Workshops
Workshops and Tours for 2012
A whole host of new and exciting wildlife and landscape photography workshops and tours can now be found on my website here.
I’ll be replicating some that were very popular last year including the Bluebell Photography Walk, Heathland Sunrise and Kent’s Wildlfowers as well as amending the Lady Orchid workshop to make it a half-day instead of a full day which, as the Walks have proved, are both easier on the commitment (just 3 hours instead of 6) and pocket! 
Tours new for this year include Northern Gold – Lapland in Autumn, Bison of Bialowieza- Poland in Winter, Prague and South Bohemia in Autumn and Dark Peak Landscapes – Peak District in Autumn. Below is a brief description of each and the link to take you straight to that page. The lapland tour already has bookings and the Bison tour is proving particularly popular with the first of two dates in 2013 already fully booked. I’ll be leading a tour there in just three weeks and cannot wait to go back there! Thermals at the ready
Lapland in autumn
I have visited Finland 6 times now and in autumn twice and I have to say, this is my favourite time of the year here. The colours are just spectacular with the yellow of birch and aspen and vibrant red of northern bilberry. And, if this wasn’t enough to whet your appetite how does photographing the northern lights sound?! 2012 is The Year of the Northern Lights and should we have clear skies, there is a 50/50 chance of witnessing them and, of course, photographing them!
To find out more about this tour, click here.
Just 2 places remaining!
European Bison in Bialowieza forest, Eastern Poland.
Those of you that follow my blog may, or may not recall, the piece I wrote about my trip some years ago to photograph Europe’s largest mammal, the Bison or Wisent, in the primeval forests of Bialowieza. Well, in partnership with acclaimed Polish nature photographer Marek Kosinski, I shall be leading a 6 day photography tour to this amazing place with Marek as our guide. There is simply no-one better to guide us. Marek, who lives in Bialowieza itself, has been published worldwide, and received many honours.
To find out more about this tour, click here.
West Towers on Charles Bridge, Prague.
Over a period of 5 years, I visited Prague on no fewer than 50 occasions and several to Cesky Krumlov in South Bohemia, photographing for my agents and my own library, as well as providing articles for magazines, one of which was featured in Outdoor Photography. As a result, I know these two places extremely well and would hazard a guess there are few photographers more qualified to personally escort you around to photograph ‘The Golden City’ and the equally beautiful Cesky Krumlov.
To find out more about this tour, click here.
Peak District in Autumn
Over the last few years the Peak District has become my favourite location for landscape photography in the UK. Indeed, as a result of those images I took on my first visit, I had an article published in Outdoor Photography magazine and subsequently held 5 workshops to this region, such has been its impact.
The reason I am doing this workshop during the week and not a weekend is that some of the places we will be visiting are very popular. By holding it mid-week, we will have The Peaks to ourselves!
To find out more about this tour, click here.
I look forward to welcoming some of you along on either the workshops or tours and if you prefer to talk to me in person regarding these, do feel free to drop me a line on 07939 117570.
Peak District workshop
Having arrived a couple of days prior to the workshop, I thought it would be good to check on a few new locations. One of which was a stream with quite a substantial waterfall. Well, substantial it was not due to the dry weather we had been experiencing. It looked pretty pathetic and certainly didn’t warrant any pictures but in autumn and after heavy rain, I’m sure it would be a gem!Well worth a look when I return. One of the locations which I take my clients to is Curbar Gap which aside from 2 stunning edges, Curbar and Baslow Edge, there is a marvellous stone-walled National Trust site at it’s base. I arrived at dawn in the hope of getting a sunrise shot of Baslow Gap which, with clear skies and a sharp frost, looked promising, only for the clouds to roll by and give me seconds of red light.
Baslow Edge
From here I walked down to it’s base to shoot the stone walls, taking advantage of Nikon’s self-timer function!
Curbar Gap
The other place I wanted to check-out was Derwent Edge. There didn’t seem to be a “short-cut” to the top so after a fairly lengthy trudge with backpack and tripod, I found myself looking over the most exquisite view. I arrived a couple of hours before sunset to familiarise myself with it and decide upon a suitably photogenic outcrop.
Hurkling Stones
Hurkling Stones, Derwent Edge.
As is so often the case with this kind of work, you spend long periods of relaxation and contemplation waiting for the light, only to dash around like a blue-arsed-fly when it’s at it’s optimum!
Peak District Workshop – Special offer! SOLD OUT!!
