Feedback from Talks and Workshops 2018
As a photographer I am always interested in what people think of my work, my workshops and my talks.
Much of what I have learnt has come from listening to others and what they think of what I have done so far and then using their comments to improve and develop further.
I am very interested to receive your feedback on my work and my style please take a moment to let me know what you think and if you have a website with some of your work please do share it with me.
The following are examples of feedback people have left in 2018.
Feedback on specific workshops, tours or talks can to be found against the descriptions of these events.
Links to other years feedback
Feedback recevied during 2018
Alan Lawrence – Programme Secretary Wolverhampton Photographic Society – November 2018
“Hi Bob, WOW! What an evening you gave us last night. Your presentation was exactly what we wanted as we are trying to give our Membership a mixture of photographic education, inspiration and entertainment. You met our remit in spades with, for me, the icing on the cake being your ‘plain English’ explanations coupled with your very snazzy visual presentation back up to underpin our understanding of the topics you covered. May I also thank you for the download which I achieved successfully this morning I know that our members will really appreciate this.
When I opened the evening last night I did say that we were in for a really top flight instructional talk and you certainly came up with the goods. Thank you so much Bob and I’m sure I’ll be booking a second visit from you in the future. Kind regards, Alan Lawrence.”
Kelven Spratling – After Secret British Mammals – Devon – October 2018
“Bob, Just a personal email to thank you so much for the wonderful workshop at the weekend. I have had a quick look at my photos and they are brilliant – well done to you for taking my photography up another couple of notches over the weekend.
Thank you for all the hints and tips you imparted with us during the two days. I can’t believe you have taken me up another couple of notches and looking at my photos it looks like I have only to do some cropping – brilliant thank you.
Even the toughest animals have come out really well – superb. Thank you again for a wonderful time and for all your efforts over the weekend as well as I am sure the huge amount of work behind the scenes that you and Lavinia must have done for us. Hope to see you next year on another workshop.”
Stephen Montgomery – After British Wildlife Centre Workshop – September 2018
“I was expecting to get up close to the animals and I wasn’t disappointed. I particularly enjoyed being in with the Otters.
Bob has a wealth of knowledge that he is willing to share with anyone who is interested. He also is more than happy to leave you to it if you don’t require any assistance. “
Mike Henebury – After British Wildlife Centre Mouse Workshop – September 2018
“What a great day out at the British Wildlife Centre. To be able to get into the enclosures with the animals, in almost natural surroundings, was fantastic and gave us some really good photo opportunities.
Bob is a great Teacher with a vast amount of knowledge and experience answering all our queries and more – I’ve certainly learnt a few valuable tweeks which have improved my photography – Thanks Bob.
The Staff were well-informed and friendly and looked after us very well from start to finish of the day. I
would highly recommend this course to anyone who is thinking should I try it? – It’s well worth it and you’ll learn a lot whatever your level of experience. “
Martin Freeman – After Harvest Mouse Workshop – September 2018
“The workshop was great from start to finish. I felt welcome as soon as I arrived and really appreciated the mix of practical advice regarding photographing the mice and technical advice relating to camera functions. The size of the group was perfect as there was ample opportunity for each of us to take plenty of photos without getting in each other’s way. Thank you very much to both of you – I would wholeheartedly recommend this workshop to anyone that was interested in it!”
