Comments from PhotoTrek

Comments from Exbury Gardens 24th October 09

This is my third half day photo trek and like the others, it has always exceeded expectations. I learned to cope with wet weather and enjoy the experience. I always learn something new -- and have things that I do know [or think I know] reinforced practically in a supportive and fun environment. I really struggle to think of anything I did not like -- other than the fact that it was a half day and the time seemed to fly by all too quickly.

Enjoyed it all. Loved the easy banter. Learnt loads - both practical like taking extra batteries (which should be obvious but somehow wasn't to a first time 'Trekker') and technical like using fractions to remember F numbers. Liked the chamois idea as well. Found the suggestions for shots very useful - I returned to Exbury yesterday and tried to have a go at following your suggestions. I was especially pleased that you covered the basics first

I thought it was a very well planned session. Ian and Barry worked well together to give a good light atmosphere with some clear technical direction.

A thoroughly enjoyable morning despite the rain. Ian and Barry work well as a team to provide a very interesting and engaging session to cover all abilites.

I have learnt how to take more time in the composition phase and understand what I am trying to portray before I raise th camera to my eye.

The format was excellent - stopping at half a dozen places or so and then covering in detail one topic. very simple but obviously well planned and very effective


I enjoyed the day and for easy going format. The course gave me the confidence to put the theory I had learnt into practice, knowing help was on hand.

The gardens and facilities were great I did not feel at any time I did not have something I needed.

A very good workshop, Ian and Barry showed me how to use aperture to control depth of field to achieve the effects I wanted to achieve. The weather could have been better, but I don't really think that I cna blame Ian or Barry for that. We had about 16 people in the group which meant that photographing the Nerines in the gallery was a bit of a squeeze, but on the plus side, it demonstrated the effect of different colour combinations. I shall definitely be experimenting with Ian's suggestion of exposing for raw files.

Main thing was that it made me more confident and adventourous in using my camera.Also to look around as I walked and search for the unusual that could become pictures

Considering I was unsure what to expect from the day I was pleasantly surprised that so much was covered and in depth. I gained a lot from the Trek/workshop enabling me to be more confident and experimental with my camera and the shots I now take.

Nothing really to add. I found it very enjoyable and as an accountant who had to complete and submitted a number of tax returns the previous day I found it very relaxing.