Nature photography: how hard can it be?

To celebrate the launch of the 2011 Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition, the Natural History Museum presents two very special photography events.

Friday 28 October

Wildlife Photography: Picture Perfect?

Good wildlife photographs can move, inspire and educate us about the fragility and magnificence of the natural world. But they can also be misleading.

World-class photographers Heather Angel, Chris O’Reilly and Paul Hobson will be discussing the tricks and the truths of wildlife photography in a modern age. What does it take to get the ultimate shot? Is it acceptable to train a tame animal to re-enact a wild behaviour? Is it OK to lure wild animals closer with bait? And as retouching technology becomes more and more sophisticated, does it really matter – and can we tell – if photos are adjusted and altered in post-production?

Join us and have your say on the issues that matter for the next generation of wildlife photographers.

Venue: The Restaurant
Time: 19.00 (doors open 18.30)
Tickets: £10 (£9 Members)

Saturday 29 October

A practical workshop in how to take the perfect wildlife picture, in one of London’s most atmospheric locations

Budding wildlife photographers can learn how to capture moody, textural photographs in Brompton Cemetery this month, under the expert tutelage of wildlife photographer Chris Gomersall. This spooky, overgrown cemetery will be throwing open its gates to 24 lucky photographers, who will be capturing pictures of all living things: birds, squirrels, insects, foxes, squirrels, in dramatic contrast to the decaying grandeur of this historic setting. Sessions will run in two groups of 12, and the workshop will focus on composition and photographic creativity. 

Chris Gomersall is on the board of judges for the Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition at the Natural History Museum. He is an award-winning wildlife and environmental photographer with more than 25 years experience. 

Venue: Brompton Cemetery, Chelsea, London
Times: 9.30–12.30 or 13.00–16.00 (two groups of 12)
Tickets: £75 (£67.50 Members)