Ranging from a one-day course to a full week with a professional photographer, photography holidays seem to be getting more and more popular. It can seem the ideal choice for a family vacation... you get to spend time doing something you love, and the family get to spend time doing what they want to do without you constantly cajoling them to "stand there... family photo, say cheese".

I'll be honest, I've never been on a photographic holiday. I've seen a few I'd love to do though! Even though I'm a professional photographer, I would love to spend a week with someone like Colin Prior over on the west coast of Scotland. Not so much for the camera tips and advice, but for his experience and knowledge of the locations and how to get the best from them.

No matter how much knowledge you have on any subject, there should always be something else you can learn. It keeps you moving forward, and should excite you and inspire you.

Photography holidays in the UK or abroad cover most aspects of modern photography... you can learn how to use your digital camera, learn how to use photoshop, discover the real art of landscape photography, nature photography, wildlife photography, you name it. There are also courses for people wanting to get into wedding photography or portrait photography, learning how to use lighting and flash techniques.

The advantage of a photography holiday over a proper educational course is that it's fun! It's a holiday!! You get to stay in beautiful locations in lovely hotels. You will be pampered and taken care of. And all the time, you have on tap an expert professional photographer who specialises in that particular field of photography. What's not to love?

You can read photography books and manuals, teach yourself, or even go to university and get a degree, but if you want to just learn a few really useful tips and tricks, if you want to have fun and mix with like-minded people, and you want an excuse to go on vacation in a beautiful location... I'd be seriously tempted to look at a photography holiday!

Scotland, Tuscany, Brittany, New Zealand, Alaska, St Lucia, Death Valley... and so many more besides, all these beautiful places are locations for photography holidays.

Check out the prices, check out options for families and partners, decide which course will offer you what you need. All courses will run slightly differently and offer different levels of support and advice. Most offer use of camera equipment and, in some cases, studio facilities but find out what you will need to bring as well. If the equipment you have isn't enough for say an advanced course in wildlife photography, then look around and see if there's a similar course that will let you borrow or hire equipment. There's so much choice out there, so make sure you choose the one that is right for you.

If you are going somewhere that poor weather could affect the holiday, what alternatives do the company offer? Do they have wet weather options that appeal to you, or would your vacation be ruined? At least if you've asked the question then you know that, whatever the weather, your holiday is going to be a good one!

If you do go on a photography holiday, have fun and I truly hope it is all and more than you could wish for!