Photography has now become a big part of nature observation. Just take a stroll around any nature reserve and you will see people hauling heavy DSLR cameras with humongously long lenses. Just to own such equipment would cost an arm and a leg – or two! The next step down from owning one of those expensive beasts is to possess one of the array of bridge cameras now currently available. Much more compact and lightweight than their mighty DSLR cousins they still pack a good punch in the photographic stakes.

But what if your photographic equipment only spans to a smartphone – is it possible to take amazing wildlife images?

The answer that question is a resounding YES! By putting your smart phone on the end of a telescope – phonescoping – you will effectively be able to take pictures using a long lens. The results will astound you.

To learn how to master this skill join Paul Hackett, one of the UK’s (and indeed, the world’s) leading bird phonescopers on our Urban Birder Phonography Day Course. He has pioneered many of the techniques that are used in the field today and will gladly teach you how to take stunning images.

Urban Birder Phonography Day Course will be a great introduction to capturing the images birds that you have always dreamt about. Aimed at beginners, the course will give you the know how for taking great urban bird images.

Set at the London Wildlife Trust’s picturesque Woodberry Wetlands, you will have a brilliant setting for some amazing photography. Easily accessible by public transport, this superb 11 hectare urban reserve is home to a large number of species including Great Crested Grebe, Pochard and Cetti’s Warbler plus many more.

The courses will be held on Saturdays (and occasionally Sundays) starting at 10am finishing at 2pm and there is a sumptuous café on site for lunch too.

A general look at kit

Setting up your smart phone for photography

Framing and focusing tricks

How to find subjects to photograph

Videoing birds using your smartphone

Processing your images

Above all it will be fun, irreverent, factual and educational

Please bring your smart phones fully charged to avoid disappointment

Most of the components for this course will be held outdoors so please wear clothes appropriate to the season. Always dress warmer than what the day appears to be because hours in the field can be surprisingly chilly. Also, try to wear adequate footwear as it could get muddy or slippery.

If you have a telescope please bring it along as we only have a few loan telescopes. Any telescope used for birding will be adequate as we will have a number of universal attachment fittings for smartphones.

Please inform us if will be bringing your own telescope at the time of booking.

TUBW in association with Viking Optical Ltd