Welcome to our Photoshoot Page, where you can see what we get up to when we are let loose on the world!

We often organise photoshoots & workshops outside of Club hours, both indoors and out. We are occasionally joined by other experienced photographers who offer assistance and advice along the way.

Workshops with Tony Worobiec

Last week saw members travelling to the Wareham area to take part in worshops with Tony Worobiec.

Tony is a very well known and respected photographer, so it was a real treat.

The beautiful autumn colours were still in abundance and each day had something to offer weather wise and some fab images were to be had on both days, as you can see.

Thank you Tony, for your patience and upbeat assistance.

Abbotsbury

Saturday the 8th saw our October photoshoot at Abbotsbury which was well attended with some members bringing their partners.

The weather was very pleasant with lovely warm sunshine throughout the day. We started with coffee in the Sub-Tropical Gardens and then went on to explore the 30 acres of magnificent woodland with fauna and flora of many species not to be found elsewhere in the UK .

There were also various statues depicting some nursery rhymes and fables. A lot to photograph. Even more so as some went on to to the Swannery for a shoot there.

But that was not all, as there are ruins to see and if you were feeling energetic a climb to St. Catherine’s Chapel was also there for the taking.

 

Beer

Another great location for a photoshoot which was well attended by members and the weather was perfect for a coastal visit, the sea was so calm that the waves just lapped the shore.

Fishing boats on the pebbled beach, white cliff, colourful beach huts and a picturesque village gave a wonderful opportunity for a variety of photos.

We had a convivial lunch on the beach and finished the day with an ice cream. A social day out with our friends progressing their hobby and having fun.

Somerset Levels and Wells

From Paul:

On Saturday, Elizabeth and I went to the Ham Wall Nature Reserve on the Somerset Levels to explore the wildlife.

In order to avoid the worst of the heat I got there for 7am and a slightly brisk 13 degrees (in my t-shirt) which warmed up nicely as the morning progressed. On route I could see the low lying mist hovering over the levels and hoped I would get some very atmospheric photos, but by the time I got there it had all disappeared, which was a real shame.

I briefly met Elizabeth on my way back to the car park just gone 9am and was hoping to go back out again, but decided against it – the temperature was rising and I didn’t really think I was going to be there at the best part of the day, but I would certainly love to go back for a sunrise or sunset visit.

Elizabeth had the following to say about her experience:

For a number of reasons, there were sadly only two members going on the Ham Wall/Glastonbury/Wells photoshoot on Saturday 16 July and I was one of them! I thought that finding Paul at the RSPB Ham Wall site would be like looking for a needle in a haystack, but miraculously we bumped into each other within five minutes of my 9am arrival, Paul having arrived considerably earlier (7am!).
Photography was a challenge! The reeds had not been cut back and so finding viewing points was not easy. There were not many birds to be seen, but there was plenty to hear! Insects buzzing, birds calling and various other forms of wildlife doing their thing: gorgeous.

The image of the deer exemplifies what can happen on photoshoots! Alone in the middle of nowhere I suddenly heard really loud rustling in the reeds and couldn’t think what it might be. Right in front of me out jumped a couple of muntjac, absolutely terrified as the eye of one of them shows. A poor image but a good memento of a very enjoyable few hours.”

Many thanks to Peter for putting so much into providing us with info and such a shame that circumstances prevented more support. Both Elizabeth and I felt another visit should definitely be agreed at some point.

Bridport & West Bay

A great day at Bridport & West Bay with glorious sunshine, plenty of people and stalls.  The only downside was the few members turning up.

We had time for a bit of silliness, coffee and lunch later. We also met the current owner of the oldest family business in Britain.

What a vibrant little town, a great place for a short morning/day out with the sea just a short drive.

The B&W image was taken a week before.

Sparkford Bluebell Woods

23/04/22

Quite a few of us met at Sparkford Woods near Haynes Motor Museum, and some went later in the afternoon.

The bluebells were a sight to behold, a carpet of blue.  The weather was a little overcast mostly but the sun peeped through fleetingly.

After a couple of hours in the woods, some of us met up for a coffee at Haynes cafe and some indugled in large slices of yummy cake!  It was great to have a natter of course.

