Northumberland Photography Workshop

Englands northernmost county really needs little introduction to landscape photographers. With mile upon mile of dune fringed, white sand beaches, and more castles than any other county in England, it’s no surprise that its 40 miles of coastline from Berwick on Tweed to the river Coquet estuary is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

On this four day workshop we’ll aim to photograph areas as far apart as Berwick upon Tweed in the north and Sunderland in the south. From before sunrise through until sunset we’ll explore the ancient historic sites of Lindisfarne, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh castles.

Much will depend on the prevailing conditions but we’ll likely spend a morning at Lindisfarne shooting the sunrise and views of this imposing castle and its Basalt rock surroundings. At Embleton we’ll photograph the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh castle from the white sandy beach, or the black Dolerite boulders closer to the ruins. We may also venture on to the rocky platform at Craster which gives great views of the ruins from the south. We’ll look to capture the castle at Bamburgh from the beach and also the black basalt platform at the northern end of the bay, and it’s also likely we’ll spend time photographing around the dunes and fantastic rippling sand patterns of Budle Bay.

As well as the often photographed castles, we’ll aim to head to one or two lesser photographed, but no less spectacular areas. Other locations will possibly include Berwick, Seahouses, Craster, Beadnell, Howick, Alnmouth and Amble. Expect to shoot subjects such as Marram Grass fringed dunes and beaches, lighthouses, antiquated harbours, piers and dramatic rocky coves and bays. As far as technique goes, we’ll certainly use filters and I have both Kase and Lee filter kits available which I can loan to clients. We’ll also use various ND filters from two to ten stops for long exposures and these are also available for clients use.

On our final day we’ll look to head down the coast to photograph one or two real gems along the north east coast. We’ll aim to shoot a sunrise at either St Marys Island and Lighthouse or the never ending arc of Roker Pier at Sunderland. There are also one or two other superb areas we’ll head to and it’s possible we’ll photograph more lighthouses, piers and possibly a fantastic sea arch.

As usual, all tuition is tailored to individual requirement making this workshop suitable for all ability levels including complete beginners. Group size is limited to just five meaning I can spend lots of time individually with each client.

We will be based very central to all the very best locations along the Northumberland Coast. Four nights en-suite, single occupancy hotel accommodation with bed, breakfast and evening meal (up to £30) is included in the cost of the workshop. All rooms are single occupancy, (Please ask in advance if you require double occupancy).