The Peak District – Derbyshire
Rugged, dramatic, and with a beauty of its own, the Peak District leaves you feeling like you are no longer in the UK. Its main characteristic are the high inland cliffs and gritstone rocks formed over the last 300 million years. Below these are deep valleys like Hope Valley and Derwent Valley, which provide a wealth of compositions to inspire your photography.
One of the advantages of the Peak District is the ability to get high vantage points with very little effort, so it is ideal for all levels of fitness. And with so many different shots to take this is one of my favourite areas for teaching photography. We can get high viewpoints such as from Higger Tor, Curbar Edge, or Bamford Edge (pictured, view over lady bower), and Stanage Edge. Millstones are scattered in some locations which can provide great images too.
There are few lakes in the Peak District, but there are ample locations to shoot water such at Lumsdale Falls, Yorkshire Bridge, Padley Gorge, and my favourite Wyming Brook (pictured). Wyming Brook, located in an easy to access gorge, is like a fairy tale. There are plenty of shots to keep anyone busy even for a whole day, and it suits any season, even in dull flat light because the sky is not in the shot. This is one of my favourite places in the UK.
The Peak District – Derbyshire
Rugged, dramatic, and with a beauty of its own, the Peak District leaves you feeling like you are no longer in the UK. Its main characteristic are the high inland cliffs and gritstone rocks formed over the last 300 million years. Below these are deep valleys like Hope Valley and Derwent Valley, which provide a wealth of compositions to inspire your photography.
One of the advantages of the Peak District is the ability to get high vantage points with very little effort, so it is ideal for all levels of fitness. And with so many different shots to take this is one of my favourite areas for teaching photography. We can get high viewpoints such as from Higger Tor, Curbar Edge, or Bamford Edge (pictured, view over lady bower), and Stanage Edge. Millstones are scattered in some locations which can provide great images too.
There are few lakes in the Peak District, but there are ample locations to shoot water such at Lumsdale Falls, Yorkshire Bridge, Padley Gorge, and my favourite Wyming Brook (pictured). Wyming Brook, located in an easy to access gorge, is like a fairy tale. There are plenty of shots to keep anyone busy even for a whole day, and it suits any season, even in dull flat light because the sky is not in the shot. This is one of my favourite places in the UK.
1-To-1 and Groups
- Easy-Short Walks
1 Day-Multiple Days
- Lanscapes-Waterfalls
- All Seasons
All
1-To-1 and Groups
- Easy-Short Walks
- All Seasons
1 Day-Multiple Days
- Lanscapes-Waterfalls
All
The Lake District – Cumbria
The Lake District in Cumbia, also known as Lakeland, is the largest National Park in England, covering an area of nearly 2400 kilometers, and is also home to the highest mountain in England, Scafel Pike, at 3200ft high.
The landscape itself is much softer than the Peak District, with rolling hills or fells, lots of green fields and trees, and plenty of sheep. In Spring and Autumn it just explodes with colour. Climb higher and it can be rugged, with spectacular views of layered mountains. And as the name suggests there are plenty of lakes, with small sailboats, small islands and wooden jetties. It isn’t hard to see why it is such a romantic place to visit, imagine early morning mist floating over the water as a small sail boat sits perfectly calm as the sun starts to rise. And it isn’t surprising why it has influenced so many writers and artists such as Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
The Lakes themselves offer a huge variety of locations to shoot. Boats and jetties on Windermere, the sunken fence and Derwent Isle at Derwentwater (pictured), Isthmus Bay, the jetty at Ashness and plenty more. Buttermere and Ullswater in the North have plenty to inspire, whilst in the South West, Wastwater, Tarn Hows, Blea Tarn and others offer beautiful views and images you will be proud of.
The Lake District – Cumbria
The Lake District in Cumbia, also known as Lakeland, is the largest National Park in England, covering an area of nearly 2400 kilometers, and is also home to the highest mountain in England, Scafel Pike, at 3200ft high.
