Dinorwic and llanberis Photography Workshop

Llanberis Highlights: Disused Quarries, Waterfalls, and the Lone Tree – 13th September

Join me for a day capturing the industrial heritage and natural beauty in and around Llanberis. From the dramatic slate landscapes of Dinorwic to the elegant cascades of Ceunant Mawr, this workshop covers the very best of this iconic Eryri (Snowdonia) location.

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Why Llanberis?

Llanberis sits at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and offers a unique blend of rugged mountain scenery and fascinating industrial history. The area provides an incredible variety of textures—from the jagged blue slate of the quarries to the soft movement of waterfalls and the tranquil waters of Llyn Padarn.

Our Photographic Journey

We will explore the diverse elevations of the valley, moving from the high quarry levels down to the lakeside.

• 12:00 PM: Meet and Greet
  • We’ll meet in a car park in Llanberis, right next to the famous lone tree.
  • From here, we are likely to head up into Dinorwic Quarry for an exploration of the slate levels and abandoned barracks.
• Mid-Afternoon: Review and Refuel
  • We’ll take a break at a local café for lunch. This is a great chance to review our images and enjoy a quick introduction to Lightroom post-processing techniques.
• Afternoon Exploration:
  • Our next spot will be Ceunant Mawr waterfall in Llanberis itself (providing recent rainfall ensures a strong flow).
  • We are also likely to photograph the birch trees in Dinorwic from a lower viewpoint, capturing the contrast of nature reclaiming the industrial landscape.
  • Lastly we should have time to explore Dolbadarn Castle which is very photogenic and in Llanberis.
• Sunset Finale:
  • We’ll head to our final location: the iconic Lone Tree on Llyn Padarn. We will time this to capture the late evening light as it hits the mountains surrounding the lake.

Learning and Skill Development

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

• Technical Foundations:
  • Focusing: Ensuring your images are tack-sharp, from the intricate textures of the slate to the distant mountain horizons.
  • Tripod Usage: Mastering stability to maximise sharpness and enhance compositional awareness.
  • Filters vs. Exposure Blending: Understanding how to control light and enhance dynamic range using my provided filter sets.
• Creative Vision:
  • Composition: Mastering the art of arranging elements within the frame for harmonious and compelling photographs.
  • Working with Light: Learning how to utilise natural light to evoke mood, whether in the dark depths of the quarry or the open lakeside at sunset.
• 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.

What’s Included

• Expert Guidance: Benefit from my extensive experience and intimate local knowledge of the Llanberis area.
• Small Group Size: Maximum of 4 participants for 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).
  • I will also have spare tripods available for use.
• Pre-workshop Information: Upon booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with meeting details, a kit list, discount codes, and a questionnaire.
• Post-workshop Support: Access to my private Facebook client area for ongoing support and image sharing.

Additional Information

• Difficulty: Easy. Most locations are within a short walk from the car park. Dinorwic is the only exception; we may explore deeper into the quarry, which involves walking over uneven slate and is roughly 15 minutes from the car via slate steps.
• Skill Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced photographers.
• Transport: You are welcome to meet me near Wrexham if it is more convenient, and I can drive us from there.

Weather Contingency

The Eryri (Snowdonia) weather is unpredictable, but we will be prepared!

• I have plenty of alternative locations that are suitable for a variety of conditions.
• Regardless of the weather, you will gain valuable skills and capture stunning images—overcast days are actually preferred for the waterfalls and the textures of the slate quarries!

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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 capture the best Llanberis has to offer?