Denge Sound Mirrors: Sunset & Astro "Painting with Torchlight"

I take pride in offering truly unique experiences, and this one is no exception! In collaboration with the RSPB, I'm thrilled to present this special sunset and night workshop in Kent, where you'll have the opportunity to photograph the Denge Sound Mirrors bathed in warm, autumn sunshine and, later, under a starry sky. 

This workshop has taken months of careful preparation, including securing the necessary licences, coordinating with RSPB staff for site access, and conducting my own night-time photography research.

(As you may have noticed, this workshop is priced higher than those I’ve previously offered. This is due to the justifiable fee requested by the RSPB, which covers access to the site and the presence of two staff members outside of regular hours)

"Kent might not be widely known as a Dark Sky region, but the area around Dungeness offers truly pitch-black skies - perfect for witnessing the stars in all their glory!"

Nestled on a private island, accessible only by a locked swing bridge, lie three relics of a pre-World War II aerial defence system. Also known as Listening Ears, Concrete Dishes and Acoustic Mirrors, these huge concrete structures  - ranging in size from 20 to 200 feet - were built between 1928 and 1935 as part of Britain's national defence strategy as a means of detecting enemy aircraft long before it was visible. 

The Denge Sound Mirrors worked by using their curved surface to concentrate sound waves and focus them onto a microphone or a human listener equipped with then state-of-the-art stethoscopes. Once the receivers were adjusted for best reception, the results would be compared with those from one of the other ‘ears’ and used to calculate an aircraft’s height, speed, and flight path. 

This is the only location where all three designs can be seen together

Upon meeting, we walk 15 minutes along hard and shingle track to the Sound Mirrors, where we will be met by an RSPB representative. A swing bridge enables access to the island, and we will be the only group there. No members of the public and no other photographers! 

With sunset at 6pm, you'll have plenty of time to photograph all three mirrors, and as dusk falls, we'll position ourselves to shoot them against the darkening sky. With us all close together, I'll suggest settings, and then once everyone is set up and ready, I'll begin "painting" the structures with my torch. We won't move on to the next composition until everyone is happy with their image. It's great fun, I can assure you, and the results, as you can see, are truly unique. We will aim to do 3-4 different compositions.   

BRIEFING NOTES & EDITING TUTORIAL
Prior to the workshop, you will receive a checklist outlining such things as the meet-up location and suggestions on equipment, plus a recorded astrophotography Lightroom editing tutorial. 

TAKING OUR TIME & PAINTING WITH TORCH LIGHT
During the "light-painting" session, to ensure everyone’s safety, the group will stay together at all times. With a maximum of six attendees, you’ll have plenty of space to set up your tripod comfortably. Composing your shot, achieving focus, and fine-tuning camera settings all take time, and not wishing to rush anyone, we will aim for three to four compositions. Once everyone is set up and satisfied with their framing, I’ll use a torch to 'paint' the structures. We’ll repeat this process several times to achieve the ideal balance between the night sky and the illuminated sound mirrors. 

FINALLY...
Thank you so much for considering this workshop. Should you have any questions - no matter how small or seemingly insignificant - please don't hesitate to reach out. I’m here to assist and ensure you have an incredible experience alongside fellow enthusiasts!