Menu

Talks

I am available to present a number of talks and presentations which can be tailored to your groups specific requirements. From the full story of field craft and camera settings to simply showing the beautiful wildlife from a particular area I will deliver my presentation with enthusiasm and show my passion for the natural world.

All talks are available to be presented via Zoom.

My fees are £70 plus travel from Woolpit Suffolk or £50 for a Zoom presentation.

Boxing hares
Hedgehog
Swallowtail
Winter robin

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year

A photographic journey through the seasons displaying the diverse flora and fauna around East Anglia illustrated with many of my published and award winning images and some of the stories behind these images                                                     

Grape leaf
Bittern
Silver washed fritillary
Bengal_tiger-67265.jpg

20 Nature Photgraphy Projects Throughout the Year

Specially for camera clubs this talk is designed to enthuse and encourage photographers with projects ranging from inside the house or year long projects to concerntrating on one species or visiting a specific location.

Hare photography
Summer hare
Rabbit photography
Great tit

Field Craft for Wildlife Photography

The stories behind some of my projects with tricks and tips for the field craft

Brimstone_butterfly_feeding_on_a_bluebell_flower-67250.JPG
Hedgehog-75271.JPG
Roe_deer-66928_1.jpg
Mountain_hare-70002.JPG

British Wildlife Through the Seasons

An illustrated journey across the British isles through the four seasons with many of my published and award winning images and some of the stories behind these images.

Blue tit
Blackbird
Bumble bee
Robin

Backyard Safari, Garden Wildlife Through the Seasons

Take a seasonal wildlife journey through a Suffolk back garden with many images from my own garden.

Peacock butterfly
Sweet chestnut
Roe deer
Fieldfare

Suffolk Through the Seasons

A photographic journey of the wildlife in Suffolk through the year.

Ladybird-72387
Brimstone butterfly-74687
Frosted leaf-81411
Blue tit-81434

Introduction to Garden Photography

This talk can be tailored to your groups requirements depending on how much techincal details you wish to hear. Split into two halves with one a seasonal journey around the garden and then some tips / tricks and technical details about how to capture garden images.

Robin-81640
Blackbird-80029
Blue tit-84171
Greenfinch-81495

Introduction to Garden Bird Photography

Spefically for those wanting to photograph the birds in your garden.This talk can be tailored to your groups requirements depending on how much techincal details you wish to hear. Split into two halves with one a seasonal journey around the garden and then some tips / tricks and technical details about how to capture garden bird images.

Testimonials

Suffolk through the Seasons - The winter season of talks for the local Blyth and Southwold Suffolk Wildlife Trust group started with a visual treat. Kevin Sawford, an award-winning wildlife photographer, took us through the year with a wonderful variety of images of a full range of Suffolk wildlife, from bluebells and bees, to damselflies and deer. The subjects were often the species you might find in your garden, shot with precision and clarity. Kevin talked about the beauty of different light, from the brightness of summer, the mists of autumn, to the subtlety of winter. He favours coming quietly as near as possible to a creature without disturbing it, and often lies on the ground to get the right shot. Kevin is not afraid of getting wet! Much patience is needed too.  Background colours are important, and careful selection gives contrast to the creature, such as the gold of a butterfly against a blue flower, or a deer in a field of poppies. Weather in all its forms adds to the image; hares lying low in the rain, or a knot hunkered down in a driving sandstorm. Water can add movement and drama, such as a seal in the surf, or tranquillity and peace – a swan reflected in a calm pool. Kevin talked about researching the subjects, and learning to anticipate their behaviour, and we saw many amazing photos that captured a brief moment in time. The range and beauty of the photographs was stunning, and reminded us all to observe carefully and enjoy the wildness that Suffolk has to offer.

Blyth and Southwold Suffolk Wildlife Trust group - 2024

Suffolk Through The Seasons - Many thanks for a great evening at our club last night, it was very informative and the images that you displayed on screen were of a very high standard. Speaking to our members afterwards, was that they were very impressed with the way you approached your wildlife photography and added a slight bit of light entertainment within your shots, very well done. Hope to see you again at Lowestoft sometime. Thank you for your amazing "Suffolk through the seasons"

Lowestoft Photographic Club - 2024

Fieldcraft for Wildlife Photography - Kevin is a true craftsman and an excellent speaker.  He recently gave an inspiring talk on his fieldcraft to Aldeburgh Photography Group. Members were impressed by the methods and the patience involved in obtaining his excellent shots of wild animals, insects, butterflies and birds in their natural environments.

Aldeburgh Photography Group - 2024

Introduction to Garden Photography - On the evening of Wednesday 24th April, Bungay Camera Club played host to guest speaker, Suffolk professional wildlife photographer, Kevin Sawford.Kevin`s presentation talk and slide show was titled `An Introduction To Garden Photography` and it attracted a large attendance of Bungay club members and visitors from Beccles, Diss and Chet Valley camera clubs. Kevin has many years of experience that he is happy to pass on with enthusiasm.The first half of the presentation involved a show of images covering a seasonal journey around his East Anglian garden. Kevin talked through the many images of the flora and fauna that can be found growing in, or visiting, a home garden environment.During a break for refreshments, Kevin was happy to chat and answer any questions and queries, or to offer the audience advice. The second half concentrated on revealing many hints, tips and technical details about how he begins visualising the images. This was followed by methods of how to successfully achieve getting images that will be pleasing to the photographer.

Bungay Camera Club - 2024

Fieldcraft for Wildlife Photography - From the first e-mail, Kevin was very prompt in replying, communicated well and was keen to tailor his talk to fit in with our clubs needs.On the evening of the Zoom Talk he was online early and chatted with us all before providing us with a wonderful talk that the club members enjoyed. He is clearly a very competent photographer and his talk was filled with useful hints and tips and all came with a collection of wonderful images.Kevin is a pleasant speaker and we would recommend any club to book him to give one of his talks."

Rhyl Photographic Society - 2024

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year - With many members being keen nature photographers, Kevin was welcomed to a well-attended meeting.  Kevin is a multi award winning wildlife photographer based in Suffolk.  His lecture is a photographic journey throughout the seasons displaying the diverse flora and fauna around East Anglia illustrated with many of his published award-winning images with tips on the fieldcraft behind them.  He encouraged everyone to 'practise' on the common species in your garden, or local parks, so that when you see something more unusual, you are ready to go.  And as his images proved,  just because a species is common, doesn't mean they are not photogenic.   He emphasised the importance of being patient, getting to know the subject, their habitat and behaviour, and returning to the site as often as possible.

Cambridge Camera Club - 2023

British Wildlife Through the Seasons - I invited Kevin to present his work on wildlife across the seasons to Beckenham Photographic Society, suspecting from what I'd seen on his website that he would illustrate my personal passion for wildlife photography to our members far, far better than I could. And my goodness, what a brilliant job he did of doing just that. An evening of stunning images across the four seasons and from every corner of the British isles, an informative, engaging and fascinating commentary and sharing a wealth of knowledge about where, when, how and how not to capture the beauty, fragility and diversity of nature. Many thanks Kevin.

Barrie Brown - Beckenham Photographic Society - 2023

20 Nature photography projects throughout the year - A brilliantly informative and inspirational talk was given by Kevin Sawford last night accompanied by some great examples of his work. It was very well received

Stowmarket Camera Club - 2023

Backyard Safari, Garden Wildlife through the Seasons - 'POTS Gardening Club, based in Coney Weston, invited Kevin to start their winter series of talks and he presented a photographic journey through the seasons in his garden.  It was entitled 'Backyard Safari-garden wildlife through the seasons'. This talk is very suitable for gardening clubs as there are wonderful photographs of flowers and plants and also close-up shots of insects and butterflies that are attracted to them.  The close-up photography enables you to see them in much more detail.  Other garden visitors, such as the hedgehog, young hare, pheasant, many bird varieties and frogs are also captured and are beautiful as well as entertaining. One of my favourite photographs was of a hedgehog emerging through a hole in the fence which had a 'hedgehog highway' sign above it.  They really do work! 

Penny Black - POTS gardening club Coney Weston - 2023

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year - Many thanks for entertaining us with your talk '"An East Anglian Wildlife Photographer's Year"' last night.  We had a good turnout and lots of positive feedback. Plenty of images is always good so you scored well there, and gave us lots of useful information too.

Chelmsford Camera Club - 2023

Introduction to Garden Photography - Thank you for an interesting evening Kevin, you inspired us with great ideas for garden photography. We would have like to have had more time with you but the information you gave us was very helpful. A number of members have looked at your web site and are considering joining you on your courses. You have given our members a great indication for garden shots where many of us only think we have to go into the countryside to take photos when a lot of it is right here on our own doorsteps.

