We have been running Masterclasses to the Lake District for four years now, and every year it gets better. Derwent Water is magnificent in every type of light, and we have very special take-off positions around the lake to take full advantage. Add in the stone circle at Castle Rigg, and the steep climb to Honister Pass and its magnificent, brutal peaks, and you have the makings of an outstanding drone experience.
At a Glance
Masterclass leader: Stephen Knell
Expert Photographer: Alan Copson
Base Camp: Borrowdale, Derwent Water
Skill level: This one is ideal for those who are just starting out on their drone adventure, or are returning to drone flying after some time off, and are a little rusty
Timing: We have chosen March and September for this Tour, to avoid the crowds, and capture the gorgeous light at these times of year
Exertion: Light
Payment: £500 deposit required with booking, balance payable 90 days before trip
The Lake District has long been a favourite destination for landscape photographers. The beauty and variety of the scenery is well-known to most of us. We wanted to do something different though. What about a four-day Drone Photography Masterclass with one of the most widely published landscape photographers alive today, who has been selling his traditional photographs of the Lakes for two decades, who is now also a PfCO-qualified drone pilot?
Which is why we are so excited to announce these two Masterclasses to the Lake District with Alan Copson, who has been earning a living taking beautiful landscape and travel photographs ever since he left University. Alan has taken more front cover photos for Lonely Planet and Rough Guide than just about anyone else. More than 50 in total. Check out some of his other images at http://www.alancopsonpictures.com/
Basing ourselves at the excellent Borrowdale Hotel just south of Derwent Water, each day we will visit an iconic Lake District photographic location, and seek to put a twist on it by photographing it from a drone, rather than from the ground. Each day, Alan will show us images he has taken over the years in the locations we are going to visit that day. Discussing composition and everything else that went into capturing images that capture the imagination. Next, he will show us the drone images he has taken over the last twelve months, in these very same locations. Then, whilst on location, he will support and guide you to ensure you capture the very best photos and video you can with your drone. We hope you will also see new possibilities in each location, and capture a unique image all of your own.
The Lake District has so many Lakes for a reason. It can be known to rain. But in truth, it rarely rains all day. We will remain flexible with timings each day, in order to avoid any rain that may fall. Equally, we will have our £6,000 DJI Matrice drone with us, which is entirely waterproof. Clients will be welcome to fly and film using this during this Masterclass. We have captured some striking images with this drone when flying it in the rain. After all, many great ground-based photographs have been taken when the weather appeared to be against us. And if we decide to head back to base, Alan will be leading post-production Masterclasses in Lightroom, which will also offer an invaluable insight into his craft as a professional photographer.
Our base for this Masterclass is the charming family-run Borrowdale Hotel, at the foot of Derwent Water, about five miles South of Keswick. The hotel has an outstanding position overlooking Derwent Water. The views in every direction are magnificent. Almost Alpine. There is a smartly decorated bar area, a light-filled conservatory, and a well-appointed dining room. Each Masterclass client has single-occupancy of a double-room with ensuite bathroom. Most rooms face the Lake, but this cannot be guaranteed. You can pay a £100 supplement to guarantee a Lake view.
We have a private lounge at our disposal, with an HD TV, where we can review and discuss images and video, and participate in Tool Box talks and Post-Processing sessions with your Expert Drone Pilot guides.
Another special thing about this hotel is that the sister Lodore Falls Hotel is very unusual in owning a large piece of the Lakeshore in front of the hotel. We have exclusive rights to use this land to fly our drones over the Southern end of Derwent Water (which is generally awkward because much of it belongs to the National Trust and is therefore hard to access).
Meals
We will take all breakfasts and dinners at the Hotel. The breakfasts are outstanding and plentiful, and are included in the cost of the Masterclass. The three-Course dinners are of a very high standard. The usual table d’hote rate at the hotel is £35 per night. We have negotiated a special rate of £25 per night per person. This is not included in the cost of the Masterclass.
Dogs
Note that this hotel is very dog-friendly. Dogs may stay in their owner’s rooms for a £10 per day supplement.
Partners
Partners are welcome on this Masterclass. There are two options here:
Stay in the hotel and join the Masterclass group for meals and down time - accommodation supplement just £200
Join the Masterclass group as we visit stunning locations every day. Bring your DSLR, enjoy the views, and improve your photography with guidance from our Professional Photographer - pay 50% of full Masterclass cost