WORKSHOPS

Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by what we see in a beautiful landscape and start firing away on our smartphones or cameras without actually thinking about what we are seeing. If you want to produce pictures you are happy with, and that really stand out, you need to SLOW DOWN.

On these workshops I will explain the importance of light and how it can transform your photographs, how to ‘frame’ your image by looking at the shapes of flowers and plants, the best angle to choose, and how to draw out specific elements from a particular subject, which could also be a tree, shrub or landscape.

 You will have time to immerse yourself in beautiful gardens with plenty of time to take photographs, followed after lunch by more photography and then discussion about your photographs and an informal critique of your work. Two of your photographs will be printed, so you will have Fine Art prints to take home, ready to frame.


ROUSHAM GARDENS, Oxfordshire, 18 JUNE 2022, 10.30am-5.15pm







Monty Don has described Rousham as one of the greatest gardens in the world, the masterpiece of designer William Kent (1685-1748). It represents the first phase of English landscape design and remains almost as Kent left it, one of the few gardens of this date to have escaped alteration, with many features that delighted 18th-century visitors to Rousham still in situ, such as the ponds and cascades in Venus’s Vale, the Cold Bath, and seven arched Praeneste, Townsend’s Building, the Temple of the Mill, and, on the skyline, a sham ruin known as the ‘Eyecatcher’.

Here's a clip of Monty Don talking about Rousham, which he featured in his series Around the World in Eighty Gardens.

Monty Don on Rousham

 

This practical photography workshop will take place in the walled gardens and is limited to six participants to ensure individual attention. The emphasis is not on technical expertise but on capturing an image that holds meaning for you. You can use a smartphone or a professional camera and by the end of the day you will see a marked improvement in your work. 




ITINERARY

10.30-11.15 Welcome refreshments and introduction by Marsha Arnold 

11.15-11.30 A walk through the walled gardens with commentary by the Head Gardener

11.30-1pm Practical photography with advice from Marsha

1-2.30pm Critique and editing of the morning’s work, with each person choosing one image to be printed. Bring packed lunch

2.30-4pm Practical photography continues

4-5pm Tea and cake (provided) with critique, editing and group discussion. Each person chooses one image from afternoon session

5.15 Workshop ends, with participants each given two Fine Art prints, ready to frame

THE FEE OF £250 PER PERSON INCLUDES:

  • admission to the gardens (normally £8)

  • refreshments on arrival and introduction by Marsha Arnold

  • talk by Head Gardener

  • guidance and advice throughout the day from Marsha and a second photographer

  • afternoon tea and cake with editing, critique and group discussion

  • hand-out of tips and advice

  • two Fine Art print for each person, ready to frame

WHAT TO BRING ON THE DAY

  • smartphone or SLR camera

  • charger for your phone, plus spare batteries, memory card and adapter if applicable

  • tripod (if you own one)

  • laptop for editing (we can supply if you do not have one just let us know when you book)

  • Wear sensible clothing and footwear. The workshop will proceed whatever the weather


For reservations and more information please contact marsha@marshaarnold.co.uk



HOW TO GET THERE

Rousham is roughly 12 miles north of Oxford and about a 15- minute drive from junction 9 of the M40. The postcode OX25 4QX. The nearest station is Heyford (roughly a 15 minute walk away), which is on the Oxford to Banbury line. Trains stop at the station approximately every two hours, Monday to Saturday, with occasional trains on Sunday during the summer months only. Rousham is also served by some (not all) buses on the S4 route, leaving from Magdalen Street, Oxford or from Banbury Bus Station.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY


We request full payment on booking. This is non-refundable if you are unable to attend, so we strongly recommend you have travel insurance that will cover this eventuality. In the unlikely event we are forced to cancel the course (ie an ‘act of God’, or the gardens having to close suddenly) we will refund your money in full, or offer a voucher for a future course. We cannot be held responsible for costs such as train fares or accommodation bookings and strongly recommend you have insurance in place to cover this. All course material, workshop content and marketing literature is protected copyright.