North Kent Coast & Elmley Marshes

Stretching almost 40 miles and incorporating grazing marsh, mudflats, cliffs, stacks and expansive beaches, the marshes and coastline of North Kent have inspired generations of writers, poets and artists from J.M.W Turner to Charles Dickens. Indeed, I have spent my entire photographic 'life' here and continue to draw inspiration from this very special region I call home!

On the morning of day 1, In between breakfast and our afternoon shoot, using my laptop, I will look at and critique a small selection of everyone's images discussing processing techniques within Lightroom including Masks, Graduated Filters and Colour Grading and preparing photos for web or print. This, over the years, has always proved to be a very popular aspect of the workshop since a good working knowledge of the 'digital darkroom' arms the photographer with all the necessary tools to translate what he or she saw and felt at the time of capture. 

Although not as familiar to many landscape photographers as, for example, the Devon, Cornish or Northumbrian coast, it is, by no means, no less photogenic and, indeed, is one of the main attractions since you will then be creating new compositions of seldom visited locations. 

Over the course of this workshop, you will visit some of North Kent's finest coastal landscapes including, amongst others, Reculver, Margate, Herne Bay and Botany Bay. 

HOW I OPERATE
Whenever possible, I prefer to keep my groups small. This not only enables everyone to have plenty of space in which to photograph (impossible with 8-10 attendees) but also allows me to spend as much time as you would like or feel that you need on a one-on-one basis. Although, at times, the 'art' of photography can be a serious business, I strongly believe the best way to advance others in their journey is to run such a workshop in a light-hearted, informal way, never for one moment taking away the absolute thrill and enjoyment of being outdoors photographing the landscape with other like-minded individuals. Furthermore, I love to initiate group conversations about all things photography, so whether it be over coffee in a local cafe or while giving a post-processing tutorial, you can expect some lively (though always friendly) debating and discussion! 

The workshop begins at midday on the 1st and concludes after sunset on the 3rd

ACCESS TO ELMLEY
Such is my close affiliation with this internationally important nature reserve, a truly unique aspect of this workshop is that you will have access to Elmley when, other than to those staying in the accommodation, it would otherwise be closed to the public. Upon meeting at the car park, using their Land Rover, I will drive us to the far end; an area out of bounds to all but those who have special permission. A lone, stone shepherd's dwelling, reed-lined ditches and, possibly, barn owls and short-eared owls await! 

All the locations we visit have oodles of potential, and aside from traditional forms of landscape photography, we will also try our hand at impressionism and long exposure. . 

SMALL GROUP WORKSHOP
I prefer to run my workshops with a small group, and especially so on this one where there will be just 4 attendees. Having so few photographers at each location means you will have little fear of others being in your way and enables me to move between you all on a regular basis helping and advising in any way that I can. 

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POST-WORKSHOP IMAGE REVIEW AND EDITING
Upon receiving two RAW files from each participant, a recorded critique and Lightroom/Photoshop edit will be provided. There'll be no need for anyone to be present so you need not set any time aside. This will not only give you valuable feedback and a chance to see others' work, but it will also provide ideas for processing your own photos.

WHAT TOPICS WILL BE COVERED?
Almost everything! Below are just a few aspects of the image-making process that will be discussed both on and off-location. 

• Composition: Strengthening and simplifying
• Seeking out details and the overlooked
• Light: Considering its direction and quality
• Lens choice and its effect on subject relationship
• Working with different aspect ratios
• Tonal balance
• Black and white conversions
• Long exposure
• ICM
• Filtration
• Focus stacking
• Exposure blending

SPONSORED BY LEE FILTERS
Lee Filters has kindly donated a full complement of filters including ND and ND grads along with holders and adaptor rings. Should you already have such filters then great but if not you are most welcome to use those provided. Please inform me prior to the workshop should you wish to borrow any. 

FINALLY...
Thank you very much indeed for considering this workshop and should you have any questions - however small or insignificant you think they might be - do drop me a line. I’m here to help and provide you with an inspirational workshop!