Light and Land - Tours

Somerset Lavender - LAV04

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:07:41 GMT

Scenes like this are usually found throughout the continent but here in rural Somerset a view to match any of the landscapes in Provence can be found. This stunning little Lavender farm is an absolute joy to photograph at dawn with lines of lavender running straight towards the rising sun. We have special permission to be here at sunrise and photograph this magnificent location at the very best time of day. Antony and David will be guiding all participants to ensure everyone comes away with the very best images possible. If you have always wanted to photograph Lavender you will not be disappointed by the little gem of a location tucked away in the beautiful Somerset countryside. N.B This workshop will commence at 04.30 am and we will be photographing through the morning with continental breakfast, teas and coffees included.

Exmoor - EXM12

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:07:50 GMT

With the choice of two or three locations all within close proximity of each other are aim is to capture an array of images portraying the vast area of Heather and Gorse that intertwine the Combes and Heathland of the Hinterlands around Dunkery Beacon, and along the coastal strip on North Hill and Holdstone Down. We will meet in the Car park at Dunkery Hill Gate on the slopes of Dunkery Beacon at midday, with our intention to photograph the Heather-Clad slopes of Dunkery. As so often is the case,the weather can play an important roll in how we try and capture an image, however come rain or shine the vibrant colours of the Heather and Gorse combined with the varied landscape will give us plenty of opportunities. Throughout the duration of the day we will move from location to location, sometimes on foot, other times by driving our own cars to the next location. We will take time out for coffee and lunch stops, however these might vary according to the weather and location conditions, although we will endeavour to finish around 20.00 Hours. Peter cares passionately about his photography and his love for Exmoor, and will endeavour to help all clients in their pursuit of capturing an array of images that not only remind them of the occasion, but leaves a lasting impression of what this part of Great Britain has to offer

Lake District - LD55

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:07:41 GMT

It’s difficult for us to imagine now, but two hundred years ago the Lake District was thought ugly and quite literally terrible! The English Lake District was one of the birthplaces of our modern Western love of rugged and ‘wild’ landscape. Wordsworth, the great Romantic poet, and a “lakeman” through and through, lived in Grasmere in the heart of this beautiful region and through his glorious verse did much to change the public perception of Lakeland landscape. This compact National Park is often thought of, by both British and overseas visitors, as the most beautiful region in the British Isles. Surprisingly this iconic landscape is a mere 35 miles across. Lake Windermere, the largest of the sixteen lakes, is just ten and a half miles long. However, the astonishing variety of landscape in this breathtaking region is unrivalled: from the bucolic beauty of sheep grazing in the Newlands Valley to the stark setting of the Neolithic Castlerigg Stone Circle beneath shapely Blencathra; from the lovely wooded shore of Rydal Water to the awesome Hard Knott Pass and the towering bulk of the Scafell range, England’s highest mountain; from the white ribbon of Aira Force falling through woodland in dappled light to the reflections of white-washed farmhouses in tranquil Watendlath Tarn. Charlie Waite, the founder of Light & Land, leads this winter tour and he is delighted to be returning to the Lakes, which was the landscape that Light & Land visited and photographed for our very first tour. Charlie has a wealth of experience photographing Lakeland landscapes and is an expert at finding those magical compositions, which often elude others. January, as with all mid winter months will offer low oblique lighting, allowing this stunning landscape to express itself with long shadows and hopefully distant snow shrouded peaks. The evenings will be as valuable as the days in that photography will continue in the form of image review and constructive feedback on your own work, which is a pivotal element that photographers require to assist in advancing their landscape photography. In addition, there will be talks from Charlie about Landscape Photography, the subject closest to his heart. This tour is designed to appeal to photographers whatever their ability level. We will be based in the perfectly situated Queens Hotel in the beautiful town of Keswick. The group will have a minibus to carry you to locations further afield. Charlie is very much looking forward to this winter tour and we recommend early booking.

Stowe - NTW32

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:07:49 GMT

The landscape gardens of Stowe are regarded amongst the most influential gardens in Europe. One of the most remarkable creations of Georgian England, Stowe was created by a family so powerful they were richer than the king! Stowe became widely-renowned for its magnificent gardens created by Lord Cobham. The Landscape Garden was created in 3 phases starting early in the 18th century, showing the development of garden design in 18th-century England. Over the years a large number of notable architects and gardeners have been involved in developing the gardens including John Vanbrugh, architect James Gibbs, William Kent and Capability Brown to name but a few. Stowe was owned, enhanced and expanded under the auspices of one family for almost 350 years. Today it reflects the work of two members in particular, Lord Cobham and his nephew, Earl Temple, when the aristocratic dynasty was at the height of its power, wealth and influence. The magnificent Stowe estate and gardens have been designed and developed since the first leasing in 1571. In 1954 maintenance of Stowe Gardens became a national responsibility. In 1990 the governors of Stowe School formally conveyed the gardens to the national trust for all to enjoy. The scale, and beauty of Stowe has inspired writers, philosophers, artists, politicians and members of the public from the 18th century to the present day. The National Trust has embarked on an ambitious programme of restoration to ensure that over 40 temples and monuments remain, gracing the inspiring backdrop of lakes and valleys. This one day workshop will be led by Charlie Waite. Charlie will guide you through the many considerations of landscape photography including composition and of course the techniques of exposure and use of filtration that provides the photographer with the confidence and ability to 'get it right' in camera.

