The Blog of North Wales photographer Simon Kitchin

Simon Kitchin is a highly regarded photographer from Mold, North Wales, who specialises in landscape photography. He is also the author of the popular guidebook, Photographing North Wales. Simon dedicates a significant portion of his time to capturing the breathtaking mountain scenery of Eryri Snowdonia National Park, renowned for its dramatic peaks and serene beauty, as well as the stunningly picturesque coastline of Anglesey. In addition to these locations, he also explores and photographs the diverse landscapes of the Dee Valley around Llangollen, which offers its own unique charm and character.

With nearly 20 years of experience hosting landscape photography workshops throughout North Wales, Simon possesses an expert knowledge of the region and its hidden gems. If you are interested in enhancing your photography skills, he runs regular one-day workshops in Eryri Snowdonia and on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey, in addition to providing fully customised one-to-one workshops tailored to your individual needs.

If you’d like to keep up to date with the latest news from North Wales landscape photographer Simon Kitchin including details of new photos, photography workshop availability and publication of his North Wales calendar this blog page is frequently updated so please do drop by to see the latest information from Simon.

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Photographing Snowdonia Waterfalls: 8 Must Visit Locations

Snowdonia National Park is one of the UK’s most awe-inspiring destinations for landscape photography — and few subjects are more captivating than its waterfalls. With their variety of locations and the frequently changeable weather, Snowdonia waterfalls offer endless opportunities for creative and atmospheric photography. Below are eight of the best, including frequently visited ones and a couple of hidden gems — with photo tips and directions to help you capture them at their best.

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The best places for photographing Snowdonia

Discover the top 5 places for photographing Snowdonia (Eryri), a photographer’s paradise with spectacular mountain vistas, glacial lakes, dramatic waterfalls and an incredible industrial heritage of abandoned slate quarries. This photography guide helps to find some of the most beautiful photography locations in Snowdonia Eryri National Park including the stunning mountain landscapes of Cwm Idwal, views of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) from Llynnau Mymbyr, the famous Llanberis Lone Tree, beautiful Llyn Gwynant and the magical gorge of Fairy Glen near Snowdonia’s most popular village, Betws-y-coed.

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Discover the best views for photos of Llandudno

Discover all the best views for photos of Llandudno.

Llandudno is a timeless Welsh seaside town known for its Victorian charm, sweeping coastal views, and dramatic headlands. For photographers, it offers an incredible variety of scenic backdrops—from panoramic cliffs to historic architecture and colourful events. Whether you're an amateur with a smartphone or a seasoned professional, you'll find endless opportunities for beautiful photos of Llandudno.

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Dinorwig Slate Quarry & the Snowdon Mountain Railway

Had a hike up to the top of Dinorwig Slate Quarry this and I climbed high up into the upper working. I’d reached around 2000ft up into the quarry and the distinct sound of the first morning train of the Snowdon Mountain Railway echoed across the valley from the peaks of Snowdon behind Llanberis as the heritage steam locomotive started making its way to Yr Wyddfa summit.

It was a slightly hazy morning with banks of relatively low cloud shrouding the summit of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) but occasional rays of sunshine managed to break through the cloud cover and I could see them lighting the mountainside near Clogwyn station so I swapped over the camera lens to a 200mm telephoto and found a good vantage point to await the arrival of the Snowdon Mountains Railway at Clogwyn.

The large plumes of smoke from the trains coal-fired engine made it easy to spot its progress so I was all setup ready when it emerged from behind the mountain onto the plateau at Clogwyn Station. Fortunately for me it timed things nicely as the clouds parted slightly and the sun lit the mountain around the station and I fired off several shots as the train made it’s progress to Snowdon summit, here’s the best one.

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New Eryri Snowdonia workshop dates for Cwm Idwal in 2026

One day small group Eryri Snowdonia photography workshops in the breathtaking mountain surroundings of Cwm Idwal with the expert knowledge of North Wales based photographer Simon Kitchin. An opportunity to photograph the Glyderau and Carneddau mountains, the beautiful lakes of Llyn Idwal and Llyn Ogwen and the stunning rivers and waterfalls of the Ogwen valley whilst improving your landscape photography skills.

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The best views for photography on Ynys Llanddwyn Anglesey

The best views for photos of Ynys Llanddwyn Anglesey

Ynys Llanddwyn and Llanddwyn beach are stunning coastal locations on the Isle of Anglesey and amazing places for photography. In my article I describe some of the best photo locations on Llanddwyn Island and beach

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Discover a hidden waterfall on a Dinorwic Quarry walk

Discover a secret waterfall on a Dinorwig quarry walk

A Photographers guide to explore the amazing industrial heritage of Snowdonia on a Dinorwic quarry walk | Anglesely Barracks, the hidden waterfall & the amazing abandoned quarry buildings above llanberis

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Top Things to Do in Llangollen Wales for Photography Lovers

If you're looking for inspiring things to do in Llangollen Wales, this scenic town and the surrounding Dee Valley offer endless opportunities—especially for photographers. From historic landmarks and dramatic landscapes to peaceful waterways and heritage railways, here are 8 must-see spots that combine iconic views with unforgettable photo opportunities.

