Outdoor Photography Techniques, Guy Edwards BA Hons

Guy is no stranger to Dorchester Camera Club, having been a member almost 30 years ago. As an amateur back then he was recognised as a huge talent who subsequently turned Professional. That was twenty seven years ago and he has grown into one of the country’s top wildlife and Landscape photographers and he lives here in Dorset too.

The evening commenced with Guy explaining his transition to the Professional ranks 27 years ago with the last 15 years mainly leading groups and tours to all corners of the globe. With 250+ images he led the packed hall through a journey of wildlife and Landscape beauty, commencing with his most passionate place – Costa-Rica.

Outstanding images of Emerald Glass frogs and the tiny Ghost glass frogs started the extravaganza followed by those of King vultures, Scarlet Macaws and the delight of the tiny humming birds. Guy explained in detail how he obtained each image with camera settings, lighting requirements and problems encountered -  phenomenal. Our journey continued jumping from location to location with accompanied delights. Greece and Pelicans, Bulgaria and Nutcracker Crows, Golden Eagles and Griffen vultures aplenty. European Rollers, Golden Orioles and Hoopoo’s became our canvas, and though they were Guy’s images he was magnanimous in recognising the work of teams that helped locate the fauna.

From Bulgaria’s wonderful selection of Butterflies captured to perfection (of course) by Guy, we were transported back to home turf for macro images of Dragonflies on the River Stour or Cowslips near Yeovil and bluebell woods in sun and shade in the New Forest. Guy passed photographic tips on how he goes about shooting into the sun and how to represent the true colouration when doing so. We moved on or should I say down – as we explored the miniature world of fungi and the tiny world of – yes - Slime moulds. Incredible images but only if one is prepared to ‘get down and dirty’ as Guy obviously did. All of this within the first half of the presentation – wow. The second half brought even more joy in the form of Landscapes – both intimate and expansive.

Atmospheric, serene, emotive – all feelings were encapsulated within the hauntingly beautiful images of Marshwood Vale. Beautiful images of Bluebell woods were shown in a variety of ways, into low evening sunlight, in misty conditions and even by high flying drones. Guy explained the depth he goes to, to ensure taking contre-jour images produce the best results. Bracketing exposures, focus stacking – sometimes up to 96 images to get that ‘One’ result – amazing ! After Marshwood Vale we were off again this time to Cranborne Chase, then back to Dorset for a spot of Astro Photography and the Aurora over Poundbury and Colmers Hill – phew !

The scope and depth of Guy’s photography didnt stop there. Stormy conditions at Porth Cawl using vario ND filters to achieve just the right combination of motion and exposure was explained to the audience, before we were whisked off to sample the delightful images of the Lake District, Swaledale and Wensleydale, and ‘Janets Foss’.

Scotland and particularly the outer Hebrides and Skye featured heavily in our closing whirlwind tour. Castles, Lighthouses – remote windswept beaches of Harris’s Luskentyre, remote uninhabited island sanctuary’s all stunningly presented. Here we discovered Guy’s second most favoured location – a very worthy runner up to Costa Rica !!

Terrific and thoroughly enjoyable evening from start to finish. Well done our Programme Sec and thank you Guy Edwardes.

Norman Marsh