I spent a fabulous day with Tes on the mountain hare workshop and learnt so much –  not just about mountain hares but also other local wildlife and the Peak District in general. Her knowledge of the area and its wildlife is amazing and we quickly found several hares to photograph that I would never have seen without her help. Her ability to read the hares’ behaviour and her knowledge of how to approach them allowed us to get incredibly close to the hares and achieve some super images. As an experienced photographer I wasn’t particularly looking for photography tuition but nevertheless Tes was still able to add to my knowledge base and share many useful tips. The day was fun, interesting, and informative. The area covered was quite large and the terrain quite rough but despite me being more than twice her age and far less fit, Tes was always thoughtful and considerate in finding routes that I could manage. Tes also worked hard to make sure the workshop covered the things that I wanted to see. I’m sure I will be back for another workshop!

Recently, I had the pleasure of joining Tesni on a mountain hare workshop in her local area of Derbyshire. Whilst I live in an area where brown hares thrive, I have never been lucky enough to see and spend time with mountain hares so this was going to be a real treat. It certainly did not disappoint! Tesni’s passion for wildlife and the environment was plain to see which made for a fascinating and educational day out. A consummate professional, she knew both her subject and her local area intimately, with the result that she was able to read the situation and put you in the best place to observe and photograph these beautiful creatures at close quarters, whilst keeping the hares relaxed and at ease with us being there. She generously shared her extensive photographic knowledge and fieldcraft techniques to ensure that I left with some wonderful images and an improved skill level. Her easygoing nature and great sense of humour helped make an already thrilling experience so much more memorable. Thank you, Tesni, for a cracking day with those fantastic animals!!

A day photographing Mountain Hares delivered more than I dared hope for. As we set off into an area of high moorland Tes outlined what we would attempt to do during the day while giving detailed information regarding appropriate camera settings and tips on technique in a knowledgeable and very enjoyable way. Early rain and a fast moving fog soon gave way to some beautiful varied light conditions as we approached an area Tes knew to be the hare’s territories. Further detailed information on ‘field craft’ regarding the best way to go about approaching our subjects was outlined, as soon, sure enough, we got our first distant glimpses of Mountain hares! Only deep experience could account for Tes’s uncanny ability to spot these beautiful animals in the vast landscape. Shortly we had picked our way close enough to our subjects (closer than I would have though possible) and were able to enjoy fantastic views. As we watched, we were able to observe them in their natural habitat, in a relaxed state doing the things that hares do. Breathtaking!  All worth it to just see these animals, but took a ridiculous number of photos that were far better than I would have done without Tes’s help. In short, I learned a whole lot about the Olympus camera and its capabilities, helping me to reevaluate my approach and improve on my day to day photography, even though I’m not knew to photography or the Olympus system. I also learned how important field craft is in wildlife/nature photography, something I had suspected, but Tes demonstrated just how important it is; both rewarding and inspiring. I learned a whole lot about Mountain hares and their habits too, a fantastic and enjoyable day! I’d recommend Tes as a tutor without hesitation.

My favourite workshop to date! I’d mentioned to Tesni some time ago while on a Red Grouse workshop that I’d like to do a Mountain Hare workshop once their coats had turned white. She said she could take me and would let me know once they start turning. We ended up going the weekend before Christmas and met up nice and early to make the most of the day. Tesni has a lot of knowledge on Mountain Hares and told me what to look out for and where they’re likely to be. Once we got higher up it wasn’t long before we saw our first one of the day! I was so excited! Tesni immediately was on the ball and told me how we were going to approach the Hare. We saw many many Hares during the day and got much closer than I’d ever thought we could to several individuals! A few were skitty but most were very relaxed with us being there so I managed to get some photos that I’m thrilled with! We also saw lots of Red Grouse during the day and their were plenty of opportunities to photograph them with nice silhouettes. Tesni knows her subject well and I certainly wouldn’t of been able to get the shots without her expert guidance. She’s a nice gal too and a joy to spend the day with! I would and have recommended this workshop, it was the best day!

We spent a day and a half with Tes high up on the moors photographing the Hares.  Why a half day ?  Well it was the first of 2 days.  To put it mildly, the weather was just horrendous !  Driving rain, 40-50 mph constant wind, tramping around  in the clouds, visibility about 20yds………..I had no idea where we were, or whether we were just walking round in circles !   By 12 noon we were absolutely soaked, and gave up the challenge – but were still in good spirits, and really wanted to get some shots of the Hares.  Now Tes is a spirited individual, and she was not prepared to see us go home with no shots of her beloved hares, so she organised a replacement adventure for us a few days later, and this time, the weather could not have been better.  Clear blue skies, visibility about 60 miles – we could even see the snow on Snowden ! – and no wind.  Perfect weather for photography.  And yes, we saw lots of Hares, and were able to get up quite close to some thanks to Tes’s field-craft skills.  In fact for some shots we were too close, and the Hares were bigger than the frame with my 500mm lens – which was not easy to throw around when hand holding.  Tes really knows her stuff with the Hares, and knew all the best locations to find them. Thanks for a great day Tes.  I’ll look back on both days with great fondness, especially the banter about our experiences of photography and life in general, which at times had us roaring laughing.

Photographing Hares with Tes in the Peak District was a fantastic experience. It was clear right from the off that Tes’ knowledge of the area as well as how to approach the Hares was second to none, and we had some great encounters with them. I had gone with the hope of taking some habitat shots showing the Hares in their environment as well as the frame filling portraits, and Tes didn’t disappoint! Tes’ field-craft skills were brilliant in reading the behaviour of the animals, enabling us to get up close to them. I’ve never crawled across the Peak District before and it was great fun! Not only was Tes’ knowledge of the area and ability to approach the Hares fantastic, she is passionate and enthusiastic about wildlife and great fun to chat to – I’d thoroughly recommend this workshop!

I cant thank you enough for the brilliant day with the mountain hares, it delivered well beyond my expectations. A challenging day for getting about with the drifted snow but well worth the effort. Having 18 separate encounters was exceptional – I think its down to how really well you know the area and your close relationship with the hares. I certainly learned some new field craft on the day – thats some skill you have in reading the hares behaviour when approaching and getting close. I also appreciated your care, not only with the hares but in looking after your client with some tricky conditions underfoot. I came away with a card full of photographs, with quite a few to choose from to add in to my wildlife slideshows and talks – exactly met my aim for the day!