Plant and Garden Photography - Philip Smith

Stockton Bury Gardens

Stockton Bury is an undiscovered gem in deep in the Herefordshire countryside. The garden’s director is Tamsin Westhorpe, past editor of The English Garden magazine and one of the country’s leading horticulturalists.

The group will have unprecedented free access to the garden and will be expertly led by Philip Smith, founder of International Garden Photographer of the Year and renowned horticultural photographer in his own right.

For a photographer, the challenge is to really capture the essential spirit and character of the garden. This workshop will help you discover practical techniques and ideas to capture that elusive spirit. Philip will start the day with a short introductory talk and demonstration of key techniques. Topics covered will include composition, light, and technique including macro – all related specifically to garden and plant photography. You will be free to explore the marvellous ‘garden rooms’ at Stockton Bury, making your own images with one to one help and support from Philip as needed. There will be time for the group to reflect at length on the photographs taken on the day and also any images you may want to bring with you to share - on data stick please.

Who is it for: photographers with any type of camera, although DSLR or Bridge users with interchangeable lenses will get most from the day. If you are unsure about how your camera works then please bring your manual.

What to bring: tripod is extremely useful but not essential  (not monopod), all your lenses, full battery and enough card storage, any reflectors or extra lights you like to use, garden kneelers are useful and suitable clothing for outdoor work.

Lunch is provided for the Plant and Garden Photography Workshop. Please email emma@rps.org to let me know whether you are gluten free, dairy free or vegan, or any other special dietary requirements.

“It’s so clearly a happy place, thoughtfully designed and maintained…organised to display the plants’ best qualities…it is possible to spend many hours there…shooting macro, wide mini-landscapes, and atmospheric, semi-abstract images…at Stockton Bury, I’ve found this process hugely rewarding”  Philip Smith, RPS Journal, 2018.

The Tutor: Philip’s photography has been published in many garden magazines and books. His book ‘Better Plant and Garden Photography’ was published in 2012.

He was responsible for the ‘International Garden Photographer of the Year’ competition in association with Kew Gardens until its sale in 2014. He now maintains his career in professional photography and workshops from his family home in East Devon. He has led workshops throughout the UK, including at Kew, the Chelsea Physic Garden, various National Trust properties, and major venues in Portugal, Sweden and Italy.

Address: Stockton Bury Gardens, Kimbolton, Leominster, Hereford, HR6 0HB
Website: http://www.stocktonbury.co.uk
Telephone number: Garden and cafe: 07880 712649

Image Philip Smith