This year I will be hosting winter photography workshops for the first time.

Better light

The sun is lower in the sky in winter months than in summer months. As a result the period which ‘good light’ lasts for is significantly increased giving us more light to work with on a workshop. Obviously poor weather can sometimes pose a problem and if persistent rain or worse is forecast we can always reschedule.

Ice and snow

In the past couple of years we have had our fair share of ice and snow on Dartmoor. There is generally more to shoot in these conditions, not just in terms of the wide, scenic views but also the closer views that can often be overlooked.

Snow can transform the landscape turning even heavily photographed locations into something new

Shoot sunrise and sunset!

My winter Dartmoor Workshops will include the chance to shoot sunrise and sunset on the same day. There will be a minimum of 8 hours tuition on a days workshop which will be extended if there is a chance of a sunset. The opportunity to shoot throughout the day should help your understanding of light. It also doubles the chance of getting some great light!

Wonderful colours

In the winter the grass and bracken on the Dartmoor is dead. This produces fiery golds and oranges at sunset, a depth of colour you rarely see in the summer months.

The golden and orange grasses in the winter can become particularly vivid at sunrise and sunset

Astrophotography

Winter is the best time to do Astrophotography on Dartmoor. Not only is the air generally clearer but the longer nights mean we can have a few hours outside in the dark without finishing too late. If you wish to join me on a workshop that incorporates astrophotography then we will generally start around 11am and work until 7 or 8pm.

Better visibility

The colder air of the winter doesn’t carry particulates as much as the summer. As a result the air is often clearer, a great bonus for scenic landscape photography.

The colder air of the winter months is often clearer than in the summer

Fewer people

The solitude of Dartmoor in the winter can be simply wonderful. In the summer, especially in June, July and August, certain areas of the moor become a little overcrowded. Whilst this is rarely a problem there is something really nice about having the moor to yourself in the winter. There are also less landscape photographers out, so you have a better chance of a unique shot!

Practical matters

I realise that there may be issues within travel in the winter and for that reason if there are any issues with attending a workshop I will happily reschedule.

It is bitterly cold sometimes on Dartmoor in the winter so I suggest you overdress! Put on plenty of layers and be sure to bring a coat. Don’t worry, you will have a great time!

If you are interested in booking a workshop please visit my workshops page.