Hi – I have gone back to ’school’ and signed up for the DSLR Skills course run by Practical Photography magazine. As part of the course we are encouraged to find ‘Study Buddy’s’, fellow students on whom we can rely on for support, feedback and friendship.
Our first get-together was at Leeds Castle on Thursday 11th March. It was a cold day – and there were only 3 of us present, myself, Trevor and Cath. So I took a couple of portrait shots to start off with:
Trevor
Cath
After introductions over an over priced coffee at the Castle Entrance we set off to see what we could shoot…
Talking Photography
Stopping by the bridge – Trevor and Cath immediately get into deep technical discussions (I think…)!
The first wildlife soon appeared:
A peacock struts its stuff
No fear from this particular bird – but insisted on moving making it difficult to get a great shot.
Peahen in all her glory
This peahen however, seemed to like posing and was much more co-operative… animal lovers may correct me if it isn’t a peahen, as might be an albino peacock!!
Fantail
From a different angle…
Still Showing Off
Nothing inspirational here – but I like messing about with tones.
Cool Tone
Trevor and Cath
Trevor eyeing me suspiciously as Cath tries to find an angle.
Close-up (uncertain vegetation).
For the next series of shots I decided to practice some close-up shot and try and capture some textures…
B&W Close-up
B&W can save the day when t he light is dull…
B&W Tree in Silhouette
A silhouette type shot and a high contrast shot of a tree trunk.
Stark Tree
Of course we couldn’t forget the Snowdrops:
Snowdrops
Snowdrops
Photography is about uncomfortable positions
Reflection with cool tone
More messing about with tones and Lightroom presets….
Female Bust (Sepia tone)
A shot of the statuary.
Black Swan
Finished up with a shot of a Black Swan who obligingly approached us as we headed towards the exit after another cup of over priced coffee at the cafe in the Courtyard.
All-in-all, a thoroughly enjoyable day despite the cold and often dull light. Thanks to Cath and Trevor for an enjoyable pint in The George just up the road from the castle. I am definitely looking forward to more study buddy sessions.
That’s all folks – more soon…
Rick
