How much photography experience do I need?

Usually a basic knowledge of your camera will suffice as we will fill in the gaps. For some workshops you might need a bit more knowledge of camera settings, however, this will always be listed in the workshop information.

How fit do I have to be?

For most workshops you need a moderate level of fitness. The terrain and distance covered on each workshop is outlined in the workshop information. You will often need to be on your feet for up to three hours at a time.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We don't usually stop for just a bit of rain, (this is Yorkshire after all!) in fact, contry to common belief, wet weather can even enhance our photos! If inclement weather is forecast, you will be notified of any alterations to the workshop in advance. We simply encourage you to bring some waterproofs for you and your camera, just in case.

Are refreshments provided?

No, if you need refreshments during the workshop, please feel free to bring your own.

What is your cancellation policy?

If we have to cancel a photography workshop for any reason, you will receive the option of a transfer to an alternative workshop or a full refund. If you cancel your place up to a week before the workshop, the same options will be offered. If you cancel your place within a week of the workshop you will not receive an offer of a transfer or refund.

Photography Workshop Location

Grinton Moor, Yorkshire Dales

Start Time: 2:00pm

Finish Time: 4:30pm

Maximum Group Size

5 Participants

£

Workshop Cost

£45.00

Ruins of the Dales Photography Workshop

NEXT DATE: Saturday 26th September

LOCATION: Grinton Moor Lead Smelt Mill, Yorkshire Dales

What you'll learn

How to affectively photograph ruins
Add a sense of history to your photographs
Create a sense of mood
Composing 'imperfect' scenes
Critical photography analysis

Workshop highlights

Maximum 5 participants
Professional photographer guide
1to1 photography tuition & feedback
Picturesque location
Freedom to take your own images

Photography Workshop Location

Grinton Moor Lead Smelt Mill

Grinton Moor Lead Smelt Mill is one of the most intact ruins of its type in the area, yet one of the least explored. Join us on this workshop to bring this rural, industrial location back to life in your photos and take a trip back in time.

Meeting Point:

Lay-by on Whipperdale Bank, Grinton, Richmond, DL11 6HS. 54.367430, -1.926006 -///flush.boardroom.circling

Parking:

Grinton Moor Lay-by Free, limited parking at the end of the track leading to the location.

Public Transport:

No public transport available to this location. Buses between Richmond, Keld, Reeth and Catterick stop in Grinton village 1.2 miles down the road.

Nearest Facilities

The nearest public toilets are located in Reeth, 2.4 miles from the workshop location.

Nearest refreshments can also be found in Reeth or Leyburn.

Photography workshop itinerary

Introduction: 10 minutes

Tom will introduce the photography workshop and participants will have the chance to introduce themselves.

Section 1: 20 minutes - Uncovering History

You will be introduced to the history of the site and given unique ways in which to bring that history to life through your photographs, exploring a variety of photography techniques.

Task: 45 minutes - Uncovering History

Workshop participants will be given a practical task to help put the theory covered in section one into practice. During the task you will be given 1to1 support and feedback on any images you make.

Section 2: 20 minutes - Different Approaches

During this theory part of the workshop you will be shown a series of photographs taken at similar locations, each photographed from a different perspective. You will also have the chance to participate in a group critique of them. This is a great opportunity to hear about other people's perspectives and a chance to share your own.

Time to explore & Q&A: 45 minutes

The final part of the workshop allows participants to explore at their own leisure. During this time you will be given 1to1 support from the tutor and have chance to ask any questions that may have arisen during the workshop.

Workshop summary: 10 minutes

The tutor will summarise the content of the workshop, allow participants to ask any final questions and offer support on post production.

Who is this workshop for?

Perfect for

Beginners looking for an introduction to historical photography
Enthusiasts looking for a unique location to practice their skills
Hobbyist photographers looking to add an extra dimension to their photography skillset
Mirrorless & DSLR camera users
Phone photographers welcome

Fitness level

The main track to the site is made of crushed stone and is undulating but not steep. Paths around the site are on grass and uneven stone, so extra care must be taken. Optional steeper paths can be used to access more aerial views of the site. A general level of fitness is recommend as you will have to be on your feet for the duration of the workshop.

Walk distance: approx 1.3 miles

Equipment recommendations

A digital camera (DSLR, mirrorless or phone)
A standard lens (e.g. 24-70mm on full frame)
Spare batteries & memory cards, just in case
Sturdy footware
Waterproofs, just in case

Meet your tutor -
Tom Marsh

I took my first photograph at the age of eight using my parents' disposable camera during a family trip to Bolton Abbey in the Yorkshire Dales. By the age of ten, I had saved enough pocket money to buy my first camera, and photography has been a big part of my life ever since.

In 2014, I graduated with Merit from the University of Westminster's MA in Photographic Studies, where I learned from some of the UK's leading photographers alongside internationally recognised practitioners. During this time, I exhibited my work in London and back home in Yorkshire.

I've always loved exploring my home county, and I'm incredibly proud to call myself a Yorkshireman. In 2012, I decided to combine my passion for photography with my knowledge of Yorkshire's most beautiful and inspiring locations. That's how Yorkshire Photo Walks was born.

Since then, I've helped over 1,000 photographers develop their skills through friendly, practical photography workshops and one-to-one tuition across Yorkshire. Whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or looking to refine your technique, my aim is to help you grow in confidence, enjoy your photography and come away seeing the world a little differently.

I specialise in landscape, urban and creative photography, with a particular passion for minimalism, abstract photography and black and white imagery. I'm also proud to run regular night photography workshops as part of the Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival, helping photographers capture the beauty of Yorkshire's night skies while learning techniques for photographing the Milky Way, stars and low-light landscapes.

I believe great photography isn't just about knowing which buttons to press. Anyone can take a decent photograph in good light, but understanding why a composition works, how light shapes an image, and how to think creatively behind the camera is what takes your photography to the next level. Rather than encouraging people to memorise rules, I focus on helping you understand the principles so you can develop your own style and make better creative decisions.

My teaching style is relaxed, approachable and enjoyable. Photography should be fun, so I believe learning should be too. You can always expect friendly, constructive feedback, plenty of encouragement, and an open-minded approach, whatever your photographic interests.

On my photography workshops, it's never about having the newest camera or the most expensive equipment. Your enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to learn are what matter most.

If you'd like to explore some of Yorkshire's most spectacular locations while improving your photography skills, I'd love to welcome you on one of my photography workshops. Whether you're interested in landscape photography, urban photography, creative techniques or night photography, my workshops are designed to help you become a more confident and creative photographer while enjoying a great day out with like-minded people.