WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

IMPROVE YOUR WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY ON LOCATION IN THE WORKSHOP WAGON

A few years ago, I decided to try and make my part time wildlife photography hobby into something more. I'd had some pictures in my head for a while and had thought about trying to get published, but I didn't know where to start. Fast forward a couple of years and I’ve been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride, fortunate enough to receive many accolades and much attention for my work. I've been published in National Geographic, commissioned by WWF, Sony and Nikon, had a regular column and many features in BBC Wildlife Magazine, given talks at the Natural History Museum and Royal Geographical Society, I've featured on some of the BBC’s most popular television programmes like Countryfile and the One Show, have been interviewed by Jonathan Ross, have exhibited internationally and have been awarded in many competitions, including the international Wildlife Photographer of the Year - where I got to shake hands with Sir David Attenborough and even had my image used as the front cover of the winner's portfolio book and for the worldwide publicity of the competition (phew!). The last few years have taught me a LOT about working as a wildlife photographer, and I've learnt just as much through the opportunities I've missed as the ones I've had. My decision to start offering workshops is a result of these last few years - if I think back to the early days, I really could have benefited from some advice and guidance in developing my skills and getting my career off the ground.

Last year I decided to convert a van into a mobile studio - complete with solar power, wifi, heating, and many other bells and whistles, so that I could spend more time shooting on location and bring my workshops to you.

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WHY ON LOCATION?

Getting out in the field and shooting is perhaps the best way to get to grips with your kit. It helps to develop your understanding of animal behaviour and is a great opportunity to experiment with different subjects and creative photographic techniques - that’s why I think it’s always best to learn on location. During my workshops, I will offer my experience and advice on getting the most out of your kit, how to work creatively with the location, subject and light - and at the end of the day we will have the opportunity to review your images and discuss editing and processing tips in my mobile studio.

TECHNIQUE AND PLANNING

Learning about the creative use of aperture, shutter speed and ISO, can be daunting, but it shouldn't stop you from capturing the images you want. Being a good photographer is just as much about having ideas and thinking creatively about what you want to capture as it is about how to capture it. I can help guide and encourage you to think creatively about your chosen subject, advise you on how to plan for the shot you want and finally, offer some tips on simple techniques that will help you realise your creative vision. 

ANGLE OF VIEW

Long lens, wide lens, macro, full frame or cropped sensor - any combination of lens and camera body can create exciting, creative images. I will discuss the merits of working with different lenses, how to adjust your technique and field skills when working at different focal lengths and how to work with natural or controlled light to get the best results, day or night.

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STORYTELLING AND THINKING OF THE NEXT STEP

Developing your skills as a wildlife photographer is just the first step. With time, your creative eye and confidence as a visual storyteller will improve and you may start thinking about entering competitions and getting your work published. Sometimes even the best wildlife photographers in the world have trouble critiquing their own work and spotting the award winner or the image that would work the best editorially. I will help you find your visual voice, tell your story and offer real-world advice on how to make connections in the wildlife photography industry and get your foot in the door - the first step in getting the recognition you deserve and just as importantly, getting paid for your work.

BOOKING ENQUIRIES

From basic instruction for beginners, to helping advanced photographers take things to the next level, I will tailor the workshop around helping you improve your skills and develop as a photographer. The flexibility of having a mobile studio is that we can always be in the perfect location for you - be that your local nature reserve, or a location suggested by me that I think would be ideal for working on the particular skills you are looking to develop or the specific wildlife you are interested in.

I'm also more than happy to suggest a general beginners or advanced workshop if you are just looking to develop your photography in a more general sense - I have some great local wildlife to discover like peregrines and foxes in Bristol or wild boar and goshawks in the Forest of Dean. The first step is to get in touch using the form below and we can take it form there.

PRICE:

FULL DAY ONE-TO-ONE WORKSHOP: £400*

FULL DAY SMALL GROUP WORKSHOP (3 MAX): £500**

HALF DAY / LARGE GROUP: POA

GIFTS:

Gift vouchers for wildlife photography workshops are available at the standard rates and must be claimed within 12 months of issue.

* Rates will include my travel expenses unless previously discussed. I will offer discounts for special circumstances, multiple bookings or workshops local to the Bristol area.

**  Workshops are limited to 3 persons, due to the capacity of the mobile studio. For larger workshops or special requests, please contact me via the enquiry form below.