Description/Itinerary
Description
Autumn Photography - Batsford Arboretum _ Gloucestershire
Batsford Arboretum always provides a terrific display of colour, texture and contrasts throughout Autumn. The photography workshops at Batsford are always very popular and give a wide range of topics to photograph.
You may like the close-up details of a leaf, fungi or texture of vibrant bark, or the wider angle views of colours and tree shapes that grace this location. There really is a complete range and choice for everyone here so it's not to be missed.
Batsford Arboretum is home to a unique collection of some of the world's most beautiful and rare trees, shrubs, and bamboos spread across 56 acres.
THE ARBORETUM - HISTORY Batsford Arboretum was the brainchild of Algernon Bertram Freeman-Mitford, who inherited the Batsford estate in 1886. Freeman-Mitford, later the 1st Lord Redesdale, travelled widely throughout the Orient and was heavily influenced by Chinese and Japanese culture, philosophy, and horticulture.
Upon taking possession of Batsford, he created a unique mix of parkland and garden, with groupings of plants in imitation of Chinese style. Redesdale was an expert in bamboos, and many of the bamboo plants you can see today were his plantings.
Redesdale also began to plant unusual varieties of plants and trees, alongside a 600-meter-long watercourse. Included in his vision were a hermit's cave, rockery, and a rest house. The foundation established by Lord Redesdale was greatly expanded by Frederick Hamilton Wills, the 2nd Lord Dulverston, who inherited Batsford in 1956.
It is to Lord Dulverston that Batsford owes a great deal of its appeal today; he added considerably to the collection of trees, creating at Batsford an arboretum of the highest international standards.
THE COLLECTIONS Though the focus of Batsford is truly international, it is in the area of Oriental shrubs and trees that the collection shines. There are over 3,000 labeled plants, trees, and shrubs at Batsford. Notable varieties include oaks, maples, mountain ashes, magnolias, Japanese cherries, bamboos, and pines. Batsford holds the national collection of Japanese Village Cherries.
Itinerary
A brief introduction for 20-30 min and a lesson on basic camera settings, techniques and the things to look for
A 3.5hr guided walk around the best seasonal part of Batsford Arboretum to make images with Alan's support and input.
Alan will guide you on;
Camera Settings
Exposure & Colour Settings
Composition and Framing
Abstract, Close-Up, Macro, Vista and any type of shot you want to create.
Image review and feedback throughout the workshop.
Morning Workshop - 3.5hrs
8:00 - Meet at the Arboretum Building - Introduction & Workshop Briefing
8:15 - Demonstration of settings and composition
8:30 - Practical in arboretum /Observation/Composition/Shooting/Review
09:30 - Optional Coffee/Breakfast Break (take-away)
09:45 - Practical in arboretum Observation/Composition/Shooting/Review
11:30 - Event Finish
11:30 - 12:00 - Lunch (Cafe/Snack Lodge or bring your own)
Afternoon Workshop - 3.5hrs
12:00 - Meet at the Arboretum Building - Introduction & Workshop Briefing
12:15 - Demonstration of settings and composition
12:30 - Practical in arboretum /Observation/Composition/Shooting/Review
A different area of the arboretum from the morning session
15:30 - Event Finish
A complete listing of Batsford Arboretum Photography Workshops can be found here
Booking/Terms
Special Offer
20 % Off Half Day Autumn Photography Workshop £99 instead of £125
23% Off One Day Autumn Photography Workshop £150 instead of £195
There are three options for booking:
3.5hrs morning or afternoon session or the whole day
Morning workshops are from 8 am to 11.30 am
Exclusive access prior to public opening hours for morning workshops
Afternoon workshops are 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm
1 Day - Enjoy double the time for half the price
One Day workshop is 8 am to 3:30 pm
6 Places for each session
Terms
Price includes entrance to the Arboretum and all tuition
Workshop dates are subject to a minimum number of participants (3)
In the event of insufficient bookings or bad weather, alternative dates will be offered.
Maximum group size six attendees.
Participants are responsible for attending with appropriate footwear and are responsible for their own equipment.
Under 16's welcome but must be accompanied by a paying adult.
All bookings must be made in advance through Alan Ranger Photography website - www.alanranger.com/batsford or a ticket purchased in advance from the Arboretum ticket desk.
Bookings are confirmed within 24hrs & joining instructions will be emailed out 4-7 days prior to the event date.
Optional post workshop image review and feedback on your images
Please read my terms and conditions as all bookings made are bound by them.
Difficulty/Equipment
Fitness Level Required - Easy
This trip is rated as easy, meaning that most people with average comfortably be able to deal with the short walks and occasional steps or gradients involved and be comfortable on their feet for the duration of the workshop event.
Experience Level - Beginner to Intermediate
The workshop is suitable for any level, including beginners.
All participants receive 1-2-1 tuition and support on practical workshops so that tutoring can be tailored to the individual’s needs and experience.
No prior knowledge of photography is required as each student will be taught individually, according to their level.
Equipment for this workshop
What to bring:
Your camera, fully charged battery and spare battery if you have one.
Remote Release Cable to take shots without touching the camera.
Any lenses are suitable but if you have a macro and or zoom then bring those as it gives you a better chance to work on close-ups
Tripod (preferable) I can hire you one for the session at the cost of £10 but let me know in advance if you want one.
A polarising filter is useful for removing glare and reflections but not essential
Sensible footwear – it can sometimes be muddy and sticky underfoot so walking boots or trainers with good grip are recommended.
A large sandwich bag and an elastic band to wrap around your camera and lens if we have light rain
A kneeling mat or dustbin liner to put on the ground if you want to kneel or crouch down for ground-level shots
Water, snacks or whatever you need for the event duration
Raincoats or equivalent – we might catch a shower!
Notebook/Paper and pen for note-taking in the theory session
If you have any specific questions regarding equipment please contact me directly or take a look at my recommended products page.
Location
Location
Batsford Arboretum is a 55-acre arboretum and botanical garden near Batsford in Gloucestershire, about 1½ miles north-west of Moreton-in-Marsh. GL56 9AD
Gallery
My Approach
My Objective: Is to Improve Your Photography
“A good teacher gives you a gift for the rest of your life.”
That doesn’t mean “trophy” images – it’s the means to create images you like.
I aim to.
Provide you with an educational, fun, safe, well organised experience.
1. Help you improve your camera craft – settings and use of functions.
2. Help you use your equipment more effectively – lenses, tripods, filters etc.
3. Help you improve your creative thinking and composition.
4. Help you develop an approach to improving your landscape photography.
On this workshop Alan will guide you through:
Thinking more about composition
Using colour, texture, shape and more
Framing and designing the shot
Using camera settings to vary the effects
Learn the impact of using long exposure, shallow depth of field and other techniques.
Recognise correct lighting, contrast and texture to shape and form each shot.
Work with Alan to review your shots, try new ideas and improve your photography.