Photo Training Overseas (PTO) : Hurgada

We've been away in Egypt for the past fortnight, staying at Hurgada on the Red Sea. It was quite an experience!

We'd gone to attend the PTO international photographic conference run by George and Glenys Dawber. It's a brilliant way to keep up to date on all things photographic, including the creative side of our art and the technical skills you need to make really great images.

Ours is fast moving industry where you can't ever rest on your laurels. In a busy studio like ours, it's difficult to take time out for training and updating - it's hopeless in the summer with weddings every weekend. So January is the best time and winter sun is always welcome.

We’d left just as the crowds were beginning to gather in Tahrir Square and the first week was a bit uncertain. Then the hotel was vast and emptied dramatically as tourists were flying back home and no one took their place.

Trips we cancelled which limited the photo opps hugely. We’d hoped to go to Luxor, or out in a boat but it wasn’t possible. The internet was cut off which was fine, but the tv was showing bigger and bigger crowds and Mubarak still wouldn’t go. It was a relief to get to the airport and away. Having said that, all the Egyptians we met were charming, helpful and they did all they could to make our seminars and our holiday enjoyable.

We’d go back again like a shot.