Wildlife Workshop

Introduction to Wildlife Photography Half Day Workshop

Course Dates: Open, please get in touch to arrange a date that suits.

The Course: This is a half day course based at Slimbridge Wetland Centre in Gloucestershire. We will be covering the basic techniques required for successful wildlife photography and putting them into practice in the semi-controlled environment of the wetland reserve. We'll start with an informal talk about wildlife photography techniques over a cup of coffee in the cafe. I'll provide some visual examples on my laptop and you can ask me about anything you are unsure about. The topics we'll cover include composition, lens choice, aperture and exposure, focusing techniques and camera support. We'll then pop out into the reserve to try out some of the techniques we've discussed.

The Place: Slimbridge Wetland Centre is the birthplace of the Wetland and Wildfowl Trust (WWT), founded by Sir Peter Scott in 1946. It is now home to the world's largest collection of swans, geese, flamingos and ducks, all benefiting from the protection provided by the fox proof fence. It is an ideal environment in which to practice wildlife photography as you can get close to some species but will need to use the hide to capture other species.

Itinerary:

10:30 - Meet in the cafe of Slimbridge Wetland Centre for tea, cake and and informal lesson about basic wildlife photography techniques.
11:30 - Go out into the reserve for some photography
13:00 - Lunch break
13:30 - More photography
14:30 - Return to the cafe for a cuppa, a look at the pictures we have taken and a recap.
15:00 - Workshop ends. Feel free to go back out into the reserve to practice what you've learned!

Cost: £75 per person. This includes the following...

Tuition

...but excludes the following...

Entry to Slimbridge Wetland Centre (£9.75)
Tea/cake etc. at the cafe.
Lunch

What to bring:

Packed Lunch. It's probably best to bring a packed lunch as the restaurant can get very busy at lunchtime at the weekend. It also allows us to be more flexible, always a bonus when photographing unpredictable wildlife.

Camera equipment. Bring whatever you use, be it film or digital. I only ask that you are familiar with your own equipment. A long lens (200mm or more) will allow you to get far more out of the day. Bring a tripod if you have one but this isn't essential.

All weather clothing. We cannot control the weather but I believe there is always a good shot to be had, whatever the weather. If it is raining, we may be spending a bit more time in the hides but we'll also be venturing outside so it is important to make yourselves comfortable and to keep your camera dry. Bring an umbrella or thick plastic bag for your camera. Sturdy shoes or walking boots will be ideal for your feet.

Booking Terms and Conditions:

Deposit: A deposit of £30 is required at the time of booking unless this is within 6 weeks of the course in which case the full payment will be required.
Final Payment: This is required 6 weeks prior to the course.
Methods of payment: You can use credit or debit cards via the Paypal payment system below or if you prefer, send a cheque payable to James Osmond Photography to the address on the Contact page.
Cancellation: Please inform us in writing as soon as possible if you need to cancel your booking. There may be a cancellation charge depending on when notification of cancellation is received as follows:
More than 60 days before the course you’ll receive a full refund,
60-30 days before the course there will be a 50% cancellation fee,
Less than 30 days before the course there will be a 100% cancellation fee
Insurance: It is highly recommended that you take out adequate insurance when booking to cover unforeseen cancellation, personal injury and loss/damage to camera equipment.
Liability: We aim to provide a safe and enjoyable experience while on the course and will warn of any potential dangers but landscape photography is not without risk and you are responsible for your own safety and the preservation of your equipment. James Osmond Photography will not accept responsibility or liability for death, bodily injury or illness caused to the client unless arising from negligent acts and/or omissions by ourselves. James Osmond Photography will not accept liability in the unlikely event of damage to your goods or materials.
Changes and Cancellations: James Osmond Photography reserves the right to cancel or move any workshops it advertises. This would only be done in the event of extreme circumstances beyond our control. Arrangements would be made to move the workshop to another date. However if it was not possible for you to attend, then a full refund will be made for the cost of the workshop.

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Book a place on this workshop: Please get in touch via the Contact page and let me know the size of your group and your preferred dates. I'll get back to you ASAP and confirm a date. I'll also send you a Paypal invoice for the deposit so that you can pay by card if you like. Alternatively, you can post me a cheque if you prefer.