Jo Sweetman - Bury St. Edmunds Photographic Society - 2023

Backyard safari, garden wildlife through the seasons - 

What a pleasure it was to welcome Kevin back to the Tonbridge RSPB group. We thoroughly enjoyed his beautifully illustrated Backyard Safari talk. Kevin’s love for his subject is so apparent and he was full of good tips to help others to photograph their own local wildlife.

“Thank you for giving such an informative talk. We look forward to welcoming you back again in the not too distant future!”

Lesley Ribbens - RSPB Tonbridge local club -2023

Suffolk through the Seasons - I would like to thank you on behalf of the people who attended last nights Wildlife talk on your beautiful photos of wildlife.It was really good to be taken through the seasons and see the many different animals and birds.Thank you once again.

Heather Salmon - Suffolk Wildlife Trust - Stowmarket local group - 2023

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year - With his “East Anglian Photographers Year” presentation, featuring over 400 stunning images, Kevin gave us a memorable, entertaining and inspiring evening. He has a rare ability to capture the character of the animal and its surroundings and the quality of his images is a testament to the combination of his fieldcraft, patience, species knowledge and photographic ability. His ability to capture animals doing something different meant that on many occasions his images provoked an audible audience reaction. Kevin provides a relaxed and informative commentary to accompany his images so that the audience are enthralled throughout. For an inspiring and entertaining evening, I cannot recommend Kevin highly enough. He is simply one of the best speakers we have ever had and we look forward to his return. Many thanks Kevin for an inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Peter Allen - RSPB Stort Valley Local Group

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers year - Thank you very much for coming to talk to our group. Your presentation was extremly popular. Your photographs were very much admired and many commented upon how you made the ordinary into something quite extraordinary and beautiful. Your dialogue and useful information about patience and becoming familiar with the habitat and locations has certainly prompted some of our members to try different methods with their own photography.

Peggy Charlton - RSPB Stevenage local group

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers year - 'Another full house at tonight’s Norwich & District Photographic Society meeting in Chapelfield Norwich.

Kevin Sawford’s presentation ‘An East Anglian Photographer’s Year’ was not only an inspiring evening of great wildlife images but was also packed with interesting information about where, when and how Kevin goes about taking his award winning images. 

Only three weeks into the new season and already we have had two amazing presentations.

Two weeks ago it was Eamonn McCabe and this evening Kevin Sawford. Both very different presentations but both equally inspiring'

Keith Garnham - Norwich & District Photographic Society

Introduction to Garden Photography - “We in Redgrave greatly benefitted from a super talk by Kevin Sawford as an introduction to garden photography.  Thoughtful and engaging, Kevin gives an excellent presentation showing how to get great results in a simple garden environment.  A wildlife photographer of the highest calibre, Kevin is generous in sharing the tricks of his trade.  His talk covers the basics but he is also willing to accommodate more detailed input and queries from those with some experience and technical capabilities.  We greatly appreciated Kevin’s open,  fascinating and informative talk and would strongly recommend it to any group who are interested in developing their skills in this area of activity.”

Andy Warnes - Green Redgrave Group

20 Nature photography projects throughout the year -Thank you once again for coming to Norwich and delivering such an inspiring talk to the members of our Society.  It was a great evening and we all enjoyed your photography.I’m certain that there would be sufficient support to run another workshop with you this season so if you give some sdates and ideas I get it organised at our end.

Maurice Young - Norwich & district photographic society

 An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year - We enjoyed Kevin’s first talk so much in 2014 that we had to invite him for a return visit.We were not disappointed; another fantastic evening entitled ‘An East Anglian Wildlife Photographer’s Year ‘the photographs were superb with incredible detail, his presentation skill and expert commentary made for a wonderful evening.The patience and dedication needed to be a highly successful wildlife photographer is evident in every photograph he shows. He also talked in great detail as to how he planned many of his shots, with regard to the light , direction of the wind and intimate knowledge of his subjects, whether its birds, plants, mammals or insects was immense.He was also willing to answer many questions, some of a technical nature, explaining his camera technique. To cap it all Kevin is a very friendly and highly likable person.

David Porter - RSPB Norwich Group.

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year -Thank you so much for such a marvelous zoom talk on Saturday evening. So interesting and we could see your incredable patience reflected in your outstanding photography. The clarity, colour, sharpness and close-ups were amazing. Please tell me your have another talk up your sleeve.