Thank you Peter for organising this.

More pics to follow….

Mells Photoshoot

16/03/22

Write Up from Paul –

‘Last Wednesday (yes, the only day it rained last week, non-stop!) 4 of the most hardy souls (Peter, Anders, David B and myself) braved the elements to wander around Mells and the river valley. When I say wander around Mells, we went to the church and back . Then into the cafe for a long and delicious lunch. After that, still raining of course, Peter and I decided to persevere and walk the river valley path with some lovely views of the river, moss-covered trees and the old Fussell’s Iron Works.

We were fortunate to bump into the owner of the land encompassing the Lower iron works buildings. He took us on a tour around the buildings and explained that he was restoring the turbine, building and waterwheels as well as renovating the main building with the intention of living there at some point and running only on power generated by the turbine. He and his small team had already cleared out many of the tunnels – by hand! They’ve certainly got an awful lot of hard work ahead of them! Fascinating stuff.

Peter and I walked a little further before deciding it was time to head back. It was gone 4 o’clock!

PS. I have to admit that I enjoyed the company and the walk more that day than taking photos in the incessant rain, but at least I saw an otter and a kingfisher. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera at the ready. Oh, and Pam popped by to say hello and cheer us up.’

 

 

Savernake Forest Workshop with Paul Mitchell

12/11/21

 

An early start and a long day for the 10 members on a very memorable day at Savernake Forest Wiltshire. 

A 6am start in heavy rain did not deter anyone. On arrival the rain had stopped and were greeted by Paul Mitchell who gave us a briefing of the day’s workshop. 

Early on we had a short downpour which lasted for less than a minute and thereafter we had an overcast day with the odd sunny spell which was ideal for a photoshoot. 

We concluded the workshop at 4pm having had a great day, learning a lot and with some excellent images in our cameras. 

 

Lyme Regis Photoshoot

22/09/21

For our latest photoshoot, we travelled to the beautiful town of Lyme Regis.  The town and beaches were full of folk enjoying the warm autumn sunshine, a wonderful sight to see.

We wandered off in groups, pairs or on our own and came back with some really great images.

Peter had very kindly organised for us all to have an ice cream, and what a welcome cool down that was!  Thanks for that Peter, and for organising the day so well, yet again.

Frome Photoshoot

19/08/21

Our latest photoshoot took place in Frome. Thanks to Peter, yet again, for organising it.

There was a lot of potential for street photography and some very interesting buildings.  Surrounded by so much history,  it was a very interesting place to visit.

There was clearly a lot of colour around but, as you will see by the images from the day, many opted to either take or convert to black and white or to add an aged filter, both to great effect.

This was the last shoot of the summer break, but there is one scheduled for next month to Lyme Regis.  Look out for more details nearer the date.

 

Pitcombe Rock Falconry

14/07/21

We had a fabulous photoshoot in Bruton at Pitcombe Rock Falconry last week. Thank you so much Peter for organising such a great shoot.

Alan, who runs the rescue/falconry centre, made us feel very welcome, gave us an introduction to how the place worked, and then invited us to take images of the various birds on their perches and at rest.

With so much knowledge to share, we were very attentive auduance, but the most thrilling part of the evening was to see the birds fly.
As you will see from some of the images, it was absolutely brilliant! To see an eagle fly so close to you was a sight to behold, if not a tad unnerving! Alan was in complete control the whole time and always put the welfare of the birds first.

This really is a fantastic place, full of rescued birds of all shapes and sizes. You can find out all the latest news and events on their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pitcomberockfalconry

21/06/20

Bruton Shoot

On Tuesday 21st June, members went to the lovely town of Bruton for a photoshoot.  The weather started off a bit iffy but turned out to be good in the end.

As well as producing some fab shots, members enjoyed a lovely lunch stop, always one of the highlights on our famous Photoshoots!

Thank you Peter and Pam for organising yet another successful shoot……..here’s to the next one!

25/05/20

Montacute Evening Shoot

On the 25th May, some members met up in the lovely village of Montacute for our last meeting of the season. The weather was not brilliant but cleared up enough to enable us to continue and take some shots.
It was great to finally get out and about together again after such a long time.

