On 4th March photographic artist Jo Howell explored this gem with a group of fantastic ladies-what-does-lunch

I’ve never been to the South Causey Inn before teaching this workshop, and boy! Was I in for a treat!? This family run country pub, farmhouse, hotel, and gardens are situated not far from the live history museum, Beamish. There were plenty of different things to look at. Lots of vintage memorabilia on every wall, and many different spaces to explore.

Being adventurous, and sometimes simple, I opted to drag the beautifully turned out ladies traipsing across this devilishly slippy field.

We all survived and have photos to prove it!

My lessons are simple, but challenging. I try not to overload participants. Encouraging better compositions, and demonstrating how to get the best out of the camera on their phones.

And, all the ladies pushed beyond their comfort zone to achieve interesting shots. As a byproduct I take my own images (these ones) to help demonstrate how I use the theories I teach.

This goose was not exactly chuffed to be our model. She was having some good attempts to bite my shoes, but luckily I had good walking boots on to save my little toes.

I’m always looking for quirky details. And, you may have noticed from my older posts that I love glass. Firstly, because my Phil is a glass blower, and secondly for how it allows light through. Light is my number one drug of choice.

This tradition of locking in your love is pretty cute. Though we were wondering what happens if you get divorced? Do you have to come back to smash the lock and have a divorce party? My cynical nature suggests that this could be a unique selling point.

Since I was teaching I brought along the lens ball, it’s a good bit of fun. A one trick pony, but the trick is pretty cool. Great for explaining how light refracts.

This hardy little pansy was living its best life despite the cold weather!

The other photos are interior shots and building images. The venue is really lovely and very much worth a visit.