Due to a couple cancelling, I have spaces available on my Peak District Landscape Photography Workshop which will be held on Saturday October 29th 2011. As it is only 3 weeks away, I am prepared to offer this at a much reduced price from £110 per person to just £90 which also includes a pub lunch.
Stanage Edge
The day will be centered around 3 famous edges, the first being Stanage Edge where we spend the first couple of hours, and then, after a pub lunch, head onto Curbar and Baslow Edge. Should the weather prove too inclement for part of the day, we will go to a nearby gorge and shoot autumnal woodland scenes and waterfalls. This will be my sixth Peak District workshop in just ever a year and among the various comments I receive, is that they found it not only an instructional day but a fun get-together of like-minded individuals with a passion for photography.
Numbers, as always, will be limited to just 6 giving me plenty of time with each on an almost one-to-one basis. This I find is crucial as there will be a mix of abilities and since people learn at different speeds, I am able to cater for each, accordingly.
For more information, please, click HERE which will take you to the relevant workshop page on my website. Alternatively, you can call me on 07939 117570 or email at rmcanis@msn.com
Photography workshops in Kent
I have just added 3 new workshops which can be viewed here on the workshops page on my website. They have only been up a short while and already places are being filled so if you’re interested, please get in touch soon. Below is an overview of those added.
Bluebell Photography Walk
Sunday May 1st – 10.00 to 13.00 hrs.
(Group size – 6. 4 places remaining)
To be held at Hucking Estate, a beautiful woodland near Maidstone. Ideal for those wishing to learn how to photograph plants, insects and woodland scenes. Suitable for beginners as well as the more experienced. £30
Kent’s Lady Orchids
Saturday May 14th – 14.00 to 18.00 hrs.
(Group size-6)
The location for this orchid photography workshop is a nature reserve near Garlinge Green, south of Canterbury. I’ll be covering such things as composition, lens selection, exposure and flash. Choice of time has been chosen to avoid the mid-day sun and benefit from the low, late afternoon sunlight. £45
Heathland Sunrise
Saturday August 20th and Sunday 21st – 04.30 to 07.30 hrs.
(Group size-3. 2 places remaining on each day)
Experience the vibrant colours of flowering heath at Kent’s largest heathland, Hothfield Heathlands, near Ashford, at sunrise. Suitable for those of all levels and as the group size is only 3, there’ll be no bustling for the best positions! This really is a time when the most atmospheric pictures are created where an early rise is well rewarded. I will go through my thought process when seeking a composition and the decisions I make when choosing the right lens along with using filters, obtaining the correct exposure and assessing the camera’s histogram. Dew laden cobwebs and dragonflies are other possible subjects £35
Kent’s Wildflowers
Wednesday May 4th – 09.00 to 18.00 hrs.
(Group size-2. 1 place remaining)
A full day of photography in mid and north Kent at various favourite locations hand-picked by myself. This is a great time to experience Kent’s ancient woodlands and Downs and the flowers it harbours. The group size has been kept to just 2 so we can all travel in my car and give you pretty much one-to-one tuition. The price also includes a pub lunch at a an award-winning pub run by a personal friend of mine. £125
As with all my workshops, the price includes unlimited correspondence before and after the day and email review of your images.
Brecon Beacons workshop
Just over 2 weeks ago I led a landscape photography workshop in the Brecon Beacons. The workshop was to be held on the Saturday and with a few days to spare I decided to go on the Wednesday to reacquaint myself with the locations, to seek out new ones and to do some photography of my own in the meantime.
Priory Mill Farm campsite. Just me, myself and I.
I decided to camp rather than stay in a B&B for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s much cheaper! Just me in a tent with a radio at night for company (and a pair of tawnies!). I take whatever food I need then simply cook it up. No need to search for pubs and restaurants to sit on your own in. I never feel totally comfortable doing this. Secondly, I just like camping. There is something that is just ‘right’ about sleeping outdoors then waking early and photographing the landscape around you rather than being cocooned in a warm hotel room. You become in-tune with your surroundings and appreciate the simple things. The sound of a bubbling brook, distant thunder storms or the faint sound of falling snow on canvas. One of the great advantages about camping at this time of the year is that hardly anybody does it! Aside from a hardened hill walker I had the entire site to myself. I have to say it was one of, if not, the best I have stayed at. Exceptionally clean with recycling bins, campfire trays and a no-overcrowding policy. For those of you interested it’s called Priory Mill Farm camp site and with it being less than a 10 minute walk from Brecon, you can easily stumble back from the hostelry!
