Description
The Wild Arena Landscape session in Dartmoor National Park has been carefully arranged to not only provide memorable picture opportunities, but also the chance to explore new photographic techniques. During the day our guide will lead the group around 3 distinctive and different locations that provide a range of challenges. They will also talk the group through a foundation level of camera skills that will enable delegates to achieve more satisfying images of this wonderful landscape.
We will start the day with the chance to interpret historical human impact onDartmoorwith the ancient standing stone rows near Merrivale. Here we can discuss some basic principles of composition and also look at how filters can improve images in different lighting conditions. From there we will move to a second location on the River Dart that will provide opportunities to record moving water and images that show the more intimate environment of these secluded, woodland valleys. After a relaxed lunch break, we will again move on to our final location in the more classically open areas on the east side of the moor. Here we will get the chance for images of the weather worm Tor’s and rock strewn moorland and will discuss foreground details and the inclusion of effective sky in pictures.
The day will conclude with a summary at around 4pm.
This event can be booked for free as part of the Wild Arena annual membership scheme offering tremendous value for money and ongoing savings.
- Fitness
Guests will need a reasonable level of fitness as the session will involve walking up to 2 miles along rough trails.
- Photography Level
This event is suitable for most levels of photographic experience. The best water shots will be achieved using tripod mounted cameras with a manual exposure option. The guide will ensure everyone get the best possible pictures and will advice of the correct settings to achieve classic landscape techniques.
- Disability Access
This event is not suitable for any guest with walking disabilities as it inherently involves walking over reasonably rough terrain to find the best locations for pictures. Wheelchair users or those guests with specific needs are advised to contact us before booking and we will do our very best to accommodate you.
- Group Size
The normal group size for this event is 10 delegates
Itinerary
09.30 Arrival at meeting point near Merrivale, introduction & welcome
10.00 Session 1. Standing stones, composition & filtration
11.00 Group moves to second location near Dartmeet & short break (there are toilets at this car park)
11.30 Session 2. River Dart, slower shutter speeds and moving water
13.30 Lunch - please bring a packed lunch (again there are toilets at this car park)
14.30 Group moves to third location near Haytor
15.00 Session 3. Tors/stones and inclusion of sky
16.00 Summary and close
Please note: The itinerary is provisional and subject to change depending on weather conditions and the availability of the exhibits. Start and finish times are fixed to enable transport planning.
What’s included
Tea/coffee on arrival
Full Photographic tuition
Venue
Devon
Our trip is based in the beautiful West Country landscape of Dartmoor National Park. We would normally visit 3 varying locations during the day and guests will be required to use their own transport for these short journeys (for those guests who do not have their own transport, it should be possible to reserve a seat in the guides vehicle if you let us know in advance). There should be access to public toilets in the car park for our second location and over the lunch break for the comfort of guests.
Facilities
Tea/Coffee
Toilets
A detailed map, with full directions, will be sent to all delegates before the workshop and a mobile telephone number will be provided in case of any difficulties on the day.
What to bring
- You will be outside for all of the session so you should be dressed to suit the season and weather.
- We suggest you have a water-proof coat in case of rain as there is limited shelter.
- Good quality walking boots are highly advised as some path can be very slippery when wet.
- Waterproof over trousers are always useful on the day as this allows the photographer to comfortably take pictures from a lower level on potentially damp ground.
- Refreshments will not be provided on this event so please bring along a packed lunch and drink. You should note there is limited opportunity to purchase additional food and drink therefore it is suggested that you bring anything specific you require.
- You are very welcome to bring whatever photographic equipment you believe may be suitable. There is a fair quantity of walking involved so you will need to ensure you can carry the equipment comfortably. A good quality rucksack style bag is ideal. We do not recommend you leave equipment in the car park so it is advisable to only bring what you can carry.
- A good quality, sturdy tripod is ESSENTIAL for getting the best flowing water pictures. Loan tripods may be available, but please let us know in advance if you would like to use one.
- Neutral Density (ND) filters are also very useful for lowering the quantity of light entering the camera and polarising filters and graduated filters are also extremely useful if you have them. Please contact us if you would like advice on which filters to purchase for your specific needs and equipment.
- Digital users should bring as much memory as possible as we find people usually take more pictures than they anticipate.
- We suggest you ensure your batteries are fully charged and you bring spares if you have them.
- Fill in flash might be useful in some conditions and to create alternative effects.
