Description
The Wild Arena Landscape session in The beautifulElanValleyin centralWalesprovides a great opportunity to combine classic upland scenery with grand architecture thanks to the extensive series of Victorian dams and structures built by theBirminghamwater Corporation in the late 1800’s. Over 9 years between 1893 and 1904 a series of dams and supporting structures were constructed in this remote area to supply the expanding population of industrialBirminghamwith its increasing water needs. The legacies of this impressive feat of engineering are some graphic features that can add an extra dimension to dramatic landscape images.
We will start the day with a welcome introduction at the Elan valley visitor centre car park where the guide will run through some basic compositional techniques and then we can begin the day with images of the disused iron bridge and flowing waters of Afon Elan. A short drive up past the picturesque Garreg-ddu Reservoir will take us to our second location of Craig Goch. Here we will not only be able to capture sweeping upland landscapes but also the impressive structure of Craig Goch dam itself. The guide will cover techniques such as using filters and lines within picture framing.
After a relaxed lunch break we will head back down the Valley to visitNantgwylltChurchand also find opportunity for more detail studies of moving water in the many rivers and streams flowing down from the hillside. The guide will cover the best camera setting to capture movement in images and good tripod technique.
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 a miles along rough ground and pathways.
- 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 at theElanValleyvisitor centre car park, introduction & welcome
10.00 Session 1.ElanBridgeand River, basic compositional principals
11.30 Group moves to second location at Craig Goch dam & short break (there are toilets at this car park)
12.00 Session 2. Craig Goch, Dam architecture and open landscapes using filters and the principles of lines in the frame
13.30 Lunch - please bring a packed lunch (again there are toilets at this car park)
14.30 Group moves to third location near Nantgwyllt Church/Waterfall
15.00 Session 3. Architecture in the landscape and the principles of moving water in images.
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
Wales
Our trip is based in the beautifulWelshElanValley. This fascinating area combined some beautiful upland scenery with grand architecture thanks to the extensive series of Victorian dams and structures built by theBirminghamwater Corporation in the late 1800’s. 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).
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.
