About Us
World In Focus is a family-run, award-winning photography training company led by professional photographers Simon Watkinson and Tammy Tidmarsh, alongside their daughter, Winola, and son, Will. Based in the heart of the stunning Peak District National Park, we provide exceptional photography courses in an inspiring landscape, as well as completing commercial photography internationally.
Just an hour’s drive from major cities like Manchester, Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham, and Stoke-on-Trent, our location offers easy access to breathtaking scenery. Nestled near Longnor village (famously featured in the TV drama Peak Practice), The Spout serves as our base, surrounded by rugged hills, tranquil valleys, picturesque villages, and heather-clad moorlands.
At World In Focus, we cater to photographers of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. Our courses are designed to be relaxed, welcoming, and tailored to help you grow your skills. Led by Simon, an expert in landscape photography with global experience, each session is carefully planned to take advantage of the best light, weather, and seasonal conditions.
During our courses, you’ll be transported to handpicked locations, allowing you to focus entirely on your photography. Our sessions are structured with a mix of morning and afternoon shoots, complete with coffee breaks and a well-deserved pub lunch.
Join us at World In Focus for an unforgettable photography experience in one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes.
Meet the Team
Simon Watkinson
Director of Photographic Services
Simon Watkinson is our Head of the Photographic Department and overseas all the UK and Overseas Tuition, as well as completing all Commercial Photography assignments. Simon has worked as a professional photographer for over 40 years and loves nothing more than taking groups abroad. Simon obtained ABIPP status in 2003.
Tammy Tidmarsh
Managing Director
Tammy Tidmarsh DipM MCIM CMktr is the person heading up and overseeing all aspects of World In Focus. Tammy has a strong background in marketing and business management and as well as being the key point of contact for the business, is also responsible for the online community via our Mighty networks platform (coming late 2025). Tammy obtained LBIPP status in 2011.
Will Watkinson
Content Director
Will is the eldest son of Simon and Tammy and is responsible for creating content and for the growth of our online offerings, especially focusing on YouTube. Will has extensive experience in channel growth, with views of one of his videos having over 13 million watches on his own channel, so far. Will is currently learning more about post production as well getting expert guidance on camera craft.
Winola Watkinson
Content Director and Photography Assistant
Winola is the eldest daughter of Simon and Tammy and is responsible for creating content, specifically focusing on TikTok. Winola already crafts content for TikTok, where she has a monetised account, with her own niche artworks. Winola also works as a photographic assistant to Simon on photographic courses and commercial assignments.
The Spout
The Spout is an 18th Century property, which is home to the offices, as well as being the base for all our photography courses. The Spout is set in the Peak District National Park amongst some of the most stunning countryside that Britain has to offer. The land surrounding The Spout is of particular interest to botanists for the rare plants and flowers. Of particular interest around the property is the rapidly declining Marsh Lousewort or Red Rattle (Pedicularis palustris).
Numerous species of wildlife are in the immediate vicinity of The Spout. There are Hares, Curlew, Lapwing, Snipes and even the odd Barn Owl can be seen late in the evening. There are also of course Blackbirds, Sparrows and Swallows, Pheasant, Herons and also bats can be seen darting past the house at dusk! The quarter mile stone track leading to The Spout can often times be a real treat, with Hares and Pheasants most commonly seen at all times during the day and an abundance of Curlew also during the Spring / Summer months.