SECRET LAKELAND
4th - 6th April 2025
Important Information
Date: 4th - 6th April 2025
Duration: 3 days hiking, 2 nights wild camping
Accommodation: Tents
Starting at: Seathwaite
Physicality: Challenging
Group Size: 3 clients maximum
Pricing: £450 per person (£200 deposit)
Terms and Conditions
What to expect
The Lake District National Park is haven for landscape photography, and is home to many classic scenes that are often-frequented by keen photographers. However, there remains many locations, particularly in the high fells, that have a little more inconspicuous - but no less beautiful. Having lived and explored in the Lake District for the past six years, I have developed an excellent knowledge of the best areas in the district for mountain photography, and I would love to share some of them with you on this photography expedition workshop!
Itinerary
The itinerary for this trip will remain flexible to adapt to prevailing weather conditions and the suitability to the group. However, you may expect to visit and photograph vistas from, and en route to: Great Gable, Bowfell and Scafell Pike- amongst others.
We will aim to camp on the hills for two nights back-to-back, aiming to be in prime locations for sunsets and sunrises, although this will remain flexible to select suitable photography locations and appropriate campsites.
Tuition
Aside from the adventure, the primary focus of the expedition shall be, of course, to improve and develop your photographic and creative capabilities. Prior to the event, you shall have the opportunity to discuss your photography experience and your desired learning outcomes with me.
In the field, we shall journey to locations that provide ample opportunities to practice the necessary techniques to help you create compelling images. Photographers of all abilities are welcome, from beginners to advanced, and I purposefully restrict the number of places to ensure that I have plenty of tuition time with each client.
As a qualified secondary school teacher working as a professional for six years, I have a good understanding of how to create a comfortable and effective learning environment for my students.
Fitness & Experience
It is not essential for you to have prior mountain walking and camping experience, although it is advised. You need to be capable of hiking with a 15-20kg backpack with at least 1,000 metres of ascent - and then repeating this again over the following two days. That being said, I will pace the group appropriately so that all members feel comfortable.
As a Qualified Mountain Leader, I will be leading the group with regards to all elements of the hiking experience as well as the photography tuition. This should encourage you to feel reassured and able to focus on enjoying your time exploring and capturing the landscape.
Equipment
Appropriate mountain-suitable equipment is essential for this expedition: outdoor clothing, comfortable hiking boots, waterproofs, insulating layers, a large backpack, and good camping equipment.
I will send you an exhaustive kit list in-advance of our expedition. Additionally, I am able to provide high-end camping equipment (tents, roll mats and sleeping bags) for a small rental fee to those that require it. However, I highly recommend bringing equipment that you are familiar with and comfortable using.
Why Choose Me?
Qualified Teacher Status - I have been working as a professional secondary school teacher for six years, so I have excellent experience of teaching and learning methods and strategies; a confident ability to articulate and deliver course content; and a good understanding of how to create a comfortable and relaxed environment to ensure that you feel able to maximise your learning during your time with me.
Qualified Mountain Leader - if you wish to visit mountainous locations during your workshop, you can do so with confidence in me to lead you safely in that environment. I have vast experience of mountaineering and backpacking in the Lake District and Scotland, (in all weather conditions - believe me!). I qualified as a Summer Mountain Leader in October 2024, and I am now working towards my Winter Mountain Leader qualification.
Location Knowledge - I have excellent local knowledge of the Lake District National Park, having lived in an photographed here for the past six years. My favoured style of photography is to identify unique perspectives and capture them in the most dramatic weather conditions, with the aim to create expressive and compelling imagery (hopefully that’s why you’re here reading this!) My experience and knowledge of the Scottish Highlands is also extensive, specifically in the Mamores, Torridon and Assynt.
Logistics
Meeting & Farewell Point:
Depart Seathwaite at 11am on the 4th April / return to Seathwaite at 2pm on the 6th April.
Additional Expenses:
Your own personal food, drink and hygiene items, transport, personal health and belongings insurance.
Pricing & Booking:
Total price = £450
£200 deposit required upon booking, remaining £250 is due 6 weeks prior to the date of the workshop.
