I am happy to talk to you about arranging a beginner’s course. We would start with a coffee and a chat about your knowledge of digital photography, and then spend time at a location to start looking at the best ways to make full use of your cameras functions and settings. I approach things in a very simple, non technical way and teach some skills that you can take away to practise. You would need your DSLR a sturdy tripod with remote release. Filters would be useful if you have them. Fully charged batteries are also a good idea!!
Working with Ian, he brought along an image of an oil rig taken in the North Sea. The image was very flat, and Ian wanted to add as much drama as possible. We looked at cropping the image, and then we went through the various settings in Lightroom to give a surreal, industrial feel to the image. Although very over processed, Ian was happy with his result.
Working with Justine in Salisbury Cathedral, we explored the various methods of obtaining striking images; we looked at using HDR and long exposures to see the different effects achieved. We then spent time in Lightroom to find out how to maximise the RAW files taken. These two images were the most pleasing for Justine; we both loved the movement of the tourists passing by the lens giving an almost ghostly appearance.
“I was privileged to spend a wonderful Saturday morning with David in the spectacular setting of Salisbury Cathedral. Arriving early, before the hoards of eager tourists, David began by showing me the importance of taking one’s time to really see(not simply look at) the surroundings and choose the shot. In the Cloisters, the sun was just beginning to break through the archways and throw some long shadows across the flagstones. We looked for an angle to capture the contrasts of the sunlight and shadows and to lose the majority of the unfortunate modern-day signage!
Ascending the spire tower was quite a climb with equipment in tow but the view was ample reward and to be standing beneath the bell as it chimed out 9.00am was a thrill that put a broad grin on my face.
David was extraordinarily patient with my novice (at best) photography skills and exceptionally tolerant of my dumb questions. I learnt that great quality photography is in the selection of the image, not the volume of them. I had never before experimented with HDR imagery and must confess, I am hooked! The Cathedral was a superb location for this tuition and we were able to achieve stunning colour, light and warmth in our frames, although it became steadily more challenging to ‘lose’ the pedestrians as the morning wore on. And there were moments when I feared for the safety of small and typically oblivious children who insisted on plopping fingers into the glassy waters of the infinity font and condemning us to another 10 minutes waiting for it to settle!
David is a great tutor and a very accomplished photographer with an eye for a shot that breaks from the norm. Time spent in his company with a camera will be hours you will be eager to repeat.”
— Justine