Ref: SWE41860
Trees have long been Andreas passion and she enjoys photographing them in every season. Autumn, however, offers a particularly rich combination of colour, texture and atmosphere, revealing both the beauty of individual specimens and the character of the wider landscape.
Working in West Deans celebrated Gardens and Arboretum, you will be encouraged to look beyond simple record shots and develop a more thoughtful and creative response to trees. Through observation and guided practical exercises, you will explore shape, structure, rhythm and scale, learning how composition, colour and light can be used to create more compelling images. As photographer for the book At West Dean , Andrea is uniquely placed to introduce participants to some of the estates most remarkable trees and seasonal highlights.
The emphasis throughout the course will be on seeing rather than equipment. Whether using a DSLR, compact camera or smartphone, participants will learn techniques that can be applied with any camera.
Alongside outdoor photography sessions, there will be opportunities to work in the studio, creating still-life compositions using seasonal materials gathered from the gardens. Fruits, foliage, bark, seed heads and other natural treasures will become subjects for creative exploration. Using light pads, you will experiment with translucency, layering and pattern, discovering hidden structures and colours within leaves and plant material. These sessions will encourage a more experimental approach and reveal fresh possibilities for photographic expression.
The first evening will include an illustrated talk featuring examples from Andreas own archive, together with an opportunity for you to share a small selection of their work. Depending on the weather, there may also be opportunities for early-morning photography to capture the special qualities of autumn light and mist.
The course will conclude with an informal critique and image-sharing session. You will leave with new skills, fresh inspiration and a deeper appreciation of trees, together with images that reflect a more creative and personal way of seeing.
N/A
Please bring: a selection of six images you have already taken on a memory card or stick which should include at least one tree in the landscape and details such as foliage, bark and fruit. Minimum size: 1000 pixels along the longest side.
Own laptop if possible, PC or Apple Mac, for reviewing work All related cables and chargers
For DSLR camera-users, please bring any available compatible lenses, ranging from wide angle through to macro.
Portable hard drive storage device (plus connecting leads) for DSLR camera users.
You need to be prepared to walk outside, so please bring appropriate outdoor clothing, including warm comfortable clothes, waterproof outerwear and waterproof walking footwear.
Pen or pencil and notebook. The majority of the time will be spent in the gardens with your camera.
A good variety of art and craft materials are available from the Garden' Gatehouse Shop.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
Andrea studied photography in the South of England. She started her commercial career by buying and selling cameras such as Leicas and Hasselblads, then worked with Dr Jane Goodall in Africa on wildlife projects. These experiences contributed to a diverse range of photographic skills. A spell with fine art photographer Bruce Rae in London sharpened her attention to the subtleties of light.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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