This past week I ran two very different photography workshops, both challenging in their own way but equally rewarding. One saw us battling the wind and spray on the West Kirby waterfront, while the other took us high above Llangollen to capture a fiery sunset over Castell Dinas Brân. Together they summed up what I love about running photography walks and workshops – no two experiences are ever the same.
High tide at West Kirby is always dramatic, but this week’s long exposure workshop gave us more than we bargained for. With very strong winds, the biggest challenge was simply keeping tripods steady and lenses dry. We talked about the fundamentals of long exposure photography – choosing the right ND filters, setting your shutter speeds, and planning your session so that the shot is ready before the conditions arrive.
For me, planning is everything, especially when the tide is involved. As we were shooting, the RNLI had to rescue two people stranded out at Hilbre Island – a stark reminder of how important it is to know the tide times before heading out.
One of my own highlights came when I waded waist-deep into the water to create my “standing on water” self-portrait. It was cold, wet and windy – but worth every second to show what’s possible when you combine planning with persistence.
Takeaway tip: Long exposure photography is as much about preparation as it is about technical settings. Always plan around the tide and weather, and you’ll be ready when the light and conditions line up.
Later in the week I swapped sea spray for castle ruins. Castell Dinas Brân sits high above Llangollen and reaching it involves a short but steep climb. When we arrived the weather looked ominous – driving rain and wind – but within minutes it cleared to reveal a spectacular sunset.
Up at the top, the challenge is scale. The ruins are spread over a grassy hill, and the valley stretches endlessly in every direction. Most of the group focused on wide shots, finding ways to frame the silhouette of the old castle against the changing sky. We spent much of the evening darting from one spot to another, following the light as it painted the landscape in deep golds before fading into soft blue hour tones.
Takeaway tip: When shooting silhouettes at sunset, planning is key. Check where the sun will set, think about how the shadows will fall, and don’t be afraid to under-expose so you protect your highlights. If you’re unsure, bracket your shots to give yourself options later.
Both of these workshops reminded me why I love running photography groups and walks. Every location brings new challenges, and every outing is a chance to learn something different – whether it’s mastering filters, chasing light across a ruined castle, or simply planning ahead so you’re ready when the moment arrives.
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, join me on one of my upcoming autumn photography workshops. They’re relaxed, friendly, and suitable for all skill levels – from phone shooters to those with DSLR or mirrorless cameras. And with the leaves turning and the light softening, it’s one of the best times of year to get out with your camera.