David Langley - RSPB North East Hampshire Local Group

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year - Thank you so much for visiting the Tonbridge RSPB group last week. We thoroughly enjoyed your talk and found your superb photos so inspiring. The evening made a fabulous finish to our 2021/22 season. You are clearly very knowledgeable and your enthusiasm is contagious. I for one feel motivated to pick up my camera again rather than just using my phone to take pictures.

Thank you once again. I will look forward to seeing you for future talks as I’m sure the group will want to hear from you again.

Lesley Ribbens - RSPB Tonbridge local club

Backyard Safari, Garden Wildlife Through the Seasons - After eighteen months in which the nation's gardens have become places of refuge and relaxation, professional wildlife photographer Kevin Sawford showed us how he makes the most of a garden setting to create the stunning images familiar from RSPB magazines etc. And so, we were treated to many superb shots of very familiar species (including woodpigeons, goldfinches and of course robins), at different times of the year and in different parts of the garden.

Mostly using his own garden (fairly new, and under continuous reconsideration), Kevin demonstrated how the positioning of bird feeding areas against planting or landscaping can create backdrops (either in focus, or as colour wash). Indeed the plants themselves can star in different ways, such as close-ups with raindrops or insect visitors. Kevin also stressed how much thought and perseverance goes into composing and capturing those spontaneous moments where a bird is perched on a garden fork, wheelbarrow handle or seed-head.

A lively discussion included a comparison of the wildlife visiting our own backyards with Kevin's, plus technical aspects and camera recommendations. 

Tony Corps - RSPB Cambridge local group

20 Nature photography projects throughout the year - 

Thanks again for a terrific evening of sharing and learning. I liked the way your narrative incorporated the process of finding photographs and the seamless way it provided advice for all levels. Your photography is all right, too LOL.

Here are some comments from the Chat Log. Oddly, some messages are missing, but these are good. Apparently, I have to change a setting in order to save messages that were sent only to me, not the group as a whole.

Nanci Hellmuth: AMAZING work! Thank you Kevin!

Marlene Mendez: Great presentation! Awesome images. Thank you Kevin.

Dutch Bagley: Very nice presentation, thanks Kevin for a great show!

John Stritzinger: So many excellent examples of the very best in wildlife photography - thoroughly enjoyed your commentary and sharing! Inspired to find that “special place”

Janet Geissler: Wonderful ideas to look for animals .

Shawnell Hughes: Fantastic presentation!

Susan Pincus: Kept my interest for 2+ hours. Great captures! Thank you.

Susan Rachlin: ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Thanks again for the personable and informative program. We hope to see you in the future.

 

Cheers,

Bill

Bill Jordan - Cheltenham camera club, Philadelphia, USA

Photography of the Natural World - The presentation of “Photography of the Natural World” was outstanding. So many comments have been made about the excellent choice of subject matter and the quality of the photographs, it hardly suffices to say that the audience was very pleased! Pictures on the screen followed each other in a continuous flow of delight which, with the interesting and chatty style of commentary and occasional personal photographic tips, covered every aspect of the natural world. Your hours of patience, experience, thoughts, delights and tribulations resulted in a exhilarating evening to be remembered for a long time.

Richard Straton - RSPB Lowestoft & district group

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year - On behalf of the Ipswich Group of the Suffolk Wildlife trust I should like to thank you for such a fascinating and inspiring talk on Wednesday evening.We were amazed by the quality of your photos, but even more so by their composition, which always showed off the subjects in such a meaningful way; Roe deer peeping up through the corn, swans gliding through the mist,female hares rejecting the advances of a suitor.and so much more. You gave us a good number of tips for improving our own efforts, stressing the importance of planning and patience in obtaining that special shot. I feel sure that most of us left your talk fired with enthusiasm to take some wildlife photos of our own, although I doubt many of us will have your patience and persistence.So thank you once again Kevin, and I hope we shall have you to one of our meetings again in the future.

Pam Ireland - Suffolk Wildlife Trust Ipswich local group

Photography of the Natural World - Thank you very much for your excellent talk to our group last night. It was fantastic, you enthusiasm shone through, your photography was excellent. As a photographer I am as jealous as hell. It was a great night

David Porter - RSPB Norwich & district group

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers year - Kevin Sawford came to the Swaffham Camera Club to give his presentation on "An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year". All our members enjoyed it and said it was excellent and liked his enthusiasm for the subject. It is obvious he enjoys this subjectand it shows. He gave a lot of hints and tips about settings and best size of lens for particular shots. I especially liked the photos of animals and birds in silhouette in the evening by a setting sun and so did other members.In my opinion he is one of the best speakers we have had since I joined the club.

