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I learnt so much not just about the camera settings needed and how to take better photographs but about the huge range of insects, flowers and fungi that could be found in a 200m range. Our guides were brilliant and extremely knowledgeable about the the area, flora & fauna and photography. Altogether perfect.
S.M. Hertfordshire, May 23
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Introduction to Macro Photography at Pitsford SSSI (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR133An introduction to macro photography at Pitsford SSSI, photographing subjects such as beetles, bugs, butterflies and wildflowers.
1 days
from
£60
£60
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Join volunteer reserve warden and renowned local photographer, Dave Jackson, for a macro photography workshop on the private reserve section of Pitsford Reservoir. This pristine central England SSSI reserve is managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire to provide a home for the diverse wildlife on offer. Whether you’re new or an old hand with macro photography, Dave will be sharing his hints and tips during short walks onto the reserve looking for a range of subjects including beetles, bugs and butterflies along with interesting flora and fungi to photograph.
With the assistance of the on-site warden we will run an overnight moth-trap (weather permitting) and we’ll be able to photograph the specimens before starting our leisurely 15-20-minute walk to the butterfly meadow, stopping on the way as subjects present themselves.
The Wildlife Trust has stipulated that all guests should pay £10 for parking, reserve permit and use of the facilities with the exception of Beds, Cambs & Northants Wildlife Trust members.
- Visit the private, pristine SSSI Pitsford reserve
- Tuition on how to improve macro photography
- Butterflies include Marbled White, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Purple Hairstreak and often large numbers of skipper
- Moth-trap
The day will start with a short presentation before we take a leisurely walk to the meadow, stopping on the way as subjects present themselves. With the assistance of the on-site warden, we will run an overnight moth-trap (weather permitting) and we’ll be able to photograph the specimens in a variety of settings.
We’ll return to the lodge at lunchtime before setting out for our afternoon session to another part of the reserve.
During the day we will cover:
Camera settings including ISO, shutter-speed, RAW/JPEG, focus points etc.
Depth of field using different f/stops
Image editing
Depth of field using different f/stops
Image editing
A basic knowledge of your camera’s settings will ensure you get the best out of the day.
Equipment to bring:
Camera, ideally a DSLR or mirrorless with macro and/or long lens. A 100-400mm would be ideal for butterflies although good results can be obtained with a bridge or compact digital camera. Tripod if you use one, memory cards, spare batteries and flash. A kneeling pad would be useful for getting low-angle shots.
Long sleeves and long trousers are recommended along with repellents as biting insects can be prevalent in the summer months.
Please note that there is an additional £10pp fee to cover the reserve permit, use of facilities, toilets and parking, which will be payable locally other than for members of The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs & Northants.
Day Trip Location
Reviews
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This was a day trip to Pitsford Reservoir where we were introduced to the techniques of macro photography of various flowers, bugs and moths. Although the weather was a little cool to encourage as many bugs as we would have liked, Dave opened our eyes to what was there if you looked carefully, and how interesting small bugs can be in close-up! Naturetrek have organised a variety of day trips, making the most of what is available under current Covid restrictions. These are totally Covid compliant, but still great fun, and led by really enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides.
S.M. Cambridgeshire, Apr 21
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Wed 2nd Jul – Wed 2nd Jul
4
£60
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
David Jackson
Tour Leader: David Jackson
Dave has been fascinated by the natural world from an early age when his dad used to take him fishing at a local lake in Hertfordshire, however, he didn’t have the concentration to sit still for long unless trying to encourage a Robin to feed from his hand!
In adult life, he has been a long-serving committee member of the local RSPB Members’ Group and took part in the charity’s fund-raising bike rides from London to Oxford, ‘Pedal for Puffins’ and ‘Pedal for Parrots’.
Dave is also a serving committee member of the Northamptonshire Bird Club and, although birds are his first love, he has an interest in all natural history and gives illustrated talks to groups and societies from his travels to Iceland, New Zealand, Panama, South Africa, The Gambia and more.
After a career in financial services, David took early retirement and finally found “his true vocation” - leading for Naturetrek. He has now led multiple tours to countries including Iceland, Scotland, St. Lucia and The Gambia. He also leads tours in our portfolio of Vegetarian and Vegan Wildlife Holidays.
When not touring, he volunteers for Wildlife Trust BCN at Pitsford Nature Reserve SSSI where he is involved in many aspects of conservation, maintenance and survey work.
He also runs Naturetrek’s 'Introduction to Macro Photography at Pitsford SSSI' Day Trip, where a number of Dave’s photos are displayed to commemorate the Trust’s 50-year anniversary and he is always pleased to assist those on his tours in improving their photography skills
A selection of Dave’s images (including his Eurasian Sparrowhawk voted Birdguides Photo of the Year 2022) can be viewed here: Birdguides Portfolio.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
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