brecon beacons photography workshops
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
About Robert Canis
Robert Canis is a professional photographer specialising in the natural world.
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