This course is an ideal introduction to garden photography in the grounds and gardens at West Dean in midsummer. Over the weekend, you will learn how to create a well-composed image and the importance of understanding light in photography. The gardens will provide a wealth of potential for all kinds of horticultural subject matter: plants, flowers, fruits, trees, shrubs, grasses, cacti, succulents, etc. The majority of the time will be spent in the gardens with your camera, but you will also be able to download, discuss and edit images on desktop computers in the Estate Boardroom. It is suitable for students using all kinds of digital cameras.
The aims of the course are:
To learn and improve garden photography skills
To gain a greater understanding of how to frame subjects in the garden
To make the most of available light
To enjoy photography and discussion with fellow students
As it is primarily a practical course, most of the time will be spent photographing in West Dean Gardens, working on technical and aesthetic aspects of photography:
General landscape garden composition
Close-up shots of flowers and plants
Using a tripod in the garden
Understanding colour relationships in the garden
There will be ample time for discussion and this flexible course will, to a degree, be tailored to your individual interests.
Please note that weather and temperature may vary. A certain amount of walking is involved on this course carrying your camera equipment, so please come prepared for this. Good footwear and some waterproof clothing are recommended.
Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above
Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)
Included
- No materials (apart from students’ equipment) required.
What students need to bring
- Camera (any kind of digital camera)
- Lenses (optional)
- Battery
- Charger
- Memory Card
- Tripod (optional)
- Laptop (optional)
- Bring a note of your own Adobe ID login. If you don’t already have one, please register for a free account at www.adobe.com prior to the course, and remember to bring the details with you.
- Good footwear and some waterproof clothing are recommended.
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).