SOMERSET LEVELS HAM WALL BIRDING SPECIAL - Info Page
Exmoor Wildlife Photography Course
Bird Photography Lessons with the experts on the Somerset levels, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. This is an excellent location for bird photography and tuition will include birds in flight.
book now FOR 2024
FAQS:
This photography workshop is operated by Exmoor Photography Ltd and is not connected to the RSPB or their staff, although they are aware of our visits.
This workshop must be booked in advance (as with all our workshops) please do not just turn up.
Locations: Somerset Levels
Please See What You Will Learn Below
Ideally you have the following equipment for this workshop:
If you’re not sure, please ask Jack for advice when you book. We also have cameras that you can hire on your course day, subject to availability.
Exmoor Photography Course Somerset Levels Ham Wall Special:
Do you sometimes get frustrated that the images you take doesn’t always do justice to what you are looking at?
Would you like to get you your camera off auto and start to use and understand the other shooting modes?
Perhaps you are planning a once in a lifetime trip abroad like a Safari or a family holiday and want to capture those precious memories feeling more confident with your camera.
This bird photography special is for complete beginners up to an intermediate level.
Professional photographer Rupert 'Jack' Clegg will take you through most useful settings on your camera and show you all the additional settings and features listed (see what you will learn). The Course numbers are limited to a maximum of two, so you will have all the one-to-one time you require, with Jack and Alison. We completely understand that using unfamiliar settings on your camera can seem very daunting. The tuition and guidance we provide will give you the confidence and knowledge in a friendly relaxed environment at your own pace. We will never make you feel awkward or embarrassed if you don’t understand something straight away and guarantee you will finish the day knowing more than you did when you started and will take you to a new level of understanding photography.
We will be visiting several locations on the Somerset Levels an area renowned for its stunning beauty, birds & wildlife. During Jacks visits, he has regularly seen Bittern, Grebes, Hobbies, and Cuckoo, all sorts of duck, waders, warblers and finches. Oh, and not forgetting the occasional Otter, Fox, Roe Deer, Hare and Kingfisher! “I visit the Somerset Levels as often as I can, not only is there usually lots of wildlife and birds to photograph, but it is also a very good place to unwind and get in touch with nature.” Jack
Jack has been visiting the Somerset Levels since the early 80's so he is very familiar with all the best locations.
We will show you various photography techniques as per the ‘what you learn’, however during this Special there will be an emphasis on capturing BIF's (birds in flight).
Additional Info Ham Wall Special:
Jack has produced a brand-new Somerset Levels Birding Special field guide booklet (yours to keep), that you will be given at the 'meet & greet' at the beginning of your day. The field guide now also includes a supplement dedicated to BIF (birds in flight) photography. This is yours to keep and provide a useful reference for you to use, next time you take your camera out on your own.
Please note that customers attending this course should be aware that to get the most from it you should be able to walk a minimum of 1 mile unaided, as the walks can often be quite strenuous and over rough terrain. Jamie will complete several walks around the reserve with you during your visit.
Jack and Jamie are in constant communication via radios and will update each other with any sightings. There will be plenty of time with Jack to cover the course notes during the day.
Jack advises having a camera or lens that is at least the equivalent of a 500mm lens for Wildlife Photography. So, for example a D-SLR/mirrorless with a 500mm or Bridge camera (not recommended) with at least a 20x optical zoom lens, which will give roughly 600mm (35mm equivalent). If using a mirrorless system micro 4/3 you will need at least a 400mm lens (a 300mm is not recommended). The Sigma 150-600 mm is ideal for this course. If you’re not sure, please ask Jack for advice. We also have cameras and lenses you can hire if required, must be booked prior to course, subject to availability. We also have tripods and monopods that you are welcome to use, I often find a monopod is more practicable, so please bring yours if you have one. It is essential that you wear dark clothing and hat, preferably camouflaged waterproof/warm jacket. We also strongly advise not wearing any ‘smelly' deodorant or perfume on the day.
It is also essential that course participants understand that all subjects are wild, therefore the emphasis will always be about as little or no disturbance of them as is possible. Jamie will always endeavour to get you close enough to photograph them, but this is not guaranteed.
They are designed to educate, be fun, relaxed, and hopefully enjoyable! We pride ourselves on providing first class customer service here at Exmoor Photography, something that is supported by our customer reviews.
Lunch and hot/cold beverages are included. Lunch and hot/cold beverages are included.
There is also always a supply of Alison's legendary flapjack & homemade cakes. It is also essential that course participants understand that all subjects are wild, therefore the emphasis will always be about as little or no disturbance of them as is possible. Jamie will always endeavour to get you close enough to photograph them, but this is not guaranteed.
Sorry, but we do not take other professional photographers on this course.
What You Will Learn Ham Wall Special:
Our Vehicle:
Jack was trained to a very high ‘advanced’ standard to drive while in the service.
We use a new Ford Kuga Hybrid that will comfortably seat 3 guests and their equipment, the vehicle is maintained to a very high standard, it has dual zone air conditioning for your comfort and heated seats! The vehicle is fitted with a ‘cold climate pack’ heated windscreen etc. Although we do not intend to go ‘off road’ and ‘bounce’ you and your camera equipment about while on the course, the vehicle is fitted with ‘all weather’ tyres that give enhanced traction. We carry a BSI compliant (BS-8599-1) first aid kit on board & a fire extinguisher.
Thank you for contacting us. We will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within 24hrs.
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