Brecon Beacons Workshops

Weekend Photography Workshops in the Brecon Beacons

Location: Ystradfellte, Brecon Beacons, South Wales.



These workshops are for both the beginner and the less experienced photographer looking to develop their landscape photography skills. It will take place over a weekend and will be based in and around the tiny Welsh village of Ystradfellte in the Brecon Beacons, South Wales. Ystradfellte and the surrounding mountains, gorges and rivers provide beautiful and breathtaking views. The locations we choose to photograph will be dependent upon the weather, but could include the spectacular waterfalls between Pontneddfechan and Ystradfellte and  we may head up the mountains and photograph the old kiln remains, forests, streams and distant vistas.

Individual and group coaching will be given during the workshop, which is aimed at increasing an understanding of composition, the use of light in the landscape and technical competence.  Each workshop will include both theory and practical sessions including topics such as: 

  • Composition in the landscape
  • Photographing people in the landscape
  • The use of colour, tone and textures.
  • Light and the landscape
  • How to use white balance
  • The relationship between the choice of lens focal length and image perspective
  • How the choice of aperture affects depth of field.
  • How the choice of shutter speed can turn moving water into fluffy soft swirls or freeze it to reveal the individual droplets.
  • Understanding metering and histograms
During the workshop,  you will be given a number of interesting projects to do, which will help you to understand composition and apply the techniques we cover in the workshop.



What you will need to bring:
Photographic - Required:
  • Camera (SLR or compact)
  • Tripod
  • Battery charger for camera battery
  • Spare cards/film
  • Waterproof bag for camera (air tight plastic bag will be fine - in case it pours with rain)
If you are unsure as to whether your camera is suitable for this workshop, please contact me.


Photographic - the following items are NOT required.  
But if you do have any of the following items - bring them along as they will be helpful:
  • Laptop
  • ND, graduated or polarising filters
  • A range of different focal length lenses - if you have them

Warm outdoor clothing including:
  • Waterproofs
  • Walking boots
  • Change of clothing
  • Warm thermal tops
  • Gloves
  • Hat
  • Warm socks
  • Day sack
  • Thermos flask
  • Sun cream
As we'll be walking over mountains the weather is likely be very changeable, so please be prepared for sun, snow, rain, ice and wind as we may get all of these over the weekend. Great for photography, but not much fun if you are incorrectly dressed for the conditions.

Accommodation and food….

These workshops are being run from two locations with different types of accommodation to suit different budgets and tastes.

1. Hotel accommodation for a comfortable weekend break

2. Bunk house style accommodation for larger groups at Pentre Godre – Croydon Caving Club’s caving cottage in the tiny village of Ystradfellte. This is ideal for groups or clubs such as walking, climbing and cycling clubs, whose members would like to learn how to get more out of their landscape photography.

Please see below for a guide to the advantages and disadvantages of each location.
.
Accommodation Hotel Caving Cottage
Accommodation (2 nights – Friday and Saturday) Bed and Breakfast in a comfortable hotel Bunkhouse style accommodation at Godre Pentre – Croydon Caving Club’s cottage - bunk beds
Breakfast (2 days) Choice of a full English cooked breakfast or continental breakfast Breakfast (cereals, muesli, porridge, bananas, dates,  toast, jam, fruit juice etc.)
lunch time meal Packed lunch (2 days) Packed lunch (2 days)
Saturday night evening meal Two course meal at the Dinas Rock Hotel Two course meal at the Dinas Rock Hotel
Wash-up cups/plates after use No Yes
Minimum number of participants 3 8
Maximum number of participants 6 12

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 Summary

Both types of accommodation are  in or very near the tiny village of Ystradfellte,  and both workshops will have similar content and access  to the same locations.  From the above, it can be seen that:


  • The Hotel  offers more comfortable accommodation for small groups of three to six photographers.  The small  number of participants giving more personal and individual coaching during the workshop. 

  • The Bunk House style acommodation  is suited to larger groups such as walking, cycling and climbing clubs, whose members would like to improve their photography skills together. It offers cheaper bunk bed accommodation but  with  higher student numbers.  

  • Both options include breakfast, packed lunches and Saturday night evening meal at the Dinas rock Hotel.
 .
Non participating partners/friends
Non-participating friends and partners are very welcome to come along too, it’s a wonderful area to go walking. The prices given above include 2 night’s accommodation, breakfasts, packed lunches and the evening meal at the Dinas Rock Hotel.
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This is  Croydon Caving Club’s Cottage http://croydoncavingclub.wordpress.com/cottage/ It’s a lovely little stone cottage with a lot of character, which offers bunk bed accommodation - you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow case. It is warm and reasonably comfortable and is used as a base for caving, walking, mountain climbing, mountain biking and other outdoor activities.  It has only has one indoor shower, which is very basic.   It also has a very steep stone spiral staircase which is not suitable for those who  experience difficulties climbing. 


    The River Mellte near Ystradfellte.  



    To book



    To see photos and testimonials from previous students and to get an idea of what a Brecon Beacons workshop is like, please see my blog here


    London
    If you would prefer to attend a one-day workshop, specifically tailored to meet your needs and interests in London, please click here
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