He has undertaken a spectacular variety of public and private woodworking commissions and is recognised as one of Ireland's most capable woodcarvers. His studio in the West Cork mountains is a stimulating haven in which you can absorb a new skill, or build on an existing one.

As an illustrative photographer, Ben has had several thousand images published and is supported by camera makers, Olympus. He offers a range of photography workshops, in beautiful locations, that help beginners and experienced camera users get the most from their equipment.

A good communicator and patient teacher, he is equally at home giving master-classes at major exhibitions or coaching complete novices.

Besides his group workshops, Ben is available for one-to-one tuition in photography or woodwork, for those who prefer learning in this way.

Ben is delivering a series of workshops for the Craft Council of ireland, and Local arts centres, to train artists and craftworkers to photograph their work.

Open Day Saturday August 13th 11am-5.30pm Come along and see Ben's studio and work, and watch him in action demonstrating carving techniques. Free – all welcome!

Courses and tuition

Woodcarving

• Woodcarving Foundation Course - 3-days
• Woodcarving Follow-up - 2 or 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 - 1/2-day or 1-day, by arrangement

Woodcarving Courses

Several times a year Ben turns his professional studio into a teaching space and tutors in woodcarving. The students are inevitably diverse — from teens to retired, absolute novice to skilled artist, casual to completely obsessed. Everyone gets immersed in the rich pleasures of working wood with fabulous razor-sharp tools. For many it's a welcome retreat — a complete break from day-to-day preoccupations.

There is a break in the middle of the day where everyone can get to know each other over Joyce's tasty home-produced lunches. An extensive library of books and magazines provides inspiration and reference, and the little tool shop means that students can take away the equipment they'll need to carry on carving after the course.

Woodcarving seems to attract particularly pleasant people, so the courses can be very enriching at several levels.

2012 Woodcarving course dates

March 31—April 2nd (Sat—Mon)

April 11—13 workshop for Technology Teachers group (Easter break Weds—Fri)

April 28—30 (Sat—Mon)

Woodcarving Foundation Course

This covers all the basics for complete beginners, and for self-taught carvers who may well have gaps to fill. Learn how to prepare for a carving, various carving techniques, how to hold odd shapes, how to choose and look after carving tools, and how to enrich your carving with beautiful finishes.

Kick off with straightforward exercises, and then choose a project or learn a specific technique.

Woodcarving Follow-up

These 2 or 3-day sessions are for return visitors who want a chance to get stuck into a more complex project, with Ben on hand to coach and guide. Another retreat, more technique, a different type of carving - whatever the student wants to get out of it. There can be an even better balance of focus and relaxation. The studio has a collection of illustrated step-by-step projects for guidance, and a supply of timber for the students choice.

One-to-One Woodwork Tuition

For those who would prefer to learn in this way, Ben can cover a wide range of hand and machine woodworking techniques, and helps woodworkers to set up and equip their workshops.

Photography workshops

A good day out in a fabulous location! Ben provides 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 Photography Essentials is for newcomers to digital photography and those who feel they have never got to grips with their digital camera.

Next date: March 10 (to be confirmed) — Bantry House, West Cork

Superb Photography is for camera users who are familiar with basic principals of digital photography, and want guidance in developing their skills.

Next date: March 17 (to be confirmed) — Bantry House, West Cork

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

Next date:March 24 (to be confirmed) — Bantry House, West Cork

These workshops are supported by OLYMPUS and cost €85 (€295 for 1-1)

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

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.

One-to-One Tuition

More and more people are realising that knowledge is the most important photography accessory they need, and are choosing to learn one-to-one. Ben gives full-day or two half-day sessions geared to your specific camera and interests. Where distance isn't a problem, the two half-day option allows you to practice, and to review what's stuck from the first session and what additional information you need. Both options cost 295 euro.

Other Photography Workshops

Ben also runs workshops in garden photography, product photography, photography for artists and craftworkers, beginners classes for ICA and other groups, and in-house training for businesses.

For contemporary wedding photography, visit Ben's website www.bensonrussell.com