Mountains Guided Landscape Photography Day in Cairngorms National Park
Available All Year (Provided You Have Winter Equipment and Experience)
Prices
1-1 tuition £200 per day
1-2 tuition £300 per day (for you and a friend)
The Mountains Guided Landscape Photography Day is the hardest of all the landscape photography days that I currently offer. These days typically involve longer and harder hikes to get into position as we explore the mountains of the Cairngorms National Park.
We may not take many pictures but we will try to capture the raw essence of this unforgiving landscape. There are some of the highest mountains in the U.K. in this range, with the second tallest being Ben MacDui, the third is Braeriach, while Cairngorm itself sits at the sixth tallest mountain.
We will be surrounded by these giant stone monoliths and will more than likely scale one of them.
The mountains will be our primary subject, what we are aiming to photograph, although along the way we may encounter forests, lochs, rivers or waterfalls, which we should definitely take the opportunity to photograph if we have the time and the will.
We will discuss the options for the day way in advance so that if there is a particular peak or location that you would like to explore or conquer then we will design the day out to accomplish it!
This is a physically demanding day out with hikes up to 10 miles and more, often on the table. The mountains of the Cairngorms are no joke with hostile weather that can change in any moment, even during August it has snowed on the peaks.
We will try and make the most of the day but the weather may play against us as I will not risk taking you into the mountains when the weather conditions are too adverse and become life threatening. The biggest risk we will have is wind, if there is a forecast for strong winds over the summits, then we may have to rethink our day and choose a route that still features the mountains but at lower altitudes.
We will go out for the day, its just that our plans may have to change from conquering a peak to exploring the valleys below the mountains. Either way we will surely get some fantastic landscape images!
Unlike the other tours, this day involves very little time in the car, as always the day will typically begin at 09:00 in the morning with me picking you up from your accommodation, and a short drive to the parking location for that day depending on the route we are about to tackle.
The route of the day will ultimately determine the length of our day, unfortunately it will be very difficult to be on location in the mountains for sunset depending on the route, so instead after we have completed our hike we will take a drive to another location within easy walking distance from the car to capture sunset before heading back to your accommodation.
In general we are aiming for about 12-14 hours of photography, including time for lunch and travel.
In the car there will be a box of fresh fruit and a box of chocolate bars, and some hot water to make hot drinks, such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate. You are welcome to help yourself and we will take regular breaks.
You will need to bring your own packed lunch for the day, but if you are unable to bring a lunch we can stop at a supermarket or shop for you to buy your lunch for the day. When we leave the car in the morning I will make sure you pack some extra bits to nibble on the hike, especially chocolate bars!
Depending on your level of photography, I can give you as much tuition as you desire. If there are some things of which you are a bit unsure, please do not hesitate to ask me about them. I am there to help you achieve what you want out of photography.
I will show you some tips and tricks that I have been using when taking pictures, and we will look over composition and finding the subject in the landscape.
That being said, if you know what you are doing and only need some help finding locations then I am sure you will enjoy a day of photography in Scotland.
We will talk about some techniques that I use when out for landscape photography, including Intentional Camera Movement and slow exposures to create abstract images.
We will also talk about optimum weather for landscape photography and ways we can plan photography days out to try and maximise our opportunities in the field.
Payment will be taken at the time of booking via bank transfer or Stripe to secure your dates
Fitness Level
As mentioned above this day is the most difficult day of landscape photography that I offer, the locations for this day are often miles from the car on steep and demanding routes. As can be expected in a wild landscape area there are some very un-even paths, boulders and holes are risk that we will talk about during the day. Please be aware of the risks involved in the mountains and be prepared.
What’s Included
Photography Tuition
Transport throughout the day
Water, hot drinks and snacks
Possible Locations We Will Visit:
Cairngorm
Ben MacDui
Lairig Ghru
Loch Einich
Loch Avon
Bynack More
Carn Ban Mor and Sgor Gaoith
And many more!
What’s NOT Included
Equipment Rental - unfortunately I don’t have equipment such as cameras, lenses or filters to lend you for the day and you will be required to provide your own
Lunch - please don’t forget to bring a packed lunch for the day, I would recommend bringing a little extra than you normally would as it is a long day
Recommended Equipment
The links below are affiliate links to amazon.co.uk this means that if you make a purchase, amazon will pay me a small commission, this does not affect the price for you but it helps to support my work and it means amazon earn less too!
Please be aware that if you fail to bring waterproof clothing and an extra insulating layer, as well as hat and gloves, then this day will not go ahead even during the summer. These are small items that are necessary when moving through the mountains, and failure to bring them is irresponsible. We will either change plans to a Forests and Lochs Day, which is far less demanding or I will offer a refund. For winter trips I will go over the necessary equipment that you need to carry when you contact me, and our plans will be very dependent on the weather.
DSLR/4:3/Mirrorless Camera (a camera of some description, I use a Canon 1DX mark II and can recommend the Canon 5d mark IV also)
Wide angle lens (such as Canon 17-40mm f4 or Canon 16-35mm f2.8)
Medium telephoto lens (such as Canon 24-105mm f4 or Canon 24-70mm f2.8)
Long telephoto lens (such as Canon 70-200mm f2.8)
Filter set including a polariser (such as the Lee Landscape Photography Kit)
Tripod (such as 3 Legged Thing Winston Tripod)
Waterproof jacket and trousers (such as Berghaus Deluge Trousers and Jacket)
Warm clothes, hat and gloves
Don’t forget your Lunch!
Please familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety Policy regarding Guided Photography days and in particular the Risk Assessment for your chosen activity. By booking a guided session, you agree to the Terms and Conditions set out in the booking form.