The Stour at Sunrise by Steve Hedges

Calling all keen photographers (strictly amateurs).

Send us a photograph that best depicts ‘the unique beauty of the Colne-Stour area’. All entrants will be featured on the CSCA website, and the top three will be revealed in the 2020 CSCA magazine. Maximum of two entries per person. Please send to Christy.simson70@gmail.com Competition closes on 1st January 2020.

Our Competition Judge is Steve Hedges.

Steve Hedges has been a photographer for 30 years. Living in Chelmsford he has been shortlisted a number of time for the Outdoor photographer of the year competitions and the British Wildlife photographer of the year.

He also runs photography courses at the Flatford Mill Field Centre in Suffolk and has also worked with the Kent Heritage Tree Project.

He says “I love to get out and explore new places. I’m forever looking for new areas to run my workshops. If, like me, you enjoy visual arts, I’m sure you’ll understand what a buzz I get when I’m out with a camera in hand, watching the fleeting changes of light play across the landscape. Capturing a wildlife event or taking a perfect portrait encourages me to take out a camera time after time. I have witnessed some magical moments over the years. Being a photographer means that I observe places and events that I might not otherwise have had the opportunity to. Photography has enriched my life. If I can encourage other people to take up or improve their photography, then that’s great.

Where it all began

I started shooting on film, both black and white and colour. I really enjoyed printing black and white images in the darkroom. The sight of an image appearing before your eyes in a tray of chemicals is one that you never get tired of. I switched to digital capture about eleven years ago and I have to say I love the immediacy of using a digital SLR. I also find digital capture is a brilliant tool when it comes to teaching photography.

I very much enjoy using my digital darkroom to print my art prints. No more smelly chemicals and a cold, damp darkroom.

For many years now, along with my usual photographic assignments, I have been running a variety of photography courses and workshops. I find it immensely rewarding helping people to reach their full potential as a photographer. One of the great things about photography is that you are constantly learning new things as technology changes and you improve your understanding of the art. I find that I still have a hunger to learn new techniques and always to improve as a photographer. I believe this keeps my approach to teaching photography fresh and up-to-date. All of my courses are conducted in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I find that my students get on really well together sharing information, techniques and tips about camera equipment, in fact many have gone on to become good photography “buddies” which is I think a lovely bonus to attending one of our courses. Indeed, if you check out the “What’s on” page of this website, I regularly arrange what I call “photography get-togethers”. These are days out for all Steve Hedges Photography students, past and present to a photogenic location. There is no charge for these days – everyone just turns up if they wish to for the love of photography and has a great day with their camera.

What I enjoy most

I enjoy teaching both in the classroom and out on location. The locations I choose for my workshops are extensively researched. In fact I love to get out and explore new places. I’m forever looking for new areas to run my workshops. If like me, you enjoy visual arts, I’m sure you’ll understand what a buzz I get when I’m out with a camera in hand, watching the fleeting changes of light play across the landscape. Capturing a wildlife event or taking a perfect portrait encourages me to take out a camera time after time. I have witnessed some magical moments over the years. Being a photographer means that I observe places and events that I might not otherwise have had the opportunity to. Photography has enriched my life. If I can encourage other people to take up or improve their photography, then that’s great.

Photography courses in Essex, London and surrounding counties

As well as teaching photography, I am of course available as a professional photographer, undertaking commercial assignments and portrait work and much more. I am available for both courses and one-to-one tuition so please don’t hesitate on getting in touch today. As a professional photographer with over 30 years of experience in photography, I am sure that I will be able to open up a new world of photography for you! Please feel free to contact me with your requirements or for any questions regarding my photography courses. Both myself and my team will do our best to help you in any way possible.”