It’s that time again, where thoughts turn to Christmas - woohoo good food, drink and celebrations. Then, thoughts turn to that friend or relative who has everything – what to get them? We’ve got a good solution at RSPB Sandwell Valley. A fantastic six week course ‘Getting up to Speed with Wildlife Photography’, even better why not give it as a Christmas present to yourself, you know you’ll enjoy it!
The course is aimed at those just starting out with photography through to those with more experience with a camera who want to improve their images of wildlife. The course aims to provide a good understanding of the basics of getting a great image.
Each week will fit together to refresh the knowledge from previous sessions, focus on a new area of learning and set up some tasks to practice for the next week. So your homework will be to get outdoors and look for wildlife to photograph (So much better than algebra homework you used to get at school)!
The sessions will be lecture based though there will be chances to look at practical outdoor examples and practice camera techniques and settings.
The classes will be led by Nick Martin, although still an amateur Nick has been photographing wildlife for over 20 years and has had many images published in books, magazines and the web.
Photo Credit: Nick Martin. Clockwise from top: dormouse, Forest of Dean; dragonfly, Titchwell; wood mouse, Symonds Yat Rock; wild boar, Forest of Dean.
Subjects covered will include:
Cameras, lenses and other equipment; knowing what you need and how different bits of kit will help achieve different effects with your images. If you are thinking of getting serious with wildlife photography these sessions might help you decide how best to spend your hard earned money and what are the ‘must haves’.
Getting to know your subject; planning your photography, getting prepared and understanding how to work with the conditions and giving yourself the best chance of a cracking image. We’ll talk about where to go for rarer species and what you can do to find wildlife on your doorstep.
Composing the perfect shot; thinking about how you position yourself and your camera to get a picture that works! We’ll consider placement, backgrounds and the elements that make an image work for a particular subject and use. We’ll also be working out the light conditions and making the best of light quality and direction.
Camera settings and how they affect your images; working with our own cameras we’ll figure out what can be adjusted and how this changes the photograph. Despite finding out about shutter speeds, apertures and depth of field this won’t be as dull as it sounds or as technical as you might think!
Getting in close; how do you get close to rare or shy species and set yourself up for the best chance of success? Here we’ll take a look at stalking, using bait, hides and other tricks to make sure that your camera is the perfect distance from your quarry! It’s often mastering this that will have the biggest impact on the success of your images.
What to do with the image? We’ll consider processing your shots on the computer to make them look their best. Then what to do then with options such as printing, projecting, publishing and using your portfolio to best effect.
All six sessions will build the skill set required for the best chance of successful and enjoyable wildlife photography. However some could be missed if needed.
More about Nick Martin
He has been leading workshops on wildlife photography for over 10 years and speaking on the lecture circuit around the Midlands. Nick is happy to work with the needs of his audience and can successfully adapt the content to children with camera phones or experienced camera clubs.
Dates and times
Wednesday 22nd February Not Wednesday 1st March Wednesday 8th March, Wednesday 15th March, Wednesday 22nd March, Wednesday 29th March, Not Wednesday 5th April
Wednesday 12th April
7pm-9pm at RSPB Sandwell Valley, Nature’s Reach
Prices:
£25 per session for Non Members; £20 per session for RSPB Members
A discount for 6 sessions of £130 for Non Members; £104 for RSPB Members
So whether its butterflies or badgers, poppies or penguins you want to frame, these workshops will help you get images to be proud of.
Photo Credit: Nick Martin, A badger in Nick's garden
To find out more details and to book onto the course call 0121 375 7395 or come into the visitor centre, Natures Reach and ask for Alex or Imogen.