Ben Russell - woodcarving/photography Print

Ben has undertaken a spectacular variety of public and private woodworking commissions and is recognised as one of Ireland's most capable woodcarvers.

A good communicator and patient teacher, he is equally at home giving masterclasses at major exhibitions, or coaching complete novices in his studio. Students have the benefit of the studio's extensive reference library and carving tool shop.

As an illustrative photographer, Ben has had several thousand images published and now runs a range of photography workshops, helping beginners and experienced camera users to get the most from their equipment.

Ben's Courses and Tuition

Woodcarving
  • Woodcarving Foundation Course - 3-days
  • Woodcarving Follow-up - 3-days
  • General Woodwork Tuition - by arrangement
Photography
  • Digital Photography Essentials - 1-day
  • Superb Photography - 1-day
  • DSLR Users workshop - 1-day
  • One-to-One tuition - by arrangement
 
 
Course calendar at bottom of page
 

 

 

Photography workshops

A good day out in a fabulous location! Ben providest a mix of well-structured tuition and opportunities to put it all into practice. With comparatively small groups, there is some scope for adapting the workshops to individual needs. Refreshments are provided, and delicious lunches are available at each venue.

 

The workshops are run at three levels:

 

Digital Essentials is for newcomers to digital photography or those who feel they have never fully got to grips with their digital camera.

 

Superb Photography is for camera users who are familiar with basic principals of digital photography, and want guidance in developing their skills - or who are converting from competent SLR film photography to non slr digital photography.

 

Digital SLR Users is for DSLR users with some familiarity with the principals of photography.

 

These workshops are run in association with OLYMPUS

 

Digital Photography Essentials
This workshop is for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of their camera, and learn about basic photography techniques. Even low-end digital cameras can appear quite complex, so I explain what to prioritise and how to get the best from a camera, whatever the quality.
For those thinking of buying a new digital camera, I'll explain about the different types, and what to look for.
If you would like to try out a better camera, I have several very capable Olympus digital cameras that can be borrowed for the day.I'll be helping participants to see and compose good pictures and I'll give tips on memory cards, CDs, backups, etc.

Participants also get guidance on how to learn more, in their own time, after the workshop.

Superb Photography
This workshop is for camera users who are familiar with the basic controls on their cameras and know something of the principals of photography. They may be considering buying a more sophisticated camera or switching from film SLR to digital — or just want an excuse for good day out in a fabulous location, where they can take lovely pictures and learn a bit at the same time! Topics include: exposure; composition; using filters, camera supports, and a look at digital software.
Participants can hire an Olympus DSLR for the day, or borrow an Olympus super-zoom compact SLR style camera.

 

Digital SLR User's Workshop

This workshop is for owners of digital SLR cameras (cameras with exchangeable lenses) with some knowledge of basic photographic technique. The emphasis is on image capture. Topics include: exposure; composition; using aperture priority to control depth-of-field, polarising and graduated filters, using RAW format for optimum image quality, reflectors and diffusers; camera supports, and a look at raw development and digital cataloguing software.

If you have bought an SLR but have little experience of photography it's best to sign up for the Digital Photography Essentials course first.

 

Ben also runs workshops in garden photography, product photography for craftworkers, and can provide one-to-one tuition, and in-house training for businesses.

 

Contact Details

Ben Russell

Address: Kealkil, Bantry, West Cork
Tel :
+353 (0) 27 66133

eMail: Ben Russell
alternative web: www.benrussell.info

Ben Russell
Ben Russell

Ben Russell - woodcarving/photography

Course Title

Days

Price €

Woodcarving Foundation

3

€355

Woodcarving follow-up

3

€355

One-day photography workshops

1

€85

 

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The Hands-On network is supported by West Cork LEADER Co-op and the Crafts Council of Ireland