Workshop Review
In February 2018 Thomas Heaton and myself were joined by 8 enthusiastic photographers for a week of landscape photography indulgence in one of the best and most iconic locations in the UK – The Lake District National Park. We based ourselves in Grasmere for 6 nights where we slept well, eat well and enjoyed the comforts at the end of each busy day of varied photography.
We were extremely fortunate to have enjoyed some truly wintry conditions, as well as some mood, atmosphere, a magical sunset and a beautiful snowy fell-top dawn. Tom and I had planned a great mix of locations that offered vistas, variety and challenges that would push each participant to take a much more intimate view of the landscape. As leaders, we couldn’t have asked for a better group who approached each day with a keen open mind and captured some beautiful images. Here’s what each member of our group had to say….
As a big fan of Simon and Thomas’ work, I knew going into this workshop that we’d be learning from pros, and these guys didn’t disappoint. Their knowledge of the area, paired with savvy on-the-fly decision making meant that we could really take advantage of the conditions and maximise the shooting opportunities from sunrise to sunset. Despite the group size and workshop format, it never felt stale – Tom and Simon were attentive and enthusiastic while at the same time giving us the space and freedom to explore and discover our own compositions. With their shared expertise I’ve come away with easily some of my best ever images.
This was an epic week that I won’t be forgetting in a hurry. Highly recommend.
Hugh, UK
Fantastic workshop, I would thoroughly recommend to anyone wanting to improve their photography skills to try and get on any further workshops provided by Thomas and Simon. Hard work but loved every minute.
Nev, UK
I have participated in numerous landscape photography workshops and this was one of the best. Simon Baxter and Thomas Heaton are veteran, world-class landscape photographers who are extremely knowledgeable about the numerous landscape photography venues in the Lake District. They were well-prepared and used their knowledge and experience to provide the participants in the workshop with outstanding instruction, making sure they each spent individual time with each person. This was not a landscape photography tour – venues were chosen each day to fit the weather conditions and also to provide the participants with a wide range of topography. Winter conditions were sometimes challenging, but they did their best to maximize the overall experience. For me, the workshop was an outstanding overall experience. I learned a great deal, got some very good images, and would most definitely participate in another workshop with Thomas and Simon.
Bob, Italy
As an avid follower of both Simon’s & Tom’s Youtube channels, I jumped at the chance at their Lake District Winter Workshop although fairly new to photography. The appeal of this workshop was the wealth of experience that both Simon & Tom offered within their selected fields -Woodland / Landscape photography.
Each day of the the workshop offered its own challenges in terms of weather, locations and photography, but Simon & Tom offered us great variety. The advice given was second to none, with each of them spending time with you discussing in detail and explaining approaches on visualising the scene, composition and generally forcing you to think more creatively.
In all, this workshop was a complete and ultimate experience for me, and I believe my skill set as a photographer has improved ten-fold. Their passion for seeking out that one composition for now or for future reference is something I will never forget. And if a composition doesn’t work – move on.
A big thanks to them both for such a great week, and I look forward to the next one.
Andy, UK
A perfect balance of hands on education and location knowledge. What i really appreciated was that whilst guidance for composition, settings or anything else was always available and yet each of was was allowed, even encouraged, to still find and follow our own artistic endeavours at each location. I couldn’t have asked for more. If Simon and Thomas run another course i expect to be at the front of the queue 🙂
Keith D, UK
The course was marvellous, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. The accommodation was high quality and centrally located. The locations were well researched, and not the standard ones found in a photo guide. Both Simon and Thomas were always on hand to provide support and guidance throughout the course. I would, without a second thought highly recommend this course, or any course with Simon and/or Thomas.
Jason Protheroe, Switzerland
The trip was fun, challenging and informative in equal measure. Both Thomas and Simon where both knowledgeable not only in their photographic specialities but the geography of the Lakes.
Keith R, UK
Simon and Tom had researched a great list of less visited locations which tested our composition skills as well as our physical limits given the amazing weather we had on some days (snow, ice, very chilly etc) but it was exactly that that attracted me to the workshop. Great choice of hotel that aided everyone’s recovery each evening after the day’s exertions. Tom and Simon’s style and approach to images are different so were very complimentary to each other when the group tackled differing locations in some amazing conditions. BUT primarily for me was that it was a lot of fun with a nice bunch of fellow photographers. The predawn yomp up Catbells was magical and would have remained a great memory even without a camera! I’ve tried hard but can’t even dock half a star!!
Nigel, UK
We’d like to thank all who attended and we very much look forward to following your work and hopefully seeing you again in the future.
Finally, here’s Tom’s video review of the workshop where he talks about just some of stories, locations and images.
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