Ogwen Valley in Winter Eryri Photography Workshop (December 6th 2025)

Description

Join me on December 6th to visit one of the most beautiful areas of Eryri (Snowdonia) and maybe even Wales to photograph the highlights of the stunning and dramatic Ogwen Valley on a workshop with high rewards for the relatively easy walk. Most locations have good access and paths. This workshop is also a sunrise until sunset workshop, so we will hopefully have two great opportunities to capture the golden hour.

This workshop is designed to cater for all photographic abilities with a variety of subjects. If you have been on a workshop with me before it’s a great way to see some new locations as well. I have rated the difficulty as easy/medium. I would regard most of the locations in most people’s capability but there is around 4 miles of walking so I have graded it slightly harder for this reason. Cwm Idwal is a popular family destination and I’ve seen all abilities there. it is well pathed around the llyn but there is an optional steep ascent plus Afon Lloer is pathless.

This whole area boasts some of the most rugged mountains south of the Scottish Border and some of the most photogenic, particularly Tryfan which looks stunning from all angles, taking on a different face depending on where you view it from.

With big rugged mountains, you would be forgiven for thinking the terrain would take a level of mountain fitness to get to the best photographic spots but there is a reason the Ogwen Valley is so popular and that’s because you can get to good viewpoints with relative ease, with Cwm Idwal being a well pathed 2.5 mile walk around with minimal ascent.

We will be looking to visit a variety of subjects from waterfalls to lakes (Llyn’s as we are in Wales) and grand landscapes. We will meet at Joe Browns in Capel Curig for sunrise or you are also welcome to meet me near Wrexham as that is where I will be travelling from, and I can take you from there. We will start the day for sunrise & head up the Pinnacles of Capel Curig which boasts fantastic views down over Llynau Mymbyr towards the Snowdon Horsehoe.

Next we will head into the Ogwen Valley itself and photograph the Ogwen Outflow waterfalls that leave Llyn Ogwen and tumble under the A5 and the old Roman bridge. Here will learn a little about long exposures and filters all at a slow pace.

This workshop also has the opportunity to showcase the valley with wintery conditions, whether that is snow or frost. Even if we don’t get them and the weather is good, we are likely to have good light all day.

Next we will head up into Cwm Idwal, a large glacial bowl in the heart of the Glyder’s (the mountain range). This is probably one of the most popular walks in Snowdonia and with an ascent, you barely feel over a good path before reaching Llyn Idwal. We will stop at points along the way to capture some of the viewpoints.

We will then take a walk around the Llyn. At the far side there is a small ascent for those who fancy it to capture a dramatic view over Llyn Idwal looking to Pen-Y-Ole-Wen with a well-placed tree in the foreground too.

We will continue back around, potentially stopping along the way and if we are doing well for time we will then head back down and slightly up the valley to visit Afon LLoer, a 15-minute walk uphill to visit cascading waterfalls with the mighty Tryfan as a backdrop and this could well be our sunset location.

This is a day that provides a lot of opportunities with so many subjects. The day will also work well in a variety of weather.

Upon booking you will be sent an order confirmation email which includes meeting details, kit-list, discount codes and a questionnaire for you to fill out. This questionnaire just allows me to get information about you, so I can plan the day appropriately for the whole group.

Photographically, throughout the day we will look at techniques such as focusing, using a tripod, use of filters vs exposure blending, composition, working with the light and more.

I am more than happy to discuss other more advanced techniques on 1-2-1 basis as well as to the group, depending on what is beneficial.

The day is tailored around you as much as possible, and I strive to give each of you on the course for that day the best day possible. At the end of the day, you will have hopefully learnt new techniques and taken away some imagery you will be proud of. I am a friendly and relaxed tutor, and I welcome you to keep in touch with me after the course to ask me any questions you may have looked over on the day. I have also created a Facebook client area where you can keep in touch, share your photos and keep in touch with other attendees from the day.

There will be a maximum group size of 4 meaning there will be plenty of 1-2-1 time. I will be on hand throughout the day for any questions, and my focus will be on ensuring you have the best day possible.

A £40 deposit is required to book with the full amount due no later than 6 weeks before the start of the workshop.