Autumn In The Lakes - Workshop Review

Autumn Landscape Photography Workshops in the Lake District

The Lake District is one of my favorite places to photograph, especially during autumn when the landscape transforms with vibrant colors. As a photographer based in the North of England, I’m fortunate to have such a stunning location right on my doorstep. This year, I hosted two photography workshops in mid October and early November, focusing on capturing the stunning vistas of Windermere, Coniston, Langdale, Grasmere, and Rydal. These locations are iconic and offer a wealth of photographic opportunities, no matter how many times I visit.

Exploring the Lake District in Autumn

The southern and central Lake District National Park is a photographer’s dream, offering diverse landscapes that change with every visit. From the sparkling lakes to the rugged mountains, there is always something new to capture. During both workshops, the conditions were dramatically different. Group one experienced crisp, blue skies and strong sunlight, while group two was met with overcast skies and no sunshine for the entire three days. This is part of the joy of landscape photography—capturing the same location under different conditions brings new opportunities for creativity.

Revisiting Familiar Locations

One of the key joys of landscape photography is revisiting familiar locations under different weather conditions. While discovering new locations is exciting, I have always maintained a deep appreciation for the places I know best. Returning to these locations allows me to experiment with new perspectives and compositions, avoiding the usual shots I might have taken before. In fact, I believe photographers often work harder in familiar locations because they seek to add their own unique style to the images, rather than relying on common compositions.

This idea of practicing your craft by revisiting familiar scenes is crucial for improving as a photographer. Repetitionleads to incremental improvements and builds your experience. Each time you return to a location, your mind becomes more attuned to the art of image-making.

Focusing on the Word "Resonate"

To help attendees get the most out of their experience, I encouraged them to consider the word "Resonate" when selecting scenes to photograph. What is it about the scene that catches your attention? What emotions does it stir within you? How can you use your camera to capture these feelings? By thinking deeply about the scenes, rather than just snapping the picture, participants could create more meaningful photographs.

While this approach may not be for everyone, it provided an additional challenge for more advanced photographers who enjoyed exploring deeper connections with their subjects. For others, it was simply about enjoying the beauty of the landscape and creating beautiful images. Regardless of the approach, everyone had a chance to experience the joys of autumn photography in the Lake District.

The Benefits of Focused Photography Time

Both groups spent three full days immersed in the landscape, photographing iconic locations in the Lake District. Spending dedicated, focused time behind the camera can be a truly positive indulgence for the soul. The stresses of everyday life seem to melt away as you become completely absorbed in nature and creativity. The fresh air, the physical activity of walking, and the camaraderie with fellow photographers all contribute to a rewarding experience.

Capturing the Essence of the Lake District

The photographs below, taken by myself and some of the workshop attendees, offer a glimpse into our time in the Lake District. Both workshops were eventful, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Coniston Mountain Rescue team, who helped Gill at Tarn Hows during an emergency. Their dedication and assistance were invaluable.

If you would like to join me on the next trip to this part of the Lake District you can add your name here.

Our first port of call for group one was Tarn Hows on a beautifully clear day. 

Unfortunately Gill injured her ankle badly close to the shoreline and could not walk back to the carpark. Consiton Mountain Rescue arrived to help us out and attendee Steve kindly offered to take Gill to the hospital. 

Myself, Debbie, Christine, Margaret, Alex and Cliff headed to Kelly Hall Tarn to catch the late afternoon light. 

A macro lens is often useful during the middle of the day.

The Apple Pie cafe in Ambleside is renowned for this dish, it really is fantastic!