Day 0 Evening
Meeting up in one of the many superb local hostelries in Lanjaron,we get to know one another,discuss where everyone is currently at with their photography,and what you’d like to get out of the trip. We discuss the option of an overnight in the mountains (probably at the Refugio Poqueira,but alternative higher-up options exist for those willing to rough it a bit more!).
Day 1
In the morning,we meet at a cafe in Lanjaron. As many participants need some basic instruction in taking control of the camera settings on the first day,we head down to the nearby Lanjaron castle and woodland for some basic intensive tuition and practice on aperture settings.
For those with more experience,I’ll be available for coaching style advice on exposure,composition,camera settings (but bring your manual too!) and any other photography-related subjects. You are also more than welcome to explore the pretty village of Lanjaron on your own (St Ana’s square is well worth a visit),and just drop in down at the castle (5-10mins walk from the centre of the village) if you have any photographic questions.
We then take a break for a relaxed lunch (at own expense) in Lanjaron,when there is the option to begin a discussion about post-processing of images (ie what you do after you’ve taken them!) including RAW vs Jpeg,RAW conversion in lightroom or photoshop.
In early to mid afternoon we head further afield – sometimes to a location high above the village which has a pleasant mountain stream flowing though and gets great sunsets;sometimes to a stream near one of the whitewashed villages lower down,with a stop for sunset on the way back to Lanjaron.
Either way,we spend the afternoon concentrating on shutter settings for the majority,and with the evening sunsets we introduce some concepts relating to getting the best exposure.
After which we retire to one of the local bars for some well-earned beers or tinto veranos*,tapas/dinner,and discussion of the day’s photography. It may also be possible to give some limited lightroom/photoshop tuition on this evening.
* tinto verano literally means “summer red wine” and is a mix of rioja and lemonade. It’s a local drink,and surprisingly refreshing in summer!
Day 2
This will typically be one of the single day photo-walk options,or may be a combination of two half day options if the group prefers. Where possible we will usually try and make this a trip to Hoya de la Moro on the far side of the Sierra Nevada –as this is the highest access point which it’s possible to take a car to and gives some stunning high-up views as we walk towards Veleta. Again we will do our utmost to stop in a good place for a sunset in the evening,and it may be possible to cover more post-processing basics in the bar in the evening after the day’s shooting. Occasionally weather,or participants flights demand that we go up into the mountains early and have “Day 2″as the final day.
Days 3-4
Typically this will be an overnight stop in the mountains. Usually we use the Refugio Poquiera as the overnight base to minimise the amount of overnight equipment that is needed,and ascend the Poqueira gorge from the pretty whitewashed village of Capileira.
An early start is required,as the stream/river running down the Poqueira gorge is a fantastic subject and will occupy all the spare time we have!
Arriving late afternoon,there is time to relax briefly at the hut before sunset. And in the evening,there is a possibility of photographing the (often) very clear skies to get some great star trail images over the valley below. The following day we return down the gorge to Lanjaron,with time to stop in one or more of the whitewashed villages on the way back.
Most participants stay for an additional night in Lanjaron (E25 per person in Hotel Central),some extend their trip with some high mountain walking,others continue with a photographic trip extension such as the amazing limestone spires of El Torcal.
Special Offer –weekend trip February 17-20 2012 –E390/£330 for 3 nights (Fr-Su),2 full days tuition,local transport,snowshoe hire (if conditions require). Max 4 participants.
