Just under 2 weeks ago I returned from a week in the Peak District, more specifically, the Dark Peak (northern) region, leading 3 workshops. A 2-day residential and 2 one-day workshops. Over all, we had good weather in that, prolonged spells of rain were absent. You never know what Mother Nature will throw at you here and, I guess, that is what draws me, and others like me, back there time and again. Also, as a "Southerner" it makes a welcome change from the flatness of North Kent! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore photographing the North Kent Marshes, but everyone needs a change, right?!
Arriving 3 days prior to the first workshop gave me time to explore new locations and reacquaint myself with the familiar.
Whenever I lead workshops I rarely take pictures for my own purpose. Clients, after all, have paid me to spend time with them and be on hand whenever they require advice. I am forever amazed when told storied by guests of workshops they have attended where the photographer shows them how to set up a picture then disappears, some distance away, to do their own photography or of a lottery system to decide who captures sunrise at the water's edge and who stays in the minibus. Incredible!
Having led countless workshops over the last 20 years (with, and thank you all, a significant percentage returning) you do learn when to approach and when to leave alone. No-one wants someone looking over their shoulder all the time and as a tutor, it's important you give the attendee time to explore and experiment and then for you to guide and advise. It is on these occasions that I keep my eyes open for an image that I can set up, leave to discuss something with a client and return again. More often than not, it will be a close-up or detail and the image, below, is a case in point.
On the final morning of the 2-day workshop we were fortunate to have a very nice sunrise.
That evening, with a relatively clear sky forecast, we headed to Higger Tor. Extremely strong winds forced us from our first-choice spot to the eastern end which provided a little more shelter. At least our tripods remained upright!
The morning after my final workshop, I arranged to meet one the guests for a sunrise shoot on Curbar Edge. It was a beautiful crisp morning and a great way to end a week in the Peaks.
I shall be doing the same again next autumn so should you be interested in attending, please contact me at rmcanis@msn.com to register your interest.
