Having lived near Portsmouth & Southampton for a number of years now, I had never even heard of Staunton Country Park – hidden away in Havant and Leigh Park, it is a perfect place to go for a run, take your dog for a walk or spend the morning taking photos. We visited here on a Photography Walkshop with Strong Island, a local company based in Portsmouth. This was the second Photography Walkshop we had taken part in (you can read about the first one here) and it was a brilliant morning!
The walkshop was my first proper opportunity to try out my new Nikon D3300 DSLR camera – which I was very excited about – and Paul from Strong Island has lots of great tips on how to use the settings on your camera – perfect for a newbie like me! The lens I use is the 18-55mm lens that comes as a standard with the camera – and I was very pleased with the results!
We were also shown some ways to better utilise the camera on our phones – it had never occurred to me before to turn my phone upside down when taking photos, but it makes so much sense! By turning the phone upside down, the lens is closer to the subject and makes the photo look totally different! The next two photos were taken with my iPhone 7, and I’m really pleased with how they turned out!
Just look at the depth of field – achieved with an iPhone camera! Awesome.
As it turns out, Staunton Country Park has a lake – which unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to walk around on the day, but I’d definitely like to return (on a warmer day!) to have a proper look around.
At the end of the walkshop, we experimented briefly with some portrait photography, which was interesting and I’d definitely like to do more of. For my first attempt, I don’t think it turned out too bad at all!
If you’re Hampshire based and like photography – or would like to learn more about photography, these Photo Walkshops are a fantastic way to do so in a fun way, and in a place you wouldn’t normally think to visit.
I’m looking forward to coming along to another walkshop soon!
Hi Kathryn what an interesting morning, I especially love the bark on the trees, I love trees and the arches in the old building…..I wonder if they do ohotowalkshops in Surrey…….lovely to get to know your camera and it’s capabilities…..super😊
In all my time in photography I’ve never done a photography walk shop, it looks great fun! And the excitement of playing with a new camera just adds to the enjoyment. Some lovely photos here. Good luck learning you’re new camera settings :’)
Jo | http://www.mindfuladventures.co.uk
Hey I’m from Portsmouth too! Love it here by the sea 🌊 Staunton is a lovely place to walk round especially the farm for the kiddies x
Love your blog! followed! Mine is http://www.rimpysreads.wordpress.com
I love photo walks! I haven’t done any in a while and I can’t wait to get a little warmer to get outside and shoot! ^^
This brings back such good memories of when I lived in Portsmouth and your photos are stunning too.
Ashleigh