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The best viewpoints for Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Photos

The best viewpoints for Pontcysyllte Aqueduct photos

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is one of North Wales’ most iconic landmarks—and a dream location for photography. From dramatic valley views to up-close architectural details, this guide explores the best viewpoints to capture stunning Pontcysyllte Aqueduct photos you'll want in your collection. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just love beautiful scenery, these locations offer unforgettable perspectives of this remarkable structure.

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Eryri Snowdonia 121 photography workshop today

Hosted a 121 photography workshop this morning, early start of 03.00am so we could catch the sunrise light. Our second stop was Cwm Idwal which looked stunning in the early morning light and no breeze so a chance to catch reflections you certainly don't see there that often

If you're interested in improving your photography skills I offer 121 workshops anywhere in North Wales with flexible timings for the chance of a sunrise or sunset.

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New photographs in the Snowdonia photos gallery

New photographs in the Snowdonia photos gallery

Having recently swapped website providers I’m still working on website updates and I’ve just added another few photographs to the Snowdonia photos gallery.

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Snowdonia photography workshop Saturday 28th June 2025

One day small group Eryri Snowdonia photography workshops in the breathtaking mountain surroundings of Cwm Idwal in Eryri National Park photographing the Glyderau and Carneddau mountains, the beautiful lakes of Llyn Idwal and Llyn Ogwen and the stunning rivers and waterfalls of the Ogwen valley.

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Just 2 places remaining on the Cwm Idwal workshop in June

One day small group Eryri Snowdonia photography workshops in the breathtaking mountain surroundings of Cwm Idwal in Eryri National Park photographing the Glyderau and Carneddau mountains, the beautiful lakes of Llyn Idwal and Llyn Ogwen and the stunning rivers and waterfalls of the Ogwen valley.

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New Anglesey photography workshop dates - Llanddwyn Island sunset

A one day Anglesey photography workshop on the stunning Llanddwyn beach and Llanddwyn Island with the chance to photography a sunset of the iconic Twr Mawr lighthouse.

Anglesey photography workshops are a chance to spend a day improving your photography skills in one of the most beautiful coastal locations in the UK. Explore the marram grass dunes of Llanddwyn Beach, Corsican pines of Newborough Forest and spend time photographing Llanddwyn Island including the chance to photograph a sunset of the iconic view of Tŵr Mawr lighthouse with its spectacular backdrop of the Llyn Peninsula.

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Now fully booked - Cwm Idwal workshop 27th september

One day small group Eryri Snowdonia photography workshops in the breathtaking mountain surroundings of Cwm Idwal in Eryri National Park photographing the Glyderau and Carneddau mountains, the beautiful lakes of Llyn Idwal and Llyn Ogwen and the stunning rivers and waterfalls of the Ogwen valley.

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Only 1 place left - Cwm Idwal workshop Sat 27th september

Capture the stunning scenery of the Glyderau and Carneddau mountain ranges, the glacial lakes of Llyn Idwal and Llyn Ogwen and the impressive Ogwen Falls.

Details of the Cwm Idwal workshops

  • All my group landscape photography courses in North Wales are suitable for all skill levels

  • The course covers all aspects of landscape including camera controls/settings , filter use, gear choice, advice on composition. 

  • Maximum 6 participants in a group.

  • This one day workshop starts at 08.00am at the Ogwen Visitors Centre and finishes around 2.30pm.

  • Hosted by a local photographer and the author of the guidebook PHOTOGRAPHING NORTH WALES.

  • Qualified teacher; BA (Hons) Degree in Education & Training.

The Cwm Idwal workshop involves walking approx 4 miles stopping at different viewpoints along the way. Please note that paths are rocky and uneven and we may ascend approx 300ft to a viewpoint above the lake. Participants do require a reasonable level of fitness and mobility. Due to the terrain unfortunately the course is unsuitable for those with limited mobility.

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The front cover of the guidebook 'Photographing North Wales' by Simon Kitchin, featuring a stunning sunset of Twr Mawr lighthouse on Llanddwyn Island on the Isle of Anglesey

Discover the most beautiful places to visit in North Wales using my visitors guidebook, PHOTOGRAPHING NORTH WALES, illustrated with over 300 high quality colour photographs and describing in detail over 100 of the best locations for photography across North Wales. All copies are personally signed and include free delivery. 

Big Landscapes and Panoramas • Lighthouses • Beaches • Mountains • Villages • Castles • Abbeys • Churches • Waterfalls • Lakes • Slate Quarries • Steam Railways • Industrial Heritage • Military Aircraft • Shows and Events • Gardens • Historic Houses • Seaside Resorts • The best places for coastal sunsets

If you’re visiting North Wales my visitors location guidebook will help you discover all the very best places to visit.