Photography workshops - FAQs
Who are the workshops aimed at?
What are the learning objectives?
What is the difference between the General level and the Master classes?
How long does the workshop last?
What dates are the workshops running?
Do I attend just one of the workshops or all of them?
What camera and equipment do I need to bring?
What happens if the weather is bad?
Are there any age restrictions?
Will I need a vehicle for the Whipsnade workshop?
How much does it cost to take part in a workshop?
How many other students will be taking part on my workshop?
How do I book a place on one of the workshops?
What should I expect to be sent in the post?
Who are the workshops aimed at?
The General level workshops are aimed at people who consider themselves at a beginners to intermediate level. This workshop aims to move participants from the cameras auto-settings to manual settings. This will allow participants to become more creative with their photography.
Masterclasses are aimed at advanced amateur photographers. Participants should be comfortable using the manual or semi-manual settings, and need to have a DSLR camera. This level will focus more on composition and the art of photography.
What are the learning objectives?
Please click here for more information on each level of workshop.
What is the difference between the General level and the Master classes?
On a masterclass we will talk more about composition and how to approach the art of photography, and less about camera settings. People booking on a masterclass should ideally have a DSLR camera (not a compact) and at least know how to use the camera in manual or semi-manual mode (not be reliant upon the cameras Program and Full-auto settings).
How long does the workshop last?
Workshops last approximately 7 hours.
What dates are the workshops running?
Please click here for the 2013 dates.
Do I attend just one of the workshops or all of them?
The workshops are all very similar so you would just attend one. However, you could attend 1 of each level as you grow more confident.
What camera and equipment do I need to bring?
We recommend you bring the following photographic equipment.
The essential items are highlighted in bold text. The remaining items are non-essential but useful and may increase the number and range of photo opportunities you are able to exploit. If you are unsure about what gear to bring or have any questions, please email us at experiences@zsl.org
.
For all users:
Digital or film SLR camera
Lenses in the range 100MM – 300MM
Shorter focal length lenses (e.g. 17MM – 28MM)
Longer focal length lenses (e.g. 400MM)
An alternative to long telephoto lenses is a tele-converter (e.g. 1.4x or 2x)
Small flash unit (preferably with off-camera bracket)
Monopod or tripod with head
UV filter (screw-in type)
For digital users:
Spare memory cards
Spare battery
Battery charger
What happens if the weather is bad?
The workshop will still run. ZSL London Zoo has lots of indoor animal houses whereas ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has fewer indoor areas.
In both instances we would recommend bringing appropriate waterproof clothing and footwear. Please also ensure that your camera and other equipment is also protected.
Are there any age restrictions?
Participants must be over the age of 16 years old to participate on a workshop.
Will I need a vehicle for the Whipsnade workshop?
No, the group will walk around the site together.
How much does it cost to take part in a workshop?
General level workshops are £140 per person.
The Masterclasses are £160 per person.
What's included in the price?
As well as taking part in the workshop the fee also includes entry into the zoo for the participant, complimentary tea and coffee breaks and lunch in our cafe plus the guidance of an experienced wildlife photographer throughout the workshop.
How many other students will be taking part on my workshop?
There will be a maximum of 10 participants on each workshop. This ensures that the lead photographer has plenty of time to answer any questions and interact with everyone on the workshop.
What should I wear?
Please dress depending on the weather. At both zoos there will be lots of walking around so please ensure you wear comfortable and appropriate footwear which you don't mind getting a bit dirty. You may enter quite humid exhibits at ZSL London Zoo so you may prefer to wear layered clothing.
Can I bring a guest?
Friends and family are welcome to visit the zoo on the same day that you're attending the workshop. However they will not be able to enter the zoo until 10am and will not be able to eat lunch with you. We would also ask that spectators do not follow the group around during the workshop as this could potentially distract the other participants.
How do I book a place on one of the workshops?
Please click here for links to each of the workshops.
Buying for someone else? Open-ended vouchers are available. Please call 0207 449 6363.
Dates for Photography workshops
What should I expect to receive?
Your confirmation email and ticket will be emailed to you once you book. The ticket can be given as a gift as it not does include the price or name of attendee. As the purchaser, we request that you complete the details at www.zsl.org/participant so we know who to expect on the day.
Any other questions?
If you have a question which is not covered in this list, please email experiences@zsl.org or telephone 0207 449 6363 and we will respond as soon as we can.
