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.

Stargazing
Photography Workshop

NEXT DATES: Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd or Sunday 24th October

LOCATION: Sutton Bank (The White Horse), North York Moors

Photography Workshop Location

Sutton Bank, North York Moors

Start Time: 7:00pm

Finish Time: 9:30pm

Maximum Group Size

5 Participants

£

Workshop Cost

£50.00

Please note that this workshop will take place on the night with the best weather forecast out of the three listed.

Participants will be notified up to 2 days before the workshop.

What you'll learn

Low light & night time camera settings
Photographing stars and star trails
Focusing your camera after dark
Composing night time scenes
Apps for settings and night sky exploration

Workshop highlights

Maximum 5 participants
Professional photographer guide
1to1 photography tuition & feedback
Dark Sky Reserve
Freedom to take your own images

Photography Workshop Location

Sutton Bank (The White Horse)

Sutton Bank is officially one of Yorkshire's Dark Sky Reserves. On this workshop we will train our camera's skyward to capture the wonder of the night sky. You will also have the opportunity to capture stunning night time landscape photos.

Meeting Point:

Lay-by/car park Low Town Bank Road, Sutton Bank, YO7 2EY. 54.226723, -1.208928 -///slide.patrol.blogging

Parking:

Low Town Bank Road Lay-by or Car Park (opposite lay-by) Free

Public Transport:

No public transport available to this location.

Nearest Facilities

The nearest public toilets are located in Thirsk, 6.2 miles from the workshop location.

Nearest refreshments can also be found in Thirsk.

Photography workshop itinerary

Introduction: 10 minutes

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

Walk to location: 5 minutes

We will walk along the track to the White Horse

Section 1: 45 minutes - Setting Up for Night Photography

The tutor will introduce you to the equipment and camera settings needed for night time photography, including how to focus. Participants will set up as a group so you can ask questions and see a demonstration of the best practice.

Section 2: 30 minutes - Navigating the Night Sky

The tutor will share ways in which you can locate specific bodies in the sky and how to compose both star trail, static star and night time landscape photographs.

Practice & Q&A: 45 minutes

The final part of the workshop allows participants to explore at their own leisure and try out different techniques and vantage points. 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.

Walk back to meeting point: 5 minutes

We will walk back along the track to the workshop meeting point.

Who is this workshop for?

Perfect for

Beginners looking for an introduction to stargazing & night time landscape photography
Enthusiasts looking for a unique experience during which they can practice their skills
Hobbyist photographers looking to add an extra dimension to their photography skillset
Mirrorless & DSLR camera users
Not suitable for phone photography

Fitness level

The path to the White Horse is undulating and narrow in places and made of crushed stone. You will need sufficient fitness to walk the distance listed below and stay on your feet for the duration of the workshop.

Walk distance: less than 1 mile

Equipment recommendations

A digital camera (DSLR, mirrorless)
A standard lens (e.g. 24-70mm on full frame)
A sturdy tripod
A torch/head torch
A remote shutter release or remote app
Spare batteries & memory cards, just in case
Sturdy footware
Warm layers, 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.