monsdal dale, Littonfields and tideswell photography workshop

Photographing rolling dales, waterfalls and the cathedral of the Peak – 20th June

Join me on June 20th for a thrilling photography experience in the heart of the Peak District! This packed day of exploration and learning will focus on capturing the beauty of Monsal Dale, Littonfields, and Tideswell, while mastering advanced techniques to enhance your photography skills.

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Embracing the Challenge of June

While June presents challenges for landscape photographers with its long daylight hours and harsh light, we’ll turn these challenges into opportunities. We’ll utilize the softer evening light and uncover hidden gems, experiment with creative techniques, and capture stunning images that showcase the unique beauty of the Peak District in early summer.

Our Photographic Journey

• Monsal Dale:
  • Our adventure begins at the picturesque Monsal Dale weir, where the River Wye crashes and tumbles, creating a mesmerising scene. We’ll master long exposure techniques using filters to capture the smooth flow of water and create ethereal effects.
  • Next, we’ll delve into the darkness of the Monsal Tunnels, a unique and atmospheric location. Here, we’ll experiment with super long exposures and explore high ISO photography, capturing the tunnels’ ambiance with handheld shots and learning how to control noise and grain.
  • Accessibility Note: There may be a steep, well-maintained path down to the weir and a flat walk to the tunnels. We’ll return via the same route.
  • Important Note: Access to the Monsal Dale weir is currently limited. We’ll assess the situation closer to the workshop date and explore alternatives like the Lathkill Tufa Weir if necessary.
• Littonfields:
  • We’ll then venture to the charming landscape of Littonfields, where patchwork fields, drystone walls, and traditional farming scenes create a captivating tapestry. We’ll explore composition techniques and capture the essence of this idyllic countryside.
• Peter’s Stone:
  • As the sun begins its descent, we’ll head to Peter’s Stone, a dramatic viewpoint with a fascinating history. This picturesque location offers stunning evening light, perfect for capturing dramatic landscapes and experimenting with different exposures.
• Tideswell (Sunset):
  • Our final destination will be the charming village of Tideswell, where we’ll photograph the magnificent “Cathedral of the Peak” (Tideswell Church) during sunset.

Itinerary

• 2:30 PM: Meet and greet, followed by our exploration of Monsal Dale.
• 6:00 PM: Enjoy a relaxed break for food (not included) and an optional introduction to Lightroom processing techniques, where I’ll share tips and tricks for enhancing your images.
• Evening: We’ll continue our photography adventure at Littonfields, Peter’s Stone, and Tideswell, capturing the beauty of these locations as the light changes.
• 10:30 PM: Our workshop concludes after capturing Tideswell Church at sunset.

Learning and Skill Development

Throughout the day, I’ll provide personalized guidance and instruction on a variety of photography techniques, including:

• Technical Foundations:
  • Long Exposures: Master the art of long exposure photography, capturing stunning effects with moving water and in low-light conditions.
  • High ISO Techniques: Learn how to use high ISO settings effectively, creating unique images in challenging lighting conditions while minimizing noise and grain.
  • Focusing techniques: Learn how to achieve sharp focus in different situations.
  • Tripod usage: Master the art of using a tripod for stability and sharper images.
  • Filters vs. exposure blending: Understand when to use filters and when to rely on exposure blending techniques.
• Creative Vision:
  • Composition: Develop your compositional eye and learn how to create compelling images that draw the viewer in.
  • Working with Light: Learn how to effectively utilize natural light to enhance your photographs, capturing the mood and atmosphere of the scene.
• Advanced Techniques: We will cover these skills and more, with dedicated 1-2-1 guidance.

Additional Information

• 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.
• Difficulty: Easy. Most locations are within a short the distance of the car, with Monsal Dale being the hardest. Easy to get down, lung buster on the way back up. The overall pace will be relaxed and enjoyable.
• Group Size: Maximum 4 participants for personalised attention and a relaxed learning environment.
• Included: Expert tuition, transport during the workshop, a detailed kit list, discount codes for photography equipment, and a pre-workshop questionnaire to help me tailor the day to your needs.

Weather Contingency

The Peak District weather can be unpredictable, but I’m prepared!

• I have a variety of locations suitable for different conditions, and we may even chase the light, using forecasts, webcams, and my local knowledge to find the best spots.
• Even if the weather isn’t ideal, you’ll learn valuable techniques (like long exposures in soft light) and capture stunning images.

Ready for a Peak District photography adventure filled with learning, exploration, and stunning imagery?