Description
Wild Arena has joined forces with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust to offer a range of seasonal photographic workshops at their various regional centres around the UK. The aim of
these days is to give photographers of all levels of experience an opportunity to develop their skills with a mixture of practical opportunities and structured tuition from one of the qualified Wild Arena guides.
Each of the WWT centres hasits own unique attractions and the changing seasons should also provide variety
to a rich range of subjects. All the sites have Bird species exhibited in sucha way as to make capturing attractive images relatively simple, even for guests new to photography or with limited equipment. Equally the wilder side of the
locations should provide more challenging chances for those wishing to be stretched by more elusive quarry!
During the day the Wild Arena guide will talk through not only some basic camera features but also
practical techniques for achieving better images of nature subjects. Key topics will include:
- Camera features (file formats, white balance,
ISO, exposure etc)
- Choice of equipment
- Use of lenses
- Composition principals
- Using angles and background choice to best
advantage
- The importance of light
During the morning we will also be escorted around the venues key attractions by a warden to help us all get
the best from what the centres have to offer. We will also do our best to tie in with feeding times and scheduled activities to see the birds at their most
active.
- Fitness Level
These events are suitable
for guests with average fitness. The day will include 2 walks around the venues
over made up paths.
- Photography Level
These events are suitable for photographers with all levels of experience and equipment. The guide on the day should be able to offer constructive tuition relevant to all and topics such as composition, the use of light and choosing angles and backgrounds are universal. The events will be focused specifically on nature and bird photography.
- Disability Access
The various WWT sites have good disability access but we suggest you contact us directly to discuss them specifically and to check on your individual requirements.
- Group Size
The group size for this event should be approximately 12 guests
Itinerary
09.30: Arrival at the centre (full directions will be provided upon booking)
09.45: Welcome introduction with tea/coffee, covering the
outline of the day and some basic techniques to consider for the morning
10.30: Guided walk around the site with a centre warden and Wild Arena photographic guide. Key attractions will be pointed out and the guide will offer constructive advice on getting the best images from the opportunities we encounter
13.00: Lunch (guests can either bring a packed lunch or
purchase food from the centre restaurant)
14.00: We will again walk out around the centres to find
more subjects and take advantage of changes in light and bird behaviour
15.15: Afternoon tea/ coffee break
15.30: A review summary where guests can discuss images they have either taken on the day or brought in. The guide will also summarise the techniques that have been discussed through the day
16.30: Summary and Close
Please note: The itinerary is provisional and subject
to change depending on weather conditions and the availability of the exhibits. Start and finish times are fixed to enable transport planning.
What’s included
Tea/coffee on arrival and during the afternoon session
Full tuition
Entrance to the venue
Guided Warden walk in the morning
Venue
WWT Sites across the UK
Each of the WWT centres has its own unique attractions and the changing seasons should also provide variety to a rich range of subjects. All the sites have Bird species exhibited in such a way as to make capturing attractive images relatively simple, even for guests new to photography or with limited equipment. Equally the wilder side of the locations should provide more challenging chances for those wishing to be stretched by more elusive quarry!
Facilities
Tea/Coffee
Toilets
VisitorBuilding
Mains Power
Additional drinks and snacks are available to purchase
A detailed map, with full directions, will be sent to all delegates before the workshop and a mobile telephone number will be provided in case of any difficulties on the day.
What to bring
- You will be outside for some of the day so you should be dressed to suit the season and weather.
- We suggest you have a water-proof coat in case of rain. Waterproof over trousers are always useful on the day as this allows the photographer to comfortably take pictures from a lower level on potentially damp ground. We also suggest guests where stout footwear in case the ground is muddy or wet.
- Tea & coffee will be provided on arrival and during the afternoon. At lunchtime guests may either bring a packed lunch to enjoy outside in the reserves or purchase something from the wide range of sandwiches and hot food in the centre restaurant.
- You are very welcome to bring whatever photographic equipment you believe may be suitable. There is some walking involved so it is best to bring a camera bag that is of a suitable size. It should also be noted that any equipment left in the vehicles is done so at the owners risk and we suggest you only bring what equipment you can reasonably carry.
- Digital users should be as much memory as possible as we find people usually take more pictures than they anticipate. We suggest you ensure your batteries are fully charged and you bring spares if you have them. There should be the option to charge batteries at lunchtime if required.
- For film users we recommend ISO 100 or 200 films in normal conditions, although ISO 400 may be useful in poor lighting or weather.
- Guests are also encouraged to bring examples of previous images to review and critique. This is not only useful to illustrate what has worked well but also what might have gone wrong as well!
- We have access to a supply of spare memory, film, batteries and cleaning materials if required.
