Summer garden photography with Kevin Dutton

Ref: SWE36185

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Places available

About this course

Learn about garden photography in the beautiful setting of West Dean Gardens, exploring composition and natural light. Suitable for photographers with all kinds of digital cameras.

Course Description

This course is an ideal introduction to garden photography in the grounds and gardens at West Dean in midsummer. Over the weekend, you will learn how to create a well-composed image and the importance of understanding light in photography. The gardens will provide a wealth of potential for all kinds of horticultural subject matter: plants, flowers, fruits, trees, shrubs, grasses, cacti, succulents, etc. The majority of the time will be spent in the gardens with your camera, but you will also be able to download, discuss and edit images on desktop computers in the Estate Boardroom. It is suitable for students using all kinds of digital cameras.

The aims of the course are:

To learn and improve garden photography skills To gain a greater understanding of how to frame subjects in the garden To make the most of available light To enjoy photography and discussion with fellow students

As it is primarily a practical course, most of the time will be spent photographing in West Dean Gardens, working on technical and aesthetic aspects of photography:

General landscape garden composition Close-up shots of flowers and plants Using a tripod in the garden Understanding colour relationships in the garden

There will be ample time for discussion and this flexible course will, to a degree, be tailored to your individual interests.

Please note that weather and temperature may vary. A certain amount of walking is involved on this course carrying your camera equipment, so please come prepared for this. Good footwear and some waterproof clothing are recommended.

Course Materials

What students need to bring

  • Camera (any kind of digital camera)

  • Lenses (optional)

  • Battery

  • Charger

  • Memory Card

  • Tripod (optional)

  • Laptop (optional)

  • USB (large storage capacity) or portable hard drive storage device (plus connecting leads)

  • Bring a note of your own Adobe ID login. If you don’t already have one, please register for a free account at www.adobe.com prior to the course, and remember to bring the details with you.

  • Good footwear and some waterproof clothing are recommended.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Timetable

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

General Information

Tutors

Kevin Dutton

Kevin Dutton studied at Bretton Hall College in Yorkshire and has over 20 years' experience as a professional photographer. He has worked in the UK and abroad for a variety of editorial, design and business clients including the RHS, The Sunday Times, BBC, HarperCollins and as a tutor at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.