The landscape itself is much softer than the Peak District, with rolling hills or fells, lots of green fields and trees, and plenty of sheep. In Spring and Autumn it just explodes with colour. Climb higher and it can be rugged, with spectacular views of layered mountains. And as the name suggests there are plenty of lakes, with small sailboats, small islands and wooden jetties. It isn’t hard to see why it is such a romantic place to visit, imagine early morning mist floating over the water as a small sail boat sits perfectly calm as the sun starts to rise. And it isn’t surprising why it has influenced so many writers and artists such as Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
The Lakes themselves offer a huge variety of locations to shoot. Boats and jetties on Windermere, the sunken fence and Derwent Isle at Derwentwater (pictured), Isthmus Bay, the jetty at Ashness and plenty more. Buttermere and Ullswater in the North have plenty to inspire, whilst in the South West, Wastwater, Tarn Hows, Blea Tarn and others offer beautiful views and images you will be proud of.
1-To-1 and Groups
- Easy-Short Walks
1 Day-Multiple Days
- Lanscapes-Lakes
- All Seasons
All
1-To-1 and Groups
- Easy-Short Walks
- All Seasons
1 Day-Multiple Days
Lanscapes-Lakes
All
The West Coast
The West Coast covers a huge area and by this I mean from Merseyside right up to the Solway Coast in the north of Cumbria. Please check to see what Workshops are available or contact me.
On the Wirral in Merseyside there are great locations, such as the grounded boats at low tide at Meols (pictured), the fascinating sea defences, and New Brighton Lighthouse. Some Group Workshops will be held here and co-hosted with my good friend and collegue Ray McBride, who I call the “Master of Meols”. Please see his profile for details.
On the other side of the Mersey we have many great places to shoot; the piers in Southport and Lytham St Anne (pictured), Anthony Gormley’s statues which stand in the sea, and St Mary’s Shell. And of course there is the pier itself in Blackpool, a location that can be difficult to park but offers plenty of photo opportunities.
The West Coast
The West Coast covers a huge area and by this I mean from Merseyside right up to the Solway Coast in the north of Cumbria. Please check to see what Workshops are available or contact me.
On the Wirral in Merseyside there are great locations, such as the grounded boats at low tide at Meols (pictured), the fascinating sea defences, and New Brighton Lighthouse. Some Group Workshops will be held here and co-hosted with my good friend and collegue Ray McBride, who I call the “Master of Meols”. Please see his profile for details.
On the other side of the Mersey we have many great places to shoot; the piers in Southport and Lytham St Anne (pictured), Anthony Gormley’s statues which stand in the sea, and Mary’s Shell. And of course there is the pier itself in Blackpool, a location that can be difficult to park but offers plenty of photo opportunities.
1-To-1 and Groups
- Easy-Short Walks
1 Day-Multiple Days
Seascapes
- All Seasons
All
1-To-1 and Groups
- Easy-Short Walks
- All Seasons
1 Day-Multiple Days
Seascapes
All
North Wales-Snowdonia
Wales is a land of such diversity for the photographer. Being such a huge area to cover Workshops will be held mainly in the Northern region, in Snowdonia, Anglesey and the North Coast.
The Isle of Anglesey is the location to be for coastal images and lighthouses, where we are spoiled for choice. Penmon Point, the lighthouse in the sea, and South Stack (pictured) are easy to access, whilst Llandwyn Island and the odd shaped lighthouse is spectacular and a paradise for photography. Llandwyn is an island and only accessible at low tides, so some workshops may include just this location and may be for the whole day.
Snowdonia is a land of lakes and rugged mountains. Dominated by the Snowdon mountain range, it frequently creates its own weather. When the weather is bad, sometimes moving to the other side will avoid it, or even escaping the Anglesey which isn’t too far away. Locations such as Llyn Idwal and Cwm Idwal (pictured) can provide enough opportunities for a whole day, although there are plenty of others nearby to choose from. Llyn Padarn, the location of the famous ‘lone tree’ is close, along with Dinorwig Slate Mine, which is a great location on a grey day. Other locations are also close and easy to access.
The Fairy Glen, a magical river and small waterfall located at the bottom of a gorge is a must visit although accessibility may not suit all because of very steep and sometimes slippery steps.
North Wales
Wales is a land of such diversity for the photographer. Being such a huge area to cover Workshops will be held mainly in the Northern region, in Snowdonia, Anglesey and the North Coast.
The Isle of Anglesey is the location to be for coastal images and lighthouses, where we are spoiled for choice. Penmon Point, the lighthouse in the sea, and South Stack (pictured) are easy to access, whilst Llandwyn Island and the odd shaped lighthouse is spectacular and a paradise for photography. Llandwyn is an island and only accessible at low tides, so some workshops may include just this location and may be for the whole day.
Snowdonia is a land of lakes and rugged mountains. Dominated by the Snowdon mountain range, it frequently creates its own weather. When the weather is bad, sometimes moving to the other side will avoid it, or even escaping the Anglesey which isn’t too far away. Locations such as Llyn Idwal and Cwm Idwal (pictured) can provide enough opportunities for a whole day, although there are plenty of others nearby to choose from. Llyn Padarn, the location of the famous ‘lone tree’ is close, along with Dinorwig Slate Mine, which is a great location on a grey day. Other locations are also close and easy to access.
The Fairy Glen, a magical river and small waterfall located at the bottom of a gorge is a must visit although accessibility may not suit all because of very steep and sometimes slippery steps.
1-To-1 and Groups
- Medium-Short Walks
1 Day-Multiple Days
Lanscapes-Lakes-Sea
- All Seasons
All
1-To-1 and Groups
- Medium-Short Walks
- All Seasons
1 Day-Multiple Days
Lanscapes-Lakes-Sea
All
South Wales-Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is a stunning part of South Wales, with 180 miles of stunning coastline, it is a National Park, and was voted by National Geographic as the second best coastline in the world, beaten only by Newfoundland.
Workshops here will include some dramatic scenery. Marloes Peninsula will give the opportunity to shoot from the high viewpoints of Deer Park over the “Anvil” (pictured), with Skomer Island in the background, Dead Man’s Bay, and Raggle Rocks on Marloes Sands. St Brides Bay is a small bay which provides wonderful images from the beach including small cottages, and Broad Haven has a wonderful beach area with a sea stack that is a wonderful location.
Further down on the south coast we will visit the iconic Green Bridge of Wales, (Pictured), a spectacular location for long exposure images. From here we can also shoot the Elegug Stacks and the Cauldron. There is plenty to shoot in Pembrokeshire and you will return home with some incredible images.
South Wales-Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is a stunning part of South Wales, with 180 miles of stunning coastline, it is a National Park, and was voted by National Geographic as the second best coastline in the world, beaten only by Newfoundland.
Workshops here will include some dramatic scenery. Marloes Peninsula will give the opportunity to shoot from the high viewpoints of Deer Park over the “Anvil” (pictured), with Skomer Island in the background, Dead Man’s Bay, and Raggle Rocks on Marloes Sands. St Brides Bay is a small bay which provides wonderful images from the beach including small cottages, and Broad Haven has a wonderful beach area with a sea stack that is a wonderful location.
Further down on the south coast we will visit the iconic Green Bridge of Wales, (Pictured), a spectacular location for long exposure images. From here we can also shoot the Elegug Stacks and the Cauldron. There is plenty to shoot in Pembrokeshire and you will return home with some incredible images.
Groups
- Medium-Short Walks
1 Day-Multiple Days
Seascapes
- All Seasons
All
Groups
- Medium-Short Walks
- All Seasons
1 Day-Multiple Days
Seascapes
All
Scotland
You may have heard Scotland referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, and it is true. This is a land of breath-taking locations, with mountains, lochs, waterfalls, and anything else you could imagine. Workshops will be held in two of the most spectacular location, Glencoe and the Isle of Skye. Other locations will also be available for longer trips or combined with multi-location trips, such as Assynt and the East Coast. Workshops in Scotland will be full on adventures, starting at dawn and going through to sunset.
Weather in Scotland can at times be harsh just like the whole of the UK, and it can suddenly turn. One thing is for sure, the light in Scotland can be stunning, with beautiful sunrises and sunsets, black ominous clouds and God rays breaking through. November and February are my favourite times because snow will be on the mountains and there are fewer tourists. And no midges.
