Description

Available All Year

Red Kite Photography Mini break Overview

Thanks to conservation efforts, the Red Kite population, which was once close to extinction, has seen a dramatic resurgence. Their successful re-introduction in Scotland and certain parts of England has been a triumph for wildlife preservationists.

Hunted for centuries due to misunderstandings of their scavenging habits and claims that they spread disease, the Red Kite still faces many threats. In some areas, their population remains rare, making Wales their best chance for visibility. Here, the Red Kite proudly serves as the National Bird.

In mid-Wales, we are thrilled to be photographing this majestic species and celebrating their continued existence.

Over the course of two days we will be photographing these majestic birds from different angels from low to the ground and from a tower hide. As we can only Photograph the Kites in the afternoon we will spend each morning covering the settings that we will need, going over anything that you may need help with, plus reviewing pictures that we have taken and talking about them.

What will be covered

Photography doesn’t have to be intimidating! This course is designed to help both newcomers and experienced shutterbugs alike. Whether you’re a complete novice struggling to attach a lens, or an experienced photographer wanting to explore new techniques, this course has it all.

We’ll be looking at all aspects of camera settings, from shutter speed and aperture to manual settings for those who wish to brave the challenge. We’ll also dive into composition techniques and go over any gear you may need. All the while, one-on-one instruction will be available to ensure that you have a comprehensive learning experience.

What’s included

• Two nights stay in a B & B
• All meals
• Travel to and from the Kite feeding farm
• A morning visit to Elan Valley and RSPB Carngafallt
• A gift pack worth over £10 (For new customers only)

Not included in the price

• Personal accident and travel insurance for yourself and your equipment.
• Travel to and from the guest house.

The Hide

The hide’s are located at Gigrin Farm Red Kite Centre in mid-Wales. we will be using one of four hides available.

Equipment

You will need a camera that has either a powerful zoom or a camera with interchangeable lenses. As for the lens required you will need a 200-300mm or more as we will be some distance away from the birds. Bridge cameras or above work the best for this type of photography. You may also wish to bring along a bean bag to rest your camera on, extra memory cards, batteries, and lens cloths and camera cleaning equipment may also be helpful.

Location

This course takes place at  Gigrin Farm Red Kite Centre in mid-Wales overlooking the Wye and Elan Valley. Full details of the location will be given upon booking.

This course will start at 1pm and run until dusk where more food for the birds will be provided if needed and to get the pictures that you want.

Opening times

January, February, March

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday, 12.30pm – 5pm

(closed Wednesday, Thursday & Friday)

Except February half term when they are open every day

April, May, June, July

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, 12.30pm – 5pm

(closed Thursday & Friday)

Except Easter holidays and the June half term when they are open every day

August

Open every day 12.30pm to 5pm

September, October

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, 12.30pm – 5pm

(closed Thursday & Friday)

Except October half term – when they are open every day

November

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday, 12.30pm – 5pm

(closed Wednesday, Thursday & Friday)

December/New Year

Open weekends only:  2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th.

Closed Christmas day and Boxing day

The farm reopens on the 27th – 4th of January; open every day.

Feeding times:

2pm last Sunday in October to last Saturday in March

3pm last Sunday in March to last Saturday in October

The kites don’t know we change the clocks!

DISCLAIMER

With the nature of this photography, we can not guarantee that you will see all the birds listed. Also, the course will go ahead whatever the weather so any payment made is non-refundable unless extreme circumstances dictate otherwise and due to our opinion.

We will not be held responsible for any equipment damage, theft or personal injury while attending the walk participants do so at their own risk!

If you pay a deposit you will be required to pay the remaining balance 48 hours before the day of the course. If you fail to pay the full amount before the day of the course you will lose your deposit and will not be able to attend the course.

Camera and lens Rental

If you choose to rent a camera you will be responsible for any damage, and will have to pay for any repairs that may be required whilst the camera was in your care.

The rental price of the camera and lens is £70.

Within the price of the rental you will get a memory card which your options are a SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO SDHC card included in the price or a SanDisk 64GB Extreme PRO SDXC card for an extra £10.

The memory cards will be yours to keep after the course.

The camera you will be using should you choose to rent will be a Nikon D5500 Bridge DSLR with a 70-300mm lens.