Mach Loop Experience
Mach Loop Experience
Objectives: Photograph fast-moving military aircraft as they fly below your feet through the Mach Loop in Wales
Suitable for all skill levels
Course Duration: 1 Day
Max Attendees: 6
Price: £95
BOOK HERE - For questions or to Book, call Paula at 07941 003683 (Anytime up to 21:00)
or drop us an Email
WORKSHOP DATES:
- Jul 3rd (Wed) - Mach Loop (£95)
- More Dates TBA
The above workshops can be booked separately or as a package. 20% Off your total bill if you book more than one day.
The Mach Loop Experience - This can be a thrilling experience like no other! Fancy photographing military jets as they fly beneath your feet? Potentially, this is an experience day like no other. Available to all standards of photographers. With a little expert tuition from me, you're good to go! ONLY £95
What is the Mach Loop?
The Mach Loop is a military low-fly zone located in Wales. The Loop forms a small part of the larger Military area known as LFA7. Military aircraft routinely fly through the loop as part of their low-level training.
Where is it?
The Mach Loop or Machynlleth Loop consists of a series of valleys in the United Kingdom in West-Central Wales.
The Mach Loop (also known as the Machynlleth Loop or CAD West among plane spotters) consists of a series of valleys in the United Kingdom in west-central Wales, notable for their use as low-level training areas for fast jet aircraft. The system of valleys lies 8 miles east of Barmouth and is nestled between the towns of Dolgellau (pronounced: Dol Geth Lee) to the north and Machynlleth to the south, from the latter of which it takes its name. The training area is within the Low Flying Area (LFA) LFA7, which covers most of Wales.
Aircraft which use the training area can include Royal Air Force Airbus, A400M, Typhoon, Hawk jets and C-130J as well as U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles, F-15E Strike Eagles, F-22 Raptors, and F-35A Lightning IIs, which are based at RAF Lakenheath in eastern England. – Snapshot from Wikipedia
IMPORTANT DECLARATION
Despite what you might find online, there is no such thing as a timetable for the Loop.
Military aircraft DO NOT fly through every day! It's hit or miss!
Because there are no guarantees of seeing aircraft, the loopers (nickname) treat the day like fishing. You sit and chill out. Enjoy the gorgeous countryside. Meet like-minded people and chat. If something flies through the loop, then that's a bonus!
I cannot offer a money-back guarantee. This is simply the Mach Loop way!
YOUR DAY GOES LIKE THIS...
We meet up at a designated car park early in the morning. Then, everybody jumps in my van to head to one of the many different viewing areas. We do this to be courteous to other loopers because parking is usually very tight. We then chill and have a brew.
Then it's a small climb to wherever I think the best vantage points are during the day, and then we chill! It's then a case of hanging around and being sociable for the day with our fingers and toes crossed.
Bring a packed lunch.
I usually take a small cooker up the hills with me to make plenty of brews. If I'm naughty, I'll make a bacon sandwich too 🙂 It's a long day, so I suggest packing a lunch box and plenty of sweets and snacks!
Be Sociable
I usually stay over at a local campsite and bunkhouse. The rates are less than £20 per night. If you want to stop overnight, I will gladly advise where to stay, and I'd happily meet for a beer or three.
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You will learn…
- How to choose the right settings for each shot.
- How to meter and expose correctly
- How to focus properly
- How to compose your shot
- How to use fast and slow shutter speeds to be creative
FAQ's
How do I book?
A £20 deposit secures your place. Payments can be made over the phone, by bank transfer or online. Just call the studio and speak to Paula.
What skill level do I have to be?
All skills are welcome, beginner to advanced – I can cater to all levels with such a small group. It’ll almost be like a 1-2-1 for the week. Group training will also be given, of course!
How many Attendees?
6 - We restrict the numbers to six to ensure you get as much tuition as possible. It'll feel like a full-on 1-2-1 for a whole week. You can also have as much space as you like!
How fit do I need to be?
As fit as me 😉 In other words, not fit at all – All areas are accessible by vehicle and then a short walk. The only challenge might be hill walks or a little climbing over styles and fences. Each location will have its challenges, which I will indicate in each workshop.
There won’t be any rushing on these trips!
Is my camera good enough?
Is it a Camera? Then yes – all of the above could have been taken on a cheap camera, and the results would have been the same, GUARANTEED!
Some people use their smartphone. It's up to you!
Pro Camera available to rent for £10 per day (inc. lens)
What Equipment will I need?
Your Camera - A Chair (optional) - Popup tent (optional)
What if the weather is bad?
As a Looper, inclement weather is just something we cannot predict. The best planning in the world can't allow for adverse weather conditions, especially when planning so far in advance. The weather is just something that we, as photographers, must be prepared for.
Aircraft can still fly through the Loop even if it's raining, but they won't fly low if the visibility is poor!
Whilst we cannot make any guarantees we see aircraft, if we presume days in advance the weather is likely to be very bad, the day would not go ahead, and we would reschedule.