Group Workshops 2011
Ben runs a series of wildlife photography workshops each year. Places are be booked on a first come first served basis, and are limited to 6 people to ensure that all participants get full benefit from Ben’s tuition and practical advice. In addition to answering any questions that people might ask, Ben also gives instruction on various field techniques including: Getting close to your subject, creating sharp images, making correct exposures in tricky lighting situations, designing the picture space and capturing action and behaviour.
February: Wintering Swans and Geese
With winter well and truly upon us, the day will be spent at Martin Mere WWT reserve, photographing various species of wildfowl. The highlight of the day will be the whooper swan feeding, which always guarantees spectacular opportunities. There may also be the chance of capturing goldeneyes displaying.
March: Red Kites
This workshop will take place at one of the best red kite feeding stations in the UK. Purpose built hides have been erected to ensure close encounters with these magnificent birds of prey.
April: Woodland Birds
Participants will have the use of a hide and well-established feeding station to photograph various species of woodland birds. Possible species include blue, great and long-tailed tit, jays, thrushes and blackbirds, robin, bullfinch, great spotted woodpecker and if lucky – the local sparrowhawk! Various perches will be used to ensure a variety of photographic opportunities.
May: Terns and Puffins
The Farne Islands offer great opportunities for photographing puffins, terns and other sea birds at close quarters.
June: Macro Photography
With high summer approaching, most butterflies are on the wing and can be found easily. The day will be spent at Coombes Valley RSPB reserve, concentrating on the variety of butterflies and flowers that can be found in this enchanting woodland.
July: Gannets
Bass rock is a volcanic island in the outer part of the Firth of Forth in the east coast of Scotland. Each year it becomes the largest single rock gannetry in the world and from late winter to autumn is home to over 150,000 gannets.
August: Red grouse
With the heather in flower, the Yorkshire moors during summer provide the perfect backdrop for capturing striking images of this charismatic bird.
September: British Raptors and Owls
All participants will have the opportunity of photographing a number of different species of captive raptors and owls in their natural habitat.
October: Red deer rut
Autumn heralds the start of the red deer rut, one of the most visually impressive nature spectacles of the year. We will be visiting a deer park in the midlands where there will be a good chance of capturing stags roaring and fighting.
November: Mountain hares
At this time of year mountain hares will have turned almost pure white and make great subjects. The Dark Peak moors are also home to red grouse and moorland raptors.
December: Grey seal pups – Cancelled due to the detrimental effect that the number of photographers are having on the seal population – apologies for any inconvenience.
Donna nook is an exposed sand flat on the Lincolnshire coast and each year becomes the birthing place for hundreds of grey seals. The day will be spent photographing pups interacting and the adult seals mating and playing in the surf.
The price for each workshop will be £185.00. For further details including dates, and a booking form, please contact the office.