Vernon Chalmers Photography Training: December 2025

06 December 2025

Canon Photography Training Milnerton, Cape Town

Photography Training / Skills Development Milnerton, Cape Town and Cape Peninsula

Personalised Canon EOS / Canon EOS R Training for Different Learning Levels

Fast Shutter Speed / Action Photography Training Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Vernon Chalmers Photography Approach

Vernon Canon Photography Training Cape Town / Cape Peninsula

"If you’re looking for Canon photography training in Milnerton, Cape Town, Vernon Chalmers Photography offers a variety of cost-effective courses tailored to different skill levels and interests. They provide one-on-one training sessions for Canon EOS DSLR and EOS R mirrorless cameras, covering topics such as:

Introduction to Photography
Bird and Flower Photography
Macro and Close-Up Photography
Landscape and Long Exposure Photography
Canon Speedlite Flash Photography

Training sessions can be held at various locations, including Woodbridge Island and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, or even in the comfort of your own home or garden. (Microsoft Copilot)

Canon EOS / EOS R Camera and Photography

Cost-Effective Private Canon EOS / EOS R Camera and Photography tutoring / training courses in Milnerton, Cape Town - or in the comfort of your home / garden anywhere in the Cape Peninsula.

Tailor-made (individual) learning programmes are prepared for specific Canon EOS / EOS R camera and photography requirements with the following objectives:

Individual Needs / Gear analysis
Canon EOS camera menus / settings
Exposure settings and options
Specific genre applications and skills development
Practical shooting sessions (where applicable)
Post-processing overview
Ongoing support

Image Post-Processing / Workflow Overview
As part of my genre-specific photography training, I offer an introductory overview of post-processing workflows (if required) using Adobe Lightroom, Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) and Topaz Photo AI. This introductory module is tailored to each delegate’s JPG / RAW image requirements and provides a practical foundation for image refinement, image management, and creative expression - ensuring a seamless transition from capture to final output.

Canon Camera / Lens Requirements
Any Canon EOS / EOS R body / lens combination is suitable for most of the training sessions. During initial contact I will determine the learner's current skills, Canon EOS system and other learning / photographic requirements. Many Canon PowerShot camera models are also suitable for creative photography skills development.

Camera and Photgraphy Training Documentation
All Vernon Chalmers Photography Training delegates are issued with a folder with all relevant printed documentation in terms of camera and personal photography requirements. Documents may be added (if required) to every follow-up session (should the delegate decide to have two or more sessions).

Small Butterfly Woodbridge Island - Canon EF 100-400mm Lens

Cabbage White Butterfly Woodbridge Island - Canon EF 100-400mm Lens

Learning Photography from the comfort of your Own Cape Town Home / Garden More Information

Bird / Flower Photography Training Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden More Information

Photography Private Training Classes Milnerton, Cape Town

Introduction to Photography / Canon Cameras More
Bird / Flower Photography Training Kirstenbosch More
Birds in Flight / Bird Photography Training More
Canon Speedlite Flash Photography Training More
Macro / Close-Up Photography More
Landscape / Long Exposure Photography More

Training / demonstrations are done on the client's own Canon EOS bodies attached to various Canon EF / other brand lenses covering wide-angle to zoom focal lengths.

Canon EOS System / Menu Setup and Training Cape Town

2025 Individual Photography Training Session Cost / Rates

From R850-00 per four hour session for Introductory Canon EOS / EOS R photography in Milnerton, Cape Town. Practical shooting sessions can be worked into the training. A typical training programme of three training sessions is R2 450-00.

From R900-00 per four hour session for developing . more advanced Canon EOS / EOS R photography in Milnerton, Cape Town. Practical shooting sessions can be worked into the training. A typical training programme of three training sessions is R2 600-00.

Three sessions of training to be up to 12 hours+ theory / settings training (inclusive: a three hours practical shoot around Woodbridge Island if required) and an Adobe Lightroom informal assessment / of images taken - irrespective of genre.

