Strava - North Wales One Day Photography Expedition - Proposal

After working a little with Strava over the last two years, I would like to propose a one day shoot in the mountains of North Wales. I would provide a wide range of cycling photography focusing on epic landscapes and action shots with a classic, timeless feel. I propose Llyn Stwalan as the shoot location, a majestic road of sweeping hairpins cut high into the mountains of Snowdonia in order to service a remote hydro-electric damm.

Trip Overview

I am proposing a shoot that takes places at Llyn Stwalan Dam in North Wales. Cyclist Magazine called the road “the best kept secret on British Soil”. The purpose of the shoot is to create high quality imagery for Strava to be used on social media and in wider advertising. The road is known for being wild and spectacular, and is slowly becoming iconic in the British cycling scene. However, it is still relatively underused and under appreciated. There are steep ascents and descents with an unrivalled view of spectacular rock formations and vast rocky moorlands. Lying 1500 feet above sea level in the Moelwyn mountains, Stwlan is the top reservoir from which the water drops 1000 feet to turn turbines at the Ffestiniog Power Station. It’s hairpins are also very unusual in the UK. The shoot could take place on either a road bike or could take place on a touring bike. I am happy to be directed in terms of what is the most desirable - and could arrange both types of bike. North Wales is five hours away from my home in Bristol, so will also need to camp/ lodge in a remote bunk house the night before. This could also represent a fantastic opportunity for some candid travel shots of the area, including eating, cooking, sleeping and the shelter itself. Below are some costings and images of the proposed route.

What Strava will receive. 

For a photography fee of £950 I will deliver a wide range of photographic content including landscape photography, trip reportage and a focus on individual moments that make stepping out on a bike so enjoyable. Harriet, the model used in the previous shoot would charge £350 for her time.

I propose camping nearby the evening before the shoot, before climbing and descending the road to the dam the following day maximising time and daylight for photography.

I would aim to deliver a wide variety of active travel imagery and candid camping/ adventure shots. As a photographer with the New York Times, The Guardian, Brooks England and Cyclist Magazine I know how to tell a powerful visual story.

If you’re happy to proceed, I’ll take care of the rest and pass the photos to you once they are complete. If you’d like to give some direction on what specifically you would like from the shoot - we can also arrange a time to talk.

Expenses 

The expense costs of the trip will be very small. It’s around a 350 mile round trip which would cost around £150 in fuel. There would also be a possible small charge for bunkhouse accommodation the night before, to be confirmed and approved if plans progress.

The following gallery is a selection of photographs, some of which are from my portfolio and others which are taken from the internet in order to demonstrate the roads and area around Llyn Stwlan.