Pamela Kewin - Swaffham camera club

An East Anglian wildlife photographer’s year - Want to be impressed and entertained? Then Kevin Sawford is the man for you. His presentation An East Anglian Wildlife Photographer’s Year contains a wealth of beautiful and truly impressive images and his fast-moving commentary cannot fail to entertain and inform his audiences.

Michael Chinery - Suffolk Wildlife Trust Haverhill local group.

20 Nature photography projects throughout the year - On behalf of the members and guests of Bury St Edmunds Photographic Society, I’d like to thank you for your recent talk at our club. You are a regular visitor to our club and never fail to impress. The concept of this talk, “20 Nature Photography Projects throughout the year”, was very clever, catering to all ability levels in the club; something that is always a real challenge. As always it was illustrated with fantastic images which both impressed and inspired. The way in which you divided the talk into sections meant that whatever members’ interests were, there were always aspects that would engage and interest them. From simple projects to try at home, to visiting zoos and getting out into the wild there was something to encourage everyone. Your years of experience really show through with anecdotes and advice enabling an engaging an easy-going lecture style. Having spoken to several members after your talk I know that they have been inspired to get out, take your advice, and enjoy their wildlife photography! Thank you again and I’m sure we’ll see you back at our club in the future.

Chris Carroll-Davis - Bury St. Edmunds Photographic Society.

An East Anglian wildlife photographer’s year - “Our members thoroughly enjoyed Kevin Sawford’s inspirational talk ‘An East Anglian Wildlife Photographer’s Year’.  There were a variety of images from butterflies to seals and Kevin talked about the different ways that we might be able to take such photographs ourselves.  In our gardens, Kevin suggested putting some kind of prop near the bird feeders to encourage birds to pose for us.  Kevin also advised taking practice shots to make sure the camera settings were correct and then waiting for the creatures to arrive where we wanted them. It was made clear in Kevin’s talk that we don’t need to travel to exotic places to be able to photograph wildlife as the opportunities are all around us.  We may not have the patience that Kevin does but we just need to get out there and look.  Many thanks Kevin.”

Beverley de Boos - East Ipswich Camera Club.

An East Anglian wildlife photographer’s year - You don’t need a big bazooka of a lens to take great pictures of birds. That is one of the messages that Kevin Sawford puts over in his 90 minute talk on
Wildlife Photography in East Anglia. He will emphasise the importance of
planning and patience in chasing that elusive shot, rather than expensive
kit.Kevin also stresses that the best pictures contain an aspect of behaviour as
well as composition and planning the background.
If you are wanting to get into wildlife photography, or to improve your
performance, then this talk is for you.

David Addy - Suffolk Wildlife Trust Bury & Mildenhall local group.

An East Anglian wildlife photographer’s year - Thanks Kevin for your wonderful East Anglian Wildlife Photographer’s Year talk to our Suffolk Wildlife local group.  Your lovely images reminded us that even though wildlife is always under pressure from us, we still have enough of it to marvel at and add a bit of colour to our lives.”

Derek Walduck - Suffolk Wildlife Trust Alde & Blyth local group.

An East Anglian wildlife photographer’s year. We all enjoyed your talk immensely and admired your patience and the time you take to go about the countryside to get just the right kind of photograph. I am sure it has encouraged people to do the same and take their camera with them more often! You made us aware of what there is to see and photograph throughout the seasons – that there is always something worthwhile out there. Not just out and about, but in our own gardens.

Ingrid McIvor - Suffolk Wildlife Trust Woodbridge local group.

An East Anglian wildlife photographer’s year - “Kevin Sawford drew a good crowd of members and visitors to Ipswich & DPS for his talk “An East Anglian Wildlife Photographer’s Year”.  Kevin gave a really entertaining evening with superb images from East Anglia.  As well as showing his pictures Kevin gave lots of hints and tips on locations, fieldcraft and equipment.  He stressed how patience and study of the subject paid off with great images from locations many of which were away from the usual reserves and photography “hotspots”.  Following a very professional presentation Kevin was generous with his time in answering questions both to the audience and one to one at the end of the evening.  We hope to see Kevin again in near future.“

David Robinson ARPS
Ipswich & DPS

David Robinson ARPS - Ipswich and District Camera Society

An East Anglian wildlife photographer’s year - I have been to two slide shows given by Kevin Sawford.  One was for the Mildenhall Museum and the other to the Lark Valley Association. He provided all the necessary equipment,  Both of these presentations were packed with high quality photos showing a wide range of wildlife in their natural environment.  The commentary which Kevin gives is both informative and clear. I would recommend him as a speaker for other organisations.

