Andy Rouse at Chester Zoo!
It’s a strange experience. You look deep into their eyes and they stare back at you, like they’re trying to figure out what you’re thinking. Despite their blank and almost emotionless expression, the slight look of puzzlement in their eyes as they gaze back at you makes them seem almost human… But that’s enough about the staff at the motorway services.
Andy Rouse’s seminar at Chester Zoo was the biggest one so far from Warehouse Express, with 170 keen photographers packed into the lecture theatre just outside the perimeter of the main zoo. Regardless of the increased numbers however, it was clear from the outset that this event would be no different from any of the previous seminars, with Andy’s enthusiasm and trademark humour keeping all attendees enthralled.
One of Andy’s strong beliefs is that you should take photographs to please yourself rather than anyone else, and that you are proud of the images you capture has been an ongoing theme of these seminars. After demonstrating the techniques and inspiration that help him capture his world class images, Andy turned his attention to the images submitted by the delegates to the Visions of Light Photo Competition. Andy selected the five images he most admired from those submitted and presented them to the audience, taking the time to explain his reasons for choosing each image.
In 5th place was this superb bird shot by Julie Wakeham. Andy’s only suggestion was that more could have been done at the processing stage, but he felt that the composition was spot on.
This glorious light-bathed landscape by Dave Green was Andy’s choice for 4th place. He was particularly impressed by the killer whales poking their nose out of the surf on the right of the shot! Just in case you’re wondering, they’re rocks, but we like the idea of killer whales better!
Brilliant yet simple, the only reservation Andy had about Richard Smith’s flamingo portrait in 3rd place was the white balance. He felt the colour was a little too red, but was highly impressed by the idea and composition.
Idea and composition were also high on the list of things Andy liked about this image by Ffion Spiller, so much so that he put it in 2nd place. He said there were things he may have done to the image slightly differently, but again stressed that the important thing about a photo is that the photographer like it.
Finally, Andy’s first place photograph was this stunning photograph of The Angel of the North by Richard Gosney. It was an original image of an often photographed subject and an appropriate winner for the first of these seminars held towards the top of the country.
In addition, his photograph demonstrated some of the techniques Andy spoke about during his seminar, so a deserving winner. Well done Richard! Here he is collecting his prize.
A two hour break early afternoon gave the attending masses a chance to get some lunch and try out some newly learned skills in and around Chester Zoo. As we were shepherded in through a side gate by helpful men in day-glo jackets, their hi-vis outerwear was unfortunately the brightest aspect of the day. Although the rain was kind enough to hold off, the bitterly cold and overcast weather meant that many of the animals chose to stay indoors. However it gave me a good excuse to drag my colleagues into the considerably warmer reptile house to photograph some of my favourite animals!
Back in the lecture theatre, Andy demonstrated some of his processing and Photoshop techniques before rounding off the day with some more of his inspirational work and a question and answer session.
When one member of the audience thanked Andy on behalf of everybody for coming “up north”, the day was finished by a well deserved round of applause for Andy’s efforts.
Another seminar over, another great success, and another great venue we hope to be coming back to.
If you attended the Visions of Light seminar at Chester Zoo on 31st January 2009, thank you so much for coming, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! Please let us know what you thought by commenting on this article.
Loading ...
I had a marvellous day, listening to and watching Andy Rouse’s presentation. The sad thing for me was my realisation that after 35 years of taking pictures, I’d been doing it all wrong. Nevertheless, there’s still time!!
Thanks for a great day, and I look forward to another.
Geoff DeardenMany thanks Andy,
Tom OwensI enjoyed your presentational style, your forthright views and your tips and techniques.
I’m a big fan of the ring of fire approach and it was good to see it done so well. During the day I thought you had a soft side and that was revealed in your book in the chapter with the penguin chick. Had the Missus in tears too. Just one question I forgot to ask though. Were your trousers waterproof at the knees and jacsky? they looked like they were, and if so are you able to say who the supplier is?
Tom
A very enjoyable day.
It was nice to hear that we don’t always have to use a tripod and the longest lens that a millionaire can buy. Get up close and put the ISO up a bit. Hmm… that works for me.
Thanks
Edd
Eddie HardmanWhat a great day. Big thanks to Andy who was on top form and to you guys at Warehouse. I picked up a few tips as well, looking forward to the next one up north. Thanks Alan S.
Alan SeymourA fantastic day from start to finish. Andy is a really engaging and entertaining presenter and gave me plenty to think about. I came looking for inspiration and ways I could improve my own photography – I got plenty of both. I will certainly be on the look out for the next event – I will get straight in the queue for Andy’s new book next time rather than ‘wait until later’ and miss out!
Tony DanielsGreat seminar leaving lots to think about, and try out. liked Andys slant on photography if you like it take it , if the judge dont like it hard luck for them,
Only downside was not knowing food was not provided, but Ill know for the next time Andy comes north.
Chris SherrattWhat a superb day! Straight talking and awesome photography – a recipe for success! Did I hear mention of a Fieldcraft seminar? Bring it on!
Glad you liked my Killer Whales in Wales Andy. The shot is Criccieth Beach with the castle and the sunset behind me. The light facing East was far better than the sunset!
Dave GA really great day. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Learned loads.
Derek BradshawMany thanks to Andy and the Warehouse Express team. Heres to the next one!!
An excellent day. It’s the first time I have experienced one of Andy’s presentations and I was not disappointed. His enthusiasm and straightforward explanation of his work was a joy to listen to and to see. Of course I bought the book that was on offer and I have spent some hours since enjoying this as well.
David UffindallThanks also to the Warehouse Express team for their work on the day to ensure things ran smoothly.
Yet again a really enthralling, informative seminar at another great location, and as Andy said a recce for further visits. I think looking at different light and positions is slowly sinking in.
Brian ElliottWhilst I appreciate that Slimbridge had food facilities within the same building as the presentation but at Chester they are within the Zoo grounds with no direct access from the Lecture Hall.
I suggest a mention regarding lunch in the original notification would alert attendees that time taken out for food reduces the photo opportunities in the Zoo.
Thanks for a well organised event with knowledgeable staff in attendance and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Without doubt one of the best seminars, if not the best I have ever attended!
Chris JonesInformative ,funny, a great day, thank you Warehouse Express & Andy Rouse, can’t wait for the next one!
Probably the best £40 I’ve ever spent……….I’m a newbie to the DSLR & all that goes with it so the whole day was just fantastic!
I really enjoyed Andy’s straight talking & humour, the easy to understand non techno geek approach was just what I needed!
Can’t wait for the next event….thank you Andy & the Warehouse team.
Dave DaviesWhat a great day out!!!!!
Learned loads, and havent laughed so much for ages.
Looking forward to the offshoot seminars as hinted at by Andy.
Super organisation by everyone concerned.
Currently having Mackerel pockets fitted ……….
David HandWhat a great Seminar !!. Andy was in top form as he walked us all through some of his award winning shots and how he got them. Straight talking and Humourous, no geeky talking, and i bought a signed book too !. Thanks for a great Seminar which will help me with techniques and ” gear “.
Cant wait for another Chance to attend another Seminar.
Anthony ReilyA BRILLIANT DAY, SHAME ABOUT THE LIGHT WHEN WE DID GET OUTSIDE.
TONY HIGNETT