Canon EOS Cameras / Lenses / Speedlite Flash Training
All Canon EOS cameras from the EOS 1100D to advanced AF training on the Canon EOS 80D to Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. All Canon EOS R Cameras. All Canon EF / EF-S / RF / RF-S and other Canon-compatible brand lenses. All Canon Speedlite flash units from Canon Speedlite 270EX to Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT (including Macro Ring Lite flash models).

Intaka Island Photography Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

Advanced Canon EOS Autofocus Training (Canon EOS / EOS R)
For advanced Autofocus (AF) training have a look at the Birds in Flight Photography workshop options. Advanced AF training is available from the Canon EOS 7D Mark II / Canon EOS 5D Mark III / Canon EOS 5D Mark IV up to the Canon EOS 1-DX Mark II / III. Most Canon EOS R bodies (i.e. EOS R7, EOS R6, EOS R6 Mark II, EOS R5, EOS R5 Mark II, EOS R3, EOS R1) will have similar or more advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF Systems. Contact me for more information about a specific Canon EOS / EOS R AF System.

Cape Town Photography Training Schedules / Availability
From Tuesdays - during the day / evening and / or over weekends.

Canon EOS / Close-Up Lens Accessories Training Cape Town

Core Canon Camera / Photography Learning Areas

Overview & Specific Canon Camera / Lens Settings
Exposure Settings for M / Av / Tv Modes
Autofocus / Manual Focus Options
General Photography / Lens Selection / Settings
Transition from JPG to RAW (Reasons why)
Landscape Photography / Settings / Filters
Close-Up / Macro Photography / Settings
Speedlite Flash / Flash Modes / Flash Settings
Digital Image Management

Practical Photography / Application

Inter-relationship of ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed
Aperture and Depth of Field demonstration
Low light / Long Exposure demonstration
Landscape sessions / Manual focusing
Speedlite Flash application / technique
Introduction to Post-Processing

Tailor-made Canon Camera / Photography training to be facilitated on specific requirements after a thorough needs-analysis with individual photographer / or small group.

Typical Learning Areas Agenda
General Photography Challenges / Fundamentals
Exposure Overview (ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed)
Canon EOS 70D Menus / Settings (in relation to exposure)
Camera / Lens Settings (in relation to application / genres)
Lens Selection / Technique (in relation to application / genres)
Introduction to Canon Flash / Low Light Photography
Still Photography Only

Above Learning Areas are facilitated over two three sessions of four hours+ each. Any additional practical photography sessions (if required) will be at an additional pro-rata cost.

Fireworks Display Photography with Canon EOS 6D : Cape Town

From Woodbridge Island : Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens

Existential Photo-Creativity : Slow Shutter Speed Abstract Application

Perched Pied Kingfisher : Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm Lens

Long Exposure Photography: Canon EOS 700D / Wide-Angle Lens

Birds in Flight (Swift Tern) : Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm lens

Persian Cat Portrait : Canon EOS 6D / 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens

Fashion Photography Canon Speedlite flash : Canon EOS 6D @ 70mm

Long Exposure Photography Canon EOS 6D : Milnerton

Close-Up & Macro Photography Cape Town : Canon EOS 6D

Panning / Slow Shutter Speed: Canon EOS 70D EF 70-300mm Lens

Long Exposure Photography Cape Town Canon EOS 6D @ f/16

Canon Photography Training Session at Spier Wine Farm

Canon Photography Training Courses Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Garden

Vernon Chalmers CI Theory and Photography Training

Vernon Chalmers’ Conscious Intelligence (CI) Theory positions photography as a deeply experiential, cognitive, and embodied practice rather than a purely technical endeavour.

