Capture Professional Looking Images
This photographic workshop has been designed for the lovers of birds of prey photography. It is held at the English School Of Falconry near Bedford, and has been designed to give you the opportunity to capture professional looking images of these wonderful birds. The English School of Falconry has recently relocated to a new venue at Wilstead – a few miles away from its original location. There are some really beautiful backdrops and the photographs are very different to those taken at the old venue.
Bird Photography – Tips and Techniques
The day begins with a short tutorial on photography, giving an insight into the techniques specifically used for bird photography. Feel free, however, to ask as many questions as you like on a one to one basis throughout the day regarding these techniques.
Group Numbers Strictly Limited
Group numbers will be strictly limited so that everybody gets a great position. General and/or individual advice will be given each time we choose a new subject.
New Location
The English School of Falconry moved to new premises in 2014. These are less than ten miles away from their old location, but provide completely different backdrops to those at Old Warden. Many of the set-ups are now done with a beautiful backdrop of soft brown reeds. The reeds really make our subjects stand out and the photographs really are stunning different.
Private Birds of Prey Flying Displays
Throughout the day we will enjoy private flying displays and photograph various birds in natural settings. We will also, where beneficial, photograph the public displays. We will concentrate on photographing British birds, but will include non-residents also. Our subjects will include various Owls, Hawks, Eagles, Falcons, Kestrels and Vultures.
Birds on a Regular Pre-Planned Flight-Path
We will commence our in-flight sessions with barn owls. These birds usually fly on a regular pre-planned flight-path, and are possibly the slowest birds that we shall see fly today. They therefore make the best subjects on which to learn or perfect your techniques, and give you the best opportunity to take that perfect flying shot.
Natural “in the wild” Photography
Between the flying displays, we make the most of some great settings to photograph the static birds. The barn owl looks stunning on a nearby gravestone, and great on a thatch roof and in a stone archway. We are surrounded by woodland, which we will use to great effect with other species. Here we will do our best to hide the jesses, to give the appearance of a real “in the wild” photograph.
Photograph a Long Eared Owl
There is a wonderful recent addition to the collection of birds here. It is an absolutely stunning Long Eared Owl. It is normally very difficult to find a venue where we can photograph this species. We will photograph the bird, static, in a beautiful woodland setting and also in flight. These photographs will make a great addition to any portfolio.
Recommendation
I thought Saturday at the Bird of Prey centre was excellent value. There was an endless stream of photographic opportunities, and a high proportion of exclusive access to the magnificent birds. I have not seen the results yet (the joys of film!) but know I have captured some terrific images. I thought the staff at the centre were very accommodating and could not do enough for us. Regards, Phil.
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Typical Itinerary
09.30 Meet and greet. Teas / coffees.
09.45 Group tuition and safety briefing
10.30 to 1.00 Photograph various birds of prey perched in photogenic locations or in flight under controlled conditions. One to one tuition as required. We will choose the best available lighting conditions throughout the day for the flight shots.
1.00 to 2.00 Lunch (provided)
2.00 to 5.00 Photograph various birds of prey perched in photogenic locations or in flight under controlled conditions. One to one tuition as required. We will choose the best available lighting conditions throughout the day for the flight shots. We will normally include the public flying demonstration at 3.00
5.00 Venue closes
Dates & Costs 2019
Cancelled due to Covid-19
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