The New Forest is one of the UK’s smallest national parks, with an area of only 566 km2. However, within its boundaries, it contains a wonderfully varied landscape: coniferous woodland, broadleaved woodland, open heathland, ponds, streams and even a stretch of coastline. There are also the famous New Forest ponies, which roam freely around the forest and will often pose obligingly for a photo!
The New Forest is famous for its autumn colours; in a good year, the trees positively glow with golds, yellows and reds, complemented by the orange bracken on the forest floor below. In our experience, the colour usually peaks in the first two weeks of November, which is when we have planned to run this workshop.
We will concentrate our attention around Bolderwood and Rhinefield, home to some of the forest’s oldest and most spectacular trees, but will also take the opportunity to add a little variety by shooting some of the nearby heathland. Depending on the timing and conditions, we may be able to shoot sunset reflected in one of the picturesque ponds. The Forest is also renowned for fungi. If you own a macro lens, bring it with you – close-up specialist, Ross Hoddinott will be on hand to help you with your close-up technique.
Many people find woodland photography challenging, as learning to see compositions in such a chaotic environment is not always easy. Because of current social distancig regulations, we will not start the day with a classroom briefing, but instead will send a comprehensive set of briefing notes for you to study before the workshop. On the workshop itself, we will spend the whole day in the field, where you can put what you've studied into practice under the guidance of your tutors. You will also receive a copy of Mark and Ross's latest book - 52 Assignments - Landscape Photography. The days are short at this time of year, but we will make the most of the available light with an early start and minimal breaks to ensure you benefit from a full day's photography and tuition. As we will be out all day and not stopping at any cafés or pubs, we recommend that you bring a packed lunch.
Your tutors for this workshop Ross Hoddinott and Mark Bauer, two of the UK’s leading landscape photographers. The group size is a maximum of 8 participants, so there will be plenty of opportunity for individual tuition and guidance.
