Photography Course & Holiday in Eastbourne, East Sussex, England

Eclipse is probably unique in Europe offering a broad range of subjects on a short course. Students who have been on an Eclipse course say that they are amazed at the breadth of subject matter covered. You will gain in confidence in your photographic ability; have fun learning; enjoy excellent hospitality and have the opportunity to make new friendships.

A summary to help you decide which course would be right for you.
FIVE DAY FAST TRACK An in-depth intensive course setting the standard in Modern Digital photography. Mike’s methods are given in an easy to understand way ensuring life-long confidence even when shooting under pressure. You will have a thorough grounding in camera operation, associated manual skills, flash lighting and subject matter.
START-UP This course will help to inspire you and establish a solid grounding in photographic techniques. Pupils find that it’s not difficult to improve when you know the ‘how and why’ in creating stunning images. Many students move on to the Fast Track after a short time. ADVANCED AND 1-2-1 Each course will be designed to participants’ requests. Organised groups wishing to have their own private course are welcomed. We often contact like-minded ex-Fast-Track pupils during the year to see if they’d like to do certain types of photography suggested by Mike.

Mike Goss (lecturer) worked for over 25 years in London as a leading advertising photographer specialising in still life, fashion, special effects, car shoots, location and portraits. Since 1989 he has run the Eastbourne Downs Photographic School - now called Eclipse.
Su Shanson, his partner, handles the administration, and worked for many years as an Art Buyer in leading advertising agencies in London. Su has an in-depth knowledge of the business side of photography and advertising. Cooking is one of Su's passions and participants enjoy her meals using locally produced meat, poultry, fresh fish, produce and the yummy desserts which have become a keynote during each course.

Fast Track 5 day Courses: 2012 dates: 25th-30th March (this course is now full) , 29th April - 4th May, 20th-25th May, 10th-15th June, 1st-6th July, 12th-17th August (this course is now full), 26th-31st August.
Start Up Weekends: 2012 dates: 1st-2nd March, 14th-15th April, 21st-22nd July (this is now full) - other dates available on enquiry.
Advanced or Creative Image building courses - please communicate by phone/email
Su's business courses are available on request also. See website.

At Eclipse we aim to make your stay as comfortable and relaxing as possible, so the accommodation is in single rooms (unless you are a couple) and is in our 'school' house or close by in the village. And of course, bed linen and towels are provided.
Cooking is one of Su’s passions and we can provide special diets on request. Each evening a three course dinner and a glass of wine is served in our 17th century cottage in the village. Su uses locally produced organic meat, poultry and fresh fish. The home-made desserts, sometimes using our own or locally picked fruits, have become a keynote during each course. Breakfasts are served in the school house and you can choose from a full English breakfast menu with cereals and juice, tea, coffee and toast.

Eclipse is situated in the Sussex Downland village of Old Willingdon just north of Eastbourne. Our local towns, coastline and countryside offer tremendous scope to practice a full spectrum of outdoors shooting techniques.

By air to London Gatwick and then via train to Polegate on the London Victoria to Eastbourne train/taxi. Via Eurostar from Ashford International to Polegate train station. From Newhaven Ferry Port or train from London Victoria (see above). Drive towards Eastbourne on A22 or A27 about one mile south of Polegate. We are very happy to collect clients from the local train station and return at no cost.