The idea of the evening has traditionally been an hours shoot and then back to the hall, where our JPG images were uploaded as they are ie, straight out of camera. Of course, in these odd times we couldn’t do that so we sent our images in and viewed and chatted about them a couple of days later.

It was a fab evening, with the usual banter and good humour, mixed with interesting tips and quite a lot of ‘I didnt see that there”!

So, apart from some eagerly awaited photoshoots during the summer, that’s our season finished.
We will keep our fingers crossed that we are able to get back to something like normal at some stage, when we meet again next season.

05/29/20

Sherborne Castle Shoot

On the 29th July 2020 at Sherborne Castle, Pam organised not only our first photoshoot of the year, but the first get together since lockdown!  How excited were we?!  It was just great to be able to meet up again, the sun shone (mostly) as Pam had cast her usual spell over the weather gods.  Here are a few of our shots from what was a very enjoyable day.  Thanks Pam.

05/12/19

Sherborne Nightime Shoot

On Thursday 5th December, Pam organised a nightime photoshoot to Sherborne.
We met beforehand for a coffee and a chat…and cake for some….always the best way to start the proceedings!
Then we went off, in a group to start with and then peeling off to do our own ‘thing’.
A great time was had by all, lots of tips to be shared and techniques to try and master!
Thanks Pam, for once again organising such a fun evening and making sure we were all suitably fed and watered before our venture.

23/10/19

Mapperton House

On Wednesday 23rd October members enjoyed a Photoshoot to Mapperton House.
We were warmly greeted by a member of staff who gave us maps and told us we could go where we liked in the grounds.

The weather gods were reasonably kind to us, had it been later in the week we would have got very wet!

It was a pleasure to welcome a couple of guests, Meryck and Kit from Wincanton CC. Meryck kindly took the time to give us many words of wisdom which we all appreciated.

As usual, lots of chatting over coffee and lunch was had, along with exchanging of ideas.

Thanks Pam, for once again organising such an enjoyable day.

5/10/19

Minterne Gardens

On Saturday 5th October a return to Minterne Gardens continued to set a cracking start to the new season of photo shoots.

Pam arranged the occasion with particular emphasis on getting to know our new members and in this and every other way, the day was a spectacular success. It was very encouraging that so many people turned up and the event was especially enhanced by having both Malcolm and Mike Herrmann providing master classes. This was designed to help those new to photography but as might have been expected…………..everyone benefitted!!!

We remained as a group to start with and largely took advantage of the conditions to photograph the early morning dew which provided good practice for macro photography. As the clouds disappeared and the sun came out (yet more magical powers of Pam!), we proceeded round the gardens using Malcolm’s and Mike’s expertise to practice new techniques, overcome difficulties or instil confidence.

Nelson and Sobia take first prize for providing inspiration as they were seen to be using a torch to provide a good lighting effect which promptly enthused Mike to get out his flash gun! Malcolm, meanwhile, was observed in all sorts of interesting locations which stimulated everyone to experiment with different angles and viewpoints.

A very rewarding outing and many thanks to Pam for organising it all.

Our next shoot, weather permitting, is on Wednesday 23rd October at Mapperton Gardens, meeting at 10am. Looking forward to another exciting day!!

Shaftesbury and Win Green

The weather forecast for our September evening at Shaftesbury and Win Green turned out better than expected. A call received at lunch time enquiring about a “plan b” was quickly quashed with the response “it’ll be fine for mono”!!!

We rendezvoused on the terrace of The Mitre, with the sun appearing through interesting cloud formations. Our hopes for a reasonable sunset were increasing!

A leisurely wander to Gold Hill and Park Walk then on to Win Green. For some this was a first visit to this beautiful landmark, everyone vowing to return.

Unfortunately, the clouds were heavy but the sun’s rays did peak through. “Challenging light conditions” being a phrase aired by most! However, we all got some nice images with mono featuring heavily.

A beautiful evening at a stunning location, enjoyed by us all.

Sherborne Farmers’ Market

Unusually for us, we chose a wet day in July to visit the Sherborne Farmers’ Market.  The aim of the morning was to encourage members to hone their skills in street photography.  Even though street photography is a bit of a Marmite subject within the Club, we had a good turnout of members prepared to venture outside their comfort zone.  

