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A PHOTOGRAPHIC ADVENTURE WITH DON MCCULLIN
Somerset, England
THE WILDS OF SOMERSET IN MONOCHROME
Uncover the raw beauty of the West Country on a photographic journey with award-winning photographer Don McCullin CBE. Since moving to Somerset some forty years ago, Don has developed an intimate relationship with the county’s wild, rural landscapes which he has painstakingly captured in countless meditative images. Join him in conversation as he reflects on a long career and expands on his creative process, taking simple natural elements and transforming them into dramatic monochromatic compositions.
What does he find so compelling in the natural landscapes of Somerset? What inspires him to return time and again to capture the essence of favoured locations?
Accompanied by professional photographers and wildlife experts, explore the entrancing Somerset countryside, practising skills on carefully designed photography workshops, and unwinding in traditional English country house comfort.
THE JOURNEY
Price from £12,850 per person for two nights, based on four people travelling together.
INCLUSIONS
An evening and a full day workshop in the company of Don McCullin
A morning photography session led by local experts
A private visit to Hauser & Wirth Somerset with the gallery director or a curator
Two nights' accommodation at a farmhouse in Bruton
Lunch on day two
Dinner at a Michelin-starred Bruton restaurant on day two
Transportation as mentioned in the itinerary
WHEN TO TRAVEL
The best time to travel is November to March
EXCLUSIONS
Travel to/from Bruton
All food and beverage unless specified
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Take time to appreciate the landscaped gardens of Stourhead.
A celebrated chef is on hand to prepare a memorable meal featuring the finest Somerset produce.
Speak to a Travel Designer about exclusive experiences that can be added to your journey.
AN INTIMATE OBSERVATION OF DON MCCULLIN’S SOMERSET
Begin a photographic exploration of the West Country at the pioneering Hauser & Wirth gallery in Bruton, joining the gallery’s director for a thoughtful interpretation of specially chosen works displayed in current exhibitions. In the tranquil surrounds of a nearby country house, hear from Don how his journey with photography has developed, as he talks of his love for Somerset and offers his insights into the technical skills he has honed over decades to create his impactful images. What light and weather conditions does he look for when creating his atmospheric compositions?
“If you look again at McCullin’s landscapes, you start to sense the figure who made the pictures, invisible behind the lens, stepping forward with nothing but his own shadow” - Mark Holborn
TUNING PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES IN BRUTON
Discover the rural beauty of Somerset with Don, embarking on a professional photoshoot expedition accompanied by an experienced digital photo assistant and a fully-equipped support vehicle. Uncover the landmarks and timeless landscapes that continue to inspire Don’s work, including the Bruton dovecot and the hilltop dew pond, whose simple beauty has drawn him back so many times. What vision is Don attempting to convey through these repeated scenes?
A sumptuous lunch is served in a spectacular location, featuring a fine selection of locally-sourced produce. Spend the afternoon browsing Bruton’s art galleries and antique shops, before dinner at one of Bruton’s highly-regarded restaurants.
A WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERCLASS IN THE SOMERSET LEVELS
Join a celebrated wildlife photographer and an expert from the Somerset Wildlife Trust on a morning excursion in the Somerset Levels, a unique landscape of broad plains and moors that Don has lovingly chronicled over the years. In winter, large flocks of birds gather here and it’s a perfect setting to practise a range of advanced photographic techniques, capturing the legendary starling murmurations in the skies above and the interplay of light and shadow across the open land and water. How do the technical challenges of landscape and nature photography change over the seasons?
Taste one of Somerset’s finest products on a visit to a nearby Slow Food cheese maker and practise architectural photography, creating images of the magnificent Wells Cathedral. Returning to Bruton, there is an opportunity to share and discuss the photographs taken over the previous two days in the insightful company of the photoshoot leaders.
START PERSONALISING YOUR EXPERIENCE
We believe in the power of travel to nurture personal growth. Our goal is to explore and build upon the interests of our guests, while igniting newfound passions along the way.
From discovering the life of a classical composer with an acclaimed concert pianist, to unearthing treasures in Cairo with an archaeologist, our travel designers will create a personalised one-off journey, shaped by you.