This course is designed for those who love gardens and photography. During this spring weekend we will visit two, maybe three gardens on the Essex Suffolk Border. We will explore the art of producing high quality, well-composed images. Learn how to make the most of the available light to enrich vistas, plant portraits and abstract details of patterns and texture. The emphasis of the workshop is to grasp how to see and compose images in-camera without the need of post image manipulation. It is suitable for those who have a digital SLR or advanced compact camera.
Most of the weekend will be devoted to photography. Time will be spent honing your techniques to take stunning vistas, spring bulbs and blossom and close up details. We will work through a series of projects designed to develop the ‘seeing eye’, compose stronger images and gain a greater understand of how our camera works. We will observe how different viewpoints and variable lighting influences the overall impact of your image. As well as considering the importance of the horizon line how it position influences how you view the picture. There will be time to explore the various option for taking close-up images, whether to us a special macro lens, close-up filters or the dedicated macro setting on your camera.
During the weekend you will mastera greater control over your camera, understand and use exposure compensation and different ISO settings. Gain an increased awareness of how the available light influences the overall image. There will be plenty of time to download your pictures and we will end each day with a group review of everyone’s favourite six images.
Be prepared for one early morning photography session to capture the hedgerow flowers in the early morning dew.
Jacqui Hurst specialises in photographing gardens, regional foods, applied arts and designer makers at work. Most of her work is shot on location, using natural light wherever possible. Over the past 18 years her pictures have appeared in numerous exhibitions, books, magazines and newspapers. You can see examples of her work at
Again, please note that you should bring a fairly high specification camera – this is not a course for ‘point and shoot’ cameras! Please ensure that your camera is in good working order and that you have a fully charged battery and a spare if possible. Please also bring:
- your camera manual – often very useful!
- a picture from a book, magazine or website that you find inspirational and are willing to share with the group
- blank memory cards
- battery charger
- tripod – optional
- USB memory stick (at least 1Gb) for storing images from a PC
- notebook
- large bin bag
- if you have a laptop computeror tablet bring it along
Afternoon tea on Friday is available from 1600, but the first formal activity is dinner at 1900 (with the bar open from 1845!).
Residents: Please aim to arrive between 1600 and 1800 on Friday to allow us sufficient time to show you to your accommodation and around the communal areas
Non-residents: You do not need to arrive quite so early but please can you be here by 1800 as we need to show you the communal areas as well
The course ends at 1600 on Sunday.
Residential course fee includes:
- Full board accommodation including cooked breakfast, picnic lunch, homemade cakes and an evening meal. Vegetarian and other dietary option available.
- Up to 8 hours teaching time a day, plus relaxing breaks for meals and refreshments.
- Tea and coffee making facilities available throughout the day.
- Use of resources including library, workrooms, studios and the Centre grounds.
- Transport during the courses.
- Insurance to cover cancellation, personal belongings, personal accident, legal liability and medical emergency.
If you choose to be a non-resident on a residential course, the fee will include all the above except accommodation and breakfast.
Bookings can be made by telephoning the Centre; we are open 0930 – 1700 weekdays and most weekends. Alternatively, bookings can be made via our website: