Simon Norfolk just dropped me a line to say that two places have become available at the workshop he's leading in Derby in a fortnight, and could I give it a plug.

No problem.

It's organised by Format International Photography Festival, which next takes place in 2011, and so it has organised a "programme of professional development programming events and activity designed to support established and emerging photographers". 

The Format Summer School is a five day "intensive, research oriented workshop that seeks to support personal photographic growth in a focused environment".It costs £375 +VAT (including accomodation), and starts the evening of 13 June and finishes up on the morning of the 19th.

"The workshop is about exploring how to take your photography to the next level. It will be relevant to you if you are interested in developing project research techniques thinking about the use of new technologies in planning your images before you make them and are interested in thinking before you shoot.

"Participants will work towards developing their own photographic style and see their overall approach to planning, a photographic project, develop.  The aim is to guide participants through technical, theoretical and aesthetic issues towards developing their own photographic focus and strategies for approaching a project. The use of digital photography is recommended as it facilitates the process of daily editing, participants should bring their own laptop with them.

"The broader debates surrounding photography practice are a very important part of the course. Participants are expected to be aware of these references in relation to their practical work. Simon will encourage students to work experimentally, questioning their own methods as well as those of other practitioners. Participants are expected to develop strong and original projects with an interest in critical thinking."

If you're interested, contact Simon directly.