We’re getting closer to the Wildlife Photography course at RSPB Sandwell Valley. We’re very excited to have course leader Nick Martin here to show nature and camera lovers how to take a great image.
The course is six weeks, 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. It is best to complete the full course but it’s fine if you have to miss a class or two.
The sessions will be lecture based though there will be chances to look at practical outdoor examples and practice camera techniques and settings.
Dates: Wednesday Evenings
Wednesday 22 February – Wednesday 12 April
But not Wednesday 1 March or Wednesday 5 April
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Location: 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
Photo Credit: Nick Martin
Session Outline:
Session 1.
Learning the subject:
We’ll put our naturalist hats on and learn how to find wildlife in the best locations and looking their best. We will also discuss behaviour, seasonal habits and where to easily find the information we need for success.
Cameras and lenses
By the end of this session we will have a clear understanding about what camera types are out there and the pros and cons of each. We’ll be able to see the effects of different lenses and know the advantages and limitations of each.
Session 2.
Understanding the settings of your camera
The world of F stops, shutter speed and focal points can be a technical minefield but we will take the time to work through them all so that we can see what the effects are of these settings on the images.
Composing a great shot
There are loads of things that make up a pleasing or powerful image and getting the composition right is vital. We will be looking at the easy mistakes that can be made and some of the tricks available to enhance the shot.
Session 3.
Accessories and gizmos!:
We will take a look at all the paraphernalia that can be used for photography what its for and separating the essentials from the ballast!
Using the light
In all styles of photography light is hugely important and this is just as true with Wildlife photography. We will look at the effects that can be achieved by working in different conditions and using available light effectively.
Session 4.
Getting close to wildlife
Great field craft is the most important element of wildlife photography so we will spend some time chatting through stalking, baiting, using hides and other techniques to get your camera in just the right place for the best images.
Session 5.
Some advanced photography techniques
To date we will have covered the basics and the techniques that are required for 95% of wildlife images, now we will take a step forward to look at some of the more specialized tricks to get images that push the boundaries and make your shots stand out from the crowd.
Basics of processing, cataloguing and printing
The world of digital photography has advanced the ability of amateur and professional wildlife photographers to get amazing shots of nature. Once the shot is on the card though how do you get that file through the ‘digital darkroom’ to make it a wonderful usable image?
Session 6.
Bringing it all together and how to enjoy and use your images
This session will be an opportunity to recap on all we have covered over the last few weeks, we will be looking through the content of all the previous sessions and then working out what next for our photography and how we can get the most from our new catalogue of images.
Weekly assignments:
Each week there will be a mini project to complete where attendees will have the chance to go and practice what they have learnt. The next session will include a quick review of the results and a chance to quickly recap on the last session.
To book onto the course call 0121 375 7395 or come into the visitor centre, Natures Reach and ask for Alex or Imogen.