The following has been received from Laurie Campbell regarding workshops he will be running if members are interested they are advised to make their own arrangements….

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP DAYS WITH LAURIE CAMPBELL IN
ASSOCIATION WITH THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
WEEKENDS OF 1st / 2nd APRIL and the 6th / 7th May 2017.

Overview:

This one day nature photography workshop is designed to show participants how to get the most from whatever photographic equipment they happen to own. Throughout the day, emphasis will be given on the basics of exposure and composition together with help in seeing potential for creative photography in the wide range of natural history and landscapes subjects we may encounter. With a maximum of six places available, Laurie will be able to spend time on a one to one basis with each group member, identifying specific areas where help is needed in order to offer a bespoke service.

The Tutor:

With over thirty years experience, Laurie was Scotland’s first freelance professional nature photographer. He first taught photography in 1978 while undertaking a four-year degree course in the subject at Napier University in Edinburgh. As the winner of many awards, author of several books, his imagery is published worldwide so we are confident of offering quality tuition, whatever your level of expertise. Being local to, and familiar with the area, Laurie is also well placed to find and identify a range of natural history subjects that we will have access to photograph on the day.

Directions:

The workshop days will be run at beautiful Waterston House which is the headquarters of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club in the East Lothian village of Aberlady. For Sat Nav users, the post code is EH32 OPY otherwise if you are travelling east from Edinburgh on the A198 coast road, the building is clearly signposted and set back a little way from the road on the first turning to the left just as you enter the village.

Timing:

The workshop will commence at 10.00 am where tea and coffee will be served whilst Laurie gives a brief introduction to the day and shows examples of the type of subject we may expect to photograph. This will also be the perfect opportunity to learn how to set up camera menus and discuss any other technical points.

Although the workshop will end at 5.00pm, if the weather is fine and the sunset is good there will be the option to stay a little longer!

Location and Content:

The layout of the programme will be decided two days in advance and according to weather conditions. After the indoor briefing, the day will start with a visit to the wildlife garden at Waterston House where there will be the opportunity to practice photographing close-up subjects and birds and to run through camera settings before heading further afield.

After lunch indoors, and weather permitting, we will drive the short distance to Aberlady Bay Local Nature Reserve to look for birds, mammals, close-ups of plants and landscape subjects. If the weather is unsettled then we shall walk the short distance to Gosford Park woods to look for birds, mammals and close-up details in nature. There is also a large ornamental lake in the park containing waterfowl, a heronry and occasionally kingfishers and good evidence of otters and badgers.

Throughout the day, guidance will be given on recognising the field signs of birds and particularly mammals, together with the fieldcraft skills required to approach them without causing any disturbance. Where appropriate, a demonstration will be given to show how to site and introduce an improvised hide using any available natural materials and camouflage. For those who want to learn more, then a full demonstration on a wider variety of propriety hides and materials that Laurie uses will be given back at the car park and towards the close of the workshop day.

What to bring:

There is no need for masses of equipment and we suggest that you only bring what you feel comfortable carrying for the whole day. We won’t be covering great distances and the pace throughout the day will be deliberately slow to ensure that we have time to pause, observe and assess the photographic potential of each interesting subject we encounter.

Apart from a Mirror-less, Bridge or Digital SLR (or film SLR) the following items would be useful (although not essential) are as follows:

Camera Instruction Manual.

Tripod and any means of triggering your camera remotely, such as a cable release.

Any close-up equipment, such as a macro lens, extension tubes or close-up filters.

A single long lens in the 300mm range or longer for photographing birds and any mammals.

Wide angle lens.

A polarising filter and any graduated neutral density graduated filters for landscapes.

Laurie will have a spare tripod, filters, close-up lenses, reflectors available should the need arise.

Do please dress according to the weather forecast and come prepared with waterproof footwear as we may occasionally encounter muddy conditions.

Please also bring a packed lunch. Hot drinks will be provided at the Centre.

Cost & Payment Details:

The price of the workshop is £60.00 and £20.00 deposit is required two weeks in advance to secure a booking. A discount of £5.00 will be given for SOC members.

Cheques made payable to ‘Laurie Campbell Photography’ and sent to the following address please:

Hestia
Paxton
Near Berwick-upon-Tweed
TD15 1TE

Tel:01289 386 736

Mobile: 07825 655 202

Alternatively, we accept PayPal and our email address for this is: laurie@lauriecampbell.com

The balance of the fee will be collected on the day of the workshop. Do please feel free to use any of the above contact details should you have any queries about the workshop and before making a decision to book.