It rained almost non-stop for 2 days. I checked a waterfall walk I had hoped to take the group but found the path to be partially washed away which made it way too hazardous. Upon scouring OS maps I found another which proved just as photogenic.
So, Saturday arrived and in a nutshell, the day was fantastic. We all met in Brecon, put the camera bags in the roof box and headed off to a great view overlooking the Black Mountains.
Black Mountains
We couldn’t have asked for better weather. Classic conditions for landscape work. None of that blue sky chocolate box stuff! Moody clouds casting shadows on the surrounding hills and valleys. From there we visited a reservoir and several waterfalls, finally completing the day at a view not far from Maen Llia standing stone. A great bunch of blokes made for a fantastic day with a good mix of conversation, laughs and banter. It makes all the difference.
Nick, Robin, Me, Angus and Norman
Norman 'really' concentrating on a waterfall shot.
Nick composing. Perfect light for waterfalls.
Photo by Nick Thornton
Photo by Nick Thornton. What a sky! Stunning.
I’ll be leading a similar workshop at the end of October next year so if you are interested, please email me to register your interest at rmcanis@msn.com
New workshop date.
A new Peak District landscape photography workshop date has been added onto the workshops page on my website. The date will be Saturday March 19th 2011 and as on previous occasions we will start at Stanage Edge and then, after a nice pub lunch, head onto Curbar and Baslow edge. Should the weather prove too inclement for part of the day, we will head down to a nearby gorge and shoot woodland scenes and small waterfalls. This will be my fifth Peak District workshop in just one year, a testament to its popularity. One space has already been filled with just 5 places remaining. To book your place click here which will take you to the relevant workshop page.
Curbar and Baslow Edge in March
Peak District
Just a couple of images before heading off on a break for a few days (40th birthday celebrations!) taken the day before I led a photography workshop in the Peak District. As ever, the weather was as inclement as ever making for very moody, evocative images. Both of these were taken at the base of Stanage Edge and it doesn’t matter how often I visit this site, I am always finding new angles. Coming from the south east, where the landscape is quite flat in comparison, driving a few hours to the Peak District refreshes the landscape photographer side of me. Perfect blue sky weather just doesn’t suit this landscape, as one of my workshop attendees pointed out. How right he was.
Abandoned millstones, Stanage Edge.
A more extensive posting will be added when I return. In the meantime, chec k out the latest (December) issue of Practical Photography in which I have written a rather extensive article.
Wet morning
A particularly wet morning was spent today photographing fungi. I visited a favourite location of mine in mid Kent where I am usually able to find a wealth of subject matter. From the moment I stepped out of the car to the moment I got back inside, it was pouring down. I don’t care who you are, there is very little fun to be had setting up a tripod, composing the scene and positioning reflectors, when water’s running down your back! I always carry a small umbrella, particularly at this time of the year, and it proved jolly handy in keeping me and the equipment reasonably dry. Though as I look at my camera bag right now it is still sodden.
Magpie ink-cap
With the rainy weather we have been experiencing of late here in the south east, many species have been and gone but new generations always reappear. I walked a short while to a spot where the previous year there had been a good showing of magpie ink-caps and there they were. At least half a dozen, each in different stages of growth. Across the glade, several shaggy parasols were emerging and under a group of yew, fly agarics.
Nikon D2x, 200mm with PN11 extension tube, iso 200, 1 sec. f5.6, manfrotto tripod, right-angle finder, 2 reflectors, wet knees.
There were other species too that I didn’t bother with, partly because I had already shot them in more favourable weather and in better condition and also because they would have to look damn good if I was to get even more soaked! I’ll be returning frequently over the next few weeks as I will be leading two photography workshops, one of which still has spaces available.
This time last year
Those of you that have been following this blog for the last year or so may recall the trip report I posted on my visit to north west Lapland last September. It’s hard to believe that it was exactly a year ago that myself, my dad, brother and brother-in-law stayed in a small log cabin on the banks of the River Konkamaeno on the Finnish/Swedish border. It all stemmed from the fact that my dad had always wanted to stay in a cabin by a river in the wilderness. Quite a tall order but I knew Finland well and already had a number of contacts and colleagues living there that could help. After many weeks searching for the ‘perfect’ cabin, I eventually found it.
My brother-in-law Jim, my dad Roger, my 'daft' brother Malc and yours truly cooking sausages on an open fire infront of the cabin. Daytime temperatures were around 10 deg.C and at night would occasionally drop to minus 5.
