Photography workshops with Andy Rouse
We are delighted to be working with renowned wildlife photographer Andy Rouse. Andy is a professional wildlife photographer who has won over 24 major international awards, and his work has graced galleries, magazine covers, clothing, calendars, greetings cards, and even an LP cover. Andy has extensive experience photographing wildlife all over the world, and during his workshops you will benefit from his personal tuition to help you capture the perfect shot.
Workshops take place in a private field adjacent to our Visitor Centre, where you will be able to photograph a selection of birds of prey, both static and in flight, under Andy’s expert guidance. You will benefit from the sweeping natural backdrop of our large meadow field, and the birds will use a variety of creative, natural perches for added interest in your photos.
Private photography sessions
Whether you are a budding amateur or experienced professional, our Photography Sessions allow you and your camera to get up close with some of our magnificent birds of prey in order to photograph them in a countryside setting.
Taking place in a private field adjacent to the Falconry Centre and led by one of our falconers, you will be able to photograph a selection of birds in a rural area, with natural backdrops and a range of different perches. You will start with a short introduction before photographing a selection of different birds of prey and owls. We usually photograph 3 to 4 birds per hour, so you will have plenty of time with each bird to get the best possible photos. The birds will remain static on perches during these sessions.
Photography sessions are exclusive and private to you and your group, and costs £240 for two hours. These private sessions are suitable for individuals and groups of up to 10 photographers.
To check availability and book a date, please call us on 01562 700014.
Frequently Asked Questions about our Photography Experience
These FAQ’s relate to the private sessions booked through The Falconry Centre. For more information about Andy Rouse’s Photography Workshops, please visit his website by clicking here.
How often do you run the Experiences and how far ahead do I need to book a date?
We run Photography Experiences through the summer and autumn (May to October) during our visitor centre opening hours, subject to availability. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. To make an enquiry, please telephone us on 01562 700014 or use the Contact Us section of this website.
We will email the booking confirmation to you within 2 days of the payment. Please check your Spam/Junk mail folders before contacting us if you have not received your booking confirmation.
Can I buy a gift voucher instead of booking a date?
Unfortunately it is not possible to purchase open-ended gift vouchers for this experience. A date must be booked at the time of purchase.
Is this experience suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility?
We regret that this experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. The experience takes place in the 7.5 acre field adjacent to The Falconry Centre, which is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. You will need to be able to walk a reasonable distance to access the field. We may use different areas of the field for different birds to vary the perches and backdrops being used. This can involve some walking and bending/crouching down. We can provide chairs for people who have limited ability to stand/walk. We recommend contacting us first to discuss any needs you may have, and we will be happy to assist you.
How many photographers are in a group?
The private sessions are exclusive to you and your group. We limit the number of Participants to a maximum of 10. This is to allow everyone enough time and space to photograph the birds.
Can I bring someone with me?
Only those people who have paid to do the session will be permitted entry to the photography area. This is up to a maximum of 10 people. Non-photographers may decide instead to go to our Visitor Centre during the sessions; normal admission charges will apply.
What kind of camera should I bring?
These sessions are designed to be accessible to photographers of all skills and budgets. You will get the most from the session if you have a DSLR with a variety of lenses. However, as the birds will usually remain on static perches, a bridge camera or other digital camera with optical zoom will be sufficient. Small pocket/compact cameras and smart phones will not be suitable.
Can I use flash photography?
The occasional use of flash is generally not a problem for our birds. The session will take place outside in natural daylight. Excessive use of flash is not encouraged. As such, you may be asked to consider adjusting your camera settings to compensate for low light instead. Any birds showing signs of distress will be removed from the session immediately.
Are refreshments provided?
We regret that we are unable to provide refreshments for this experience. You are welcome to bring your own food and drink with you.
What clothing should I wear?
We recommend dressing appropriately for the weather. The field may have long grass and uneven terrain, and it can be muddy after damp weather, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Does the price include admission to the visitor centre?
No, the photography session takes place in the field adjacent to the visitor centre. If you wish to visit the centre after your experience you will need to pay the normal admission charge.
What happens if the weather is bad on the date of my experience?
We will run the experiences in most weather conditions. Our birds generally enjoy sitting out and having a shower in the rain! Umbrellas are welcome and a shelter may be provided in particularly heavy rain. In severe adverse weather we may rearrange the session to an alternative date of our choosing; if you cannot attend the alternative date please contact us to discuss your options.
I can no longer attend on the date I have booked – can I cancel it/rearrange the date?
If you cannot attend on the date you have booked, please telephone us on 01562 700014 to discuss this. Cancellations requiring a refund may be subject to an administrative fee of up to 20% of the purchase price.