Photography workshops that combine Devon’s captivating scenery with documenting the magical characters of horses and ponies with a camera, both in action and at liberty, look set to provide the perfect weekend away for budding amateur photographers.

Photographer Malcolm Snelgrove has devised a number of themed workshops which make use of Devon’s stunning scenery with the common element of equines running through them.

Set up specifically to help horse lovers turn mediocre shots into great ones, the workshops give a thorough understanding of camera equipment and the equine subject.

His Discover Dartmoor workshop includes two full days of photography and critiques on Dartmoor with Clydesdales and Dartmoor ponies the subjects.

Malcolm said: “The Clydesdales are used for trail riding and they are magnificent to photograph against Dartmoor’s stunning back drop. We will also get close to the pony herds, capturing the character of the ponies and foals. Dartmoor provides unrivalled visual opportunities and it is absolutely breathtaking in its beauty. To photographs horses and ponies against this backdrop is a rewarding experience.”

Malcolm also has access to some of the premier equine competition venues in the Westcountry, and his  Capture the Action at an Equestrian Event workshop will take the mystery out of producing great action shots of horses.

Malcolm said: “Equine competitions lend themselves to some fantastic photo opportunities. But how many times have you taken a picture, only to be disappointed with the end result? The workshop will teach you how to turn mediocre shots into something special exploring how to photograph the different equestrian disciplines of dressage, show jumping and cross country while experiencing the buzz of a live equestrian event.”

The workshops are designed to inspire amateur photographers so that they come away with a good knowledge of what to look for and how to go about capturing great pictures of horses that will help develop their ability behind the camera.

Malcolm is a member of the Society of International Sport and Leisure Photographers. He lives on Dartmoor with his wife Juliette where they keep their own horses.

His work has been featured in several publications and he has a unique style of contemporary documentary style photography which is popular in the equestrian competition world.

When he is not working on a commission, he can be found hiking across the moors, camera in hand, taking pictures of one of his favourite subjects, Dartmoor pony foals.

“Photography and foals are a match made in heaven for me. Their inquisitive nature, expressions and emotions are uninhibited and they always have an innocence and carefree attitude that makes for great photographs. Hopefully people taking part in one of my courses will be able to experience these magical moments too and record them for posterity.”

Three nights accommodation at a moorland hotel on the southern edge of the moors, dinner breakfast and packed lunches are included in the course price of £345.

More information is available at www.equestrianphotographer.co.uk.  Keep up to date on Twitter @EquusPhotos and Facebook facebook.com/EquestrianPhotographer

ENDS

For further information and for high resolution images please contact Lucy Johnson lucyjohnsonpr@googlemail.com Tel: 01548 831548/ 07866497976.