DARTMOOR IN INFRARED

Do you have an infrared-modified digital camera that you’re struggling to get to grips with? Maybe you’re considering investing in one but you’re not sure if IR really is for you? Or perhaps you’ve tried ‘faking it’ in Photoshop and realised that the only way to produce convincing infrared images is to do it properly!  Either way, this workshop could be just what you’re looking for. I’ve been an infrared devotee for over 30 years, initially shooting fiddly IR film, and for the last decade using a variety of infrared-converted digital DSLRs, so I’ve decided it’s time to share my enthusiasm and knowledge for this fascinating genre.

If you already have an infrared-modified camera then you’re good to go. If you don’t, you have two options. One is to buy an infrared-transmitting filter such as the Hoya R72 and use that on a conventional digital SLR or mirorless camera. You can still produce amazing IR images with it, but the process is a little more fiddly (I can assist you during the workshop). The second is to get a digital camera body converted - maybe you have an older DSLR or mirrorless camera gathering dust that you no longer use? There are two places in the UK where you can get your camera converted to infrared - Advanced Camera Services in Norfolk and Protech Repairs in Sussex. I have personally used Advanced Camera Services (ACS) several times over the years and if you mention that you're booked on my IR workshop they will give you a 10% discount off the cost of converting your camera.

If you need advice on IR conversion, feel free to email me. I now use a Canon RP mirrorless camera with a full spectrum conversion. This allows me to use a range of infrared transmitting filters to achieve different IR effects. If you're thinking about getting a mirrorless camera converted, I'd recommend a full spectrum conversion, rather than having an IR conversion that limits you to a fixed sensitvity. If you're thinking about having a DSLR converted, full spectrum isn't practical so I'd recommend the 720nm option as it's best for general use.

The workshop begins at 6.30pm on April 29th 2024 when we meet for a drink and chat in the bar of the Northgate House Hotel, Buckfastleigh, before sitting down for dinner in the hotel restaurant. After dinner, I will show a presentation of my infrared images from Dartmoor and other destinations. After dinner on the 30th, I will demonstrate the post processing techniues I apply to my infrared photographs to give you a better idea of how I get from the original Raw file to the final image.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need bright sunshine to produce stunning infrared images, so the good news is this workshop won’t be weather dependent – even a dull, dreary day can work as there’s infrared radiation around all the time. We don’t need to worry about being up and out at some ungodly hour for sunrise or sunset either, so the days will begin at 9am after breakfast and end at 6pm. Between times we’ll be out on location, and the itinerary will remain flexible so we can make best use of the weather and locations.

The wild, ancient landscape of Dartmoor is perfect for infrared photography, as the images here and in my Infrared portfolio on this website demonstrate. Over the two days of the workshop we’ll cover a range of great locations, including (time-permiting): Combestone Tor, Hound Tor, Saddle Tor, Bowerman’s Nose, Wistman’s Wood, Buckland Woods, Brentor Church, Nun's Cross Farm and the Windy Post. We’ll also make numerous stops while travelling between locations as you can take great shots literally anywhere on Dartmoor.

If you would like to book an extra night at the hotel on May 2nd to avoid travelling home that night, please let me know. Also email me if you'd like any advice on getting a camera converted for infrared.

• At A Glance...

• Deposit / Price

  £100.00 / £675.00

• Date

  29th April - 01st May, 2024

• Included

  2 nights accommodation in an en-suite room for single use in the Northgate House Hotel, Buckfastleigh, all meals, transport during the workshop and tuition from Lee.

• Excluded

  Travel to/from the workshop, drinks and snacks, insurance, photographic equipment and materials.

• Fitness Level

  Moderate

• Location

  Dartmoor National Park, Devon, England

• Max Group Size

  7