DIGITAL LANDSCAPE COURSE

Itinerary for Digital Landscape Courses

Shetland can offer some of the most outstanding locations for landscape photography in the whole of Europe. Despite its compact size, the islands have an extraordinary range of settings, from the rugged to the rustic, all within easy reach of our base at Hoswick.

The ever changing weather ensures an infinite variety of moods and atmospheres, with dazzling skyscapes and sea views to challenge and excite the most expert photographer.

During this week we shall choose the best locations depending on weather, light, season and any other conditions at the time to make sure you have the best possible experience while you are in Shetland. So the location itinerary will change, depending on these factors.

The main areas we shall focus on will be the South Mainland, the West Side and Northmavine.

During these courses we shall be covering the following aspects of digital photography:

Field techniques – Metering, Lighting, Flash, Composition, Focus and Sharpness,  Equipment and its correct use.

Computer Room Techniques – PhotoShop Tools, Optimising PhotoShop, Raw vs Jpeg; Histograms and Exposure; Cleaning and Adjustments; Sharpening; Creating and Stitching Panoramic Images; Expanding the Dynamic Range and HDR; Raw Conversions; Layers and layer Masks; Advanced Black and White Conversion; Monitor and Print Calibration.

(for a more in depth explanation see our Digital Course Overview)

During each course we will spend approximately 75 per cent of our time on location, with the remaining 25 per cent spent in the digital light room.

Activity level: All the walks on this course are short and easy, and do not require a great level of fitness.

Day One – Saturday

Arrival, welcome session and evening meal.

Day Two – Sunday

After breakfast we will head straight out to the day’s location, where we will cover all of the most important aspects of field technique and how to capture the essence of the landscape.
South Mainland

This narrow peninsular running 25 miles south of Shetland’s capital, Lerwick, boasts some of Shetland’s most attractive scenery, extraordinary archaeology and world class wildlife.

There are amazing viewpoints for watching birds, seals and cetaceans, including the most accessible,  cliffs in the isles, at Sumburgh Head. There are sandy beaches, such as Europe’s finest sand tombolo, at St Ninian’s Isle, and stunning lochs.
We will return in the late afternoon to assess the images we have taken and start tuition in the digital room.

After the evening meal there will be time to further assess the day’s images.

 

Day Three – Monday

This morning we will put into practice and fine tune the techniques we learnt yesterday. ‘One to one’ tuition will be provided, allowing time to experiment on your own as well.
Northmavine

Northmavine has Shetland’s most outstanding coastline, superb walking country, a rich variety of wildlife, rocks and plants, as well as fascinating archaeology.

Its vast and magical landscape is dominated by Shetland’s highest summit Ronas Hill (1475 feet) To the east lies Sullom Voe, Shetland’s largest sea inlet. To the west St Magnus Bay and the Atlantic Ocean which has sculpted the land into a scene of breathtaking beauty.

The coast throughout Northmavine is remarkable, with magnificent cliffs, extraordinary rock formations, beautiful deserted beaches, and tranquil sheltered voes. Inland the hills are peppered with trout-filled lochs, providing excellent walking and angling.
In the afternoon we will return to the digital light room to develop our all important computer workflow.

 

After dinner there will be time for further study or the opportunity to relax in the lounge bar at the Orca Country Inn.

Day Four – Tuesday

Between 9am and 2pm we will be taking photographs on location, returning to the digital light room from 2–5.30pm. However actual times will be subject to weather and light conditions, as we want to take advantage of the early morning and late evening light.
West Side

The wild west of Shetland is a large expanse of rolling moorland and fertile pasture, with peaty lochs which are home to trout, waterfowl and all kinds of aquatic plant.

It’s extraordinary coastline has dramatic cliffs and long voes extending into heathery hills, with many a sheltered beach.

Here the islands’ crofting culture runs deep with traces of ancient farmsteads and field systems everywhere.

Day Five - Wednesday

Today we will cover more areas of the South Mainland , being closer to our base we can move too and from the digital room, when we have the right lighting conditions.

 

Day Six - Thursday

Today we will  bring our complete computer workflow together, and work on a image taken by each member of the group, from download to the final print.

If time permits we will have a final session on location.

 

Day Seven - Friday

Breakfast followed by departure