Whether you are a happy snapper or an experienced enthusiast, there is something that will captivate you.

Now you can combine some serious sightseeing with a one- day Beginning Photography workshop or two-day Landscape Photography Masterclass that will help you create permanent memories you can be proud of.

The workshop and masterclass are run by 2007 Environmental Photographer of the Year Mike McFarlane.

Both are based at Fifiefofum, a creativity centre and art gallery near Corbridge, a former supply town for the troops on Hadrian's Wall which makes a great base for exploring the beauty of Northumberland.

If you are new to photography, have been taking 'snaps' for some while and would like to do better or are new to using a digital camera then Mike McFarlane's beginners workshop could be for you.

The emphasis is on helping people to see and take good pictures, rather than twiddling knobs, pressing buttons and meddling with settings.

You won't be blinded by science or techno-babble.

That said, there are plenty of opportunities to sort out technical queries one-to-one with Mike McFarlane while carrying out the practical assignments that make up much of the day – ideal when the cameras being used range from pocket-sized compacts to more expensive equipment.

McFarlane is an excellent example for anyone new to photography.

He only bought his first camera six years ago, started making money out of his hobby a couple of years later and gave up a well-paid career as a design engineer to launch his own photography business last year.

Now he makes his money selling limited editions of his work, supplying stock photographs and working for commercial clients that include magazines, development agencies, councils and tourism organisations – donating a proportion of his profits to environmental organisations, charities and local groups.

Fifiefofum's location and its extensive grounds, including woodland, fields, a wildfowl lake overlooked by the waterside lecture centre and the art gallery, provide plenty of subjects.

And, if you are a more experienced photographer, the two day Masterclass also includes the opportunity to try out your skills in Northumberland's stunning countryside – weather permitting.

It's a testament to Mike McFarlane's ability to pass on his knowledge that everyone on the course I attended produced pictures that drew admiring 'oohs and ahs' from other course members – irrespective of the type of cameras they were using and how experienced they were.

Mike McFarlane's Beginning Photography workshop lasts for one day, caters for between six and 10 people and costs £55, including an excellent buffet lunch and refreshments.

His Landscape Photography Masterclass lasts for two days, costs £55 per day, including lunch and refreshments.