After meeting for a leisurely coffee and chat at The Hub, we prepared our brollys and ventured out into the rain.  

The Sherborne Farmers’ Market is always a colourful affair with plenty of locally produced food, plants and flowers on offer.  Our thanks go to all the stall holders who made us very welcome. They were also very obliging and posed for some of us to practice our portrait skills.

An interesting and enjoyable morning slightly cut short by the weather!

 

26/03/19

Cerne Abbas and Minterne Gardens

With fine weather, eleven members of the club enjoyed an excellent day’s photography starting off at Cerne Abbas and continuing at Minterne Gardens. After meeting for a welcome coffee we spent a short time exploring the beautiful burial ground next to the Abbey before being personally welcomed to its grounds by the owners.

We were given a splendid potted history of the buildings and a tour of the studio where we were privileged to see some superb works of art.

After further time enjoying the perfect conditions we retired to a local pub for lunch and chat before moving on to Minterne Gardens.

Here, the emerging spring foliage, together with the bright colours of magnolias, camelias and carpets of primroses ensured there was plenty of opportunity to capture light and shadow, landscapes, macro, waterfalls and wildlife.

Many thanks, Pam, for organising such an exciting and enjoyable day mixing photography with convivial chat and banter as usual!

28/01/19

Starling Murmuration Photoshoot

The object of our shoot on a bright cold winter’s day was to capture the amazing display from the starlings as they gather at sunset before bedding down for the night in the reeds.

We met up at the Avalon centre next to Shapwick Heath nature reserve. After a coffee and some cake we set off in different directions to explore the Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath reserves. We were lucky to have sunshine. However, the low winter sun always presents a challenge when shooting towards the south and careful selection of exposure and perhaps the addition of a grad is needed.

After a nice lunch back at the Avalon centre we again headed of in various directions in search of that elusive stunning image. The Great White Egret was a popular subject for some. The low winter sun created a wonderful glow though the reeds which made for some stunning views across the reserves.

At the end of the afternoon we all gathered on Shapwick Heath, along with a hundred other visitors, to wait for the murmuration. Everyone wondered if we were in the right spot. Then at just past four thirty the show began. Cameras clicked away constantly. In twenty minutes the show was over and we all headed off back to our cars to warm up again!

Thank you Pam for organising an excellent day out!

24/10/18

Outdoor Shoot to Kingston Lacy

Thank you Pam for organising yet another very successful club shoot, this time to Kingston Lacy.

The weather was glorious if not a little too bright for our cameras. Some of us sneaked a few shots on the way to the venue in the mist and hazy sunshine.

These shoots are always so enjoyable, especially the coffee and lunch breaks!!

02/08/18

Outdoor Shoot to Ham Hill

An evening photo shoot was organised to Ham Hill in the hope that we might have a good sunset.

It was a beautiful warm evening and we had another good turnout of nine members along with two other halves and three dogs! Some members took full advantage of the added subject matter – when they kept still!

We all went off in different directions, some around the edge of the park and others through the stone circle, ending up on the high point by the war memorial. The lowering sun and lovely cloud structure made for excellent silhouette images of club members with tripods and also dog walkers and cyclists. The wonderful wild carrot and parched grasses lent themselves to many interesting images too. Unfortunately, the sunset was not as all photographers hope for but it didn’t spoil what was another productive and enjoyable gathering of members.

27/06/18

Outdoor Shoot to Wells

Our first photo shoot of the summer was to the beautiful City of Wells where we had a good turnout of eight members. The weather was glorious if not a little on the hot side to say the least, and with this came the challenging light conditions.

After a leisurely coffee at The Bishop’s Table Cafe we walked across Cathedral Green to the Tudor style garden at The Old Deanery. Some members had new lenses to practice with and a newly purchased reflector made for interesting and fun experimentation with the harsh sun light.

We all made the most of the stunning scenery which Wells has to offer , including the Cathedral, Vicar’s Close and the Bishop’s Palace. We also had the added bonus of it being market day with amusing and entertaining buskers and stall holders.

