peak district heather including salt cellar and fair brook waterfall

Peak District Heather: Photographing an Icon at Full Bloom – 23rd August

Immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of the Peak District’s blooming heather on this captivating photography workshop. On the 23rd of August, we’ll embark on a scenic, challenging journey to capture the iconic landscapes of this breathtaking region, adorned with the rich purple hues of heather in full bloom.

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Why Photograph the Peak District’s Heather?

For a few fleeting weeks each year, the Peak District’s moorlands undergo a dramatic transformation. The typically brown landscape erupts in a vibrant display of purple heather, creating a visual spectacle that captivates photographers and nature lovers alike. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to witness and capture this fleeting beauty, creating images that showcase the Peak District’s unique character and charm.

Our Heather Photography Day

This workshop is designed as a Photographic Hike, focusing on depth of exploration and culminating in an iconic sunset view.

• Fair Brook’s Hidden Treasures:
  • Our day begins at Fair Brook, a picturesque stream nestled on the northern slopes of Kinder Scout.
  • We’ll ascend the brook, discovering hidden waterfalls, picturesque pools, and breathtaking views, all framed by the vibrant purple heather.
• Trident Waterfall (Long Exposure Focus):
  • One of the highlights will be the captivating Trident Waterfall, a cascading torrent plunging over a rocky outcrop, surrounded by a tapestry of heather.
  • Focus: We’ll experiment with filters and long exposures to capture the beauty and drama of the scene.
  • Important Note: The descent to the Trident Waterfall can be challenging, and the location is small, accommodating only two photographers at a time.
• Derwent Edge and Beyond:
  • We’ll drive to Cutthroat Bridge and ascend onto Derwent Edge. This scenic gritstone edge offers a wealth of photographic opportunities: gritstone formations, panoramic vistas, and abundant heather.
  • We’ll capture the unique character of Lead Hill and Whinstone Lee Tor before reaching our final destination.
• The Salt Cellar (Sunset Finale):
  • Our ultimate goal is to capture the iconic Salt Cellar, a remarkable gritstone formation.
  • As the sun begins its descent, we’ll capture this majestic landmark bathed in the warm glow of golden hour light, surrounded by a sea of purple heather.

Itinerary & What to Expect

• 1:45 PM: Meet and greet at our designated location, followed by a discussion of the day’s plan.
• Afternoon: Hike to Fair Brook and explore the brook, including the Trident Waterfall.
• Late Afternoon: Drive to Cutthroat Bridge and ascend Derwent Edge.
• Sunset: Arrive at the Salt Cellar and capture its iconic form as the sun sets.
• 9:45 PM (approx.): Conclude the workshop after our return to the car park.
• A Photographic Hike: This workshop requires a good level of fitness. We’ll be hiking approximately 5-6 miles throughout the day, with some challenging ascents and descents over varied terrain.
• Emphasis on Exploration: This workshop offers a chance to explore some of the Peak District’s less-visited locations, venturing off the beaten path.

Learning and Skill Development

Throughout the day, I’ll be there to provide guidance, support, and encouragement on essential photography techniques:

• 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.
• Composition: Develop your compositional eye to frame the heather and gritstone dramatically.
• Working with light: Learn how to effectively utilise the dramatic natural light of the moorlands.

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.

Additional Information

• Difficulty:Moderate to Challenging. This workshop requires a good level of fitness and experience with hiking on uneven terrain.
  • Beginners: If you’re new to photography, you might prefer one of my other heather workshops that focus more on camera techniques and involve shorter walks.
• Group Size: Maximum 4 participants for personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

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 for a Peak District adventure that combines stunning landscapes, vibrant heather, and photographic exploration?