The VIP Mines of Rio Tinto
The VIP Mines of Rio Tinto 3 Day Photography Workshop SPRING 2023
(Exclusive to only 3 participants)
Join me on what is one of the best kept secret locations for photographers in Spain.
Location: The Río Tinto is a river in southwestern Spain that rises in the Sierra Morena mountains of Andalusia. It flows generally south-southwest, reaching the Gulf of Cádiz at Huelva. The Rio Tinto river has a unique red and orange colour derived from its chemical makeup that is extremely acidic and with very high levels of iron and heavy metals.
History: The river area has a history of mining activity since the Tartessans and the Iberians started mining in 3000BC, followed by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors. The Rio Tinto area has been the source of approximately 5,000 years of ore extraction, and chemical refinement primarily for copper, silver and gold, and later for iron, manganese and other minerals.
After a period of abandonment, the mines were rediscovered in 1556 and the Spanish government began operating them once again in 1724. In 1873, the Rio Tinto Company was formed to operate the mines. In the 19th century mining operations started large-scale mining operations by companies from the United Kingdom. After the peak of production in 1930, production declined and ended in 1986 for copper mining and in 1996 for silver and gold mining.
Did you know? There is a neighbourhood called the British quarter. The houses were built in a Victorian style for the British workers who were feeling homesick!
Due to all of the mining activity in the area, the topography has been vastly modified which has left it’s mark on the landscape started way back creating wonderful scenes of historic industry. This, of course, leaves us the photographers with some truly amazing vistas full of colour, architecture and pure nature to capture images to be proud of!
The stunning colour of the Rio Tinto.
The Atalaya open mine spans 2km from one side to the other.
Workshop Itinerary
As with any landscape workshop, the weather will be our “master”, so a level of flexibility will be required to make sure we maximise the best of the time we have available.
Day 1
Meet at Base Camp in Rio Tinto (exact location will be provided) & check in. Approx 2pm.
Vehicle tour around Old Mins, stopping for basic landscape photos.
Afternoon - Introduction to the Workshop and Evening Meal
Potential for evening shoot (depends on timings)
Astrophotography - Location TBC.
Day 2
Panoramic photo tuition over looking the working mines (sunrise).
Breakfast
3km Hike through the abandoned mines photographing the historical areas.
Lunch
Editing & Downtime at Hotel
Evening meal
Astrophotography - Location TBC.
Day 3
Breakfast
10am visit Rio Tinto river location.
Check Out Hotel
Visit Atalaya Mine
Lunch
Rio Tinto Museum visit (optional) or Photo Review and editing session.
Depart approx 4pm
Panoramic photo of the working mine at sunrise.
No matter if you are an absolute beginner, enthusiast or professional, this workshop caters for all skill levels. As for photographic equipment, you can bring as much as you can carry but a minimum of a tripod & Lens(es) suitable for Landscape photography is important. In addition, filters and other items are welcome. If you are unsure about your equipment please contact me for advice.
What’s included & what’s the damage?
Included
Transport from Gibraltar & around the Rio Tinto Mines. (Airport pickup can be arranged - please contact me for further info).
Luxury Accommodation - Spa, Private Bar & Pool Table
Breakfast
All tuition
Price
£895pp
(minimum number of participants 3)
Need help with booking flights? No problem, for a small admin fee of £100pp all your travel arrangements from your nearest airport to Spain and return will done for you.
In order to reserve your placement full payment of the workshop must be paid.
Discounts are available for group bookings and on participants sharing a room. Please contact me for further information.
