Ben Osborne Photography Masterclasses

Ben Osborne (Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2007) is well known on the Artsreach circuit for his captivating live shows reflecting his extensive stills photography work on David Attenborough’s BBC natural history programmes such as 'Life in the Freezer' and 'Planet Earth'.

Ben is currently working on a joint Artsreach and Villages In Action project to create a new audio-visual show based on the Dorset/Devon Jurassic Coast, which will be ready for touring in Spring 2011. He has been collaborating with the local musician and composer Sammy Hurden, Dorset artist Lal Hitchcock and Devon poet Matt Harvey (recently Wimbledon’s poet-in-residence) along the World Heritage Site to create the show, entitled ‘Jurassic Journey’.

As part of this project, Ben will be running a series of photography masterclasses in August for young people and adults. These workshops will be suitable to anyone interested in photography whether they use a mobile phone, compact camera, dSLR or Hasselblad H4D! No previous experience is required ­ just an enthusiasm to improve and develop photographic skills. The workshops will start indoors with a brief illustrated introduction to landscape photography and a discussion of how to photograph the Jurassic Coast and the range of subjects that the World Heritage Site offers for photographers ­ from fossil close-ups to big views. The majority of the workshop duration will be spent on the beach photographing the local area. During the day Ben will discuss any photographic issues that crop up and the day will end with a debrief which will allow for immediate feedback on photographs taken during the day.

Ben says, “The Jurassic Coast has provided a superb opportunity to photograph 185 million years of geological history. From sweeping coastlines lit by the winter sun to tiny fossil exposures in the bedrock, the range of photographic subjects is hugely varied. Look closely and you have a lifetime of photographic challenges in this fascinating 95 miles of coast.”

There are limited places available on each workshop, to ensure that participants benefit fully from Ben’s expertise, so advance booking is essential. The ‘Jurassic Journey’ project is supported by The Fine Family Foundation, West Dorset District Council, Arts Council and The Valentine Trust.

Adults workshops - £30 per person:
Sat 21 August, 9:30am ­ 5pm
St Andrew’s Community Hall, Charmouth (01305 269512)
Mon 23 August, 9:30am ­ 5pm
Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge (01929 480525)

Ages 14-21 workshop - £10 per person:
Fri 20 August, 10am ­ 4pm
St Andrew’s Community Hall, Charmouth (01297 560948)
Tues 24 August, 9:30am ­ 3:30pm
Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge (01929 480525)

If these dates don’t suit, there will be further opportunities to work with Ben Osborne over the coming winter. Please contact the Artsreach office for details (01305 269512).