landscape photography
Practical Photography magazine article
An extensive article I wrote for Practical Photography magazine titled “Discover Winter Wetlands” can now be read from my website by clicking on the image below.
In it Igo through the variety of subjects which can be found and techniques employed when working on an area such as this from using different lenses, hides and even appropriate clothing to keep you working in what can often be, in a such an open landscape, freezing conditions. I hope you enjoy reading it and perhaps, for some you, pick up a few useful tips along the way!
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.
About Robert Canis
Robert Canis is a professional photographer specialising in the natural world.
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