The reason for why I choose to shoot in the wild is simply that it is very challenging. And like all challenges, it is extremelt rewarding. Shooting outdoors in an uncontrolled environment is signficantly harder than shooting in a controlled environment, such as a studio. In nature you can't tell the sun when and where to shine, or tell the wind to stop blowing. You cannot predict which species you encounter and whether or not they feel like staying around for a quick photo.

Nature is essentially uncontrollable and as such, when you adopt is as your working environment a lot can - and does - go wrong. Once you've mastered shooting in the wild, taking pictures in a studio is easy.

Ultimately, in my opinion, nature and wildlife photographers need to shoot in the wild. Nature photography is all about showing the beauty of the world surrounding us, its intricacy and diversity. And that just cannot be done in a studio, high-tech as it may be. Personally, I believe wildlife photography should be done in nature, nowhere else.


We base the course in locations that have plenty of subjects to practice upon such as insects and flowers. The practical part of the day is split between available light and flash usage.
All the available light shooting will be hand held, as tripods can only successfully be used on totally still days or with subjects that do not move and these are very rare in the UK.

All levels of knowledge and fitness are catered for on this fascinating course. It will open your eyes to an unseen world.

• The differences between close up and macro
• Why the techniques change as the magnification get higher
• Understanding lens usage for close up photography
• Understanding the use of extension tubes
• The thought process for close up photography
• The camera settings to use for close up photography
• Understanding how to get the depth of field right for close ups
• How lighting will affect your close up results
• Lenses for macro photography
• How macro differs from close up photography
• Why it can be difficult to get the desired macro results
• How to use flash to get the lighting you need
• Flash options for macro photography
• Setting up and using flash effectively for macro photography
• Plus lots of hints and tips to enable you to get better images

Equipment requirements
Any DSLR camera, we also recommend that you have a macro lens or extension tubes.
Also bring plenty of patience

Photography training courses May - July will concentrate on wild orchids and butterflies, as well as plenty of other insects and flowers We have a number of sites to visit in Derbyshire


WEATHER

The events will run regardless of the weather conditions prevalent on the day. We have never cancelled any event due to weather conditions. All the events have been designed not to be solely reliant on having good weather.

Sturdy footwear is necessary on many of the events unless it is taking place after a long hot period with no rain. If in doubt please feel free to phone one of our customer advisors who will be able to offer help and advice.

Accessibility and fitness levels

If you have mobility problems and need to use either walking aids or a wheelchair, we do need you to tell us this at the time of booking. This makes it much easier to accommodate your requirements and on our practical events is for your own health and safety, as at certain times of year or after high rainfall there may be issues for those who are not so sure footed.

We try to make our events as accessible as possible for people of all mobility levels.


Cost £140 add your partner or friend for an extra £50( Reduced from£165 for a limited period)
includes
* 1:1 training
* transport from a designated pick up point can be arranged
* unlimited e-mail support once your course has finished

Contact
Richard Ashbee
Mail me (click here)
0114 2501121 / 07779302881

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Macro

Macro / Close up photography courses/ workshops are available all year round (Monday - Saturday) throughout South Yorkshire and Derbyshire