Botanical photography – plant portraits with Kevin Dutton

Photography and digital image manipulation

Ref: SWE29461

Location: West Dean
£300
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About this course

Learn about the historical representation of plants and flowers in the painted and photographic image. Create botanical still life compositions using natural light in the garden and photographic studio.

Course Description

Broaden your photographic skills and discover botanical photography as you explore a range of approaches to develop new photographic skills. Learn about the historical representation of plants and flowers in painting, botanical illustration and photography.

This practical course will begin in the beautiful grounds of West Dean Gardens using natural light, then you will have the opportunity to create your own botanical still life compositions in a studio environment.

Timetable

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)

Course Materials

Included

  • Some cut flowers and plants will be provided.

What students need to bring

  • DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls, camera lenses – a range if possible, tripod and mount
  • Charged batteries (plus spare and charger), memory cards, USB lead (camera to computer connection)
  • Laptop computer (optional)
  • Camera's manual (best option is to download the manual PDF to a mobile device)
  • USB memory stick to save your images to at the end of the course
  • Plants and containers for still life studies (optional)
  • Be prepared to work outdoors, so bring appropriate clothing, footwear, etc.
  • 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.

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • USB Memory sticks

Additional information

Please note that while the tutor will give instruction on getting to grips with Adobe Lightroom CC software, basic computer skills will be assumed. Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Tutors

Kevin Dutton

Kevin Dutton studied at Bretton Hall College in Yorkshire and has over 20 years' experience as a professional photographer. He has worked in the UK and abroad for a variety of editorial, design and business clients including the RHS, The Sunday Times, BBC, HarperCollins and as a tutor at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.