peak district winter solstice photography workshop

Peak District Winter Solstice: A Photography Workshop on the Shortest Day – 21st December

Embrace the magic of the winter solstice in the Peak District, as we embark on a photography workshop through a landscape transformed by frost, snow, and the ethereal light of the shortest day. This workshop, taking place on December 21st, is designed to immerse you in the unique beauty of this captivating region, capturing its essence as the sun makes its brief but dramatic appearance.

Why the Peak District in Winter?

Winter casts a spell on the Peak District, turning familiar landscapes into a photographer’s wonderland. Frost adorns the trees and rocks, creating intricate patterns and textures. Snow dusts the hills, adding a touch of magic to the scene. And the low angle of the sun paints the landscape with long shadows and a soft, diffused light that is perfect for photography throughout the day.

Our Photographic Journey:

• Sunrise at Ramshaw Rocks (or similar): Our day begins with a breathtaking sunrise at a carefully chosen location, most likely Ramshaw Rocks. This dramatic gritstone escarpment offers stunning views and a dramatic backdrop for capturing the first light of the winter solstice. We’ll watch as the sun slowly rises above the horizon, casting a warm glow over the frost-covered landscape.
• Exploring Grand Landscapes and Waterfalls: As the day unfolds, we’ll venture to a variety of locations, capturing the diverse beauty of the Peak District. Depending on the weather conditions, we may explore:
  • Lathkill Dale: A picturesque valley with a meandering river and fascinating rock formations. We’ll capture the tranquility of the scene, with the frost adding a touch of magic.
  • Parson’s Tor: A dramatic gritstone tor offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. We’ll use the low winter sun to create dramatic images with long shadows and contrasting textures.
  • Lathkill Tufa Weir: A unique waterfall with cascading tufa formations. We’ll learn how to capture the beauty of moving water using long exposures and filters.
  • Three Shires Head: A picturesque packhorse bridge spanning the River Dane, offering opportunities for long exposure photography and capturing the reflections in the water.
• Sunset at Curbar Edge: As the sun begins its descent, we’ll head to Curbar Edge, a classic gritstone edge with stunning views. We’ll witness the warm golden light bathe the landscape in a final farewell, capturing the dramatic interplay of light and shadow on the gritstone cliffs.

What to Expect:

• A Day of Flexibility and Discovery: This workshop is designed to be adaptable to the weather conditions, ensuring we make the most of the winter solstice light. We’ll embrace the unpredictable nature of the Peak District, allowing ourselves to be guided by the light and the landscape.
• Easy to Moderate Activity: While we’ll be covering some ground throughout the day, the walking distances are generally manageable, with plenty of stops to rest and enjoy the scenery. This workshop is suitable for a range of fitness levels, but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
• Technical and Creative Guidance: I’ll be there every step of the way, providing expert tuition and guidance to help you capture stunning images. We’ll cover a range of techniques, including:
  • Composition: Mastering the art of arranging elements within the frame to create visually compelling and harmonious photographs.
  • Focusing: Ensuring your images are tack-sharp, capturing the intricate details of the winter landscape.
  • Filters and Exposure Blending: Exploring the creative possibilities of filters and exposure blending techniques to enhance your images and create stunning effects.
  • Working with Light: Understanding how to utilize the unique qualities of winter light to create mood, depth, and drama in your photographs.
• Relaxed and Supportive Environment: I believe that learning should be enjoyable, so I foster a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where you can feel comfortable asking questions, experimenting with new techniques, and sharing your passion for photography.

Itinerary:

• 07:30 AM: We’ll meet at our designated starting point, where I’ll provide a warm welcome and introduce you to the plan for the day.
• Sunrise: We’ll head to our sunrise location, most likely Ramshaw Rocks, to capture the first light of the winter solstice.
• Daytime: We’ll explore a variety of Peak District locations, capturing the beauty of the winter landscape and learning new photography techniques.
• Lunch Break: We’ll take a break for lunch to refuel and enjoy the scenery. If there is time we will look at an introduction to post-processing in Adobe Lightroom.
• Sunset: As the day draws to a close, we’ll head to Curbar Edge for our sunset photography session.
• 16:00 PM: Our workshop concludes, leaving you with a collection of stunning images and newfound photography skills.

Additional Information:

• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. Involves moderate walking on varied terrain, with some ascents and descents.
• Group Size: Maximum 4 participants for personalised attention and a more intimate learning experience.
• Included: Expert tuition, guidance on photography techniques, kit list, and a pre-workshop questionnaire.
• Facebook Client Area: You’ll also gain access to my Facebook client area, where you can share images, ask questions, and connect with fellow photographers.
• Booking and Payment: A £40 deposit is required to secure your place on this workshop with the balance due no later than 6 weeks before the workshop.

Ready to embrace the magic of the winter solstice in the Peak District and capture stunning images of this captivating landscape?