Somerset Lavender - LAV03

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:07:47 GMT

Scenes like this are usually found throughout the continent but here in rural Somerset a view to match any of the landscapes in Provence can be found. This stunning little Lavender farm is an absolute joy to photograph at dawn with lines of lavender running straight towards the rising sun. We have special permission to be here at sunrise and photograph this magnificent location at the very best time of day. Charlie and Antony will be guiding all participants to ensure everyone comes away with the very best images possible. If you have always wanted to photograph Lavender you will not be disappointed by the little gem of a location tucked away in the beautiful Somerset countryside. N.B This workshop will commence at 04.30 am and we will be photographing through the morning with continental breakfast, teas and coffees included.

Cairngorms- Coylumbridge - CGS01

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:08:13 GMT

Join us for five wonderful days in Britain's only sub-arctic landscape where a high mountain plateau rises above miles of forest made up of Caledonian Pine, Birch, Oak and Rowan. Our visit is timed to co-incide with the peak of Autumn colour in the area and possibly the first dustings of snow on Britain’s largest tract of land over 2000 feet high. From our base just outside the town of Aviemore we will venture out into the Rothiemurchus estate and Glenmore Forest Park on a network of fine paths that will lead us to beautiful lochans, past meadows of gently swaying grasses backed by ranks of mature Scot's Pine. Hidden away are the usual ruins of old abandoned farm houses and cars. Rising out of the forest the Cairngorm plateau very aptly lives up to its name, the mountains always having appearing blue whether under the shroud of clouds or beneath a clear sky. At 4295 ft high Ben Macdui is Scotland's second highest summit and while we will not be climbing to its top we will get the opportunity to experience this unique mountain environment when we venture out from the ski centre car park which is conveniently positioned over 2000 ft up the hill. With some of Scotland's iconic locations on our doorstep including Loch Morlich, Loch an Eilein, Strath Nethy and views into the Lairig Ghru this promises to be a busy week no matter what the weather.

Micheldever Bluebell Wood CANCELLED - MBB01

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:08:45 GMT

Micheldever Wood provides one of the best displays of bluebells in the United Kingdom. Situated just an hour or so from London this beech woodland is transformed into a spring paradise with an almost endless carpet of bluebells. This one day workshop will begin at dawn and we will aim to capture the first rays of sunlight illuminating the fabulous sea of blue under the forest canopy. Antony and David have an intimate knowledge of this forest and will ensure we get ourselves to the very best locations with clean, uncluttered & pristine displays of these beautiful wild spring flowers. Join Antony and David for a morning and witness one of natures greatest spectacles and a chance to create that perfect bluebell image. NB: This workshop will start at 5am and will finish at approximately 12 noon.

Sommaroy, Norway - AUR04

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:07:38 GMT

Situated on a beautiful island, Tromsø is one of the world’s northernmost cities and the starting point for our adventure of a lifetime in pursuit of aurora borealis. We will be surrounded by a truly spectacular & rugged landscape still very much covered in snow from the arctic winter. The ultimate arctic conditions for landscape photography.

We will be based about ninety minutes from Tromsø city centre, well away from the city lights, where huge mountains and fjords meet the ocean at the stunning island location of Sommorøy. We will be within very easy reach of some of the most spectacular locations to photograph the northern lights anywhere on the planet. As well as evenings chasing aurora borealis, we will enjoy sunrise and sunset photography when the white snow covered landscape is transformed at these moments with soft, colourful light.

Arctic spring will just be beginning, the temperatures slowly starting to rise, but we will be able to explore the conditions left behind by the cold harsh arctic winter. Fresh water will be frozen and in many locations whole sections of saltwater fjords will be frozen. Ice forced up and down with the tides on the edges of these fjords will have formed incredible patterns and formations. In some places we may walk across frozen lakes and reservoirs to stand surrounded by nothing but mountains snow and ice. No need to worry though, the ice will still be several feet thick at least - and in most places frozen down to the bottom of the lake beneath us.

The highlight of the trip will undoubtedly be the chance to photograph the aurora borealis. Seeing the northern lights dancing across the night sky for the first time is a truly unforgettable moment. At this latitude the aurora borealis is present on most clear evenings. Watching a pale green glow on the horizon grow and build until bands and curtains of colour are tearing across the sky directly overhead is a moving and memorable experience. Whilst the northern lights are incredible to photograph they are also incredibly difficult to photograph well. You will be given as much tuition as possible to ensure your images capture this elusive phenomena as well as possible. Nine times out of ten the hardest thing is remembering to compose and physically press the shutter whilst something so incredibly beautiful is unfolding in front of you.

N.B.A reasonable degree of fitness will be involved as this frozen landscape will leave us with a difficult and slippery terrain in order to take full advantage of these magnificent locations and conditions.

Stowe - NTW31

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:07:32 GMT

Stowe - NTW30

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:07:31 GMT