Shona’s approach is to "shoot with intention”. This really resonated with me... ICM takes my photography further than just taking photographs… Its using your camera as a tool to produce your own reflection of the scene in front of you… much the same as an artist uses an easel and brushes. Its a personal expression! 

The workshop itself was just a brilliant experience. Meeting in a local café where I was presented with a printed companion to the evening which will acts as a great aide memoir for the future. We then visited local beaches to look at a variety of compositions and movement techniques. It was amazing how the mundane I’d never think to point a camera at was transformed by Shona into something special. The discussions on ICM continued freely through the evening and Shona’s relaxed and informative teaching style was perfect. We were treated to a stunning evenings light which I was amazed she was able to organise! I now look forward to going off on my own and experimenting… I want to see if I can integrate ICM into all the genres I shoot including landscapes, wildlife and motorsports! 

I would recommend a My Beautiful Scotland workshop to anyone looking to inject more of their own personality into their photograph… don’t just take pictures… create images with feeling!

- Mark Elliot

Shona's 2-hour course was copious in scope, fast-paced in progression, and exhilarating in its Art. She is a     compelling and uber-talented photographic artist, creating pieces that are mind-altering in impact. I have taken many online and in-person courses over     the past 10 years; and Shona's ranks at the very top of that list. HIGHLY     RECOMMENDED.

- James Moorcroft

At first I was worried that the fact that the workshop was being held in places that I already knew very well might limit my learning from the day. Far from it - it transformed how I saw and interpreted familiar places. 

The small number of participants meant that we each got lots of personal help and feedback. The time flew by so fast but I learned so much. Easily the best workshop I have attended. 

- Paul A

Spent an amazing day with Shona in a 1-2-1 session. She's passionate, fun, talented, patient, energetic, and so easy to talk to. 

I'm fairly new to ICM, and Shona's enthusiasm and genuine interest in helping me improve made our time together a real pleasure. She provided both practical tips and tricks, as well as on point critiques and ideas about how to achieve my vision, all while engaging in great conversation about her experience and knowledge of ICM. Couldn't have been better. 

Thanks so much, Shona. 

- Mark M

I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 hour 1-2-1 ICM Zoom with Shona yesterday. 

Her work is just so inspiring, and the presentation very professional. Thank you so much Shona, and I can't wait to do one of your 3 day workshops in due course! 

-  Andi H.  

I spent a very enjoyable and informative day with Shona at St Andrews and Tentsmuir on a 1-2-1 workshop recently.

As a relative newcomer to ICM photography, Shona took the time to share lots of tips and techniques and after one day I felt I’d learnt so much and have lots of ideas and approaches to put into practice myself. Her warm and engaging approach made the day hugely enjoyable and fly by. 

I’d highly recommend Shona’s workshop to others looking to learn or improve ICM techniques.

- Petra Marshall

Shot with Shona for the first time on a dull and overcast April day which offered the least promising of conditions for photography; skies were grey and featureless, and the sea wasn't much different. 

It's a testament to Shona that I ended the day with more images than I can possibly share on my website or Instagram. She was well organised with hand outs, drinks, directions and most importantly fantastic locations and the knowledge to share that enable me to make the most of them. 

If I complaint it's that she's got me addicted to ICM now, and two days later I've been out for another shoot, and have a dedicated ICM gallery on my own website!

- Paul Williams 

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