LLANGOLLEN LOCATIONS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Photography Workshop: Discovering the Treasures of Llangollen – 22nd February

Join me on a photographic journey through the picturesque and historic landscapes of Llangollen, North Wales, on February 22nd. This often-overlooked region boasts stunning scenery, engineering marvels, and a diverse range of photographic opportunities. With a little further luck, we may even get to capture it in its unique winter coat.

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Why Llangollen and North Wales?

Nestled in a beautiful valley on the River Dee, Llangollen offers remarkably easy access to a variety of captivating locations, from towering escarpments to tranquil waterways and historic sites.

• Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: A marvel of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive structure offers stunning compositions, particularly from the valley below.
• Trevor Rocks / The Panorama: We’ll explore the gritstone heights near Garth for panoramic vistas, then contrast this with the unique limestone formations further down the escarpment.
• Nant Mill: A tranquil start to the day in this beautiful woodland, featuring a stunning waterfall perfect for practising early techniques.
• Horseshoe Falls: Witness the power of this impressive weir, where the River Dee is separated from the Llangollen Canal.
• Bonus Locations: Depending on time and conditions, we may also visit Velvet Hill and the Chainbridge, adding further variety to our experience.

Our Photographic Itinerary

• 10:00 AM: Meet and Greet
  • We will meet in the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct car park.
  • We immediately head to Nant Mill to capture its beautiful waterfall and learn about long exposures and shooting in manual mode at a relaxed pace.
• Afternoon Exploration:
  • Explore the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Trevor Rocks, and other scenic locations, capturing their unique beauty and applying various photography techniques.
• Sunset Grand Finale:
  • Capture a breathtaking sunset from a carefully chosen viewpoint, putting our newly acquired skills into practice.

Learning and Skill Development

Throughout the day, I’ll provide hands-on instruction and guidance on essential photography techniques, catering to all ability levels:

• Technical Foundations:
  • Focusing Techniques: Learn how to achieve tack-sharp focus in varied scenarios.
  • Tripod Usage: Master the art of using a tripod for stability, sharper images, and benefiting from a slowed-down workflow that aids composition.
  • Filters vs. Exposure Blending: Understand the creative and technical trade-offs between using physical filters and digital exposure blending techniques.
• Creative Vision:
  • Composition: Develop your eye and learn practical rules and tips for creating visually compelling and harmonious images.
  • Working with Light: Learn how to effectively utilize natural light, especially the unique qualities of winter light, to enhance the mood and impact of your photographs.
• Advanced Techniques: I am always happy to discuss more advanced techniques on a 1-2-1 basis or with the group, depending on your interests and skill levels.

Lunch and Image Review

• We’ll break for lunch around 14:00.
• If time permits, we’ll look at images on a laptop to discuss basic processing techniques within Adobe Lightroom.

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Additional Information

• Difficulty:Easy/Medium.
  • We could walk up to 5 miles in one day, but with plenty of stops in between.
  • There is less than 150 metres of ascent, largely over good paths, but there may be some locations with muddy, pathless terrain.
• Small Group Size: Maximum 4 participants for a highly personalised learning experience and plenty of 1-2-1 tuition.
• Kit and Equipment Provided:
  • I have four sets of Maven Filters available for the group to use (a set per person). This is ideal for testing or upgrading your filter system.
  • I will also have spare tripods available for use.
• Pre-workshop Information: Upon booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with meeting details, a comprehensive kit list, discount codes, and a questionnaire.
• Post-workshop Support: Access to my private Facebook client area for ongoing support and image sharing.

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Weather Contingency

We will be prepared for the unpredictable North Wales weather!

• I have plenty of alternative locations that are suitable for a variety of conditions.
• We may even engage in “light chasing,” using forecasts, webcams, and my local knowledge to find the best spots.
• Regardless of the weather, you will gain valuable skills and capture stunning images—even overcast days are perfect for waterfalls!

Ready to discover the photographic treasures of Llangollen and enhance your landscape photography?