workshop
Cowslips and Cuckoo flowers
A quick recce of a few favourite nature reserves, in preparation for next weeks Kent’s Wildflowers workshop, gave me the opportunity to get a few shots of some of the flowers that are around at the moment. I don’t like to take pictures myself when leading workshops since the emphasis should always be on tuition rather than my own photography, but occasionally I may sneak a picture off, especially if the subject is too hard to resit!
Cowslips
Lady's smock
The 300mm f.2.8 really comes into it’s own in situations like these. A shorter lens would have resulted in sky appearing in the top of the frame. Shot almost wide open also throws the background out of focus and really makes the flowers stand out. Their other name is the Cuckoo flower as they tend to be in bloom approximately the same time as the arrival of the cuckoo. I haven’t heard any yet and really hope it’s not another ‘quiet’ year, as was the case last year.
Peak District workshop
I returned yesterday afternoon from the last of 3 workshops I have held in the Peak District over the last 3 weeks and once again, the weather held out! It’s always going to be an unknown factor at this time of the year anyway, let alone in these parts. So, why didn’t I chose to hold it during the summer? Quite simply, light. During late March and into mid April the sun is still sufficiently low for all-day photography unlike in June and July when it is very much an early morning or early evening shoot. In between these times, the sun is too high and the light too cool. Also, in March and April, the weather starts to improve and the days lengthen.
On this visit, I stayed in a delightful B&B called Crown Cottage in Eyam, situated in the centre of this historic Plague village. I couldn’t have asked for a more comfortable stay and Janet and Ian really do make you feel welcome. So, if you are ever up this way, I can’t recommend it high enough. Next time, I’ll give myself more time to look around as it has a remarkable story of how the village dealt with the outbreak of the Plague in 1665.
Members of the group, photographing on Stanage Edge.
Another great bunch of photographers, and although at times it was quite blustery there was just sufficient sunshine to keep us going, and of course the scenery was as spectacular as ever. Two members of the group decided to stay till sunset in the hope that the weather was going to clear to give us that beautiful evening light and indeed it did. Well, for around 10 minutes anyway! But, it was just long enough for us to set up our tripods and shoot a few frames. The sun then hid behind clouds for the duration so we sat, chatted and enjoyed the moment. It’s not all about taking pictures you know!
Curbar Edge
Weekend workshops
Back from a great weekend of workshops. Well, I enjoyed them anyway and hope all that attended did too. A great bunch of guys on both days who braved the often very windy, cold weather that the Peak District threw at us, especially on the Sunday. Certainly made for some atmospheric images with great skies. Lots of walking, laughs and photography, plus a very filling pub lunch! A perfect combination for a good day out.
Sunday's workshop attendees.
I arrived in the area on the Thursday to do a little photography myself and was blessed with some really dramatic skies.
Stanage Edge
Stanage Edge
Rocks on Baslow Edge
The rain rapidly moved towards me and soon after the image was taken I got a thorough soaking! But worth it I think.
Peak District
Heading off to the Peak District tomorrow morning in preparation for the weekend’s workshops I’ll be holding. Although they are not till Saturday and Sunday, it’ll give me a good opportunity to scout one or two fresh locations for photography and who knows, perhaps hold a workshop there in the future.
Now, all I have to do is pray for decent weather!
Czech Republic photography workshop
Prague bridges crossing the River Vltava at sunset
I’m in the throws of planning a 6 day photography workshop to the Czech Republic, taking in Prague and Cesky Krumlov, the latter being a beautiful medieval town with UNESCO world heritage status in South Bohemia. 3 nights will be spent in Prague and 2 in Cesky Krumlov. I haven’t booked the hotel or finalised exact details as yet, except for the dates, so I am just getting a feel for any interest out there before it gets put onto my website or advertised more widely.
Prague Castle
For around 5 years I made at least 40 trips to Prague and several to Cesky Krumlov, shooting images for my own library and agencies as well as for magazine articles (one of which appeared in Outdoor photography) and also for hotels in Prague. The result is that I know this place quite literally like the back of my hand and therefore know exactly where to go for dawn to dusk shooting. No time will be wasted on your part in getting your bearings, negotiating trams and the metro and potentially getting lost in the maze of medieval cobbled streets and alleys. This I would do on a regular basis for the first half a dozen trips to Prague!
Prague spires
Prague buildings
Prague at sunset
Accommodation in Prague and Cesky Krumlov will be taken care of as will transport to and from Cesky Krumlov. Numbers will be limited to just 4 participants to keep it small and friendly and it also means I can spend quality time with each person.
Cesky Krumlov at sunset
Cesky Krumlov
Dates will be September 6th to 11th 2010 and the price will be around £600 which does not include flights.
Please contact me to register your interest.
To see my full coverage of both Prague and Cesky Krumlov, please visit my website and use the drop-down Category box or in Collections.
New date added and spread for the Peak District photography course
Another date has been added to the Gritstone Edges of the Peak District photography workshop. There is just one space left on Saturday March 27th with Sunday fully booked. I have therefore added another date which will be Sunday April 11th. Two spaces have already been filled. If you’re interested please click here for more information.
Outdoor Photography magazine
The article I was commissioned to write for Outdoor Photography which has just been published and available in all good newsagents…..and bad ones!
Peak District photography course
Having been commissioned by Outdoor Photography magazine to write a piece on the Peak District, I thought it would be an idea to hold two one-day landscape photography workshops in the same location at roughly the time the images were taken, being March. The article will be out next month in the March issue.
View from Curbar Edge to Baslow Edge
View from Baslow Edge to Curbar Edge
The piece itself centres around two gritstone edges called Baslow Edge and Curbar edge which lie to the west within the National Park, approximately 11 miles east of Chesterfield. This is where the course will be held. We will be combining the two with another spectacular edge just 8 miles north called Stanage Edge.
View from Stanage Edge
This is arguably the park’s most famous edge from which wonderful views abound in all directions.
Abandoned mill stones at Stanage Edge
We begin the day at Stanage Edge at 08.00 hrs, break for lunch around midday then onwards to Baslow and Curbar Edges until sunset. It will be on a first come first served basis and will be restricted to just 6 participants so that each benefits from myself as opposed to unfairly, I think, spreading myself thin amongst more.
The price will be £105 per person which includes tuition and a pub lunch. For more information please click here.
About Robert Canis
Robert Canis is a professional photographer specialising in the natural world.
Read more about Robert Canis