The Art of Nature Photography

Transcription

1 OR May Wed-Mon Centre The Art of Nature Photography Level Date Days Sole occupancy cost Shared occupancy cost Non-Residential cost Orielton is an impressive Georgian mansion set in 100 acres of woodland. Located close to the UK s only coastal national park, it is near to excellent beaches, with a wide range of activities on hand, making it an excellent place to explore. Course Aims The course will give participants the basic skills and knowledge required for successful nature and landscape photography. The course will involve practical field work in the beautiful countryside and coastal region of south Pembrokeshire. Key objectives of the course To provide participants with an awareness of what makes a good picture and to give them confidence and knowledge to experiment in their picture taking to achieve the desired effect. To promote an understanding of the camera controls and modes for getting better nature and landscape photographs. To promote awareness of the skills and techniques required to become a competent nature and landscape photographer. To give participants confidence to take control of their picture taking by using manual controls where possible. Having the experience and a vision are the ingredients that help photographers make great pictures. Many of us just don t get the opportunity or time to gain the necessary skills and knowledge required. Experienced wildlife photographer Paul Richards, will teach participants the skills and techniques that will help them to become more accomplished nature photographers. Techniques for close-up and general wildlife photography will be covered on the course and amongst others, will include: field craft, creating sharp images, calculating exposure in tricky lighting situations and how to use the camera effectively. By the end of the nature photography course, participants should come away with a deeper understanding and confidence of both the technical and creative side of nature photography. Nuthatch

2 Please note that the course would be most beneficial to those with SLR cameras, however would still suit anyone with an interest in photography regardless of equipment. (If you are unsure whether your camera would be suitable, please contact the centre to discuss.) Digital processing and editing and getting the best from your images on the computer using Photoshop will be covered in the evening sessions. Course members are encouraged to bring along prints and digital images for showing and comment and there will be an opportunity to review images taken during the course. Start and finish times Resident guests are requested to arrive between pm on Wednesday 7 th May and register at Reception on arrival. The course begins with an introduction after the evening meal. Breakfast will be at 8.00 am. The course will end after breakfast on Monday 12 th May. Non-resident guests will be contacted prior to the course start date to confirm the time of the introduction. (Field excursions may be subject to alteration due to weather conditions) Programme Emerald Damselfly Wednesday 7 th : Arrival between pm Evening pm: Welcome and Introductions - a chance for course leader and participants to get to know each other. Feedback from participants on their interests, hopes and expectations for the course will break the ice and help us meet your specific needs. Participants are asked to bring along four of their own favourite pictures. As part of the getting to know you sessions each group member will be encouraged to tell the group a little about themselves and what they like about the pictures they have brought along. Paul will provide a short illustrated digital slide talk highlighting some of the key points of nature and landscape photography. Open discussion and questions will be encouraged. Thursday 8 th : Looking at landscapes am: The group will be up early to capture dawn light on one of our local beaches. Wide angle and standard lenses with tripods will be essential equipment for the day. Participants will be looking at the key ingredients of successful landscape photography. Subject matter will include the basic rules of photography, keeping it sharp, framing and calculating exposure in difficult lighting conditions. Time and light permitting we will also look at fulmars in flight before going back for breakfast and to look at results and lessons learned pm: Walk planning for the evening shoot pm: Evening shoot - Landscapes in low light Broad Haven at dawn

3 Friday 9 th : Nature Photography am: The art of close-up photography. A walk in the woods to enjoy the spring flora and get the essential ingredients for successful macro or close-up photos am-2.00pm: Woodland walk and photo safari, a morning of practice in the nearby woodland. We will be looking at light and exposure calculation in difficult circumstances, handling the camera, keeping it sharp pm: Classroom based session for download and discussion things to work on! pm: Download and review of pictures taken during the day Blue Tit Saturday 10 th : An action packed day on Skomer practicing the skills learned during the week The trip to Skomer Island is dependent on weather. (2013 Boat fee 10, landing fee 10, concessions on landing fee only, 9) (Please note in the event of bad weather there will be an alternative trip to Bosherston woods and ponds) pm: Download and review of pictures taken during the day. Grey Seal pup Sunday 11 th : A day in the field A chance to practice Paul s A-Z of Nature Photography. We will be taking a walk to enjoy the wildlife and scenery along part of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. The object of the day is to capture several high quality images. This will be a chance to practice all aspects of nature photography including flight and close-up photography pm: A quick look at the pictures of the week. Feedback and review of course Monday 12 th : Gannet dive Depart after breakfast.

4 What is included in the fee? The residential course includes Up to 10 hours of tuition a day, plus relaxing breaks for meals and refreshments Full board accommodation including a cooked breakfast, picnic lunch, homemade cakes and an evening meal. Vegetarian and other dietary options are available Tea and coffee making facilities available throughout the day Use of resources including library, workrooms and the Centre grounds Centre organised transport during the course (other than boat trips) and most admission fees Transfer to and from Pembroke train station (if required) Insurance to cover cancellation, personal belongings, personal accident, legal liability and medical emergency/emergency travel arrangements (Non-resident course fees include all of the above except breakfast and accommodation) About the tutor Paul Richards is a retired countryside manager and keen wildlife photographer. He has achieved distinctions in photography at the highest level and won awards and gold medals in national and international salons. Recently Paul was short-listed in the 2010 British Wildlife Photographic Awards. Look at Paul's work on his website What to bring Bosherston otter Torch Lunchbox and drinks bottle / flask Wellies and waterproofs/leggings plus rucksack for carrying gear and packed lunch. Casual and warm waterproof clothing. Stout shoes or boots Sunglasses, sun hat, and sun lotion Small haversack or day bag Notebook and pencil (Bedding & towels provided) Essential - Film or Digital SLR with telephoto or zoom lens at least up to 300mm with close focusing or macro facility. A sturdy tripod with suitable ball and socket head will be essential. A wide angle zoom or standard lens between 17mm and 50mm for landscape photography. Useful - Polarising and Neutral Density and/or ND graduated filters if you have them. Macro lens or extension tubes will be useful. Digital users should bring their own laptop computer and card reader for image processing plus flashcard or memory stick so that images can loaded onto course tutor s laptop for projection and comment.

5 How to Book Check availability and make a provisional booking by telephoning the Centre on To confirm your booking please complete a booking form in the brochure or online form on our website Aggressive robin