Whispering Woods and Waterfalls
A creative photographic weekend in the Peak District
26th – 27th October 2024
Price €610 (Euros) – approx. £515 (GB pounds)
Introduction
This woodland and waterfalls creative photographic weekend brings two of my photographic loves together – water and trees. Join me for two full days of photography, as we explore the magical Padley Gorge and Longshaw Estate in the Peak District. This is an extra special workshop weekend for me, as it will be shortly after I launch my book ‘if the woods whispered would you hear them’. A copy of which you will receive during the weekend.
The waterfalls of Padley Gorge are an absolute delight – tumbling, bubbling, rushing, whirling, falling, spilling and whispering down the valley. Beautiful landscape shots, but also the opportunity to get closer to the water to immerse (not literally, unless you bring your wellies). Whether you are a traditional landscape photographer or are exploring ICM or multiple exposure, opportunities to explore your creativity will be many.
The woods around the gorge and Longshaw estate are varied. In the gorge its self, the stunted gnarled limbs twist and form a laced canopy overhead. Green moss covers the trunks and boulders. Out on the estate wider vistas over ponds and down into the gorge will offer varied opportunities to explore the perspective from which you photograph trees and their surrounding landscape.
This 2-day creative weekend offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself into a more creative way of thinking with your photography. Of course, traditional image opportunities still abound, but under my guidance you will be encouraged to explore the landscape with special attention to lines, colours and light contrasts, interpreting the landscape in a way unique to the way you experience it.
With an eye to content of my book, I will be encouraging a mindful approach to experiencing the locations we experience. Something waterproof to sit on, and a notebook and pen will be as important as your camera!
Please note – there is a reasonable amount of walking involved (around 5km per day) to make the most of the varied opportunities. The paths are not paved, they are not flat, and can be slippery depending on the weather. If you are less stable on your feet or have any underlaying health concerns please do get in touch first before booking, to ensure you will be able to make the most of the weekend.
During the weekend we will explore both ICM and multiple exposure opportunities. For anyone who would like an intro to ICM and multiple exposure, or even a refresher - I will send a ‘get started recording’ out, around a week before the tour. There will also be an online zoom session 3 weeks after the tour for the sharing and critique of images made on the tour.
Accommodation Information
The Maynard is a hotel nestled in the Hope Valley in the village of Grindleford. It offers cozy, but modern sophistication in its rooms and hospitality, and a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. It is located close to all the locations we will visit during the weekend. Single occupancy double rooms have been booked for Saturday 26th evening, this includes breakfast on the Sunday morning. If you would like to add on an extra night before or after, you can book directly and let them know you will be staying with my group on the Saturday night to ensure you don’t need to move rooms. It is not far at all from Grindleford station, so if you would like to use public transport, I will happily come and collect you from the station, on Friday evening or Saturday morning and return you on Sunday after we finish if you let me know.
https://the-maynard.com/rooms/
For anyone local who would prefer to just join the weekend photography without the overnight stay please let me know. I will adjust the price to be without the overnight accommodation cost.
What to Expect
On the 26th will start at 10am, and our photography time will end around 5pm. We will check in at the hotel and meet for drinks and a chance for me to introduce you to my book. I will book a table for dinner at 7pm. On the 27th we will start at 9am and finish at 4pm. Both days we will find a local pub or café for lunch.
The weekend is kept to just 6 photographers, so that I can work with each and everyone on an individual basis during our time together. Both days will start with a mindful exercise to encourage you to become aware of your senses and to open your eyes and your attitude towards exploration, play and experimentation during the two days. I will have a selection of exercises you can work through if you would like to structure your time, however, if you just want to explore the location and enjoy some time for yourself to just see what happens, then I will support you in this as well. For anyone wanting support with developing ICM or multiple exposure skills, whatever your level of experience, I am more than happy to help.
The order in which locations we visit is not set in stone. But we will be exploring Padley Gorge and the Longshaw estate.
Transport
I have not booked a minibus for the weekend as I imagine most people will arrive with a car. If however you would like to utilise public transport, there is a train station at Grindleford which I am more than happy to pick up and drop of from. Please let me know you will be utilizing this option so I can plan accordingly. If you would like me to meet you at Grindleford Station, please ensure your train arrives before 9.30am on the Saturday morning or early Friday evening if you are coming the evening before (I will be staying the night before). We will finish at 4pm on the Sunday, so trains home from 4.30pm onwards.
During the weekend I am more than happy to share my car with up to 3 others on both days. Priority will be given to anyone arriving by train.
For anyone arriving on Saturday morning by car: We will meet on Saturday morning at the Surprise View Car Park - Peak District NP - A6187, Grindleford, Sheffield, Hope Valley S32 2JA at 9.45am. It is a pay and display car park.
Included
Two days of photography training/workshop on location. One night overnight accommodation including breakfast. My new book ‘If the woods whispered would you hear them’ Pre recorded intro to ICM and multiple exposures recording.
Follow up Zoom webinar for discussion and review of your images 3 weeks after the weekend.
What is not included
Transport to and from the tour location
Transport during the tour (Although I will happily drive my car full each day, but will need one other for the purposes of car sharing).
All food and drink
Insurance
How to book
Please use the following link to my website where you will find all the details of this weekend photographic opportunity and a link for payment of a deposit.
https://charlottebellamy.com/photo-tours-and-retreats/
Final payment is due via bank transfer 8 weeks before the 26th October. Full terms and conditions available and sent with booking form on receipt of the deposit.
