Andy Rouse Visions of Light Seminar
On Sunday 26th October 2008, a deluge of enthusiastic photographers and Andy Rouse fans hit the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust in Slimbridge, Gloucestershire for the first in the series of Andy Rouse Visions of Light seminars organised by Warehouse Express.
Kicking off at 10am, Andy entertained the packed room with anecdotes from his years of experience, giving fantastic tips on how to best use light.
When the morning session broke for coffee, everyone spilled out of the seminar room only to discover that photographers weren’t the only deluge to hit Slimbridge that day. The rain was coming down steadily, making it look like there wouldn’t be much chance of getting out into the reserve and checking out some of the fantastic wildlife in the lunch break. Fortunately, by the time 12.30pm came around, the sun was peeking out from behind the clouds and in the hour and a half break given for lunch, seminar attendees could be seen scattered across the reserve taking pictures, and no doubt using some of the tips learned that morning!
Visions of Light Photo Competition
After lunch it was time for the results of the Visions of Light Photo Competition. Since the seminar was announced, attendees had been dutifully submitting their shots and Warehouse Express would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took the time and effort to enter a photograph in the competition! Andy was very impressed with the results and the following photos are Andy’s top six.
In sixth place was Clare Woolford’s image of this beautiful sunrise over Letchlade. Well done Clare!
Karen Bradley took fifth place with her atmospheric monochrome shot of a red deer stag. Well done Karen!
In fourth place was Helen Flaherty’s bird silhouetted against a gorgeous orange sky. Well done Helen!
Clive Mowforth took third place with this challenging image of a house sparrow, which got a special commendation from Andy. Well done Clive!
In second place, was a lovely shot of one of Slimbridge’s very own moorhens by flickr username daveh19854, who captured this charming reflection. Well done Dave!
Finally, a big congratulations to Gary Beers who took first place with his stunning silhouette shot of a Razorbill at sunset.
Gary received a £100 Warehouse Express voucher for making it into the pole position.
“Andy was on top form today and it was a good learning excercise,” said Gary, “Winning the photo competition was an unexpected bonus!”
In the afternoon Andy focused on workflow, with a real-time demonstration of how he edits his images, a great insight into the brutality of the editing process of a professional photographer. During the process Andy recommended certain tools and add-ons that he uses which really speed up and aid image editing.
The response to the day was excellent, with everyone who attended having a great time.
“The kind of photography i do is very different to this, but I’m looking to retire and take up wildlife photography as a hobby. Today was very informative, it’s been very interesting, really good!” – Tom Perry
“In particular, the processing side this afternoon was very good. It was really interesting to see what the pros do.”
“Thank you for the seminar, it was very educational and the WEX staff helped things to run smoothly.” – Gary Beers and Ross Andrews
“Really enjoyable day, Andy was brilliant.”
“A great day – very entertaining, and an education too!” – Matt Fairview
If you attended the Visions of Light seminar at Slimbridge on 26th October 2008, 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.“I’ve had a great day, I’m seeing Andy again later this week!”
(3 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)
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As always, I found Andy’s comments useful & thought provoking. His photos are truly inspiring but intimidating at the same time! But that’s what it’s all about – learning from the pros & trying to get better all the time. Thanks for a great day.
Andrew AldridgeThanks for a great day. Informative, interesting, enjoyable and helpful. Great to see a professional willing to be so open about what he does, and how. Thanks all.
Helen FlahertyIf there is anyone hesitating about coming along to one of Andy’s seminars then I would advise them to do it. A truely inspiring event, and a wonderful day.
John KnightI had a very enjoyable day and I felt that I learned a lot too. I am still awestruck by Andy’s photo of tigers fighting – it was sensational and I hope it wins him the jewel in the crown of competitions. It was very encouraging to hear that it is Andy’s love of wildlife that motivates him as that is how it should be. Andy can you run a bespoke photography trip for the less well heeled please?
Mary PearsThanks for an entertaining and very informative practical talk at a great location.
Brian ElliottDefinitely Andy doing what he enjoys with a passion.
Certainly after listening to his sensible comment this should be making my ‘blurs’ get better.
An excellent report, with lots of good info for keen snappers. The only really bad photo is the one of the pair of scruffy blokes carrying out some sort of presentation ceremony.
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Archibald KnoxA good informative and entertaining day, the venue was also very good. It would be great to have more similar days, but could they be south of the Tamar, we feel a little bit neglected down this corner, perhaps Joe Cornish and Andy could pay us a joint visit.
Bill JonesThanks for a great day out.
Bill Jones.
It really was a fantastic day, not only hugely informative and inspiring, but thoroughly entertaining as well. It was great to get an insight into Andy’s take on photography instead of just getting quoted all the kind of textbook rules that so often get preached these days and it really opened my eyes to just how very ‘ordinary’ most of my photos including ones I used to consider some of my best really are. It has given me a lot to take away and think about and I intend to make sure enough of it takes root to help me grow as a photographer. Many thanks to Andy and of course WEX for organising the seminar, that £25 voucher is burning a hole in my pocket as I type!!
James BylettI attended the recent visions of life seminar with andy rouse,for me this man has,is inspiring me to take better pictures,the photographic world should thank this man for what he’s doing for wildlife/photography not run him down for what he said,or what equipment he uses! I am an aspiring amateur photographer and have learned so much from his recent book “concepts of nature”and his talks,keep up the good work andy,and if you read this good luck and i hope you get every bit of credit,i spoke to you about the imagine on page 111 of the for mentioned book,i asked you loads of questions(tall,shavened him,600mm lens)i only hope you change your mind about doing uk workshops so people like me can learn,and if you ever need someone to carry your gear on one of your trips drop me an email!ha ha,all the best and thank you for a great day!and warehouse express start some sort of camera club etc with this man to help all the budding andy rouses out there!Best Wishes andy+team, craig jones
craig joneshi all and andy,
john thompsoni found the whole seminar a true inspiration ive been afraid to use raw which was one of the reasons i went.but now i intend only shooting in raw .i have moved away from shooting wild life lately mainly due to time constaints, i do enjoy photographing most things in good light . the seminar has inspired me to spend more time watching and photographing what i love most,the natural world and i have applied for a job at the bbc for a nature film maker .i dont stand much chance but you cant win it if your not in it.i find andy a breath of fresh air he is so down to earth and there are no aires and graces with him he just says what he thinks ,its some thing which has got me into trouble at work alot so i appreciate people who speak there minds.please feel free to visit my web site which i have just recently started .i was going to give andy my card but i was too shy was i the only one ?? happy shooting
can any one remember who does andy’s printing ????
john thompsonThe printing is by http://www.actpix.com, they are reliable, excellent quality and provide an online framing service which is really cool!
andy rouseThanks for a great day. It’s good to have a presenter who is both knowledgeableand passionate about his subject but who can also convey his views with great humour.
When are you doing more?
It’s a pity the projection facility wasn’t as good as Andy wanted as having seen some of the same photos at his lecture at Abergavenny last Saturday the difference was amazing.
John Farthing