Glencoe offers many locations for the photographer, with classic views such as the Lagangarbh Hut (pictured), with Stob Dearg as a background, the waterfall at Buachaille Etive Mor, Rannoch Moor, Glen Etiv, Loch Leven, and plenty of images to shoot along the River Coe, Coupall and Etive. There are plenty of opportunities to shoot images in Glencoe and put your own artistic personality into. There are also castles to shoot, with Kilchurn Castle not too far away, and Castle Stalker being a short drive.
The Isle of Skye is a dream location for photographers. On the way you have the chance to shoot Eilean Donan Castle and the Skye Bridge before getting onto the island itself, where opportunities abound. with lochs, rivers and views of mountains. Many locations are actually very accessible such as the Quiraing, Sligachan and Neist Point, with little fitness required. Some other locations such as Elgol need a steady foot to walk over a rocky beach, and the Fairy Pools (pictured) is quite a walk but only average fitness is needed. As the Fairy Pools image shows, beautiful shots are possible even in bad weather (taken during Storm Ciara Feb 2020). There are so many opportunities in Glencoe and Skye the best way to get an impression is to view the gallery.
Scotland
You may have heard Scotland referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, and it is true. This is a land of breath-taking locations, with mountains, lochs, waterfalls, and anything else you could imagine. Workshops will be held in two of the most spectacular location, Glencoe and the Isle of Skye. Other locations will also be available for longer trips or combined with multi-location trips, such as Assynt and the East Coast. Workshops in Scotland will be full on adventures, starting at dawn and going through to sunset.
Weather in Scotland can at times be harsh just like the whole of the UK, and it can suddenly turn. One thing is for sure, the light in Scotland can be stunning, with beautiful sunrises and sunsets, black ominous clouds and God rays breaking through. November and February are my favourite times because snow will be on the mountains and there are fewer tourists. And no midges.
Glencoe offers many locations for the photographer, with classic views such as the Lagangarbh Hut (pictured), with Stob Dearg as a background, the waterfall at Buachaille Etive Mor, Rannoch Moor, Glen Etiv, Loch Leven, and plenty of images to shoot along the River Coe, Coupall and Etive. There are plenty of opportunities to shoot images in Glencoe and put your own artistic personality into. There are also castles to shoot, with Kilchurn Castle not too far away, and Castle Stalker being a short drive.
The Isle of Skye is a dream location for photographers. On the way you have the chance to shoot Eilean Donan Castle and the Skye Bridge before getting onto the island itself, where opportunities abound. with lochs, rivers and views of mountains. Many locations are actually very accessible such as the Quiraing, Sligachan and Neist Point, with little fitness required. Some other locations such as Elgol need a steady foot to walk over a rocky beach, and the Fairy Pools (pictured) is quite a walk but only average fitness is needed. As the Fairy Pools image shows, beautiful shots are possible even in bad weather (taken during Storm Ciara Feb 2020). There are so many opportunities in Glencoe and Skye the best way to get an impression is to view the gallery.
- Groups
- Medium-Short Walks
1 Day-Multiple Days
Lanscapes-Lakes-Sea
- All Seasons
All
Groups
- Medium-Short Walks
- All Seasons
1 Day-Multiple Days
Lanscapes-Lakes-Sea
All
Northumberland
Northumberland is rich in wonderful seascape locations and what’s more, most of them have castles too. It is an area steeped in history from it’s ancient roots and connections with Viking Norsemen. On a Group workshop we will visit some of these locations for sunrises and sunsets, where you can experience the atmosphere for yourself. With plenty of locations to choose from such as Bamburgh Castle, Dunstanburgh, and Holy Island, there is plenty to shoot.
Bamburgh Castle (pictured) stands on a rocky promontory actually on the beach, looking out to sea towards the Farne Islands. At dawn it can be spectacular, with rivulets running through the sand and rocky foreground to use. Standing here at dawn you can feel the history of times gone by.
Holy Island is actually an island only accessible at low tide. Home to another castle, the famous Lindisfarne Castle (pictured), which is steeped in folklore and legend, you can imagine the monks who lived in the now ruined Abbey, and the Viking Long-ships what sailed into the bay. Workshops here are subject to tides, with some special workshops being overnight on the island to experience dawn.
Northumberland
Northumberland is rich in wonderful seascape locations and what’s more, most of them have castles too. It is an area steeped in history from it’s ancient roots and connections with Viking Norsemen. On a Group workshop we will visit some of these locations for sunrises and sunsets, where you can experience the atmosphere for yourself. With plenty of locations to choose from such as Bamburgh Castle, Dunstanburgh, and Holy Island, there is plenty to shoot.
Bamburgh Castle (pictured) stands on a rocky promontory actually on the beach, looking out to sea towards the Farne Islands. At dawn it can be spectacular, with rivulets running through the sand and rocky foreground to use. Standing here at dawn you can feel the history of times gone by.
Holy Island is actually an island only accessible at low tide. Home to another castle, the famous Lindisfarne Castle (pictured), which is steeped in folklore and legend, you can imagine the monks who lived in the now ruined Abbey, and the Viking Long-ships what sailed into the bay. Workshops here are subject to tides, with some special workshops being overnight on the island to experience dawn.
Groups
- Medium-Short Walks
1 Day-Multiple Days
Seascapes
- All Seasons
All
- Groups
- Medium-Short Walks
- All Seasons
1 Day-Multiple Days
Seascapes
All
North East
The North East coast is a rich area for photographic locations giving a variety of opportunities.
In Sunderland there are opportunities to shoot Roker Pier (pictured), using the sweeping curve to create minimal long exposure images, or dramatic shots during high winds, whilst a little further south is Seaham beach, which has wonderful scenery either from the cliff tops shooting over sea-stacks, or on the beach at Chemical Beach.
Towards the north in Whitley Bay is the island lighthouse of St Marys lighthouse (pictured). Although on the east coast, sunset can work very well when the light catches the clouds and the tower. Shooting at low tide over the causeway creates a dramatic image, whilst other compositions are possible from the cliffs or the rocks to the left and the right.
North East
The North East coast is a rich area for photographic locations giving a variety of opportunities.
In Sunderland there are opportunities to shoot Roker Pier (pictured), using the sweeping curve to create minimal long exposure images, or dramatic shots during high winds, whilst a little further south is Seaham beach, which has wonderful scenery either from the cliff tops shooting over sea-stacks, or on the beach at Chemical Beach.
Towards the north in Whitley Bay is the island lighthouse of St Marys lighthouse (pictured). Although on the east coast, sunset can work very well when the light catches the clouds and the tower. Shooting at low tide over the causeway creates a dramatic image, whilst other compositions are possible from the cliffs or the rocks to the left and the right.
Groups
- Medium-Short Walks
1 Day-Multiple Days
Seascapes
- All Seasons
All
- Groups
- Medium-Short Walks
- All Seasons
1 Day-Multiple Days
Seascapes
All
Yorkshire Coast
Yorkshire, our biggest county, and some would say our greatest. I will not argue because I am a Yorkshire man.
My favourite area of Yorkshire has to be the coast with such a variety of locations. From the town of Withernsea all the way up to Whitby there are great places to shoot, my favourite being Flamborough Head. With the lighthouse, stunning cliff views, bays, and our own version of Durdle Door, the “Drinking Dinosaur” (Pictured), there are plenty of options.
Travel a little further up the coast and we come to the town of Whitby, which has plenty to offer, including the Abbey, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the piers, and Saltwick Bay which at low tide is like another world. Pictured is the wreck of the Admiral Von Tromp with Black Nab in the background.
Yorkshire Coast
Yorkshire, our biggest county, and some would say our greatest. I will not argue because I am a Yorkshire man.
My favourite area of Yorkshire has to be the coast with such a variety of locations.
From the town of Withernsea all the way up to Whitby there are great places to shoot, my favourite being Flamborough Head. With the lighthouse, stunning cliff views, bays, and our own version of Durdle Door, the “Drinking Dinosaur” (Pictured), there are plenty of options.