On returning home many of us experimented with black and white conversions, no doubt inspired by the recent talk given by our member, Brian Clarke.

Now thoughts turn to our next location, so watch this space …………….

 

08/05/18

Outdoor Shoot to Yetminster

The end of season outdoor shoot took place this year in Yetminster. Although to passers-by it was a glorious sunny evening, for photographers, dealing with the variant light posed quite a challenge!

The aim of the exercise was to practice getting an image right in camera rather than relying on software afterwards. There was a time limit of one hour, and no editing was allowed. Members select their preferred four images which are then combined into a slide show back at Bradford Abbas village hall.

Considering the constraints limited time places on movement there was an excellent variety of imagery. Whilst there were several landscape views of the church there was also a high level of detail in the macro shots of door handles, flowers, stonework and carving, as well as some imaginative scenes of the railway line and nearby countryside. With some 18 photographers roaming the village there was a competitive spirit to source original settings, and the final results reflected the high level of technical expertise that now exists within the club.

16/2/17

Shaftesbury Night Photoshoot

As an alternative to the cancelled Sherborne Night shoot, a visit to Shaftesbury was planned. This was intended to provide a further opportunity to put into practice the Night Shooting techniques demonstrated by Tony Worobiec last October and followed the evening Weymouth shoot on 1 Dec 2017.
Eight club members attended on a cold but dry night.
The iconic Gold Hill was the first location for most of the group. However, the harsh sodium lights created quite a challenge, bathing everything in a yellow cast. Black and white conversions were used by several photographers to deal with the colour cast. Fo made a return visit a few days later to photograph Gold Hill at dusk with pale tones of blue and pink in the sky.
The alleyways and dark corners of the town were explored in pursuit of creative light and shadow shots. The High Street created opportunities for car light trails.
It was again nice to hear friendly banter and see the sharing of ideas and techniques.
The evening produced a wide range of excellent images with each photographer capturing their own interpretation of Shaftesbury at Night.
A slide show of images from the night is planned for the club meeting on 27th February. Chris Edgecombe Jay Warnes Malcolm Balmer

1/12/17

Weymouth Low light and Night Shoot

Following our most inspiring talk by Tony Worobiec FRPS we decided that a night out in Weymouth would create the ideal opportunity to practice the skills taught by Tony.
We were very lucky with the weather, providing you had wrapped up well to keep out the freezing temperatures!
Various locations on the seafront and around the old harbour were photographed. As usual on our shoots there was a lot of jovial banter and sharing of ideas and help.
The general view was that more practice is required to perfect the techniques explained by Tony. However, despite the challenges, some excellent images were produced by all. 
A return visit sometime in the New Year has been suggested.
On the 23rd January a slide show of all the favourite images from the night will be presented at the club for discussion.

1/09/17

Forde Abbey Photoshoot

This was a great day in a wonderful location. Ample to focus on (haha) and good weather.
Everyone did their own thing, meeting up for two or three coffees during the day.
As always, lots of laughter, but equally lots of serious photography with generous lending of lenses and equipment with hints, advice and critique. David Pam Mike Barbara Sarah Elizabeth Malcolm Red Leaf

29/07/17

Lytes Cary Photoshoot

On Saturday 29th July there was a camera club photo shoot to Lytes Cary.
Sadly, the weather was dull with intermittent showers making it difficult to take advantage of the beautiful gardens.
However, it did leave time for coffee conversations which proved extremely helpful in terms of discussing different lenses, how to cope with difficult light, the use of filters and overcoming the inclement weather.
Although only a small group took part, there was good social interaction and despite the showers, some worthwhile photography was achieved. Pastel Sparkler Tony Hilton Roger Gibson Malcolm Balmer

21/05/17

Club photoshoot

At the last meeting, the club had a most enjoyable photo shoot for one hour in Sherborne. It was a beautiful evening and members took full advantage of the excellent light to photograph the evening sun shining on Sherborne’s historic buildings, and the shadows cast in the gardens.  These were some of the many photo opportunities that were found around the ancient streets

Returning to Bradford Abbas Village Hall for refreshments, the very creditable results of the evening’s efforts were projected onto the screen for discussion and some light hearted banter.