Discover the Kingdom of Mourne
I am delighted to announce this as the first in a series of new Mourne Photography Workshops which I will run in collaboration with two great friends and two brilliant photographers; Ryan Simpson and Alistair Hamill.
Between us, we have countless hours of experience hiking all over the mountains, in all seasons, at all times of day and night and in all sorts of weather.
We not only have come to know this place well; we have come to be truly at home here. We know the rhythms and seasons of the year. We know how the landscapes look under different light. And we have come to know the great inspiration it is to stand in the heart of the Kingdom of Mourne, looking up at an imposing peak, or looking down over the sweeping valleys below.And so our plan is not just to show you around the mountains. But to help you to discover them. You will learn the technicalities of photography, but more than that, you will come to experience the breathtaking wonder that waits to be uncovered in this unique landscape in Northern Ireland.
2:30pm - Meet and Greet at Carrick Cottage Cafe
This is the start and ending point for the day. Ryan and I will formally introduce ourselves and share with you the plan for the day over some complimentary tea/coffee.
3pm - Depart
We'll start our journey following the path leading out into the Annalong valley and shoot towards the High Mournes.
Late Afternoon
We arrive at our first river stop where we'll be teaching you the principles of long exposure photography and how best to frame your foreground with the surrounding mountainscape. We'll share with you then some of our favourite views to capture that are within close proximity.
Early Evening
After spending the afternoon photographing the rivers, flora and fauna, we'll complete the short walk to Buzzard's Roost- our sunset destination for the day. This is one of, if not the most spectacular view of the Mournes overlooking Ben Crom reservoir and the surrounding mountain range.
8:45pm - End of the Workshop
We begin the journey home, arriving back at Carrick Cottage cafe car park at approximately 10pm.
Who is it for?
This workshop is suitable for both beginner photographers right up to those who are more advanced but simply want to be guided to some new and largely unexplored locations to expand their portfolio.
We will cover topics such as:
Planning a shoot in detail;
Composition;
The Exposure Triangle (shutter speed, aperture and ISO);
Long exposure photography; and
Post-processing tips.
Fitness & Equipment
A good level of fitness is required for this workshop as we will be walking on uneven ground for approx 6 miles, with reasonable ascents in places.
Suitable walking boots and waterproof clothing should be used. As a rule of thumb, prepare to over-dress rather than under-dress as even during a summer's day temperatures can quickly plummet on higher ground. You'll need a base layer (t-shirt, long or short sleeved), a mid-insulating layer (warm fleece) and an outer layer (hard or soft shell jacket) for protection from the elements. A waterproof layer is essential. Please also bring a head torch. Whilst it will still be bright as we begin walking down, closer to the finish it may become dark.
What to Expect...
How much does it cost and what do I get for that?
The workshop has a cost of £95 which includes:
Hot drink on arrival: Your choice of tea or coffee from Carrick Cottage Cafe;
2-Guide Tuition: Guided hikes and photography tuition from both myself and Ryan Simpson during the whole course;
Maximum group size is 6 people, to ensure plenty of one-to-one tuition.
SECURE YOUR PLACE ON THE WORKSHOP
This workshop is currently postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
If you are interested in further Mourne workshops - you can sign up for further details here: https://goo.gl/forms/LJNJLiKujQ7jgdLC3
Please read my terms and conditions before booking as booking a workshop confers acceptance.
Stephen Wallace
Stephen is recognised for his landscape photography taken right across the island of Ireland and has experience of delivering workshops in Antrim, Down, Rathlin Island and Donegal. Stephen has years of experience of hiking the Mourne Mountains and won the public vote for the 2017 UK Mountain Photographer of the Year with an image of the Mournes.
Ryan Simpson
In 2016 Ryan was named overall winner of Trail UK Mountain Photo of the Year with an image from the Mourne Mountains. His enthusiasm for hiking and photographing mountain landscapes has taken him across the UK, Ireland and wider Europe.