Travel a little further up the coast and we come to the town of Whitby, which has plenty to offer, including the Abbey, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the piers, and Saltwick Bay which at low tide is like another world. Pictured is the wreck of the Admiral Von Tromp with Black Nab in the background.
1-To-1 and Groups
- Easy-Short Walks
1 Day-Multiple Days
Seascapes
- All Seasons
All
1-To-1 and Groups
- Easy-Short Walks
- All Seasons
1 Day-Multiple Days
Seascapes
All
International
International Workshops will be set up for 2021 after Covid-19 restrictions have been relaxed.
I hope to be running new workshops in Iceland, and also Northern Norway along with my collegue Hendrik Zwart.
Workshops have already been held for the last two years in Portugal. Next year additional seascape workshops will be scheduled, along with an inland landscape workshop. Please check back soon for details or subscribe to the Newsletter for early announcements.
Groups
Easy-Medium
1 Day-Multiple Days
Lanscapes-Waterfalls-Sea
- All Seasons
All
Groups
Easy-Medium
- All Seasons
1 Day-Multiple Days
Lanscapes-Waterfalls-Sea
All
This was the best workshop I have been on. Phil was patient, thoughtful and explained everything in such detail, I really did learn such a great deal. My Olympus camera is complicated, but he showed me not only how to use the various features, he also showed my why, and when, and also customised the settings for easier use. Highly recommended *****
Myself and my photography club did a 1 day group workshop with Phil in the Peak District. He was full of interesting tips, knowledge, and showed that he really cared about helping each one of us to improve both our technique, and the harder to explain artistic creativity of photography. An excellent day out of learning. and we had fun too.
I have had a number of workshops with Phil in the Peak District and the Yorkshire Coast. I found my photography really has improved, he was helpful, patient, and his understanding of how to capture the scene was second to none. He was able to explain the features of my camera which made me more comfortable with it. Highly recommended.
I spent a week with Phil in the Lake District and what a week it was. He quickly showed me many of the features of my camera, and took me to many locations that were incredible, and away from the crowds. What really impressed me was his understanding of light and how it would interact with the landscape. I cannot recommend Phil enough.
Myself and my friend both did a workshop with Phil. We are complete novices and found Phil very very patient. He took the time to explain the camera settings, the different modes, and also explained the technical side like the Exposure Triangle in a way we understood! Finally it makes sense. More useful and enjoyable than a book! Thank You Phil.
Myself and 5 colleagues travelled from Holland to spend a week with Phil in and around Snowdonia. It was such a wonderful week, we all got shots we are proud of and learned so much from Phil. He was attentive to all of us and made sure we all learned as a group but also with a personal touch spending time with each of us individually.
Phil really does know his stuff. I use an Olympus camera which he is an expert with, and showed me many of his tricks. I also use a Canon FF, and because he actually uses other systems himself he was able to assist me with both systems. His technical knowledge is outstanding, as is his photographic creativity. I will certainly book again.
Myself and my son are both deaf, my son profoundly. Learning online can be hard, and it is slow, more so with a disability. I was sceptical about a workshop but Phil reassured me, and he was right. He was patient and understanding, and worked at a pace we could lip read, and used hand gestures we could follow easily. Thanks so much Phil!
I was so confused about filters, but spoke to Phil and he made everything clear. He explained the different types of NiSi Filters, what he thought would be of use to me, and even told me what not to buy. How refreshing. He put together a kit of the filters for me, so I ended up saving money and getting just what I needed. And delivery was fast.
Phil’s service with NiSi Filters is second to none. Hi knowledge is undeniable and always extremely helpful. I was unfortunate enough to lose my adapter ring whilst away, so after speaking to Phil he had a replacement sent to my Hotel which I received the next day. He even called them to make sure they were aware of it. Outstanding service.
Phil was so helpful with my purchase of Nisi filters and the V6 holder. He explained how the system works and made sure I had what I needed. It was helpful being able to actually speak to someone, especially someone who knows and not just a salesman. And everything was delivered the next day. I have since purchased again.
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