RECENT NEWS
Simon Carder wows with wildlife!
A memorable evening that is likely to get us all up with the sun!
09/11/2024
On Thursday members were very privileged to enjoy an inspirational talk from local wildlife photographer, Simon Carder. Living as he does in Paulton, Simon has a wealth of local knowledge, and amazing photographic skills that have deservedly gained him national recognition. Simon was more than generous in sharing both of these, giving invaluable information about where and how to make the best of our cameras, using available light and a range of suitable lenses.
Although a number of members are keen on early starts, in foggy, damp conditions, to capture the dewy wings of resting dragonflies in early morning sun, all were keen to note the times and places where Simon had been so spectacularly successful. Chew Valley and Paulton Basin are familiar destinations, together with Ham Wall and other places on the nearby Levels, but none had fully exploited the opportunities offered at Dundas, Babcary or the gliding centre on the Mendips. I suspect that, in future, the spiders webs of Westbury will draw a few, as well as the birds at Brean Down and Bridgewater Bay.
It was the range of techniques that Simon employs that held the attention of all that heard him. He willingly shared how he regularly uses the rising sun to light the blurred background whilst focussing on his subjects that are perched in the shade, or to create attractive lens flares at an angle, that give his shots their unique atmospheric charm. Simon described techniques used in fog, or when the light is dull and flat, and how, when conditions call for it he goes for high key images using a portable fibre board and a yoga mat!
I personally missed his live talk, but catching up on the recorded version, I was particularly interested in his use of focus stacking/bracketing- a feature I have recently discovered that enhances my macro and still life efforts. Like many other members , I am now highly enthused, and even tempted to venture out before dawn, to try out some of Simon’s ideas.
It was a memorable presentation for which Simon was warmly thanked, that I know will have a huge impact on our merry band.
Jenny Short
November 7th
Although a number of members are keen on early starts, in foggy, damp conditions, to capture the dewy wings of resting dragonflies in early morning sun, all were keen to note the times and places where Simon had been so spectacularly successful. Chew Valley and Paulton Basin are familiar destinations, together with Ham Wall and other places on the nearby Levels, but none had fully exploited the opportunities offered at Dundas, Babcary or the gliding centre on the Mendips. I suspect that, in future, the spiders webs of Westbury will draw a few, as well as the birds at Brean Down and Bridgewater Bay.
It was the range of techniques that Simon employs that held the attention of all that heard him. He willingly shared how he regularly uses the rising sun to light the blurred background whilst focussing on his subjects that are perched in the shade, or to create attractive lens flares at an angle, that give his shots their unique atmospheric charm. Simon described techniques used in fog, or when the light is dull and flat, and how, when conditions call for it he goes for high key images using a portable fibre board and a yoga mat!
I personally missed his live talk, but catching up on the recorded version, I was particularly interested in his use of focus stacking/bracketing- a feature I have recently discovered that enhances my macro and still life efforts. Like many other members , I am now highly enthused, and even tempted to venture out before dawn, to try out some of Simon’s ideas.
It was a memorable presentation for which Simon was warmly thanked, that I know will have a huge impact on our merry band.
Jenny Short
November 7th