McFade Photography Presents: Phone Photography for Business in MALHAM

Are you a busy small business owner in need of a change from your non-stop schedule?

Say no more. We’ve got just the ticket—a rejuvenating day out in Malham’s Yorkshire Dales. You’ll learn smartphone camera settings for landscapes, and how to take those frame-worthy portraits, all while basking in the natural goodness of the great outdoors.

Ade Wilson, your host and fellow Business Network member, will lead you through phone photography hacks that’ll up your game. Whether it’s snapping a team member or a rolling hill, you’ll learn invaluable techniques. Think of it as a double win: you’ll not only pick up new phone photography ideas for beginners but also bag yourself some mental health points by spending the day in nature.

Don’t dawdle—grab this chance to recharge your batteries and learn new skills. Sign up for our phone photography workshop in Malham today!

Check out last year’s highlight, Gordale Scar, in this video:

What You’ll Learn:

• Smartphone Tips: You’ll pick up practical tips to make the most out of your mobile camera. Learn skills that’ll spruce up your marketing and social media
• Story Through Snapshots: We help you to see like a photographer – it’s a bit like The Matrix when Neo sees everything in green numbers.
• Networking With a View: Rub elbows with other local business owners in one of Yorkshire’s most picturesque settings. Great for swapping ideas and maybe even drumming up some business.

Meeting Place and Time: Phone Photography Ideas for Beginners

• Kick-Off Spot: We meet bright and early at 12 Noon at the Malham Visitor Centre.
• Mind Your Health: Not only is this a chance to improve your business, but it’s also a cracking opportunity to clear your head. Fresh air, stunning views, and a touch of creativity are just the ticket for a mental refresh.
• For Business Minds: This isn’t just for anyone; it’s specifically for business owners looking to network and boost their brand with stellar photography.
• Wrap Up at the Pub: After we pack up our phones and ideas, those who fancy can join us for a pint at the local. A perfect chance to chew over what we’ve learned

Parking options include a pay-and-display car park as you enter Malham or roadside parking (which is free). Either way, we’ll rendezvous at the car park entrance. Handy to note, that there are loos right there, so last-minute pit stops are sorted.

The Walk: Ideal for Phone Photography for Business Owners

We recommend boots for this leisurely, flat walk, although decent trainers should do the trick.

We’re tackling only the RED ROUTE—it’s more of a gentle meander than a lung-busting hike, so you’ll still have energy left for phone photography.

Tour Route & Photo Ops:

From the Malham car park, we’ll tread the “red” path towards the stunning Gordale Scar—prime territory for putting your phone’s camera through its paces. Whether you’re a rookie or a bit more seasoned with a smartphone camera, this route offers ample opportunities to capture the magic of the Dales.

Noteworthy Stops:

• Janet’s Foss Waterfall: This beauty’s perfect for those eager to master landscape settings on their smartphones. If you phone has it, we’ll cover how to use HDR to balance the light and shadows (some have this as their default setting now), and play with slow shutter apps to get that dreamy, soft water effect.
• Caravan Coffee Stop: Just the spot for a breather and a brew. Here’s where you can capture candid moments or try out portrait photography with your fellow workshopmates. They have amazing sausage rolls here too – get stuck in!
• Gordale Scar: Prepare to be wowed. It’s an epic landscape that’s ideal for testing wide-angle shots or panoramic modes to capture its grandeur. We’ll dive into techniques like leading lines and framing to make your photos pop.

(Note: Fancy a bit more of a challenge next time? Opt for the “BLUE” route on your return visit. It’s tougher, but the views are worth every extra puff and pant.)

The Photography: Your Guide to Phone Photography for Business Owners

We’ll be snapping away all day, and half the fun is catching the unexpected—like a sudden view, a blooming flower, or even a cheeky cowpat. This is perfect for anyone new to phone photography or looking to brush up their skills.

Photographing People: Tips for Great Portraits

Lots of businesses need photos of people for their websites and social media. We’ll start with some straightforward portrait tips. You’ll partner up and take turns being photographer and model. Here’s how to get a portrait that pops:

• Lighting: Find where the light is hitting. Bright, natural light makes for lively photos. Look where the sun is – get the model facing the sun, and then back to the sun…
• Background: Keep an eye out for anything that shouldn’t be behind your subject, like a random pole or, you know, a bull.
• Orientation: Decide between portrait (tall) or landscape (wide). Each tells a different story.
• Rule of Thirds: This old rule helps you place your subject just right for a more interesting photo. Use the phone camera’s “grid” to help – put their eyes on the top horizontal line – see how it works.
• Focus and Brightness: Tap on your screen to set these before you take your photo. It makes all the difference. The model will be sharp, and usually the brightness will be correct if you do this.
• Take Lots of Shots: The best one often comes after a few tries.

Photographing Flora: Tips for Snapping Flower Shots

You’ll likely see a fair share of plants and flowers. They’re great subjects to practice your skills:

• Get Close: Don’t be shy—get up close to capture the details in petals and leaves.
• Play with Depth: Use the portrait mode if your phone has it, to blur the background and make the flower stand out. My phone has “portrait” mode, this allows background blur – try this.

Capturing Landscapes: How to Nail Landscape Shots

Phones are brilliant for landscapes. Think like a film director:

• Composition: Look at your scene as three parts—foreground, midground, and background. This layering adds depth to your photo.
• Panoramic: Don’t forget to use your phone’s panoramic feature to capture expansive views.

Waterfalls: Taking Dreamy Waterfall Photos

When we reach waterfalls like Janet’s Foss, here’s how to make them look magical:

• Slow Shutter: If you’ve got a tripod and a slow shutter app, use it to give the water that smooth, silky look.
• Capture Movement: No tripod? No problem. We’ll teach you to stabilize your hand for clear, sharp images.

The Walk Back

We’ll backtrack, but trust me, it won’t be repetitive. The changing sun means new opportunities for phone photography hacks.

The Pub: Because You’ve Earned It

The Lister Arms offers good grub, cask ales, and a big garden. A bit of social lubrication never hurt anyone, right?

Heading Home

No strict end time here, linger at the Lister Arms if you fancy.

What’s Not on the House

Things that’ll cost you extra:

• Parking and travel
• Coffee and nibbles at the caravan
• Food and drink at the pub