"Trust your intuition, focus and the camera in your hands. Forget about that 'perfect shot', work towards an ideal exposure and enjoy a special moment." ― Vernon Chalmers

Vernon Chalmers’ Conscious Intelligence (CI) Theory offers a comprehensive, experiential framework for understanding how photographers perceive, interpret, and creatively respond to the world through a dynamic interplay of cognition, embodied awareness, and intentional engagement. Rather than defining photography as a technical or mechanical operation, CI Theory positions it as an experiential–cognitive practice shaped by perception, lived experience, emotional awareness, and environmental attunement. This expanded essay (3,500 words) examines the philosophical, cognitive, and pedagogical underpinnings of CI Theory and demonstrates how experiential photography training functions as its practical extension. The paper draws on cognitive psychology, ecological perception, phenomenology, and adult learning theory to articulate how CI Theory redefines photographic mastery. It argues that experiential training, grounded in conscious intelligence, cultivates holistic photographic competence by integrating perceptual intelligence, reflective insight, embodied skill, emotional regulation, and adaptive technical fluency. Through deep analysis of practice methods - including sensory immersion, reflective journaling, environmental embodiment, and the role of the trainer as a perceptual facilitator - the essay reveals how CI Theory reshapes contemporary photographic pedagogy and contributes to long-term creative autonomy.

Canon Photography Training Milnerton, Cape Town

Introduction

Photography is often framed within technical paradigms emphasizing camera settings, optical systems, and post-processing mechanics. Yet such reductionist perspectives neglect the profound experiential, perceptual, and cognitive dimensions that shape how photographers see, interpret, and meaningfully capture the world. Vernon Chalmers’ Conscious Intelligence (CI) Theory challenges traditional assumptions by proposing that photography is fundamentally a conscious, perceptual, and interpretive activity rooted in the photographer’s lived experience, cognitive processes, and attunement to environmental conditions (Chalmers, 2024).

CI Theory asserts that photographic expertise arises not merely from technical fluency but from the integration of conscious perception, embodied interaction, creative intention, and reflective awareness. When translated into practice, this framework becomes the basis for experiential photography training, a pedagogical approach emphasizing learning through sensory immersion, meaningful experience, critical reflection, and iterative practice rather than prescriptive rules.

The rise of computational photography and artificial intelligence imaging systems heightens the significance of CI Theory. As mechanical and algorithmic processes increasingly automate technical elements of image-making, the photographer’s conscious intelligence - their way of perceiving, attending, and emotionally interpreting the world - becomes the core of artistic authenticity. Thus, experiential training becomes not only a method of skills development but a means of cultivating perceptual identity and creative agency.

This essay analyzes CI Theory in-depth and explains how experiential photography training embodies its principles. It draws on multidisciplinary foundations - including phenomenology, cognitive psychology, ecological perception, experiential learning theory, and expertise research - to articulate how CI expands photographic learning and enriches creative practice.

Vernon Chalmers Conscious Intelligence Theory Index

Foundations of Conscious Intelligence Theory

1. Photography as Cognitive–Perceptual Engagement

CI Theory situates photography within a cognitive framework where perception is active, interpretive, and shaped by internal mental processes. Unlike passive models of vision, the cognitive-perceptual paradigm recognizes that photographers selectively attend to visual stimuli, interpret patterns, anticipate outcomes, and make rapid decisions based on goals, emotions, and environmental cues (Goldstone, 1998).

The act of “seeing” becomes a dynamic cognitive event involving:

attentional focus

pattern recognition

emotional resonance

perceptual filtering

intention-driven interpretation

evaluative decision-making

Chalmers emphasizes that these cognitive operations are inseparable from creativity. The photographer’s inner life - memory, personal meaning, intention - infuses perception with interpretive depth. This position aligns with theories of enactive cognition, which assert that individuals bring forth meaning through their perceptual engagement with the world (Varela et al., 1991).

2. Phenomenology and the Lived Experience of Seeing

CI Theory draws philosophical support from phenomenology, particularly the work of Merleau-Ponty (2012), who argued that perception is inseparable from the body and situated experience. For photographers, phenomena such as depth, movement, and atmosphere are not merely visual cues but lived experiences shaped by bodily orientation, emotional state, and personal history.

According to CI Theory, the photographer’s embodied presence influences:

how light is perceived

how motion is anticipated

how spatial relations are interpreted

how meaning is assigned to visual elements

This phenomenological grounding reinforces CI’s fundamental principle: photography is not an external recording activity but an expressive extension of lived consciousness.

3. Environment as an Active Partner in Perception

Drawing from Gibson’s (1979) ecological approach to perception, CI Theory asserts that photographers perceive the world not as static scenes but as dynamic environments filled with affordances - opportunities for action, interaction, and composition. Chalmers emphasizes that in genres such as Birds in Flight (BIF), landscape, and nature photography, the environment is not a passive backdrop but an active, responsive field that shapes perceptual decisions.

Environmental attunement includes:

observing wind direction and its effect on bird flight

reading atmospheric shifts in light

sensing animal behaviour

understanding the ecological rhythms of a location

CI Theory positions environment–photographer interaction as essential to the emergence of perceptual intelligence.

4. Emotion, Intention, and Conscious Awareness

CI Theory highlights emotion as a key dimension of photographic perception. Emotional intelligence influences:

patience

attentional stability

creative openness

motivation

response to uncertainty

Goleman’s (1995) emotional intelligence framework supports CI’s assertion that affective awareness directly shapes perceptual clarity and artistic intention. Chalmers notes that conscious intelligence emerges when cognitive, emotional, and perceptual processes align harmoniously during photographic engagement.

5. Metacognitive Reflection

Reflection is central to CI’s developmental structure. Metacognition - the ability to think about one’s thinking - enables photographers to evaluate perceptual strategies, refine decision-making, and develop creative autonomy.

Schön’s (1983) reflective practitioner model resonates strongly with CI Theory’s emphasis on:

reflection-in-action (real-time perceptual adjustments)

reflection-on-action (post-session evaluation)

Through reflective practice, photographers cultivate deeper awareness of their perceptual habits and biases, supporting long-term artistic growth.

Experiential Photography Training: The CI Methodology

1. Experiential Learning as a Pedagogical Foundation

Vernon Chalmers’ experiential training is grounded in Kolb’s (1984) experiential learning cycle:

Concrete Experience (field practice)

Reflective Observation (review and introspection)

Abstract Conceptualization (generalizing principles)

Active Experimentation (testing refined approaches)

This cyclical model aligns seamlessly with CI Theory’s emphasis on learning through lived encounters rather than technical instruction alone. Photography is positioned as a continuous loop of experience, perception, reflection, and adaptation.

2. Sensory Immersion and Perceptual Presence

CI training prioritizes sensory immersion - an intentional slowing down of perception to deepen awareness of environmental complexity. Trainees are encouraged to:

observe subtle changes in light

note variations in subject behaviour

attend to atmospheric movement

listen to environmental sounds

sense bodily posture and breathing

This strengthens perceptual sensitivity, a foundational aspect of conscious intelligence.

3. Technical Skills as Perceptual Scaffolds

Technical instruction is essential but reframed within CI as supportive scaffolding for perceptual goals. Rather than memorizing settings, trainees learn why technical parameters matter in relation to:

interpreting light

freezing or conveying motion

controlling depth-of-field

adapting to environmental changes

This fosters flexible expertise, allowing photographers to adapt to real-world complexity rather than rely on rigid formulas (Ericsson & Pool, 2016).

4. Embodied Movement and Sensorimotor Fluency

CI Theory emphasizes the physicality of photography. In BIF, for example, body-camera coordination is crucial. Experiential training includes:

stance stability

ergonomic handling

smooth predictive tracking

breath regulation during capture

bodily alignment with subject motion

This reflects research in embodied cognition demonstrating that perception and motor action are inseparable components of skilled expertise (Gallagher, 2017).

5. Reflective Journaling and Cognitive Integration

Post-session reflection deepens learning by making tacit perceptual processes explicit. CI trainees often engage in:

journaling

image annotation

perceptual analysis

emotional reflection

environmental pattern recognition

These reflective practices enhance metacognitive awareness and support long-term skill consolidation.

The CI Trainer’s Role: Facilitator of Conscious Perception

1. Mentorship over Instruction

A CI trainer functions not as a rule-giver but as a perceptual mentor. Chalmers emphasizes:

guiding awareness

asking reflective questions

encouraging experimentation

modelling perceptual strategies

supporting intuitive development

The goal is to cultivate independent perceptual intelligence rather than dependence on instruction.

2. Cultivating Contextual Sensitivity

CI trainers teach photographers to remain adaptable to environmental uncertainty. Through experiential exposure, trainees learn to read:

changing light patterns

animal behaviour cues

weather transitions

spatial dynamics

ecological rhythms

This contextual awareness supports rapid, informed decision-making in the field.

3. Emotional and Intrinsic Motivation Support

Emotions influence perception, and CI trainers recognize the importance of emotional stability and creative motivation. Through supportive feedback and reflective dialogue, trainers help learners:

manage frustration

maintain curiosity

deepen patience

cultivate resilience

enhance creative flow

Emotional intelligence becomes integral to photographic growth.

BIF Photography as Applied Conscious Intelligence

Birds in Flight (BIF) photography provides a vivid example of CI in action because it demands anticipatory cognition, environmental embodiment, and sensorimotor synchronization.

1. Anticipatory Perception

Experienced BIF photographers perceive motion before it occurs. This anticipatory skill emerges from repeated experiential exposure and aligns with expertise research showing that experts develop superior predictive perception (Williams & Ericsson, 2008).

2. Real-time Decision Making

CI emphasizes rapid, conscious assessment of:

shutter speed

autofocus tracking behaviour

bird distance

background complexity

wind conditions

These decisions require perceptual awareness rather than rote memorization.

3. Embodied Environmental Participation

In CI-based BIF training, photographers “enter” the environment through a state of attuned presence, sensing environmental rhythms. This produces fluid, synchronized tracking and intuitive timing.

Environmental Variables for Improved Birds in Flight Photography

Implications of CI Theory for Photography Education

1. A Shift from Technical Instruction to Experiential Growth

CI Theory challenges didactic, rules-based teaching. Instead, it emphasizes:

situated learning

perceptual exploration

reflection-driven understanding

learner autonomy

Photography becomes a process of meaning-making rather than mechanical execution.

2. Development of Holistic Photographic Intelligence

CI training cultivates the following integrated skill set:

perceptual intelligence

emotional intelligence

reflective intelligence

embodied intelligence

technical intelligence

These multidimensional capacities enable versatile, adaptable photographic artists.

3. Empowering Long-term Creative Identity

By grounding training in awareness, experience, and personal intention, CI Theory supports the development of a photographer’s unique visual voice - something that cannot be automated or replicated by artificial intelligence.

Kolb's ELT Influence on Vernon Chalmers CI Theory

Conclusion

Vernon Chalmers’ Conscious Intelligence (CI) Theory positions photography as a deeply experiential, cognitive, and embodied practice rather than a purely technical endeavour. Through its emphasis on conscious perception, environmental attunement, emotional awareness, and reflective thinking, CI Theory reframes photographic skill as a holistic synergy of mind, body, and environment. Experiential photography training becomes the applied methodology through which CI principles take form.

By integrating theories from phenomenology, cognitive science, ecological perception, and experiential learning, CI Theory expands the scope of photographic education and emphasizes the inherent human intelligence at the heart of meaningful photographic practice. As computational photography grows increasingly sophisticated, CI Theory underscores the uniquely human dimensions of perception, creativity, and lived experience that define authentic photographic artistry.

References

Chalmers, V. (2025). Conscious Intelligence and experiential photography.

Ericsson, A., & Pool, R. (2016). Peak: Secrets from the new science of expertise. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Fosnot, C. (2013). Constructivism: Theory, perspectives, and practice. Teachers College Press.

Gallagher, S. (2017). Enactivist interventions: Rethinking the mind. Oxford University Press.

Gibson, J. J. (1979). The ecological approach to visual perception. Houghton Mifflin.

Goldstone, R. L. (1998). Perceptual learning. Annual Review of Psychology, 49(1), 585–612.

Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence. Bantam Books.

Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice Hall.

Merleau-Ponty, M. (2012). Phenomenology of perception (D. A. Landes, Trans.). Routledge.

Moon, J. (2013). Reflection and employability. Routledge.

Schön, D. A. (1983). The reflective practitioner: How professionals think in action. Basic Books.

Varela, F., Thompson, E., & Rosch, E. (1991). The embodied mind: Cognitive science and human experience. MIT Press.

Williams, A. M., & Ericsson, K. A. (2008). From novice to expert performance. High Ability Studies, 19(2), 123–139.

01 December 2025

Birds in Flight Photography Training Cape Town

Learning Birds in Flight Photography : For Canon EOS / EOS R Cameras

Intaka Island | Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Training Intaka Island | Woodbridge Island

Canon Birds in Flight Photography Training Milnerton, Cape Town

Vernon Chalmers facilitates the popular Birds in Flight Photography Workshop / Private Training (for Canon EOS / EOS R) in Milnerton, Cape Town - with hands-on practical sessions along the Diep River, Milnerton Lagoon and around the Table Bay Nature Reserve, Woodbridge Island.

Birds in Flight Photography Learning Objective / Training Level

For assisting the developing photographer with the understanding and application of introductory to intermediate birds in flight photography in terms of exposure settings / photography techniques / practical sessions (with ongoing Birds in Flight Training support).

Bird Photography Training Cape Town (Birds in Flight and Perched Birds)

Birds in Flight Practical Photography Training Intaka Island

Training can be facilitated at Intaka Island, Century City as well. Please note these sessions will be afternoons only (with the setting sun at the back of the photographer / bird hide I use) More here >>

Please note that the Birds in Flight Photography training is for Canon EOS / EOS R bodies only.

New / Updated: The Advanced (AF) Autofocus photography training workshop is now integrated as an advanced AF Module in the current Birds in Flight Photography workshop.

Birds in Flight Photography Training Costs:

Cost-effective Birds in Flight photography training for assisting the new and more advanced Canon photographer developing specific Canon camera / photography skills. Birds in Flight Training will have at least one integrated practical Birds in Flight Session - Woodbridge Island (mornings) / Intaka Island (Mid-afternoon). Contact me for more scheduling information.

Introductory sessions for new photographers starts from R850 per session (up to four hours 4+).

R2 450 for three sessions one-on-one Photography Training Sessions (up to five hours 4+ each).

From R900 for the developing / more advanced Canon EOS / EOS R camera per training session (up to four hours 4+).

R2 600 for three sessions one-on-one Photography Training Sessions (up to five hours 4+ each).

Sessions can be adjusted / structured to meet specific learning requirements (camera and / or photography).

There will be some Lightroom post-processing orientation (if required) and an extra session could be costed in for Lightroom training at half the cost of a separate Lightroom training session.

Camera and Photgraphy Training Documentation
All Vernon Chalmers Photography Training delegates are issued with a folder with all relevant printed documentation in terms of camera and personal photography requirements. Documents may be added (if required) to every follow-up session (should the delegate decide to have two or more sessions).

Ongoing Birds in Flight Photography Support

All delegates are eligible for WhatsApp / Email Support for uploading / discussing photos, learn more, get online support and / or shoot with me at Woodbridge Island (after the original workshop practicals).

Birds in Flight Practical Training / Application
More than 55+ different bird species (in-flight and perched) have been photographed over the last couple of years at Woodbridge Island, Milnerton- all within a relatively short walking distance from the training studio apartment. Bird Species | Google Map

Birds in Flight Photography

"Birds in flight photography is a thrilling and rewarding genre, as it captures the grace and beauty of birds in motion. Here are some tips to help you master this challenging subject:

Equipment:

Canon camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a fast autofocus system and a high continuous shooting rate is ideal. Examples include the Canon EOS 70D, Canon EOS 7D Mark II and various Canon EOS R bodies

Lens: A telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 300mm is recommended. Popular choices are the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens or Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens. There are many other lens focal length options. Also lenses from Sigma or Tamron.

Canon EOS / EOS R bodies covered in Birds in Flight Photography Application / Training:

Canon EOS 700D / EOS 750D / EOS 800D
Canon EOS 60D / EOS 70D / EOS 77D
Canon EOS 80D / EOS 90D
Canon EOS 7D / EOS 7D Mark II
Canon EOS 6D / EOS 6D Mark II
Canon EOS R / EOS RP / EOS R3 / EOS R5 / EOS R6 / EOS R7 / EOS R10
Canon EOS 5D Mark III / EOS 5D Mark IV
Canon EOS-1D X / EOS-1D X Mark II / EOS-1D X Mark III
Canon EOS R1 / R3 / EOS R5 / EOS R6 (and the Mark II versions if applicable)

Recommended Lenses for Birds in Flight Photography (Focal Length)

70-300mm (Canon / Sigma / Tamron)
100-400mm (Canon / Sigma)
100-500mm (Canon RF)
150-600mm (Sigma / Tamron)
300mm / 400mm / 500mm / 600mm / 800mm (Canon Prime)

Read more about Starting Out with Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town

Small Birds in Flight Photography Training Cape Town

Intermediate to Advanced BIF / Action Photography

Anyone with a Canon EOS DSLR / mirrorless camera who wants to get a more in-depth understanding of the Canon Exposure Modes, Autofocus (AF) system and its application / tuning for Birds in Flight / Action photography.

Detailed discussion will be provided for all modern Canon EOS / EOS R bodies Please see the session's contents / learning areas below.

Detailed notes and other relevant information resources will be provided during / after the workshop.

Birds in Flight Photography Training Woodbridge Island / Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Practice at Intaka Island / Woodbridge Island

Practical / walk-around shooting session for all delegates. This is an opportunity to experiment with the various exposure settings, AF system configurations and capturing / composition techniques with the various birds species around Intaka Island / Woodbridge Island. Guidance will be on hand for fine-tuning of exposure settings and AF system configurations.

What do you need to bring?
DSLR / Mirrorless Canon EOS Camera, telephoto or zoom lens & your own memory cards.

Recommended lens focal length (300mm - 500mm+)

300mm ie: Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS (STM) or EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6(L) IS USM lens (or any 3rd party lens of similar focal length).

Birds in Flight image samples with a 70-300mm variable aperture Zoom Lens

Contact Me if you need more information about your DSLR / Mirrorless body and lens pairing.

Each delegate will receive a folder with all workshop information and other useful resources.

Private Training / Workshop Learning Areas

Birds in Flight Fundamentals / Considerations
Canon EOS / EOS R Body overview (Depending on delegate's camera)
Applicable Lenses for Birds In Flight Camera / Lens Settings
Exposure Settings
Continuous shooting / AI Servo Modes
Canon AF Systems
Advanced AF System tuning (AF Configuration / Area Selection Modes)
Advanced body / lens focus / techniques / recommendations

Birds in Flight Photography Training Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Sessions Woodbridge Island / Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Training Woodbridge Island / Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Lessons Woodbridge Island / Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Lessons Intaka Island / Cape Town (Afternoons)

More Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town Images

Canon Photography Private Training Courses Milnerton, Cape Town

Introduction to Photography / Canon Cameras More
Bird Photography Training Kirstenbosch More
Canon EOS Autofocus / AI Servo Master Class More
Canon Speedlite Photography Workshop More
Macro / Close-Up Photography Workshop Cape Town More
Landscape / Long Exposure Photography Workshop More

Vernon Chalmers Photography Approach

Canon Photography Training Courses Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town | Intaka Island

Landscape Photography Training Cape Town

Learn Landscape and Long Exposure Photography with Canon EOS / EOS R Cameras

Seascape Table Mountain / Photography Training

Vernon Chalmers facilitates beginner / intermediate level Landscape / Seascape / Long Exposure Training Courses at Milnerton and Woodbridge Island, Cape Town - with guided sunrise and sunset shooting sessions.

Training Dates: To be confirmed with individual delegates

Delegates are welcome to at select Sunrise and / or Sunset Photography Sessions.

Landscape / Seascape Photography Training costs
Cost-effective Landscape / Seascape photography training for assisting the new and more advanced Canon photographer developing specific Canon camera / photography skills. At least one practical session will be integrated into a session / sessions. Contact me for more scheduling information.

Introductory sessions for new photographers starts from R850 per session (up to four hours 4+).

R2 450 for three sessions one-on-one Photography Training Sessions (up to five hours 4+ each).

From R900 for the developing / more advanced Canon EOS / EOS R camera per training session (up to four hours 4+).

R2 600 for three sessions one-on-one Photography Training Sessions (up to five hours 4+ each).

Sessions can be adjusted / structured to meet specific learning requirements (camera and / or photography).

Camera and Photgraphy Training Documentation
All Vernon Chalmers Photography Training delegates are issued with a folder with all relevant printed documentation in terms of camera and personal photography requirements. Documents may be added (if required) to every follow-up session (should the delegate decide to have two or more sessions).

Vernon Chalmers Photography Approach

Ongoing Landscape Photography Support

All delegates are eligible for WhatsApp / Email Support for uploading / discussing photos, learn more, get online support and / or shoot with me at Woodbridge Island (after the original workshop practicals).

Booking: Contact Vernon Chalmers

Landscape Photography

"Landscape photography is a wonderful way to capture the beauty and majesty of the natural world.
Here are some tips to help you create stunning landscape images:

Golden Hours: Shoot during the golden hours—shortly after sunrise and before sunset—when the light is soft and warm. This lighting can enhance the colors and textures in your photos.

Composition: Use the rule of thirds to create balanced and visually appealing compositions. Place key elements of your scene along the gridlines or at the intersections.

Foreground Interest: Include an interesting foreground element to add depth and lead the viewer's eye into the scene. This could be a rock, tree, or even a person.

Depth of Field: Use a small aperture (e.g., f/11 to f/16) to achieve a large depth of field, ensuring that both the foreground and background are in focus.

Tripod: A tripod is essential for landscape photography, especially in low-light conditions. It helps keep your camera steady and allows for longer exposures.

Filters:

Polarizing Filter: Reduces reflections and enhances the colors of the sky and water.

ND Filter: Allows for longer exposures during the day, creating smooth, motion-blurred water and clouds.

Leading Lines: Use natural lines, such as rivers, roads, or trails, to guide the viewer's eye through the image.

Weather: Don't be afraid to shoot in different weather conditions. Stormy skies, mist, and fog can add drama and mood to your landscapes.

Post-Processing: Use editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to enhance your photos. Adjust the exposure, contrast, and colors to bring out the best in your images." (Source: Microsoft Copilot 2025)

Delegates during a Landscape / Long Exposure Workshop Milnerton Beach

Training Objective / Training Level
For assisting the developing photographer with the understanding and application of intermediate to advanced landscape / long exposure settings and techniques (with ongoing Landscape Photography Training support).

At the end of the workshop / practical sessions you should be able to understand / grasp the techniques required to get the most from your own gear / and take your own photography to the next (more advanced) level.

For Canon APS-C / Full-Frames DSLR bodies / lenses
The Landscape / Long Exposure Workshop will start with exposure / focus settings with reference to APS-C and Full Frame bodies) and then up to three practical sessions at Woodbridge Island / Milnerton Beach: a sunset session and again at sunrise and / or sunset session. Delegates are welcome to attend all three practical sessions.

Workshop Contents / Learning Areas

Introduction
Canon EOS / EOS R Camera Bodies
Cabon Compatible Wide / Ultra-Wide Lenses Camera / Lens Settings (and Menus)
Exposure / Focus Settings
Long Exposure Techniques
Tripods / Remote Releases
Filters Overview / Application
Composition Guidelines
Copyright / Online & Social Media Publishing
Practical Sessions (Milnerton Beach / Woodbridge Island)

Canon Camera Body / Lens Requirements

Any Canon EOS DSLR / EOS R camera body with an ultra-wide / wide angle lens in ie. 10-18 / 18-55 / 18-135mm focal length APS-C format or Full Frame ie.16-35 / 24-70 / 24-105mm focal length will be suitable. Feel free to contact me if you're not sure.

Tripod
A sturdy tripod will be mandatory for the low light / long exposure sessions.

Contact Vernon Chalmers for more information

All Landscape / Long Exposure Photography Workshop Cape Town promotions, bookings, and logistics are facilitated by Vernon Chalmers.