Ian Moncrieff – After Harvest Mouse Workshop – September 2018
“This more than met my expectations. The pre-photo shoot discussion on technical points and the mice themselves was a good scene-setter and I think that the venue, props management and backdrop were all fine. This was the first time I had photographed harvest mice so I learned a lot from it and had great fun doing it. Thanks for a lovely welcome and a really most pleasant half-day. “
Ellie Williams – After Harvest Mouse Workshop – September 2018
“I was hoping to dust off my camera , learn how to use it better to photograph wildlife and hopefully get some images to show off to my friends. From the beginning it was apparent that I was going to meet all these expectations! Were they fully met ? I was so impressed by the time you spent preparing us beforehand. More than one lightbulb went on! Your teaching brought together a number of jigsaw piece . I learned loads but the two areas that really stood out for me was pushing the exposure way higher than I would have dared otherwise. And secondly a much better understanding of focal lengths/depth of field. “
Stella Gould – After Harvest Mouse Workshop – September 2018
“My expectations for the worksop were, that if i managed a few good shots I would be happy. My expectations far exceeded this, I have so many shots that I am very happy with it will take some time to go through them!! I was greeted with a warm welcome that immediately put me at ease. Myself and the other 2 participants were offered tea or coffee which was most welcome after my drive up from Kent, at the beginning of the workshop we were informed about the Harvest mice and that their welfare was paramount throughout the workshop, along with advice and support about camera gear that would be best to use, but the decision was ours. Throughout the workshop I, and am sure the other participants felt the same we were very supported with any support we needed to ensure we all left with some very nice shots. I am sure that i will be returning for further workshops. My journey home was not good due to two incidents on M11 but even that could not dampen the great afternoon I had, and I’m sure I must have been smiling all the way home. I would recommend this workshop to anyone. I’m not sure how the workshop could be improved, it was a great workshop and I’m sure I will be looking at the other workshops you offer
Doug Harbour – After Carnivorous Plants Workshop – July 2018
“With no particular interest in carniverous plants, but plenty of interest in macro photography, I found this a very interesting workshop. I had 4 pieces of kit (a macro lens – used a little, a remote shutter release – used a little, a rack for my tripod and a loupe for the lcd on my slr – both never used). Bob gave me comprehensive help on setting uo the rack to get sufficient images to stack for good depth of field. Bob is a great communicator and encourager, and i thoroughly enjoyed the day”
Ken Lane – After British Wildlife Centre Workshop – July 2018
“Had a wonderful day at the British Wildlife Centre, it was very well organised with the help of the centre staff, Bob gave us lots of tips on better techniques to improve our shots of the animals, also at the same time some in-depth information about the animals, I would recommend this workshop, to anybody interested in wildlife.”
Wendy Turner – After Secret British Mammals Workshop Devon – June 2018
“I really looked forward to doing this course and it exceeded my expectations. The animals were well cared for and easily accessible for photographers. Bob as usual is a great source of knowledge both from the animals and photography information. The course was not rushed and adapted to the needs of the photographers. would highly recommend this course – Thank you 😊 “
Philip Adair – After Owls in evening light Workshop – July 2018
“For me, my photography is very hit and miss at the moment. As soon as I start getting into it I end up pausing and then have to work up again, so I want to do more workshops and get the practice in with support. The workshop did this but so, so much more, to have the ability to get so close to such wonderful birds in such a setting is brilliant. To have your support is always really great and appreciated.
Good to meet up and a great workshop – really good team, fellow photographers and Jo, the Falconer was brilliant! Everyone did whatever they could to make sure everyone got something from it. Beautiful birds in a great setting – a perfect day. “
Steve Mayled – After Secret British Mammals Workshop Devon – July 2018
“As always, a chance to learn more about the camera – I like the technical info. The photo opportunities, sharing your experience with us, inside knowledge, relaxed approach. I look forward to all of these and wasn’t disappointed – definitely fully met and I very much enjoyed the whole weekend “
Daniel Jensen – After British Wildlife Centre Workshop – July 2018
“First things first I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone that is interested in British wildlife regardless of what photography level you may be. The staff were absolutely fantastic and Bob what can I say. Bob is a fantastic teacher/photographer and will guide you through your camera settings and all the techniques that you will need to capture some beautiful images. I would class myself as an intermediate level hobbyist photographer and learn so much from Bob. Bob was always on hand to help me through the day with techniques if needed but would also leave me to my own devices if I wish so. All in all the day was really great and had a fantastic experience with the group. “
Dave Bell – After British Wildlife Centre Workshop – July 2018
“I attended a day at the British Wildlife Centre in East Surrey with Bob on the 17th of July 2018. It was a fantastic day with lots of opportunity to take great pictures of the animals as we were allowed into some of the enclosures. The BWC staff were very knowledgeable, friendly & helpful. And Bob was on hand all day to provide very practical advice & guidance. All in all a fabulous day out that I would recommend to anyone wishing to improve their wild life photography skills. “
Sue Lloyd – Programme Secretary Thatcham Camera Club – After Macro talk – May 2018
“Thank you so much for coming on Wednesday evening. I have had several people giving me feedback on the evening including this one:
Very many thanks to you and to the others for organising and getting such an interesting speaker whose presentation was brilliant. I have had a look at the private web-site and it is a great reminder as to what was covered. So thanks again to you the organisers and also pass on my/our thanks to Bob Brind-Surch. “
Carolyn Moore – After Secret British Mammals Workshop – May 2018
“The website offers full details of the workshop and is excellent. I knew that if it was as good as it sounded on the website it would be amazing – and it was. My expectations were met and exceeded, everything about the weekend was brilliant. We got to photograph so many different mammals and we also had warmth and sun as the icing on the cake! Your recommendation for accommodation was a good one, I wouldn’t have wanted to stay anywhere else. The rural setting was perfect as was the accommodation. Linda is an incredible hostess and the standard of both the apartment and catering couldn’t be faulted. I felt totally spoiled with amazing breakfasts, and superb packed lunches delivered to the venue
There isn’t anything that I wanted from the workshop that wasn’t available. Your personal attention to everyone Bob was fantastic.I never felt as if I didn’t know enough and nothing was too much trouble for you to explain. Your knowledge and experience were openly shared with the group. The group was small and enabled us all to get the very best out of the days. I never felt rushed and having time in each of the animal settings was appreciated. I’m also delighted that I have come home with some pictures that I am proud of, but most importantly lots of knowledge that I didn’t have before. Thanks for a really great weekend “
Lynn Day – After British Wildlife Centre Workshop – May 2018
“Never been on this type of course before. Had a wonderful day, helped in part by the weather. The small group was great and meant we got lots of attention if we needed it. Having the centre to ourselves and getting info from the keeper as well as Bob was interesting. We got a short essentials H&S brief, and the day ran to time. Loved the day, being able to go in enclosures a real plus.”
Penny Yates – After Specialist Raptor Workshop – April 2018
“An excellent workshop that definitely lived up to my expectations. With only six of us attending, Bob and Ann were both able to give careful individual help an d guidance, often showing much patience as we were quite a ‘mixed ability’ group, and I surprised myself with the quality of some of the photos that I took! I certainly learned a lot which I hope I will remember. The venue is perfect for such an activity: a wonderful selection of birds of prey, beautiful countryside and the most knowledgeable and friendly falconers.”
Paul Hendley – After British Wildlife Centre Workshop – May 2018
“This was a repeat visit – previous trip not with naturesphotos – I wanted to get better images. I was impressed with the time spent with attendees on technical support – this was different from the other visit I had had where clients were largely left to take their own images.”
Andrew Allsop – After specialist Birds of Prey Workshop – May 2018
“I had a thoroughly enjoyable day with great company, an excellent teacher in Bob who made the learning both very helpful and fun. Tom the falconer was a great guy who taught me a lot about raptors, an added bonus! The small group was a definite advantage as there was plenty of time for Bob to give individual attention . I loved the location and the birds where in tip top condition. All in all an excellent workshop and I will certainly consider going on another one run by Bob.”
Caroline Smith – After Wolves Workshop – April 2018
“I wanted to learn how to photograph wildlife – never really done it before and was useful to understand suggested DoF and areas to focus on the Wolves to ensure sharpe pictures front to back of the wolves particularly when walking towards you. Also, how to use the back button focus function. I did’t expect to learn all this in one day but did. An excellent workshop and teacher.”
Sally Wright – After Harvest Mouse Workshop – April 2018
“I had wanted to attend this workshop for a while & it met all my expectations. Bob was very helpful including lending me a lens for the morning and provided lots of facts about the mice, he also made sure their welfare was a priority during the workshop. He provided feedback on photos and showed me useful fe atures on my camera, whilst also explaining what situations other menu options would be suitable for. I am very happy with the photos I took and cannot wait for my next workshop with Bob”
Garry Chisholm – After specialist Birds of Prey Workshop – April 2018
“My 2nd visit to this location and it more than met my expectations yet again. Good selection of birds, very logical in the order they were displayed as it helped the photographer through the stage from ‘easy’ to difficult”
Wendy Turner – After Harvest Mouse Workshop – April 2018
“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was delighted with the shoot and all the support and information we were given on the day. It was a history, biology and a photography lesson all rolled into a great day and a great shoot. Thank you Bob et al for enabling me to great some lovely images.”
Mark Cox – After Secret Mammals Workshop – April 2018
“I wanted to be able to take photos of native UK mammal species in natural settings – which is exactly what happened – with guidance from an experienced, professional photographer as to how to get the best shots. Again, this is exactly as expected and advertised and then some – really appreciated the excellent and very helpful tuition that covered the complete range of experience amongst the group. I certainly learned a lot, and not just about photography! I had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend, learned an awful lot and, through a first glance, also have some great shots. I thought the workshop was pitched perfectly – informal but massively informative, a nice range of subjects to photograph and well paced and also very focused on us as clients. Bob’s amazing photography knowledge was incredibly impressive but, in addition to that, his natural history knowledge was phenomenal. And, he’s a gifted and very natural educator, a great storyteller and a thoroughly nice man who couldn’t do enough to help. “
Mike Dubery – After Secret Mammals Workshop – April 2018
“Fantastic weekend, great company, superb tuition provided in an easy to understand way. Accommodation and catering were great too.”
Linda Ewing – After Harvest Mouse Workshop – April 2018
“I had previously done a similar photo session with harvest mouse, but what I like most about this session is the amount of photographers on the course, Bob keeps it down to a maximum of three which was essential for making photos of the harvest mice, anymore and I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much and the animals were not stressed, Bob is very careful about this and loves these little creatures and does not want to stress them out. My expectation of the day werefully fulfilled and I am looking forward to going on my next course in July”
John Tilly – After Specialist Raptors Workshop – April 2018
“Learn’t more about my camera in a day than I would have done otherwise. (Canon manuals not particularly helpful in my view) Struggled with some aspects due to underlying eyesight issues, difficult to track the birds, however pleasantly surprised to have good selection of in flight photos. You, Ann and the two falconers were great.”
Ian Hardacre – After Harvest Mouse Workshop – April 2018
“I really enjoyed the morning and the help and advice that I received as I did my first ever macro shots (40+ years of photography) The advice I received throughout the morning was spot-on and best of all I learnt a lot as well as getting some great images”
Steve Williams – After Camera Club Talk – March 2018
“Bob, I was at yesterday’s presentation to St Neots Camera Club, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Good, simple advice and amusingly delivered. In particular I found the advice on micro-adjustment very good – I need to reset my 7d and 600mm so the 30x focusing will be useful . The tips and settings for the ring flash are also very relevant for me. I have a 100mm macro and a Nissin MF18 ring flash and I have configured them on my 5D MkII as you suggested. Works a treat and I can dial down the B tube to give some modelling. Thanks for the good advice and for your talk. “
Yvonne Brassington
“I am a member of Willfield Camera Club and I thought your presentation last night was absolutely fantastic. I am quite new to photography so still learning the basics, your talk gave me so much inspiration I wish it could have gone on longer the time went too quickly. Thank you for coming to the club and giving us your valuable time. Kind regards. Yvonne”
Penny Yates – Afer Specialist Birds of Prey Workshop – April 2018
“An excellent workshop that definitely lived up to my expectations. With only six of us attending, Bob and Ann were both able to give careful individual help an d guidance, often showing much patience as we were quite a ‘mixed ability’ group, and I surprised myself with the quality of some of the photos that I took! I certainly learned a lot which I hope I will remember. The venue is perfect for such an activity: a wonderful selection of birds of prey, beautiful countryside and the most knowledgeable and friendly falconers.”
Paul Hendley – After Bristish Widlife Centre Workhsop – May 2018
“This was a repeat visit – previous trip not with naturesphotos – I wanted to get better images. I was impressed with the time spent with attendees on technical support – this was different from the other visit I had had where clients were largely left to take their own images.”
Robert Holgate – After Secret British Mammals Workshop – March 2018
“My only concern was how wet and muddy all the enclosures which cannot be helped I believe that this has been the best 2 days photo shoot I have been on the instruction and guidence has helped a lot also found the other members of the group a joy to be with and the two days exceeded my expectations I will be booking again next year for a different season so I can cover them all possible June or July Many Thanks for a great weekend “
Natalie Ward – After British Wildlife Centre Workshop – March 2018
“I loved the day, such a great experience and I took some pictures that I am really proud of. As a complete beginner I learnt some simple techniques which have given me more confidence with my camera. “
