Peak District Summer Solstice Photography Workshop (21st June 2026)

Description

Peak District Photography Workshop: Summer Solstice Celebration – 21st June

Join me on June 21st for a special photography workshop celebrating the Summer Solstice in the Peak District. We’ll embrace the unique, long light and atmosphere of the longest day of the year, exploring picturesque locations and honing our landscape photography skills.

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A Day of Learning and Capturing the Solstice

Our itinerary is specifically designed to make the most of the summer solstice light, focusing on locations that thrive in high summer conditions and culminating in a peaceful sunset shoot.

• Waterfall and Woodland Photography:
  • We’ll begin our day by exploring the beauty of Peak District waterfalls and woodlands.
  • These locations offer respite from the strong midday sun and provide excellent opportunities to practice long exposures, composition, and other camera techniques.
  • Potential locations include the picturesque Lathkill Tufa Weir or the atmospheric Padley Gorge.
• Other locations: We will stay flexible and visit a number of other locations depending on the weather and light. These could include grand landscapes or sheltered woodland.
• Tranquil Sunset Location:
  • As the sun descends towards the horizon, we’ll head to a quieter location, away from the crowds often drawn to solstice events. This allows us to focus on capturing the beauty of the sunset without distractions.
  • A possible location is the atmospheric ruins of Magpie Mine.
• Flexible Itinerary: The exact locations we visit will be tailored to the conditions on the day, ensuring we capture the best possible images.

Itinerary

• 2:00 PM: Meet and greet, followed by our first photography location (Waterfall/Woodland).
• 6:00 PM: Break for food (not included) and an optional introduction to Lightroom and basic image editing.
• Late Afternoon/Evening: Continue our photography journey, culminating in a sunset shoot at a carefully chosen tranquil location.
• 10:00 PM (approx.): Workshop concludes after sunset.

Learning and Skill Development

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

• Technical Foundations:
  • Focusing techniques: Learn how to achieve sharp focus in different situations.
  • Tripod usage: Master the art of using a tripod for stability, sharper images and the benefit of slowing your workflow down to aid composition.
  • 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.
  • Working with Light: Learn how to effectively utilise natural light, including the unique low angle of the solstice sunset, to enhance your photographs.
• Workshop Highlights:
  • Summer Solstice Celebration: Experience the unique atmosphere of the longest day and capture its special light.
  • Suitable for All Levels: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, you’ll receive personalized guidance and support.
  • 1-2-1 Tuition: I’ll divide my time equally among participants, ensuring everyone receives individual attention and support.

Additional Information

• Difficulty: Easy. Most locations involve short walks of around 15 minutes each way. We may walk longer depending on conditions and group ability.
• Group Size: Maximum 4 participants for personalized attention.
• Included: Expert tuition, transport during the workshop, kit list, discount codes, and a pre-workshop questionnaire.
• 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 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.
• Regardless of the weather, you will gain valuable skills and capture stunning images—overcast days are perfect for waterfalls!

Ready to celebrate the summer solstice with a photography adventure in the Peak District?