Jurassic Coast from Portland and Chesil Beach to West Bay and the ‘Broadchurch Cliffs’ This three day photographic break is based in the outstandingly beautiful area of Dorset around West Bay where the popular TV series ‘Broadchurch’ was recently filmed. We will visit the stunning village of Abbotsbury, the rugged coast around the Isle of Portland, the fantastic geological marvel of Chesil Beach, and the wonderful sculptures by the lakes at the home of Simon Gudgeon. Weymouth with and its Victorian architecture will also provide us with many photographic opportunities. From vast landscapes to Close-up and Macro shots why not come along and develop your photographic skills in the presence of one of our expert tutors. The cost includes all entry fees, minibus transport for the duration of the course and tutoring fees. Accommodation and meals are not included but we will be based at the Premier Inn Hotel Weymouth, Gateway Business Park, Mercery Road, Weymouth, Dorset. DT3 5HJ (Located 2 miles from Weymouth town centre). Please contact the hotel directly on 0871 527 9384 to book your stay. Clients who live nearby are welcome to book the event without the hotel stay. Please note, the programme will be varied as necessary to meet the needs of the group and to make the most of the weather conditions. Day 1 – Sculptures by the Lakes at Pallington Lakes Once we are all assembled at the hotel between 10.30 and 11.00 we will board the minibus and head off to the Sculptures by the Lake. This beautiful sculpture park near Dorchester features the work of Simon Gudgeon, who is also an accomplished photographer himself. There are many aspects to photograph – not just wonderful sculptures, but also lakes, flowers, trees etc. The light varies with the seasons and the results are often intriguing. For further details follow this link:- www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk In the evening, if the weather obliges, there will be a visit into Weymouth where the harbor and seafront offer the chance to take some wonderful shots around the bay and of the vessels in the fishing fleet. Also, there is the chance to join in our ‘Victorian Weymouth’ photo challenge. The winner to receive a small prize! Day 2 – Abbotsbury and West Bay (Broadchurch location). Today, we will start at the top of Abbotsbury Hill where you can take in the breathtaking views along the Chesil Beach back towards Portland. Here you will get time to take some wonderful landscape shots, so please make sure you have your tripod to hand. From here we will drive down into the historically interesting village of Abbotsbury and then take photos around the village with its famous Priory, Tithe Barn and thatched cottages. We will also have the opportunity of photographing St. Catherine’s Chapel on the hilltop. From here it is on to West Bay for afternoon shots of the cliffs at West Bay. Back to our hotel, before a return to Weymouth to continue to collect more shots for our Victorian Weymouth challenge Day 3 – Portland Today we will sign out of the hotel and head for the Portland Heights hotel for coffee and to take some stunning photos along the full length of Chesil Beach, with the Olympic rings in the foreground; then we will move to Portland Bill to concentrate on photographing the lighthouse and the rocky coast surrounding it . After lunch on the island we will drop down for a final photo session actually standing on Chesil Beach; then we will return to the hotel to collect cars, say ‘Goodbye’, and make our way home. For Spring and Summer events we will visit Bennett’s water lily park. This may be on either day 2 or 3 depending on weather conditions. Activity Level: Generally flat walking, with a few slopes in Abbotsbury and up onto Chesil Beach. Most terrain is even but the ground just away from Portland Lighthouse is slightly uneven. Equipment Filters: For those who have Polarizers and ND/ND Grad filters we can practice using these for long exposures during this weekend to gain some great effects. Lenses: From wide angle and up to about 100mm are most useful for general use, but telephoto and macro could also provide some excellent pictures of wildlife, sailing activity and much more. Please don’t go out and buy equipment specifically for this course but bring the lenses with you if you have them. Your tutor will guide you as to which will be best for each occasion. Tripod: A tripod will be very helpful for much of the weekend so please bring one if you have one; if not your tutor will have a spare, which can be shared as necessary - .