Turner’s Kent : 3 night photography workshop

Turner’s Kent : 3 night photography workshop

JMW Turner lived in Kent and famously remarked that it ‘had the loveliest skies in all of Europe.’ With Turner’s beautiful words (and work) in mind, we think it also makes for a perfect place for landscape photography.

The workshop will be spent exploring the fascinating land and seascapes that define this unique area.  From shipwrecks and abandoned industry on the River Medway to beautiful Beech forests, from soaring white chalk cliffs to sandy beaches and from Medieval castles to tidal sea pools. 

Very few places can offer such variety and here we can create our own, new and original work away from the ‘bucket list’ locations found elsewhere in the UK.

We will be staying in the lovely Botany Bay hotel, near Broadstairs; with en suite, accommodation and, from here, we are ideally placed to reach many of our dawn and dusk locations, as well as the various corners of the county in search of our photographs. This workshop is appropriate to anyone comfortable with short walks to each location from our parking places.

We will look to take advantage of the creative opportunities from dawn to dusk.  The general format of our day is to photograph at dawn, then enjoy a late breakfast at our Inn before heading out for the day, returning for supper in the evening.  We will of course stop for refreshments during the day.

This location photography is then developed during our digital skills sessions where we will show you the fundamental techniques required to process your photographs, including exposure blending, using layers and masks and how to work efficiently in both Lightroom and Photoshop. The emphasis is on encouraging group discussion and lively debate between all participants and we will also use this time to look over and review some of the photographs from our outings. With the days being a little shorter at this time of year, we will also be able to discuss some of the considerations around printing your work and hand-made book making.

This has proved a very popular part of our trips, as it helps take the photographs shot on location through the digital darkroom, ready for print or web display. Lizzie and Alex will share their processing tips with you and are also on hand for support and questions post workshop. We believe this strikes a good balance between shooting on location and practical help with the necessary post production side so that you can leave with a wealth of new knowledge and skills to compliment your photography out in the field.

Our workshops are very much informal in style - we like to work with our group to ensure we give you the best possible experience and are flexible in our approach to ensure you have a fulfilling and rewarding workshop. 

This is a Tripod Travels workshop - running in conjunction with good friend and super photographer / teacher, Alex Hare. Alex and I have thoroughly enjoyed working together for several years now and I’ve included a link to Alex’s website here. It's worth saying that Alex has lived in Kent for many years and knows it like the back of his hand! 

For more information about my approach to photography workshops, please have a look at this page. If you'd like to see a few testimonials from previous clients, then please look here.

Practicalities

  • What time does the workshop start and end

    We usually meet early afternoon and finish late morning, but we will advise well in advance.

  • What level of photographer does this workshop suit?

    Photographers of any level are welcome - whether a beginner or with many years experience. With a small group of only eight participants, and two tutors, there will be more than enough opportunity to cover everything from the basic skills of landscape photography (if required) to more advanced, creative techniques. We are there to give you as much help as you would like.

  • What do I need to bring?

    A camera and a selection of lenses - ideally covering ultra wide angle to telephoto. A spare camera if you have one and/or a small compact camera or smart phone.  Tripod, spare batteries and memory cards. A laptop if you possibly can - it's really worth doing so for our processing and review sessions. 

    Good walking boots and clothing for any kind of weather. Comfortable backpack and waterproofs for you and your gear. If you have room for wellie boots, ideally with a good grip, then they would be very useful.

  • Can I borrow a Lee filters kit?

    You are welcome to borrow a Lee filter kit - including big stopper, little stopper and ND grads. Please note this is at your own risk, although we've had no breakages to date! Please ask in advance and advise of the filter ring sizes of any lenses you may be bringing.

  • Can I park my car at the hotel?

    We'll be staying in the lovely Botany Bay Hotel near Broadstairs. Free parking is available on a first come first served basis and, at this time of year, we'd anticipate plenty of availability.