SOUTH PEAK LIMESTONE PEAK DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Peak District Photography Workshop: Unveiling the South White Peak – 24th May

Join me on May 24th for a captivating photography workshop exploring the picturesque and often-overlooked landscapes of the South White Peak. We’ll delve into its hidden dales, rolling valleys, and distinct hills, capturing the vibrant colours and lush textures this region offers in late spring.

---

Why the South White Peak in May?

While late May presents landscape photographers with the challenges of long daylight hours and potential harsh light, the South White Peak truly shines during this time. The lush foliage, vibrant green colours, and flowing river dales create a captivating scene, offering unique photographic opportunities that we will spend the day mastering.

Potential Itinerary Highlights:

• Dove Dale: Discover the beauty of this popular tourist destination, often missed by landscape photographers focused elsewhere. The view from Thorpe Cloud is worth the ascent and is often quieter.
• Wolfscote Dale: Explore the unique limestone pavement of Wolfscote Hill and the intriguing rock formations of Peaseland Rocks.
• Thor’s Cave: Witness the awe-inspiring scale of this magnificent cave, capturing its grandeur both from within and afar. This may be our sunset location, shooting from a scenic overlook or Ecton Hill.
• Roystone Rocks: Experience the intriguing landscape of dark, fissured limestone rocks and lone trees.
• Lathkill Dale (Optional): If conditions allow, we’ll visit the picturesque tufa weir for a captivating waterfall photography experience.

Our Photographic Journey

• 1:30 PM: Meet and Greet
  • Followed by an exploration of the lower dales, focusing on intimate details and mastering techniques like filter usage and composition.
• 5:30 PM: Break for Food & Review
  • Enjoy a relaxed break for food (not included), followed by an optional introduction to post-processing in Lightroom.
• Sunset Finale:
  • Capture a stunning sunset at Thor’s Cave, shooting from a scenic overlook or Ecton Hill.
• 9:30 PM: Workshop concludes after returning to our cars.

Learning and Skill Development

Throughout the day, I’ll provide hands-on instruction and guidance on essential photography techniques:

• 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 17:45 PM.
• If time permits, we’ll look at images on a laptop to discuss basic processing techniques within Adobe Lightroom.

What’s Included

• Expert Guidance: Benefit from my extensive experience and intimate knowledge of the Peak District.
• Small Group Size: With a maximum of 4 participants, you are guaranteed personalised attention 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 to help me tailor the workshop to your needs.
• Post-workshop Support: You will receive access to my private Facebook client area for ongoing support, image sharing, and connecting with fellow photographers.

Weather Contingency

The Peak District weather is unpredictable, but we will be prepared!

• 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!

---

Booking Information

• A £40 deposit is required to secure your place.
• The full balance is due no later than 6 weeks before the workshop date.

Ready to explore and photograph the dramatic beauty of the South White Peak?