Northumberland Photography Workshop – November 2025

Northumberland is one of those places that stays with you. The coastline is long and open with shifting light, dramatic weather, ancient castles on the horizon and miles of space. It’s a landscape that rewards patience and curiosity, and every year it offers something different. That’s why I keep coming back, and why so many photographers return with me. There’s always another angle, another tide, another moment worth chasing.

Next November, I’m running another 3-day workshop here — something I’ve been doing for well over a decade now. I'm familiar with the locations, but more importantly, I know how to use them in a way that suits the weather, the light and the group. Nothing is rushed or rigid; we adapt, we explore, and we make the most of whatever the coastline gives us.

My job isn’t to tell you what buttons to press. It’s to help you think, see, and shoot in a way that feels like yours.
I’ll guide, offer ideas, point out possibilities, and support you whenever you need it — but the aim is always for you to come away more confident and more capable.

A lot of people who’ve joined me over the years have gone on to become excellent photographers. Seeing that development is one of the best parts of running these workshops.

Here's a blog from last years trip - Northumberland 2025 Review

Who It’s For

I work with a real mix of people:

• photographers who are competent and want to refine their approach

• those who are newer but comfortable with the basics

If you’re still figuring out the fundamentals — exposure, aperture, shutter speed — I’d recommend my beginners’ course first so you get the most out of the weekend.

Time Of Year

November is brilliant for photography in Northumberland.
The light stays low all day, the atmosphere is rich, and the shorter days mean we can work hard without feeling drained. The coast is quieter too, meaning more space for us to work in. 

Accommodation

We’ll be based at the Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel, which we stayed at last year and absolutely loved.
The staff are fantastic, the food is excellent, and the location is ideal for quick access to the coastline. It’s a big part of what makes the workshop run smoothly.

What to Expect

• A small group (max 6 people)

• A relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere

• Plenty of time at each location

• Days built around tide, weather and light

• Good food, good company, and the occasional beer if we fancy one

• If the night sky opens, we’ll head out for stars

We’ll visit locations like Bamburgh, Craster, Dunstanburgh, Holy Island (tide allowing) and a few quieter spots I’ve learned over the years. Nothing is fixed — we go where conditions look best.

Kit Recommendations

Here’s the gear that genuinely makes a difference in the conditions we’re likely to face on the Northumberland coast in November.

Camera & Lenses

• DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
  Anything with manual control is perfect.

• Wide-Angle Lens (14–24mm or 16–35mm)
  Ideal for big coastal views, dramatic skies and foreground detail.

• Standard Zoom (24–70mm)
  Your most versatile lens for balanced landscapes.

• Telephoto (70–200mm, or 100–400mm if you have one)
  Excellent for isolating detail, compressing perspective, and picking out distant structures or wildlife.

Tripod

Essential.
Low, soft light and coastal wind make solid support a must.

Filters (Optional but Helpful)

• Circular Polariser — reduces glare and boosts colour

• ND Grads — balances sky and land

• 6-stop or 10-stop ND — for long exposures and moodier frames

Essentials

• Spare batteries (cold drains them fast)

• Plenty of memory cards

• Lens cloths / cleaning kit

Clothing & Personal Gear

Northumberland is beautiful but lively in November. Bring:

• Waterproof jacket 

• Warm layers

• Waterproof boots

• Hat & gloves that work with camera controls

• A comfortable backpack