David Palmer - Lark Valley Association

An East Anglian wildlife photographer’s year - A truly inspiring talk from Kevin Sawford, whose photos proved him to be a sensationally talented wildlife photographer (and demonstrator of ‘field craft’). Every creature and behaviour was exquisitely showcased, from rare butterflies warming themselves in the early morning sun, to swans floating dreamily through icy mists, love-sick squirrels cuddling and even bugs waving!  “It’s left me itching to get out and start practising capturing nature through the lens, as I hope it has you”

If you are feeling motivated by Kevin’s talk and are interested in one of his workshops (or would like to know what all the fuss is about), please see his personal website

Diss and District Camera Club

Photography of the Natural World - Members of Fulbourn Gardening Society were recently treated to a very lively presentation by Kevin. This was illustrated by dozens of
stunning photographs of all kinds of wildlife. His patience, timing
and skill in composition were greatly admired. We plan to invite him
to visit us again soon.

James Caesar - Fulbourn Gardening Society

Photography of the Natural World - Kevin came to our club and gave us his talk on Photography of the Natural World. His enthusiasm and passion for his subject was evident from the start and his photographs are simply stunning. Whilst Kevin is prepared to go to great lengths to get his photographs: he doesn’t leave out the sort of images that can be captured by the amateur and takes you on a journey from these through to the images that can be captured with dedication and perseverance. A truly inspirational evening; thanks Kevin.

Stephen Fraser - Glemsford camera club

Photography of the Natural World - The first speaker of our autumn season was Kevin Sawford with his talk entitled ‘Photography of the natural world’. A couple of our members were already familiar with Kevin’s presentational skills as they had attended his workshops earlier in the year. However they did not expect to see the magical quality of the photographic images of flora and fauna that he showed during his talk. The keen photographers of the Society were amazed during question time when he revealed just how much time he spent getting the right picture.An excellent way to start our autumn programme and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Mel Sheard - Horringer & Ickworth Horticultural society

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year - I’d like to give a heartfelt thank you for the talk you gave to letchworth natural history society. It was well up to your usual high standard and many people were quite vocal in their praise of the quality of the photography and I know that you were generous in discussing various technicalities when asked. Your knowledge of wildlife of East Anglia was excellent.

Thelma Willans - Letchworth Natural History Society

20 Nature photography projects throughout the year. Thank you very much for talking to us last night
It was exceptional talk and very inspiring and all our members really enjoyed it
We had a full house and I have already had members asking when we could get you back again.We have basic beginners to experienced photographers in our group and you pitched your talk perfectly with everybody finding something of interest. As you know there is a large number of our members attending your workshops and after your talk last night they cannot wait to get started.Thank you again for making it a lovely evening for us.

Chris Brooks - Thurston U3A photographic society

20 Nature photography projects throughout the year. Thank you for your very enjoyable talk.In addition to showing the members some of your fabulous photographs you also conveyed that you don’t have to visit anywhere exotic or far flung to get that special image.  Whilst ‘seeing the shot’ is obviously important your emphasis on preparation and perseverance is something most of us neglect and we shoot our images in hope than expectation of a reasonable result.  Your talk gave something for all levels of experience within the club both from a technical or artistic point of view.  Personally, your images where the subject was a small part of the overall image have given me food for thought as I am guilty of trying to fill the frame with whichever animal I am trying to photograph.

As you know we are a small club and we are always concerned about the recruitment and retention of members and last night we had 5 potential members visiting the club from complete beginners, new converts to DSLR and those with more experience.  I am sure that last nights talk will make an excellent contribution to maintaining and increasing our membership.  I would especially like to thank you for taking time to explain aperture and DoF to one of our potential new members.

Estelle Ware - Bunwell & district camera club.

