Photo lessons in the Keukenhof

I had a great time in with my newest ‘pupil’ Suzanne when we went to the Keukenhof gardens in Lisse for a day of photo tuition. Suzanne had wanted to get back into her photography and wanted a bit of a refresher course to remind herself of the skills she needed! Even though the tulips were way past their best – Keukenhof how could you! – we still had a great time. If you are interested in booking me for a lesson then send me a note via the contact form here or just email to [email protected]
Keukenhof photo student
Suzanne enjoying her day out at the Keukenhof. Note the macro lens – 105mm – that she’s holding… fab for Keukenhof!!! _KEU2860

One of my most favourite tulip shots from the country that went mad about these incredible flowers! Alas not taken on the day spent with Suzanne. Book early in the season – March or April – is the lesson _KEU3014

This shot was, sadly, not taken on the day spent with Suzanne but it shows the gardens off at their best!
KEU_1796Another shot taken on an earlier visit to the spectacular gardens at Keukenhof.

KEU_2714 This was about as good as it got for tulips that day… still lovely!

KingsDay – iPhone Photography

I am now waiting for the iPhone 6 before upgrading my iPhone 4S so I’ve yet to experience the vastly improved camera functionality of the iPhone 5s. However, the ability to create great images so different from DSLR quality pictures is there with the 4 generation as much as the 5. Take this image from Kingsday in Amsterdam this year. It was shot at the 1928 Olympic stadium just near our home while we were waiting for a tram. Apply an instagram filter to the image and it becomes even more freighted with atmosphere.

iPhone Photography

Sure, some might argue that Kingsday – the annual jamboree which, notionally at least, celebrates the king of the Netherlands’ birthday but which is actually more of a celebration of the Dutch and their way of life – is all about colour so why make the image B&W? To which I say, to hell with photo conventions… especially when you are shooting with a camera phone! And the joy of a camera phone is that you don’t have to worry all the time!

Announcing Keukenhof Photo workshops!

Technical details; Nikon D700. Micro Nikkor lens AF-S 105mm 1:2.8G. ISO 100,  f/8 @1/250s.

On March 20th the Keukenhof garden will open its doors and a wonder of the modern world will amaze once again. I’ve found that having this place on our doorstep is one of the joys of living in the Netherlands. Of course the garden is a photography paradise and of the more than 800.000 people who go to enjoy the millions of planted bulbs a solid majority will be carrying some sort of camera.

This picture taken in 2013 at the Keukenhof has many of the important elements of a fine flower shot; natural back lighting, selective focus, a shallow depth of field and an explosion of rich, gorgeous colour.

If you are a keen photographer – or know of anyone who is – why not join with me on one of my Keukenhof flower photography photowalks, which I will start running in 2014? They involve a full day in the garden receiving photography instruction on elements of composition, light, focus, colour plus some macro work if you have a macro lens.

The cost is just €95 and includes your entrance ticket to the garden for the full day, transportation from Schiphol plaza on the Keukenhof Express to and from the garden, lunch and a snack. I will need a minimum of 3 participants for each day. There will be a maximum of 6 per group per day.

The workshops – subject to demand – will take place on April 21st, April 30th, May 6th and May 8th. Weather contingencies apply.

For more information send email to [email protected] or just call me on 0683 943 552.

Link to Magazine Publication

Keep that shutter open!

Technical details; Nikon D700. Nikkor lens 17-35mm f/2:8 @17mm. ISO 250 : f/4 : 30”.

Amsterdam’s canals are endlessly photogenic and so, for you photography enthusiasts, try to take advantage of being here by getting out there as much as you can – in all seasons and at different times of day. I love the deep night which is when this shot was made – 00:45 in the morning.

For night work a tripod is clearly essential. Get yourself as lightweight as you can afford without sacrificing sturdiness. Manfrotto, Velbon, Gitzo or Giottos – which I use – are all great brands. I’m working here on a 30 second shutter speed. In most urban situations that is usually more than enough to capture any movement in the clouds or the trees.. these add texture and interest to the shot.

You’ll be amazed at the colours you can capture when you leave the shutter open for this length of time. Blues are deeper and reds becomes richer. If you are interested in spending a couple of hours with me and your DSLR on a Photo Walk improving your night time photography skills why not drop me a note to [email protected] or call me on (0)683 943 552.

Link to magazine publication
Newer posts »
Menu