Adder Photography Workshop
A very small group spring workshop focused on photographing adders responsibly, with an emphasis on fieldcraft, welfare and minimal disturbance.
March / April 2027 | From £195
Join me for a carefully managed adder photography workshop at a Leicestershire location I know well from previous visits.
This workshop will be limited to one or two photographers only, so we can work quietly, keep disturbance to a minimum and respond carefully to the conditions on the day.
At a glance
Location: Leicestershire, exact location shared with confirmed participants only
Dates: March / April 2027, dates to be announced
Price: £195 for one person
Two people: £325 when booked together
Duration: Morning session, approximately 3 to 4 hours
Group size: 1-to-1 or maximum 2 photographers
Subject: Adders, with possible common lizards
Recommended lens: Telephoto zoom lens with close-focusing capability
About the workshop
Adders are one of the UK’s most fascinating native reptiles, but they are also sensitive to disturbance and highly dependent on suitable weather conditions.
This workshop is designed for photographers who would like to photograph adders responsibly, with a calm and careful approach. The emphasis will be on fieldcraft, safe working distances, low-impact photography and understanding how to work around sensitive wildlife without putting pressure on the subject.
The exact location will not be shared publicly. Confirmed participants will be given meeting details before the workshop.
The aim is to give you a careful introduction to photographing adders in the field, while putting the welfare of the wildlife first.
What we will cover
Responsible fieldcraft around sensitive wildlife
Working quietly and minimising disturbance
Camera settings for close wildlife photography
Composition and backgrounds
Working with low angles
Handheld technique and careful positioning
Using natural light
Understanding how weather affects the session
Reviewing and adjusting your approach during the workshop
The exact content will depend on the conditions, wildlife activity and the experience level of the participant or small group.
Who this workshop is for
This workshop is suitable for beginner and improving wildlife photographers who would like to photograph adders responsibly and learn more about working with sensitive subjects.
You do not need to be an expert, but you should be willing to work slowly, quietly and carefully. The welfare of the adders will always come before the photograph.
You will need a DSLR or mirrorless camera and a suitable lens. The workshop is not suitable for phone photography.
Good to know
Location: The workshop will take place at a Leicestershire site. To protect the wildlife and reduce disturbance, the exact location will only be shared with confirmed participants.
Meeting arrangements: We will meet at an agreed public location nearby and then travel separately to the photography location. Final details will be confirmed before the workshop.
Weather: This workshop is highly weather-dependent. Adders are unlikely to be seen if conditions are too cold, wet, windy or overcast. If the forecast is unsuitable, the workshop may need to be rearranged.
Dates: Dates will be arranged for March / April 2027, when conditions are more suitable. Because spring weather can be unpredictable, some flexibility will be needed.
Group size: The workshop will be limited to one or two photographers only. This is to keep the session quiet, careful and low impact.
Other wildlife: Common lizards may also be present, but they cannot be guaranteed.
Walking and fitness: The session may involve walking over uneven, wet or muddy ground. You should be comfortable walking slowly and carefully while carrying your own camera equipment.
Safety: Adders are venomous wild animals and must not be touched, handled, approached too closely or disturbed. We will work at respectful distances and follow a careful approach throughout the session.
Wildlife: Adders and common lizards are wild animals and their behaviour cannot be controlled. I will plan the session carefully, but sightings, behaviour, light and photographic results cannot be guaranteed.
What to bring
Camera equipment:
DSLR or mirrorless camera
Telephoto zoom lens with close-focusing capability, suitable for photographing from a safe and respectful distance
Spare batteries
Memory cards
Camera / lens cover in case of rain
Monopod optional, if you need support
A tripod is not recommended unless agreed in advance, as we need to keep movement and disturbance around the subject to a minimum.
What else to bring:
Waterproof walking boots or sturdy outdoor footwear
Warm layers
Waterproof coat
Outdoor trousers suitable for wet or muddy ground
Drinks and snacks
Packed lunch if needed
Any personal items you may need during the session
The workshop price does not include:
Travel to and from the meeting point or location
Food and drink
Parking charges, if applicable
Personal, travel or camera equipment insurance
Accommodation
Before the workshop
Before confirming your place, I like to have a short phone or video call to understand your experience level, the equipment you use and what you would most like to get from the workshop.
This is especially important for this workshop because of the sensitivity of the subject, the need for a careful approach and the dependence on suitable weather conditions.
Ready to join the workshop?
Please complete the register interest form if you would like to be notified when dates are released.
Registering interest does not commit you to booking. Once suitable dates are available, I will contact interested photographers with more information, including the proposed date, price, meeting arrangements and next steps.
Full workshop terms and conditions will be sent before payment is requested.