Fieldcraft for Wildlife Photography - “ Once again Kevin was a very welcome speaker at Bunwell Camera Club on Tuesday evening. This is Kevin’s third visit to our club in 4 or 5 years, and he has an excellent knowledge of his subject, as well as being able to present it superbly to all levels of our club membership. His fieldcraft talk is full of ideas as to how the average amateur photographer, can achieve good quality images from their locality. I would definitely recommend Kevin to any other group, photographic or otherwise who have any interest in wildlife”

Ian Anderson - Bunwell Camera Club

20 Nature photography projects throughout the year - I would like to express our camera clubs sincere thanks for the entertaining evening we had tonight, during which you presented your outstanding wildlife images, and explained how you approach the subject. It was an inspirational event for all our members.

Michael Poole - Framlingham camera club

20 Nature photography projects throughout the year - On Behalf of Bungay Camera Club, may I thank you for visiting us with your presentation of `20 Nature Photography Projects to try Throughout the Year`.Your informative and thought provoking talk, along with the showing of many of your colourful images of flora and fauna, made for a very enjoyable evening for photographers of all interests and standards.We received many favourable comments, on the night, from our club members and from those visitors from other camera clubs. So, you can be assured that we hope to invite you to return to our club, with your follow-up talk `Field Craft for Wildlife Photography`.

Peter Nixon - Bungay camera club

20 Nature photography projects throughout the year - On behalf of the Chet Valley Photography Club I would like to thank you for coming and giving an excellent talk and display of photo’s. I am sure we all found it most helpful and fascinating, I certainly did! on how you got your photo’s. I am sure we will have great fun trying to get the subjects we want to photo to come to us, much food for thought!!I am sure some of us will be meeting up with you again for some of your workshops. Many thanks again for such an entertaining an interesting evening.

Beryl Rout - Chet valley photography club

Fieldcraft for Wildlife Photography - It was good to see you again last night, What a super night it was, you must be so proud of some of the photo’s you have got, it certainly gave me a lot to think about how to take photo’s of flowers, wild life and insects etc. I know everyone enjoyed the evening. Thank you so much for coming and giving us such a constructive evening. Hope you had a safe journey home.Many Many thanks once again.

Beryl Rout - Chet Valley Photography Club

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers year - Thank you so much for the most interesting talk/demo you gave the club on Monday evening. Everyone enjoyed the evening, it was so lovely to see all the wildlife. The most interesting thing you told and showed us, was how to photograph the wildlife in our gardens, how to set it all up. Really fascinating and we can all try this in our own gardens.Many thanks once again, see you again soon.

Beryl Rout - Chet Valley Photography Club

20 Nature photography projects throughout the year - I would like to thank you on behalf of Wayland & District Photographic Club for the well presented and entertaining talk yesterday evening.We have quite a few members interested in nature photography, and I heard many complimentary comments from them after your talk.Your talk was enjoyable as well as informative, with tips on how to get the natural image.Hopefully your talk gave us all something to aspire to, also encouraging our members to go out and find subjects of interest, in and around our local patch and gardens.I am sure the club will want to ask you back in the future to hear another stimulating talk.

Chrstine Alcock - Wayland & district photography club

Suffolk through the seasons - Thank you very much for coming to speak to our group and sharing your wonderful photographs of the lovely wildlife in Suffolk. A lovely evening thank you.

Kathy Blackmore - RSPB Hitchin & Letchworth local group

An East Anglian wildlife photographer’s year - Wow what can I say Kevin, an amazing evening was had by our members who where captivated by your amazing pictures and your knowledge of the nature and surroundings. I know from first hand experience how much effort goes into getting these pictures so again well done and thank you for a great and interesting evening.

Ian Long - National Vintage tractor & engine club, East Anglia

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year - Kevin enthralled us as we watched beautiful slides representing the seasons in East Anglia. We saw the amazing colourful scenes where Kevin had made the most of many unusual photo opportunities, capturing insects, birds or animals in often amusing or cute poses. He told of the nature reserves where many of the photos were shot, encouraging and inspiring us to want to visit too. The evening was a feast of nature close up shown in all weathers through superb quality of photography. I thoroughly recommend Kevin’s illustrated talks.

Jenny Mann - Snape and District WI.

20 Nature photography projects throughout the year - As chairman of APG, it is my very pleasant duty to thank you, on behalf of all the members who attended yesterday , for your splendid and enthralling address last evening. The later reaction of many members was to tell me how much they had enjoyed your presentation and how much they had learned from you, so thank you very much for the time you had spent on preparation and on travelling across the county to visit us, we are all very grateful.

