Spirit of Snowdonia, The Silent Waters Landscape Photography Workshop

This workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced photographers who are comfortable using their camera in manual mode and understand the fundamentals of exposure and composition. If you’re still learning your camera’s basic functions, please consider booking a one-to-one session or joining a beginner-friendly workshop first, such as the Introduction to Nature Photography workshop at Woodhill Park.

Yes. The Silent Waters workshop is ideal for photographers who view their practice as a contemplative, mindful engagement with nature. We work slowly and intentionally in this peaceful corner of Eryri, emphasising presence, connection with place, and using photography as a tool for self-discovery. The name ‘‘Silent Waters’’ reflects both the tranquil lakes and the quiet, reflective approach to photography and it gained its name from my foundational creative essay, Seeking Stillness, which features a photograph I titled, Silent Waters.

Absolutely. Many photographers reach a point where they’ve mastered the technical aspects but feel their images lack depth or personal meaning. This landscape photography workshop is specifically designed to help you move beyond technical competence into genuine artistic expression.

Absolutely. I runThe Land of Dragons workshop in a different part of Snowdonia on the same weekend as this one. You could always join that to further develop your skills and discover another of the national parks hidden gems. Alternatively, perhaps you’d like to hire me for a day of private 1-1 tuition to take things even deeper.

Landscape photography is about embracing all conditions. We’ll shoot in mist, rain, overcast skies, and even storms (safely of course!). Some of the most atmospheric and memorable images happen in ‘bad’ weather. We will only postpone if conditions are genuinely dangerous to human life.

A camera capable of manual mode, a selection of lenses (wide-angle to telephoto are useful for woodland work), spare batteries, memory cards, and ideally a tripod. Specific equipment recommendations are provided upon booking.

With only 4 participants, you’ll receive substantial individual attention throughout the workshop. Exact amounts vary based on each participant’s needs, but everyone receives meaningful one-to-one time for feedback and guidance.

Many of my participants would likely describe themselves as introverts. Small group size (max 4 people) means there’s no pressure to perform or compete. There’s plenty of space for quiet contemplation and solo exploration. The atmosphere is always inclusive and supportive, not competitive.

Unlike typical Snowdonia workshops that visit iconic, often crowded locations, The Silent Waters explores a ‘‘pretty well-kept secret’’ within the Gwydir Forest—tranquil lakes, silver birch-lined pathways, spectacular mountain backdrops, and misty heathland away from the usual hustle and bustle. We focus on intimate scenes and vistas in this peaceful corner of Eryri, emphasising artistic development and meaningful self-expression over location collecting.

I’ll help you discover YOUR authentic voice. While I share my approach, techniques, and philosophy developed through years photographing Eryri, the goal is artistic development, not imitation. Through the Five Pillars framework and thoughtful questioning, you’ll unearth what makes your perspective unique and learn to express it through your landscape photography.

The Five Pillars (Connection, Intention, Observation, Attention, Reflection) form a structured approach to creating meaningful, self-expressive photographs. During the workshop, we explore each pillar in depth: establishing genuine relationship with place, understanding your creative purpose, moving from looking to truly seeing, focusing awareness purposefully, and discovering what your photographs reveal about you. This framework transforms photography from documentation into authentic artistic expression.

You can learn more about the Five Pillars framework here.

The Silent Waters workshop takes place in a secluded area of the Gwydir Forest in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, North Wales. This ancient woodland area features tranquil lakes, silver birch-lined paths, heathland, and mountain backdrops. The specific location remains ‘‘a pretty well-kept secret’’ to preserve its peaceful character. Exact meeting point details and what3words location are provided upon booking.

I recommend accommodation in Betws-y-Coed (10 minutes from location), Llanrwst (15 minutes), Capel Curig (15 minutes), or Dolwyddelan (20 minutes). Betws-y-Coed offers the most choice with numerous B&Bs, hotels, and self-catering options, plus amenities for pre-workshop supplies. Many participants stay 2-3 nights to explore more of Eryri. Booking recommendations can be provided upon registration.