Night time Photography: Ponterwyd and Nant yr Arian

 

This is a bilingual course introducing students to the principles of digital photography during the dusk and night period, giving the students knowledge and understanding of the basic use of the camera to ensure the highest quality photos.

Key Facts 

 

Language: Welsh and English

Duration:  2 Days 

Number of Credits: 10

Tutor: Dafydd Wyn Morgan

Learning Method: In Person

Lefel: This Module is at CQFW Level 4

Module Code: YD10110

Fee: Free - Fee Waiver Scheme available (see conditions below)

Thanks to financial support from Medr through the Fee Waiver Scheme  : Lifelong Learning , Aberystwyth University Welsh learners and speakers who live in Wales (and who are not studying at a university), can study this course for free.

Due to the nature of the course, there are a limited number available so it will be first come, first served!

To start your application, complete the Fee Waiver Application Form: Fee Waiver Application Form

In section 7 of the Fee waiver Application Form, please tick the 'Studying through the medium of Welsh' box

 

Outline

The aim of this practical course is to introduce the principles of digital photography during the dusk and night period, giving the learner knowledge and understanding of the basic use of the camera to ensure the highest quality photos.

While the basic aspects of digital photography will be covered (handling and setting up the digital camera, choosing lenses, exposure, composition and image critique), this course will focus on taking specific photos during the night and twilight.

The learner will have the opportunity to observe and take photographs in the Elan Valley, Powys.

Open to everyone from beginners to experts, this course explores photographing the night sky and dusk while incorporating nature.

Course Programme

Two sessions of taking pictures of the dusk and night sky in selected locations guided by an expert in the field.

During the sessions the elements below will be taught:

  • How to hold a camera and use the tripod and touchless control
  • Basic field skills
  • Configure the DSLR / Mirrorless Camera
  • Lens selection
  • Exposure
  • Constitution
  • Natural lighting
  • Creative management
  • Editing and modifying photos

There is a review of the photos during the course to learn how to self-criticize work and enable continuous improvement.

Our tutor, Dafydd Wyn Morgan, is one of Wales' most enthusiastic photographers, who specializes in night photography and videography presenting the dark sky in connection with natural landscapes. His photos have been published in the National Geographic, Sky at Night Magazine Sky News and many local, regional and national newspapers. Take a peek at his website: Home | Serydda / Stargazing / Wales

Course Details

Saturday night, 26th and Sunday night, 27th April 2025

Between 8 in the evening and 2 in the morning

 

Meet at the George Borrow Hotel, Ponterwyd, Ceredigion, SY23 3AD Dinner and / or accommodation can be booked in advance if desired: The George Borrow Hotel

Important: Learners are required to provide the necessary equipment (see list below).

Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify, choose and use basic and appropriate photography skills and methods when taking pictures during the night and twilight
  2. Demonstrate basic skills in using a digital camera and photography equipment including editing packages
  3. Learning new techniques when taking pictures outdoors at night and dusk
  4. Self-criticism of images to enable continuous improvement

Assessments

  1. Practical demonstration of competence during the fieldwork
  2. A portfolio of work and images taken during the course

Entry Requirements

This is a course for everyone. No previous experience is required and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What do I need?

Learners are required to provide the following equipment:

  • DSLR / Mirrorless Camera
  • Tripod
  • Remote control
  • Head torch
  • SD card
  • Laptop

Learners are suggested to download the following app(s):

  • Clear Outside
  • Stellarium
  • Aurora Alerts