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Nature Ramble & Macro Photography at RSPB Conwy – North Wales
Nature Ramble & Macro Photography at RSPB Conwy – North Wales
Explore the serene beauty of early summer with our Nature Ramble & Macro Photography session at RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve in North Wales. Nestled along the Conwy estuary, this wetland sanctuary, originally excavated during the construction of the A55 road tunnel, now teems with diverse wildlife. From expansive landscapes to intricate macro shots and vibrant flora and fauna, every corner offers a photographer’s paradise. Join our Welshot photography workshop to refine your skills in macro photography, harnessing light and mastering shutter speeds, ensuring you capture breathtaking compositions and the dynamic essence of this picturesque location.
Further information about the Conwy RSPB can be found here.
Follow the trails through mixed scrub and grassland, dotted with temporary pools – loved by dragonflies and butterflies – and colourful with orchids in summer. Look out for the rare coccinea form of Early Marsh-orchid and the bumblebee-mimicking Bee Orchid. The final part of the circular trail takes you along the edge of the estuary, overlooking mudflats and saltmarsh, with a backdrop of the Carneddau mountains beyond.
The lagoons provide a refuge for hundreds of waders that move off the estuary at high tide. Vegetation on the islands is cut short each autumn to make them suitable for roosting Curlews, Redshanks and grazing Wigeons. We reshape the islands, from time to time, making sure there are plenty of muddy edges for waders to feed. Water in the lagoons is fresh, not tidal, so we rely on rainfall to fill it during the winter, with additional water pumped from the nearby Afon Ganol.
The southern half of the reserve is grazed year-round by Carneddau Mountain Ponies, a hardy local mountain breed, happy to eat grass, bramble, rush and reeds. They break up the habitat, keeping it in good condition for a variety of wildlife, particularly pioneering flowers that like the low-nutrient soil, and moths whose caterpillars live in the reedbeds and grassland. The ponies’ manure is great for beetles and flies, so good for birds too.
Main Image Credit: Louisa Crossley
You Will Learn
- Understanding Macro Photography:
- Learn the basics of macro (and close-up) photography, including the technical and creative aspects that make this genre so unique.
- Techniques for Capturing Detail:
- Master the art of lighting for close-up shots, learning how to use natural and artificial light to enhance your images and bring out fine details.
- Composition and Framing:
- Learn how to compose your shots effectively, using principles like the rule of thirds and leading lines to create visually appealing images.
- Focus Stacking:
- Understand the process of focus stacking, a technique that allows you to capture greater depth of field and ensure sharpness across your subject.
- Using Camera Settings for Close-up Shots:
- Get hands-on experience with key camera settings, such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, tailored for macro photography.
- Working with Subjects:
- Learn how to photograph a variety of macro subjects, including ethically sourced bugs, insects, flowers, and man-made objects, with a focus on ethical practices and care for the environment.
- Overcoming Weather Challenges:
- Learn how to adapt your photography techniques for indoor settings, ensuring you can create stunning images regardless of weather conditions.
Beginner to photography? We’re here for you.
Whether you are a beginner to photography, a photographer who would like to try a new genre, learn a new technique or skill, or, a more advanced photographer who wants to build their image portfolio, you will be made welcome, and we would love to help you get the best out of your camera.
The Welshot Team will be at hand throughout this Nature Ramble & Macro Photography at RSPB Conwy – North Wales event to assist and help you get the best from your camera, so you can leave at the end of this session with memory cards full of beautiful photographs and great memories having learned a thing or three about photography and your camera.
Event Schedule
10:30 – Meet – Conwy RSPB – Welcome over a coffee – outline of the day, what you can expect and a chance to say what you would like to learn
11:00 – Nature Ramble / Photography starts with One to One and Group tuition
13:00 – Lunch – Not included – Q&A session, review of images, a chance to get any specific help you need
14:00 – Masterclass – Learning how to work with composition / light / shutter speeds to capture movement and ICM (Intentional Camera Movement)
15:00 – Nature Ramble / Photography continues with One to One and Group tuition
16:30 – Finish
Please Bring
- Camera and lenses suitable for this event.
- Spare Batteries and Memory Card
- Tripod / Cable release if you have one.
- Refreshments – Snacks or drinks if you think you will require during the event.
- A list of ideas, help, questions etc that you would like to discuss with Welshot Team Leaders.
Please Note
- Entrance fees, food or drink are not included in the cost of this event
- This is an outdoors event. Please make sure you come dressed appropriately.
- If Welshot decides to postpone this event due to bad weather conditions, you will be given several options regarding your booking.
- Voucher spaces are limited – Bookings made using a voucher/coupon code are non-transferable and non-refundable.
- In accordance with our Terms of Service – We may need to make changes to this event – We will do all we can to inform you as soon as possible.
