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2012 MAWDDACH ESTUARY PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND with JEREMY MOORE
Thursday 10 - Sunday 13 May 2012
Spend a photography weekend surrounded by the stunning spring scenery and wildlife of Snowdonia National Park. You will be guided and supported by Jeremy Moore, an experienced professional with expert local knowledge. The group will be limited to 8 - 10 maximum and accommodation is provided in a stylish and friendly four star B & B in a fantastic location.
Whether you are seeking to develop your technical skills, find fresh perspectives on landscape photography, or share tips in good company, this is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to improve their photography and enjoy getting out in nature.
ABOUT THE SETTING The Mawddach Estuary was described by the writer and conservationist William Condry in 1962 as "among the loveliest spots on earth". Thanks to its position in the Snowdonia National Park little has changed since then. It is flanked on three sides by mountains, notably Cader Idris at almost 900m. Deciduous woodland reaches the banks of the estuary, and streams tumble down through the foothills from north and south. The river meanders across its flat floor to enter Cardigan Bay just south of Barmouth (Abermaw). Its channels are exposed at low tide and can be seen from altitude to coil and recoil across the sandbanks. A long wooden viaduct crosses the estuary at its mouth, carrying the railway and the All Wales Coastal Footpath, due to be officially launched in May 2012, and named by the Lonely Planet Guide as their top Travel tip for 2012. There are fantastic views of Barmouth Bridge and Cardigan Bay from the Panorama Walk and down the Estuary from the Precipice Walk.
There are interesting industrial ruins nearby and the well known and often photographed Cregennen Lakes are only a short distance away. The attractive market town of Dolgellau (eight miles inland) has narrow winding streets, sturdy stone buildings and several good coffee shops! In short, there is something for everyone in the area, and Graig Wen (The Slate Shed) is ideally situated only a short drive from all these locations. ABOUT THE COURSE TUTOR
Jeremy Moore has lived in rural Wales since 1977 and has been fully professional for twenty years. To celebrate the launch of the All Wales Coastal Path, Jeremy was commissioned by Countryside Council for Wales to "illuminate Wales and Welshness through the mirror of its shoreline". The resulting book, "Wales - At the Waters Edge" - in both English and Welsh versions - will be published by Gomer Press in April 2012. He has exhibited his work widely in Wales and elsewhere over the last 25 years. Prior to working as a photographer he worked in countryside and wildlife conservation. He is also a competent ornithologist.
The three night stay offers two full days of photographic tuition, trips, and feedback! The Mawddach estuary can easily be viewed from altitude in several places without the need for a long walk or climb. But depending on the fitness of participants there could be numerous opportunities to explore the area further on foot - possibly even to the foothills of Cader Idris, from where the views are tremendous. It is no use pretending that the weather in west Wales in May is reliably sunny and dry. However the diversity of habitat and subject matter nearby is such that only the very worst conditions would prevent us getting outside. And the local waterfalls are spectacular after rain...
The course will not look at digital manipulation techniques in detail, although Jeremy will explain how he processes his images in Adobe Lightroom.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING As well as your camera equipment it is suggested that participants should bring their own laptop, if they have one, to process their own images during the workshop. We will also have viewing facilities on site, and it would be our aim to see a selection of images from the first two days on the Saturday evening. Participants are encouraged to bring examples of their work for discussion should time be available.We recommend walking boots and warm and waterproof clothing. A rucksack would also be useful. We do not envisage any epic rambles - the longest walk to reach a location would be about 30 minutes. It can be wet underfoot and there are a few ladder stiles to climb. If this presents you with any concerns then just let us know and alternative arrangements can be made.
YOUR ACCOMMODATION Bed and Breakfast accommodation is provided by The Slate Shed at Graig Wen, a stylishly converted Victorian slate cutting mill. All rooms are en suite and graded 4 star by Visit Wales. You will be welcome to use a large communal area where there is an honesty bar and wifi access. There is direct access from the accommodation at Graig Wen to the Mawddach Trail, a disused railway line running the length of the estuary, as seen on BBC 2's Railway Walks.
We will eat our evening meal at a local restaurant, other than on the night of arrival, when a welcome supper will be provided at The Slate Shed. http://www.slateshed.co.uk/ SOME FEEDBACK FROM THE OCTOBER WORKSHOP " ..... Jerry was very good and his style suited me well. He was available to answer questions/provide advice when you needed but didn't try and lecture the group at the locations. I also enjoyed his presentation about planning and the tools he uses to prepare for a day on location." " ..... Jerry worked hard to make sure that everybody got something from the weekend."
" ..... Jeremy's style of teaching was both quiet and effective...... The format for the weekend was just about right, and coupled with Jeremy's willingness to adapt to the variation of the weather and people's requests made for a good content." SCHEDULE  Near Arthog, October 14thTHURSDAY 10 MAY 4 - 6pm Check in 7pm Welcome and introduction- dinner for all at Graig Wen
FRIDAY 11 MAY Breakfast - flexible time depending on weather/photography plansExcursion to local locations Packed lunch provided Optional evening meal at local restaurant
SATURDAY 12 MAY Breakfast - flexible time depending on weather/photography plans Excursion to local locations Packed lunch provided Optional evening meal at local restaurant
SUNDAY 13 MAY Breakfast Summing up or optional excursion 12 noon close and check out.There will also be time for processing images, discussion and a Q&A session, but these will be scheduled according to weather conditions. It is worth noting that in mid-May the light is at its least interesting during the middle of the day.
Costs include tuition and guiding, 3 nights Bed and Breakfast accommodation, one evening meal and 2 packed lunches £349 per person for single occupancy of a room £305 per person for participants sharing double/twin room
£150 for partners sharing a double/twin room but not taking part in the course/excursions (includes B & B and one evening meal)
TO BOOK Please contact Sarah at The Slate Shed at Graig Wen on 01341 250482 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Your name will be added to the waiting list until bookings open. Many thanks!
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