Cabin at twilight.
50 metres from the cabin.
The cabin was basic, had an outdoor loo and no running water. Inside was comfortable with cooking facilities, no electricity (except for very weak solar lighting) and wood burning stove….perfect! The site of the cabin was fantastic. Just under a kilometre from the road down a track, you really did feel in the middle of no-where. To have a wash and brush your teeth, a short walk to the river was needed but this was all part of the experience. To add to this there was an adjoining sauna and rowing boat. The colours of Lapland at this time are absolutely stunning. The bright yellow of birch and aspen and the red of bilberry all combine to produce a kaleidoscope of colour. A day was spent exploring the Norwegian fjords (the size of which just blew us away) and to top it off, on the 2nd night, we had a full 45 minutes showing of the northern lights, all viewed just metres away from the cabin.
This was my sixth trip to Finland, the second during this season. In the past, in spring and summer, I have photographed bears, wolverine, orchids and owls but for landscape photography, nothing beats Lapland in autumn. Click here to see a temporary web page of many of the images taken on last years trip.
Frosty morning down at the river.
River Galggojohka, Norway.
Lapland Photography Holiday
I am looking at potentially running a Lapland Photography Holiday in Finland with a visit to Norway the same time next year and at this stage I am simply seeing what the interest is for something like this. The accommodation would be at a lodge not far from where I stayed where meals etc would all be taken care of. If, however, you would like to experience the basic, wilderness version then this may also be possible. As I said, I am merely ascertaining interest at this stage and would very much welcome your thoughts. Price-wise, you are looking at approximately £1200 for 7 days though this is just a ballpoint figure. This would exclude flights but include everything else, including transport.
One thing is for certain, this is quite unique. An adventure. There are no companies that do trips of this kind, anywhere. I will be putting up more details on this blog shortly but if you can’t wait till then and would like to register your interest, please contact me at rmcanis@msn.com or telephone, 07939 117570.
Mushroom photography has begun
With the wet weather we are currently experiencing, mushrooms in my local wood are quite literally popping up everywhere. The wood still wears the coat of summer but on the floor, it is most definitely autumn. I took a walk in my local wood this afternoon as a means of escaping the endless hours of processing images and sorting pictures for a forthcoming exhibition. On the wetter, lower slopes were all manner of species including boletus, puffball, milkcap, funnel, magpie inkcap. sulphur tuft and the most conspicuous of all, the slender parasol.
Slender parasol 'troop.'
Upon noticing this marvellous ‘troop’ I went straight home, grabbed my camera bag and returned to photograph them. If I were to leave them for another day they would have gone over or even kicked over. I then spent the next hour photographing the fungi from various angles, concentrating on using a wide-angle to exaggerate their size and in the case of the image below, trying to achieve something a little different to the norm. If you are interested in attending a mushroom photography workshop, please click here as I am running two in October at a favourite haunt.
Standing close to 8 inches high with a cap the size of small dinner plate they are tough to resist for both the photographer and the forager for they are simply delicious! Over the last couple of years I’ve become a bit of an anorak when it comes to mycology brought on by me spending countless hours in the field photographing mushrooms from September to November. Identifying them in preparation for the agent invariably means I end up reading about them and finding out if they are edible or not. Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t walk around a wood picking every edible fungus but if there are good numbers of funnel or slender parasol in a ‘troop’ I will pick one or two. Carefully picking a mushroom causes no harm since you are simply picking the fruiting body. The part that really matters is underground, the mycelium. Leave this intact and it will grow again. It’s a little like taking backberries or apples. To state the obvious, you should NEVER consume a mushroom unless you are 100% it is edible. If you are ever in any doubt, leave well alone. Many folk are surprised to learn that there are a number of species found in our woods that can kill.
Nikon D2x, 12-24mm, iso 200, 10 seconds f16, camera resting on ground, 3 bursts of flash to different parts of scene.
I’ll be blunt here, by and large, the British are useless at identifying wild food, edible mushrooms in paerticular which I think is a bit of a shame. In mainland Europe it’s a family pastime to go out mushroom and berry picking. Children go out with their parents, learn from them then pass on their knowledge to their children. Even if you have no intention on picking them and all you want to do is look or take pictures, consider taking a pocket guide along. You will be surprised at how it can give focus to an afternoon stroll and with it a deeper understanding of the natural world.
About Robert Canis
Robert Canis is a professional photographer specialising in the natural world.
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