Peter Brown - Aldeburgh photography group

20 Nature photography projects throughout the year - Many thanks for your talk, ’20 Nature Photography Projects throughout the year’ that you gave to us on Monday.As usual, it was very informative, gave us lots of information & was well presented with your excellent images.It gave us lots of ideas on how to photograph wildlife; in fact, I spent all afternoon playing with different lenses & remote timer from my bedroom window, checking out the repaired birdhouse.Once again thank you very much & I hope to see again in the near future.

David Coster - Stowmarket and District camera club

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year - “With summer approaching we invited Kevin Sawford to give us a talk on Wildlife Photography as part of our calendar and learning, giving us something to focus on in the summer months (apologies for the pun!).  The evening was amazing, such inspiration, though I’m not sure I would have the patience to sit for as long as Kevin does in order to capture some of his shots but that time spent was certainly worth it.  I particularly loved the series of photographs he took of a rabbit eating a thistle and getting a prickle stuck in his mouth, these were priceless!!

Within the talk Kevin was able to give us some really useful tips on what to look for when setting up a picture, how to set a shot in your own back garden or even taking nature from the car.

Thank you Kevin for a really interesting evening and we look forward to seeing again.”

Denise Whiting - Brandon and District camera club

20 Nature photography projects throughout the year - “At his evening of ’20 Nature PhotographyProjects’, with his easy, humorous yet learned delivery, Kevin soon had his audience of amateur photographers, eager to learn from his experience in the field of Nature Photography.  Kevin began by emphasising the great, essential benefit of knowing the Camera and practising at home with different settings and depths of field. He stressed that there is, always, something waiting to be photographed, but practice is the key.

As the evening progressed with amazing images illustrating Wildlife through the months and the real possibilities available with patience and persistence, he instilled his audience with confidence to ‘have a go’!  With tips on locations, studying animal and insect behavioural patterns, along with the advice not to chase any subject with the Camera, he made nature photography seem very achievable. Finishing with a Question and Answer session, Kevin’s enthusiasm for his subject became clear.

His eagerness to share his expert knowledge with all was both edifying and refreshing. Kevin clearly loves his work and subject and is eager for others to experience his own enjoyment.”

Caralyn Walker - Brandon and District camera club

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year - I just thought I would drop you a line to say how much our members enjoyed Monday evening.   Your talk and photographs were inspirational and made us all want to get our cameras out and have a go at taking wildlife.   Thank you so much and I hope that you will be able to come along next year and talk to us again.   I will be in touch with regard to arranging something in the near future.

Whilst writing I give below the details of some comments I have received from members:

“just a brief email to say how much I enjoyed the meeting on Monday, might be a bit biased but i thought Kevin’s talk, photos and enthusiasm were great – made me want to get out more and see if i can improve my own wildlife ‘fieldcraft’ and portfolio – thank you!!!”   Tony

“Avery nice evening, lovely pics and something different  hope we  can have him again”.     Brenda”

Apart from his fantastic photography his knowledge of the flora and fauna of East Anglia was astounding and the amount he managed to share with us during the course of the evening made it a very entertaining evening.  I think it inspired all of us to go out and try some images for ourselves using some of the tips he gave us”.       Mandy

“I really enjoyed this talk.  His photo’s are beautiful and inspirational.  I hope we have him again”.     Jane”We both thought the talk was excellent and informative, photo’s depicted the different seasons and gave a good insight into what can be photographed at the different times of year. Tips on how to capture the shot you want were useful too, Kevin is very knowledgeable on his subject – would definitely come to another by him”     Ella

Valarie Green - Harwich and District camera club

A Hare’s year. Kevin’s presentation of  ‘A Hare’s Year’ at our AGM was fascinating with both serious observations and light hearted anecdotes.
Our members were completely enthralled by his beautiful photography of hares
throughout the seasons.  His images are stunning!

Rosie Andersen - Hare Preservation Trust

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers year - Thank you for a lovely talk and show of your beautiful photography, it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It was very nice to see some unusual birds, obviously well spotted by you! Hope you enjoyed your evening too and thank you again from Stowupland W. I.

Mary Coltart - Stowupland WI

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers year - You achieved a really good balance between imparting information about the various East Anglian wildlife species, and the technical aspects of how you captured the beautiful images - all of which with natural enthusiasm.  Your knowledge of the location of each photograph was truly impressive.
Overall, your presentation was very well received, and l'm confident that everyone enjoyed the evening.  All of your photographs were very good; some extremely so.

Sue McClellan - RSPB Chelmsford & