THE LANGUAGE
OF THE FOREST
WITH PHOTOGRAPHER LEE COOPER
COUNTRY: England PHOTO: Landscape LENGTH: 4 days DATES: October 21-24, 2027 MIN/MAX NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 8/12
On Dartmoor, we step into ancient oak woods where moss swallows every stone, and learn how to turn mist, light and twisted forms into images that truly resonate.
Lee Cooper
Join us on Dartmoor, a wild granite moorland where some of Britain’s most atmospheric woodland hides in sheltered valleys and along tumbling rivers. Here we move through stunted oaks draped in moss and lichen, mist-filled conifer forests and rushing water. Each location offers new chances to explore form, texture and the subtle play of light between branches.
Together with the well-known photographer Lee Cooper, we immerse ourselves in the art of photographing trees and forests. We focus on simplifying compositions, finding harmony, and letting details such as bark, lines and rhythm become key elements in our images. At Wistman’s Wood, we stand at the edge of one of the most famous ancient woodlands in the country, a place that feels lifted straight from folklore. Along the River Dart and in the Dewerstone valley, we’re surrounded by Dartmoor’s own temperate rainforest, where every surface is alive.
This is a journey for those who want to develop their visual awareness and create images with presence and emotion. Through guidance, feedback and image editing, you will gain the tools not just to photograph the forest, but to truly interpret it.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Discover the wild beauty of Dartmoor.
- Visit Lee Cooper’s favourite locations, close to his home ground in the South West.
- Learn to photograph forests and trees in atmospheric ways.
- Wistman’s Wood – a legendary high-altitude oak woodland.
- Temperate rainforest along the River Dart and at the Dewerstone.
- Burrator Reservoir – misty mornings and still reflections.
- Guidance from photographer Lee Cooper.
- Talk by Lee Cooper.
- Image editing and personal feedback.
COUNTRY: England PHOTO: Landscape LENGTH: 4 days DATES: October 21-24, 2027 MIN/MAX NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 8/12
THE LANGUAGE OF THE FOREST
WITH PHOTOGRAPHER LEE COOPER
On Dartmoor, we step into ancient oak woods where moss swallows every stone, and learn how to turn mist, light and twisted forms into images that truly resonate.
Lee Cooper
Join us on Dartmoor, a wild granite moorland where some of Britain’s most atmospheric woodland hides in sheltered valleys and along tumbling rivers. Here we move through stunted oaks draped in moss and lichen, mist-filled conifer forests and rushing water. Each location offers new chances to explore form, texture and the subtle play of light between branches.
Together with the well-known photographer Lee Cooper, we immerse ourselves in the art of photographing trees and forests. We focus on simplifying compositions, finding harmony, and letting details such as bark, lines and rhythm become key elements in our images. At Wistman’s Wood, we stand at the edge of one of the most famous ancient woodlands in the country, a place that feels lifted straight from folklore. Along the River Dart and in the Dewerstone valley, we’re surrounded by Dartmoor’s own temperate rainforest, where every surface is alive.
This is a journey for those who want to develop their visual awareness and create images with presence and emotion. Through guidance, feedback and image editing, you will gain the tools not just to photograph the forest, but to truly interpret it.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Discover the wild beauty of Dartmoor.
- Visit Lee Cooper’s favourite locations, close to his home ground in the South West.
- Learn to photograph forests and trees in atmospheric ways.
- Wistman’s Wood – a legendary high-altitude oak woodland.
- Temperate rainforest along the River Dart and at the Dewerstone.
- Burrator Reservoir – misty mornings and still reflections.
- Guidance from photographer Lee Cooper.
- Talk by Lee Cooper.
- Image editing and personal feedback.
PHOTO LOCATIONS
PHOTO LOCATIONS
Note: Each day we choose from the locations below according to the weather and light, to make sure we’re in the right place at the right time.
Wistman’s Wood
High on the open moor, Wistman’s Wood is one of the last fragments of Dartmoor’s ancient upland oak forest. Dwarf oaks twist out of a chaos of mossy granite boulders, their branches heavy with lichens and ferns. In the mist, it feels otherworldly. To protect this fragile habitat, we photograph from the edges of the wood, which teaches us to look closely and work with what the forest offers.
The Dewerstone
Where the Rivers Plym and Meavy meet, the Dewerstone woods rise steeply beneath a towering granite crag. Moss-covered boulders, rushing water and old oaks create a dark, enchanting world steeped in legend. Here we work with depth, layers and the soft, diffused light of the valley floor.
Burrator Reservoir
Ringed by tall conifers and overlooked by granite tors, Burrator is at its best early in the morning, when mist drifts across the water and the trees are doubled in stillness. This is a place for calm compositions, reflections and the quiet drama of changing light.
River Dart
The wooded valleys of the River Dart are classic Dartmoor temperate rainforest, with oaks leaning over the water, mossy rocks and autumn colour reflected in dark pools. We explore the relationship between trees and moving water, working with long exposures, flow and texture.
Becky Falls
In a steep wooded valley, the Becky Brook tumbles over a jumble of huge granite boulders. Surrounded by moss and old trees, it’s a perfect location for intimate scenes, studies of water and stone, and the details that bring a woodland image to life.
Bellever Forest
Bellever offers a completely different character: tall, orderly conifers that become wonderfully mysterious in fog. Lines, repetition and fading layers of trees make this the ideal place to practise minimalism and graphic composition.
Ivybridge & the River Erme
Along the River Erme, the woods around Ivybridge are full of mossy banks, small cascades and gnarled trees. It’s a quieter, more intimate location where we slow down and look for the small stories in the forest.
Wotter Wood
On the south-western edge of the moor, close to the village of Wotter, lies a quiet woodland that few visitors ever find. Slender trunks rise from a soft carpet of leaves, and on misty mornings the trees dissolve into gentle layers of grey and green. It’s a calm, understated location – perfect for simple, elegant compositions and for slowing down to notice light, rhythm and detail.
Brentor Church
Perched alone on top of a volcanic outcrop, the tiny church of St Michael de Rupe is one of Dartmoor’s most iconic silhouettes. At sunrise or sunset, with mist sitting in the valleys below, it offers a dramatic change of pace: a lesson in placing a single strong subject within a vast landscape.
Read more about the photo locations
Note: Each day we choose from the locations below according to the weather and light, to make sure we’re in the right place at the right time.
Wistman’s Wood
High on the open moor, Wistman’s Wood is one of the last fragments of Dartmoor’s ancient upland oak forest. Dwarf oaks twist out of a chaos of mossy granite boulders, their branches heavy with lichens and ferns. In the mist, it feels otherworldly. To protect this fragile habitat, we photograph from the edges of the wood, which teaches us to look closely and work with what the forest offers.
The Dewerstone
Where the Rivers Plym and Meavy meet, the Dewerstone woods rise steeply beneath a towering granite crag. Moss-covered boulders, rushing water and old oaks create a dark, enchanting world steeped in legend. Here we work with depth, layers and the soft, diffused light of the valley floor.
Burrator Reservoir
Ringed by tall conifers and overlooked by granite tors, Burrator is at its best early in the morning, when mist drifts across the water and the trees are doubled in stillness. This is a place for calm compositions, reflections and the quiet drama of changing light.
River Dart
The wooded valleys of the River Dart are classic Dartmoor temperate rainforest, with oaks leaning over the water, mossy rocks and autumn colour reflected in dark pools. We explore the relationship between trees and moving water, working with long exposures, flow and texture.
Becky Falls
In a steep wooded valley, the Becky Brook tumbles over a jumble of huge granite boulders. Surrounded by moss and old trees, it’s a perfect location for intimate scenes, studies of water and stone, and the details that bring a woodland image to life.
Bellever Forest
Bellever offers a completely different character: tall, orderly conifers that become wonderfully mysterious in fog. Lines, repetition and fading layers of trees make this the ideal place to practise minimalism and graphic composition.
Ivybridge & the River Erme
Along the River Erme, the woods around Ivybridge are full of mossy banks, small cascades and gnarled trees. It’s a quieter, more intimate location where we slow down and look for the small stories in the forest.
Wotter Wood
On the south-western edge of the moor, close to the village of Wotter, lies a quiet woodland that few visitors ever find. Slender trunks rise from a soft carpet of leaves, and on misty mornings the trees dissolve into gentle layers of grey and green. It’s a calm, understated location – perfect for simple, elegant compositions and for slowing down to notice light, rhythm and detail.
Brentor Church
Perched alone on top of a volcanic outcrop, the tiny church of St Michael de Rupe is one of Dartmoor’s most iconic silhouettes. At sunrise or sunset, with mist sitting in the valleys below, it offers a dramatic change of pace: a lesson in placing a single strong subject within a vast landscape.
ITINERERAY
ITINERARY
OCTOBER 21-24, 2027
Note: Depending on weather conditions, each day’s photography plan will be adapted to ensure the best possible photo opportunities.
DAY 1, (OCT. 21) – ARRIVAL, TALK & EVENING PHOTOGRAPHY
We meet at our hotel (to be confirmed), where we are welcomed by photographer Lee Cooper and a host from Zoom Phototours. Our journey begins with an inspiring talk by Lee, where he shares images from the locations we will visit and offers tips on photographing in forest environments. Inspired, we head out for our first photo session, perhaps an evening shoot at Brentor Church as the light fades over the moor. Back at the hotel, we enjoy a shared welcome dinner. (D)
DAY 2–3, (OCT. 22-23) – FOREST PHOTOGRAPHY
Over these days, we move between some of Dartmoor’s most expressive locations, always focusing on light, form and the details of the forest. Lee takes us to his favourite spots, from the twisted oaks of Wistman’s Wood to the rainforest valleys of the Dewerstone and the River Dart. In every session, Lee is there to guide you in reading the light and creating compositions that bring trees to life. Inspiration is everywhere: perhaps a moss-draped oak filling the frame, or a granite boulder cradled by roots beside a rushing stream. When we are not out shooting, we work on our images indoors. You’ll receive editing guidance and personal feedback, giving you valuable insights to take into your next session. Lunches are taken at local pubs and cafés and paid individually. (B, D)
DAY 4, (OCT. 24) – MORNING SHOOT & DEPARTURE
On our final day, we begin with an early morning session at Burrator Reservoir, hoping for mist on the water. After breakfast, we continue with image editing. After lunch, Lee selects the image of the trip, which automatically qualifies for the final of the “Image of the Year” competition. (B, L)
Explore the itinerary
OCTOBER 21-24, 2027
Note: Depending on weather conditions, each day’s photography plan will be adapted to ensure the best possible photo opportunities.
DAY 1, (OCT 21)
ARRIVAL, TALK & EVENING PHOTOGRAPHY
We meet at our hotel (to be confirmed), where we are welcomed by photographer Lee Cooper and a host from Zoom Phototours. Our journey begins with an inspiring talk by Lee, where he shares images from the locations we will visit and offers tips on photographing in forest environments.
Inspired, we head out for our first photo session, perhaps an evening shoot at Brentor Church as the light fades over the moor. Back at the hotel, we enjoy a shared welcome dinner. (D)
DAY 2–3, (OCT 22-23)
FOREST PHOTOGRAPHY
Over these days, we move between some of Dartmoor’s most expressive locations, always focusing on light, form and the details of the forest. Lee takes us to his favourite spots, from the twisted oaks of Wistman’s Wood to the rainforest valleys of the Dewerstone and the River Dart.
In every session, Lee is there to guide you in reading the light and creating compositions that bring trees to life.
Inspiration is everywhere: perhaps a moss-draped oak filling the frame, or a granite boulder cradled by roots beside a rushing stream.
When we are not out shooting, we work on our images indoors. You’ll receive editing guidance and personal feedback, giving you valuable insights to take into your next session. Lunches are taken at local pubs and cafés and paid individually. (B, D)
DAY 4, (OCT 24)
MORNING SHOOT & IMAGE OF THE TRIP
On our final day, we begin with an early morning session at Burrator Reservoir, hoping for mist on the water. After breakfast, we continue with image editing.
