Falling Foss Autumn

Falling Foss may not be a very big waterfall but it is certainly one of the most beautifully situated in the north of England. After heavy rain, the ten meter fall thunders into a natural amphitheatre. At other times it forms a delicate veil. The slopes are densely forested with beech and other native species. Our visit in late April will hopefully coincide with spring flowers and fresh, bright green leaves. We will no doubt spend some time searching for tantalising glimpses of the waterfall through the foliage. The pool at the base is frustratingly out of reach, the steep sides of the amphitheatre preclude a scramble down.

But this isn't really a problem as the surrounding woodland provides plenty of opportunity for photography. Upstream from the fall stands a grove of tall, mature beech trees. The columnar trunks seem by turn architectural or anthropomorphic; the limbs of giants planted in the rich, leaf litter covered soil. This area is particularly fascinating in mist or low light. If it rains the trunks become intriguingly streaked as the water runs down the smooth bark. There are photographic possibilities here at every scale from abstract detail to the cathedral like space enclosed by the soaring trunks.

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The watercourse that feeds Falling Foss is called May Beck. Above the fall it curves around the wonderfully named Midge Hall, once a gamekeeper's cottage but now a tea garden - sadly it will be closed when we visit in November. The water crosses a series of stone ledges, each causing it to tumble. As sunlight catches the foliage above it is reflected on the surface of the stream. Slower shutter speeds produce dreamy blends of gold, blue and green. Shorter exposures make for weird distorted reflections that flit across the surface too fast for the eye to catch.

 

As this workshop is co-led by Joe Cornish, we will split into two groups with a maximum of five participants per group. The groups will swap leaders at lunchtime. This will give participants the opportunity to experience different teaching styles and approaches to photography.

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There will obviously be some walking involved but it will never be a race. Please be prepared for the weather; a waterproof coat, walking boots, fleece and quick drying trousers are a must. The ground may be muddy and slippery. Wellington boots would be a good idea if you want to get close up images of the water flowing in May Beck.

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Due to COVID-19 restrictions we will not be able to provide refreshments on this workshop. Please bring with you a packed lunch and a flask of tea or coffee.

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This course may be booked along with the Sutton Bank workshop which runs the previous day.