Close-up and Macro Nature Photography

One-Day Workshop - Saturday, 17th May 2008
Thorndon Park Visitor Centre

Daniel Bridge is running another one-day workshop, at Thorndon Country Park (North), dealing with the fascinating subject of Close-up and macro nature photography.  From the structure of a flower, to the eye of a dragonfly, small things, seen big, are astounding.  Learn how to use your camera to make fantastic pictures from the tiniest details - we look at equipment, techniques and how to find subjects, to ensure your new-found skill soon becomes an obsession!

Aims of the Day

To improve your macro photography!  We start by looking at different types of camera and the accessories available to get you close to your subject.  The best techniques to use that equipment will come next, including when, and when not, to use flash.  Putting all this theory into practice, we will then venture out into Thorndon Park to see what photo-opportunities we find, and how we can best make use of them.  And it's all going to be fun - it's not a science lesson!

What you need to know

You need a fair knowledge of how your camera works, i.e. how to control the shutter speed and aperture.  The more you know, the easier it will be for you, as you'll have less to think about once the photography begins.

What you need to bring

A camera!  Ideally this would be a Digital SLR, as these are the most adaptable, and allow you to see your results immediately, but any SLR will do, and most digital compacts have a good macro facility.

A Tripod if you have one.  There will be a couple of spares if needed.

Film/Memory Cards.  We'll be trying many different techniques and it would be a shame to feel limited by the number of exposures you could take, so bring a few rolls at least, or a couple of memory cards.  A slower speed film is best (ISO 100 or even 50), Fuji or Kodak ideally.

Any lenses/accessories (including flashguns) you may have.  You never know when you might need them.

Footwear and Clothing suitable for a walk in the park.  Including wet weather gear (hopefully not required), and please be aware that you should end up kneeling on the ground at some point!

Lunch.  Sandwiches and snack items are available in the visitor centre, but not included in the cost of the day.

Itinerary

The day starts at 10.00a.m. at the Visitor Centre, Thorndon Park (North).  The following times are all flexible, but as a guide, the workshop will be as follows:

The cost for the day is just £30.00 and booking is essential.  Please ring the Visitor Centre at Thorndon on 01277 232944 to secure your place.

We look forward to seeing you on what promises to be a fun and informative day, in the beautiful woodland of Thorndon Park.