LANDSCAPE Photography FUNDAMENTALS WORKSHOP
Landscapes are perennially popular subjects for photographers. However, capturing a really good landscape image is challenging. Everyone can photograph the landscape … but what makes a striking landscape photograph? How much is down to planning and how much is serendipity? Why and how does a superb photograph stand out from the rest?
In Wiltshire, we are fortunate to have great landscapes right here in our county. There are vistas of rolling downland, sweeping vales swathed in autumn mist and ancient woodlands carpeted with spring flowers. Our evocative ancient monuments are world-famous. Within a day’s drive there is even more variety, such as waterfalls, mountains and coasts. Each type of subject presents its own particular challenges … and opportunities.
This two day course, at the excellent photography training facilities of Lacock Photography in Wiltshire, covers the techniques and perception required to take landscape photographs that have impact. Throughout the course we will be concentrating on the what, why and how of landscape photography. Indoor sessions will look at composition, focal length and focus, use of light, colour and monochrome. Examples from Wiltshire and throughout Britain will be shown to illustrate the ingredients that can make a potentially good photograph into a memorable image.
The course will provide a comprehensive introduction to landscape photography and all the technical details needed to photograph terrestrial landscapes with a digital SLR camera. Subjects covered in depth are:
The nature of landscape
Finding and selecting subjects
Elements of composition
“Rules” of composition and when to break them
The use of different focal length lenses from wide angle to telephoto
Focus and depth of field, including focus stacking
Colour in the landscape and how it works in photography
Monochrome: when less can be more
Use of light – finding the right light for the subject
Shooting at sunrise and sunset
Capturing high contrast subjects using High Dynamic Range processing
Two field visits will enable us to put into practice what we have learned. Bowood Estate is one of Wiltshire’s iconic landscapes, featuring parkland designed by Capability Brown, a lake with Doric temple, arboretum and a cascade, which look fabulous in autumn. On day two we will explore four of the best locations in the Marlborough Downs and the Vale of Pewsey, which are part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Locations will be selected to suit conditions on the day and are expected to include the Kennet and Avon Canal, downland, a white horse and woodland for autumn colour or spring flowers. Guidance will be given on location, composition and exposure in the field to enable you to get the best out of these delightful landscapes. Transport for both the field trips is included in the price.
The course dates have been selected for the weeks of the year when we expect these two locations to be at their best. In spring our photographs will be enhanced by the vibrant colours of freshly formed leaves and flowers. Autumn offers a very different colour palette of pastel hues and golden leaves.
To get the most out of the course students should already understand the basics of exposure, shutter speed, aperture and ISO; and be comfortable handling their cameras using aperture/shutter priority or fully manual mode. This workshop requires students to be able to walk up to a mile on locations at a reasonable pace whilst carrying their camera equipment. Whilst not particularly difficult terrain, locations can be hilly with uneven ground and the odd fence or gate to be climbed (with landowners permission).
Your tutor Robert Harvey is the author of Britain’s Best Landscapes and How to Photograph Them and Photographing Wiltshire.
Group size: Maximum of 6 participants.
Recommended Photographic Equipment: digital single lens reflex camera, wide angle lens (16mm on full frame or 10mm on cropped sensor), standard zoom lens and short to medium telephoto lens (70-300mm would be ideal), sturdy tripod (essential), neutral density filters (not graduated), polarising filter, remote cable release (not essential), hiking shoes/boots and waterproof clothes
Dates:
7 and 8 October 2023
Two day workshop, cost: £295
Included: Travel to Bowood and other field trip locations. Refreshments (coffee, tea etc).
Not included: Travel to Lacock, accommodation, meals.
I run this workshop in association with Lacock Photography and bookings can be made on their website.
“I found your Landscape Fundamentals Course very informative and motivating and I will be actively producing some images over the weekend and beyond. The course was very well structured and has prompted me to look further into areas such as hyperfocal focussing and panoramas. Once I have had some practice, I will enrol for your Master Class.”
“Many thanks for such a great course today. An abundance of thought-provoking as well as practically useful content which was very nicely illustrated and really well delivered.”
“Many thanks again for a thoroughly interesting course yesterday. You certainly covered a huge amount in the time available. We are so lucky to have some amazing landscapes across Britain and I enjoyed seeing some of my favourite places included in your images ... I have also signed up for your upcoming Masterclass workshops and I look forward to seeing you again soon”
“Thank you for a quite outstanding day’s tutelage today, it was so informative, useful and interesting. So, you will not be surprised that I have now enrolled on the advanced course. Astro is likely to follow in due course. Your tours do look interesting and so will look at those closely.”
“Thank you for a truly fascinating, informative and engaging workshop today. I learned more than I bargained for and have a lot to process. I have attended many workshops in my time and I found yours to be one of the clearest and well presented . The way that you engage the participants in the process is a really effective way of improving the learning experience ... I will definitely want to join your masterclass workshop at some time in the future, once I have processed and practice the approaches and techniques that I learnt today.”
“Many, many thanks for today. It really was a game-changing class and I felt like I was sitting at the feet of a master. Really inspirational stuff. I was already booked on the Master Class, have joined your mailing list, applied to join the FB group and will order the book as soon as I get the introductory offer email.... Will be trying panoramas, focus stacking, planning light and location, AEBs, and your various tips on composition and lighting. Huge thanks once again for a truly great workshop.”