After lunch, Lee selects the image of the trip, which automatically qualifies for the final of the “Image of the Year” competition. After this, the journey home is made on your own. (B, L)
PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTOGRAPHER
LEE COOPER – Landscape photographer
Lee is a British photographer usually found somewhere deep in the forest before the rest of the world wakes up. His work is less about documenting trees and more about capturing how they feel, turning a simple morning in the woods into a narrative that stops people in their tracks. With a community of over 200,000 nature lovers and a portfolio featuring Sony, Adobe, MPB and the BBC, he has become a trusted voice for those who value atmosphere over technical perfection. His photography is celebrated for its ability to bridge the gap between the raw, mist-draped experience of the forest and the final image on the screen, proving that vision and intention always matter more than the gear. Beyond the lens, he’s an intuitive educator and collaborator for purpose-led brands like The Woodland Trust. His mission is to help others move past “fine” photos and find their own creative soul in the natural world – and protect it.
www.leecooperphotography.co.uk
Read more about Lee Cooper
LEE COOPER – Landscape photographer
Lee is a British photographer usually found somewhere deep in the forest before the rest of the world wakes up. His work is less about documenting trees and more about capturing how they feel, turning a simple morning in the woods into a narrative that stops people in their tracks.
With a community of over 200,000 nature lovers and a portfolio featuring Sony, Adobe, MPB and the BBC, he has become a trusted voice for those who value atmosphere over technical perfection. His photography is celebrated for its ability to bridge the gap between the raw, mist-draped experience of the forest and the final image on the screen, proving that vision and intention always matter more than the gear.
Beyond the lens, he’s an intuitive educator and collaborator for purpose-led brands like The Woodland Trust. His mission is to help others move past “fine” photos and find their own creative soul in the natural world – and protect it.
www.leecooperphotography.co.uk
HOTEL
HOTEL
PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING
PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING
PRICE
Price per person: USD 1 790
Price includes:
- All transportation as per the itinerary.
- Accommodation in shared twin room at the presented hotel.
- Meals as per the program (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- All activities as per the program.
- Participation of Lee Cooper throughout the trip.
- Talk and image editing sessions with Lee Cooper.
- Participation of a host from Zoom Photo Tours throughout the trip.
- Travel documents and practical travel information before the trip.
- VAT and hotel taxes.
Excluded from the price:
- Transport to Heathrow airport.
- Single room supplement: USD 295
- Personal expenses such as beverages with meals.
- Cancellation protection and travel insurance.
TRANSPORT
Travel to Heathrow airport ouside London is not included in the price. You should arrive 10.00 on Oct. 21 and not book your return journey earlier than 17.00 on October 24.
If you wish to book an extra night before or after the workshop, we are happy to help you with this.
You are welcome to call us on +46 (0)70 180 90 99 or email us at info@zoomphototours.com. You can also let us know in the booking form when you make your booking.
FACTS
Target group: Landscape and nature photographers of all ages who want to develop their photography. To get the most out of the trip, we recommend some previous photography experience.
Min/max number of participants: 8/12
Other: For more information about Zoom Phototours, delivery conditions etc., see our website under ”Other”.
Lunches: As we will be out in the park photographing during the day, we will have lunch at local pubs/restaurants along the way. These are paid for individually on the spot.
PHOTO GEAR
- Your camera.
- Lenses from wide-angle to medium telephoto.
- A tripod.
- A laptop with Photoshop or Lightroom.
- A camera bag with room for your camera gear, a packed lunch and extra clothing.
BOOKING
You can book this trip by clicking on the button below, or by calling us on +46 70 180 90 99 or by email at info@zoomphototours.com
Photo: Lee Cooper
OUR NEWSLETTER
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CONTACT
E-mail: info@zoomphototours.com
Telephone: +46 (0)470 – 466 40
Follow our photo adventures on social media.
Photo: Serkan Günes
OUR NEWSLETTER
Be the first to hear about new tours, offers and travel inspiration from Zoom Phototours.
CONTACT
E-mail: info@zoomphototours.com
Telephone: +46(0) 470 – 466 40
Follow our photo adventures on social media.
Photo: Hans Strand