First Published November 23rd 2017
Back in July i got a chance to meet with some like minded souls on a Nikon Meetup in the Lake District.
Rather than going up the night before and staying over to be fresh for the day, I made the decision to drive up first thing in the morning.
A good 200 mile trip, for an 8am start at Bowness on Windermere.
Starting at around 4:30am i was hopeful of getting there a little early so i could have a kip, but to be honest i was quite excited.
The main thing that got me there in one piece were the good people at Starbucks. I stopped a few times for a quick shot of Go juice.
I did get there early and took a quick walk down to the town from the hotel.
I took a few shots of the standing pleasure boats on a beautiful sunny morning.
The wooden hulled boats, all ready for the day.
Time was kicking on, so i decided to wander back to the car.
As i did i noticed a few other people milling around, and they were here for the same thing.
People started to arrive and we got split into 2 minbuses and got off to the first location.
We were taken by the Nikon School team to Thirlmere. There we took a walk to a fantastic waterfall and stream. A lot of places to shoot from.
This was a favourite and to get it, i was pretty much eaten alive. The midges were relentless. To the extent that even 2 weeks later you could still see the marks!!!
Suffering for your art taken to a new level!!
On the way to and from this waterfall and stream there was a few opportunities.
This shot was my outright favourite of the day. The awe inspiring hillsides framed by these massive and very straight trees.
After getting back to the bus, off to the next location. Off to Derwent Water.
Maybe an hour at this location. A lot of interest here, and i’m sure i’ll need further trips here to maximise the experience.
A long exposure of some of the old Piers, looking towards Derwent Isle.
Stones and Old Piers of Derwent Water.
Boat at the Pier, Derwent Water. The water looking millpond still by doing a long exposure. Check the movement of the boat.
A lot of this trip i was experimenting with Long Exposures. As i’m still investing in kit upgrades i was limited to using mot Zomei 10 stp screw on filter, paired with my Tokina 28-70 lens.
Next stop was for Lunch at Surprise View, overlooking Derwent Water.
The View was outstanding, and a perfect spot to take lunch.
One small tip came about at this location.
If your going to fly your drone off the edge, make sure you have enough battery to get it back.(not mine fortunately)
As the mavic pro drone started to make a noises, it also started to drop. It found the safest place to just go down and land, around 80 metres below where we were. Fortunately for the drone pilot, he got a lift to the bottom and it was being looked after by a couple of teenagers. A couple of ice creams later to thank them, and the drone was safely packed away.
As we finished lunch and got back into the buses we started to meander our wya to the next location, via picking up said drone pilot on the way.
Next was Honiston Pass.
A great location across from a working slate mine. I could honestly sit here all day just watching the cyclists going up and down this road.
More Long Exposures here as well.
After a short time here, straight off to Buttermere.
A prime spot with the famous trees to the left of the shot.
Trying some different things here. Seeing how close the focus was on the lens. About 40cm as it happens. Sticking with the 10 stopper and getting some lovely light on the Hillsides. A little flare as well.
One last stop before the end of the day.
At this point i was getting quite tired, and left the hike to the waterfall to a couple of the other guys.
The local wildlife was quite keen on a portrait though.
After this a quick trip back to the Hotel to pickup the cars and head off home.
If you ever get the chance to go on one of these meetups, i fully urge you to do it. Great advice and encouragement from the Nikon School team and fantastic locations picked. A fantastic experience all round.
I would also like to extend a huge thanks to the drivers. I do not envy the way they handled those buses on less than perfect roads.
Finally, have fun and stay safe out there.
Any suggestions for future blog posts, drop me an email.
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