Enjoy four days photographing the Peak District's glorious landscapes this August, when the world-famous purple heather is at its best. The Derbyshire Peak District is one of the most visited national parks in Europe, and it's little wonder, with its panoramic vistas, narrow gorges, meandering waters, picturesque villages and distinctive grit stone ridges creating a unique perspective on the beautiful valleys below. This carefully curated photography workshop is the ideal way to capture the beauty of this unique landscape while avoiding the tourist crowds, thanks to Tom's expert knowledge of the very best places to shoot.
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP AT A GLANCE
This four-day landscape photography workshop in the Peak District is the perfect accelerator for improving your techniques and your eye for a picture, especially with the heather in its majestic summer purple.
Key photo locations include Hope Valley, Edale Valley, Mam Tor, Winnats Pass, Millstone Edge, Bamford Edge and the breathtaking Ladybower Reservoir. And the star attraction will, of course, be the heather - if you've never seen it before, you'll be amazed at its stunning purple hues and how much it transforms the landscape.
Be prepared for some early starts to capture the rising sun peaking over the hills - sunbursts, a little mist and golden light make for an unforgettable photographic experience. We'll also head off in the evenings to catch equally stunning sunsets, weather permitting.
Speaking of weather, conditions are likely to be changeable, so it's wise to bring layers and waterproofs, and plan for sun, rain, warmth and cooler spells. There's some hiking involved to get to the viewpoints that Tom has scouted, so comfortable walking boots are a must, too.
All transport during the workshop is included - giving you time to kick back, take in the beautiful Peak District landscapes, and get to know your fellow photographers, who are often a great source of ideas and tips themselves. With a maximum of just three people on the workshop, it's a relaxed, friendly experience, with plenty of time for individual tuition from Tom.
With Tom's expert guidance, you'll be getting the most out of your camera and lenses to make the most of the available light from dawn to dusk, as well as learning how to shoot for the prevailing weather conditions - which is always a great skill to develop in landscape photography! You'll also discover how to work a scene to produce a wide range of compositions, and pick up some handy post-production tips, too.
Your accommodation includes a well-appointed private room and a hearty, full English breakfast at the comfortable Rambler Inn in Edale, which is famous for its fish and chips and locally sourced food - just the job after a productive day's landscape photography.
PEAK DISTRICT WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
We'll be staying at the Rambler Inn in Edale - the heart of Peak District walking country and the start of the Pennine Way - which is the perfect base for capturing mist-shrouded valleys at sunrise. After returning to the pub for a traditional, full English breakfast, we'll explore the Peaks until late morning. You'll then have free time to enjoy lunch and relax in the afternoon before a sunset shoot. Dinner allows more time to talk photography and is the perfect opportunity for group critiques, too.
At this time of year, the heather is in bloom across the hills and moorlands, carpeting the slopes in majestic purple, making for unusual and eye-catching landscapes. Hope Valley and Edale Valley are excellent locations for capturing its otherworldly beauty.
We'll also visit Millstone Edge and Bamford Edge for breathtaking images across Ladybower Reservoir, a Y-shaped artificial lake in the Upper Derwent Valley, spanned by a graceful viaduct. A few miles to the west, Winnats Pass - a deep limestone gorge with towering ridges crowding either side - is one of the most spectacular roads in England. A short climb to the top of the cliffs and you've got the perfect spot for dawn photography, with the sun peeping over the distant hills.
Another unmissable location is Mam Tor, just northwest of Winnats. It's known as the Shivering Mountain due to the frequent landslips caused by unstable layers of shale at its base. It's perfect for sweeping vistas, especially at sunrise, with a hint of mist hugging the slopes of Hope Valley below.
What's included?
- One-to-one and group tuition with Tom
- Three nights' bed & breakfast in The Rambler Inn, Edale
- Private rooms (no single supplement)
- Breakfast
- Post-processing techniques
- Transport during workshop
What's not included?
- Travel to the Peak District
- Travel insurance
- Lunches, evening meals, snacks and drinks
Whether you're a beginner or a semi-pro, you'll find plenty to learn and enjoy on this workshop.
You'll require either a digital camera with at least a 16GB memory card (minimum 32GB if it's high resolution) or a film camera (SLR, medium, large or wide format) - Tom has many years of experience working with both.
Additional kit - a tripod, shutter release and polarising filter will help you maximise your shooting opportunities, although they aren't essential.
A good level of fitness is required, as there will be some steep hikes.
August weather in the Peak District can be changeable, with a typical daily high of 18C / 64F, and an average minimum of 11C / 57F by night, so clothes you can layer are highly recommended. In the northwest of England, rain is always a possibility, so waterproofs are a good idea and sturdy walking boots are essential as we'll be doing quite a lot of walking.
To ensure you get plenty of one-to-one tuition from Tom, this workshop is restricted to just three participants, so book early to avoid disappointment.
If you have any questions about Tom's photography workshops, please check the frequently asked questions page. Alternatively, get in touch with Tom directly and he'll be happy to help you.
Workshops FAQs
Contact Tom
