Photograph spectacular red kites at Gigrin Farm with Andrew Mason, combining expert tuition, image critique and private hide access.

Private Photography Day with Andrew Mason sponsored by SONY

Location: Gigrin Farm, South Street, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5BL
Format: Private photography event
Focus: Red Kite wildlife and bird-in-flight photography
Level: Beginner to Advanced

Overview

Join the Wex Events Team for a dedicated photography experience at Gigrin Farm Red Kite Feeding Centre, photographing the spectacular wild red kites from the farm's specialist photography hides.

The day combines a photography lecture and critique with practical camera tuition before heading into the hides for dedicated shooting time. Gigrin Farm has several specialist photographic hides designed for different perspectives, including the Gateway, Tower, Big Tower and Low Level hides.

Sony will be on hand with a selection of the latest cameras and lenses to borrow free of charge on the day. They will also have the new 400mm & 600mm lenses that were recently announced. So you have a great chance to test this kit early

Please note this is a private event and the farm will be close to members of the public on this day – Booking Essential

10:00am – Arrival & Welcome

• Arrival and registration. Welcome and introductions
• Meet fellow photographer. Overview of the day's activities
• Introduction to Gigrin Farm and the red kite experience
• Event and hide briefing

There will be an opportunity to settle in, prepare equipment and get ready for the morning's sessions.

10:30am – Andrew Mason Presentation. Wildlife Photography – Technique, Creativity & Approach

Andrew Mason will lead a dedicated photography lecture covering his approach to wildlife photography and working with birds in flight.

Topics can include:

• Understanding wildlife behaviour. Anticipating the decisive moment
• Camera settings for birds in flight. Autofocus and subject tracking
• Shutter speed and aperture. Working with long lenses
• Composition and backgrounds. Working with changing light
• Developing a creative approach to wildlife photography

The session will also include an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and discuss their own experiences.

11:30am – Photo Critique. Image Review & Constructive Feedback

Bring along a selection of your own photographs for a group critique with Andrew.

The session will explore:

• Composition. Exposure
• Focus and sharpness. Timing
• Backgrounds. Subject positioning
• Image storytelling. How to improve existing photographs

The aim is to give everyone practical ideas that they can immediately apply during the afternoon's red kite photography.

12:30pm – Lunch

A relaxed lunch break before preparing for the afternoon photography session.

This is also a chance to:

• Discuss the morning's sessions. Ask further questions
• Check batteries and memory cards. Prepare lenses and accessories

1:00pm – Camera Check & Setup. Preparing for Red Kite Photography

Before heading into the hides, we'll make sure everyone is prepared for photographing fast-moving birds.

We'll cover:

• Shutter speed. Aperture. ISO
• Continuous autofocus. Animal/bird detection AF
• Burst shooting. Exposure compensation
• Focusing area selection. Lens choice. Image stabilisation

Individual help will be available so participants can get the most from their own camera system.

1:30pm – Into the Hides. Specialist Photography Hide Experience

We'll make our way to the pre-booked specialist photography hides.

Gigrin's photographic hides provide different perspectives and working distances for photographing the red kites. The farm recommends lenses in the region of 200–600mm, depending on the hide and the type of images being attempted.

Participants will be encouraged to settle into their positions, check compositions and prepare for the main feeding session.

2:00pm – Shooting Time. Red Kite Photography

The main photography session begins.

This is where participants can put the day's learning into practice and photograph the spectacular red kites as they arrive and interact around the feeding area.

Subjects to look for

• Birds in flight. Take-offs and landings
• Wing positions. Red kite portraits
• Birds approaching the feeding area. Interaction between birds
• Head turns and eye contact. Dynamic flight images
• Environmental compositions

Andrew will provide guidance throughout the session, helping participants anticipate the action and refine their technique.

Gigrin Farm states that hundreds of wild red kites visit the centre each day, providing opportunities for both airborne and ground-level images.

Photography Tips for the Day. Recommended equipment:

• DSLR or mirrorless camera. 300–600mm telephoto lens where possible
• 100–400mm or 200–600mm zoom. Wide-angle lens for alternative compositions
• Spare batteries. Plenty of memory cards. Tripod or monopod where appropriate

Gigrin specifically recommends long lenses for its specialist photographic hides.

Clothing: Wear warm, weatherproof clothing and neutral/natural colours, particularly as some hides are open to the elements.

SPECIAL WEX OFFERS ON THE DAY NOT TO BE MISSED.