More Information
General
Lakeland Photo Walks provides mountain guiding and guided walks, with or without photography tuition, anywhere in and around the Cumbrian Lake District. Groups of up to ten are catered for, but extra guides may be available for larger parties. Transportation is also available.
If you have somewhere specific in mind - Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, Catbells etc. - that's fine, but if you need any suggestions on walks or photographic locations, please don't hesitate to ask - so something can be tailored to meet your exact requirements - whether it's on the high fells, the valleys or around the lakes - I have a very good knowledge of the Lakeland fells, its quieter areas and less well known photographic locations.
Or why not try a split day - with the first half in the Lakes, then moving to the coast for seascape photography and hopefully catch a lovley sunset.
You might find it useful to look at some of my photographs when choosing a location - www.lakelandphotographs.co.uk, or browsing a site like Walking Britain. There are also some great walks and photo opportunities along the west Cumbrian coastline.
I am also very experienced in night (or day) guiding on Scafell Pike for the National Three Peaks Challenge.
What to bring
Good footwear, walking boots for fell walking, rucksack, waterproofs, gloves, hat, extra layers, spare clothing, a torch, camera gear, spare batteries, your camera's manual, a packed lunch, plenty of fluids and a notebook and pen if you like. Obviously this varies with the seasons – for example, in summer you might need less clothing, but more to drink. If you’d like to try your hand at night photography you’ll really need to get wrapped up as we wouldn’t be nearly so active as on a daytime walk. Wellington boots are good for seascape photography, but not if we're walking a considerable distance.
If you’d like to borrow any photographic equipment – a tripod for example, please let me know; I do have a very limited stock though. If you would like to try out any of my lenses, you'll need to know that they're all Nikon (or Nikon-fit) - all manufacturers use different mount fittings.
Photography sessions
At a beginner or intermediate level I will offer advice on: the basics, control / use of light, shutter speed, aperture settings, use of filters, depth of field, composition, long exposures, ISO sensitivity and some areas of post-processing if desired. A comprehensive Outdoor Photography hand-out is provided too.
Areas of photography covered as you wish: landscape, seascape, close-up (macro), water / cloud movement and abstract.
If you have a simple compact camera and / or just want some basic advice, this can be given free of charge on the walks - if time / numbers allow.
Things to do before you arrive
Please leave me your mobile and landline numbers, your address, where you're staying, and the phone number of another contact who is not coming with you. Also if you have any medical conditions.
Transportation. If you need a lift from your hotel or guest house, Lakeland Photo Walks has a seven seat multi purpose vehicle with roof box - free of charge for short runs.
Accommodation Some recommendations here
Charity work. I am also working with charities, providing walks and photography tuition. I have a keen interest and am well read in psychology and mindfulness, I have basic training in counselling, mentoring, youth safeguarding and mental health awareness, and am MiDAS qualified to drive minibuses and have a D1 licence. I am also a Duke of Edinburgh's Award Accredited Expedition Assessor and trained Supervisor. Reduced rates for charities.
Reviews from my Facebook page. Many thanks for your kinds words and feedback!
"I had a wonderful afternoon with Nick which reconnected me with a long-dormant love of photography. He helped me get on top of the technical aspects I had struggled with, as well as how to build compositions. And it was a proper Lakeland walk, up Cat Gill to Walla Crag then over to Falcon Crag, and back down via a beautiful grassy path I would never have found without Nick to guide. All in all, a great day that's transformed my ability with a camera."
"Hi Nick, just wanted to say a massive thank you for guiding us up and down Scafell Pike very early on Sunday morning during that leg of the Three Peaks!! It was a pretty (actually very!) bleak morning (low cloud, rain and wind) but you kept us going with your encouragement and also your knowledge of the area (especially Wast Water!!). Hopefully see you again next time we do it (love the photo, I'm looking very happy to have reached the summit!)!"
"Thank you, Nick, for a truly memorable photo walk in Borrowdale. We loved the King's How Walk, the stunning views and backdrops, all the inspiring photography tuition (your photo's are brilliant) and how you made everything so easy - it was a fantatsic day."
"Thanks Nick for a brilliant day doing Scafell Pike really enjoyed your company and sharing your local knowledge - fantastic
Would recommend Nick to anyone considering a foray into Lakeland"
"Absolutely brilliant thank you Nick. I would recommend him to everyone"
"Where do I start . Really great bloke with so much knowledge and patience . Helped us every step of the way with lots of encouragement. Would recommend nick to anyone . Thank you again"
"Very enjoyable day with great photography tuition from the very patient Nick who was happy to share his wealth of knowledge and top spots in the Lake District."
"Have to agree with the previous comments about Nick being a great bloke. He was there with so much encouragement when the going got tough for us during the Scafell Pike climb of the Three Peaks. He also has a wealth of knowledge about the area. Would highly recommend Nick."
"Amazing, a really great guy who is a great guide, such a pleasure to climb with. Would highly recommend, Nick is a lovely bloke."
"Myself and a group of friends just completed the three peaks challenge this weekend and Nick helped us with our night time climb to Scafell Pike. We all felt very safe under Nick's guidance and we finished the walk in good time.
Nick kindly offered to take some photos of us at the top too with his professional camera which was a nice added bonus!
Would definitely recommend to others."
" Amazing Day with Nick, thank you so much! Felix enjoyed one of his best Home Education days ever, learning lots of tips, techniques, composition ideas and enthusiasm for such beautiful surroundings. We were lucky enough to see a red squirrel on the way up to Castle Crag and enjoyed exploring the quarry and caves; the walk really suited our abilities and allowed my son to experience varied photo opportunities. Nick was infinitely patient and geared his knowledge to assist and inspire Felix. I would thoroughly recommend Nick's guided photo walks and we hope to book again soon; tomorrow wasn't soon enough for Felix!! Many thanks Nick."
"Nick was absolutely fantastic. He stayed with me the whole 4 hrs up and 3 hrs down Scafell Pike as I trailed behind my party making sure I was safe and spurring me on and giving me the belief I could do it. Thank you Nick I won't forget your kindness"
"Thanks Nick for a lovely day out on Lingmoor fell and the lovely weather you arranged for us"
"Just to say a big thank you for the great trip this weekend. It was a huge success- we all loved it. Nick is a real find. What a lovely chap. Could not have done more for us. So considerate and a great teacher - both patient and knowledgable. He took us to some amazing places - he clearly knew and loved the area which made for a perfect guide. So I would highly recommend this trip to future photo / Lake District enthusiasts. Thanks again. Lynette."
Useful Links -
http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/index.php - SLR camera equipment reviews.
http://www.dpreview.com/ - camera reviews.
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/mountain-forecasts/lake-district
http://www.mwis.org.uk/ - Mountain Weather Information Service.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/map - BBC time-alterable weather map.
http://www.yr.no/ - Norwegian weather site that allows very specific area searches (switch to English at top right of page).
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/ - Photography advice.
Friends -
http://www.lakelandmountainguides.co.uk/