Following the success of our last two photography themed holidays, the third photography holiday took place at Blind Veterans UK’s Sheffield Centre in September, with great success!
Members enjoyed a jam-packed week where they were able to learn new skills, discuss their photographic interests plus there were a few trips as well! Running Monday to Friday, the holiday began with participating members arriving at the Sheffield centre, all eager to take part. After the initial introductions it became clear that many Blind Veterans UK members already had photography knowledge and were eager to discuss what they wanted to achieve from the photography holiday.
During the week, guest speakers came in and worked with our blinded veterans. Photographer Luke Holroyd led a workshop on the technical elements of photography, from working out aperture settings and understanding shutter speeds, to demonstrating the best use of light and perspectives. Members were then able to practice using aperture and shutter speeds with classes on portrait photography and still life.
Russell, Sheffield centre’s IT instructor, was on hand to help members out with the digital side of photography, explaining the various ways photos can be uploaded to a computer and to social networking sites (great for our facebook and twitter members!); and Kate, Sheffield’s Rehabilitation Officer (ROVI), provided a demonstration on the various visual aids available to blinded veterans who are interested in photography, such as opticular glasses which can help the visually impaired to see the many camera buttons and menus on SLR cameras. No holiday is without a few trips! The group took outings to Chatsworth House and practiced capturing the lush surroundings and architecture of the famed stately home, along with visits to the Millennium Gardens and galleries and the canal.
By Friday members, although sad to go, had an enjoyable time and left with more confidence and self-belief in their photography skills and were keen to put into practice the many things they had learnt during the week. For more information about our rehabilitation activities, click here.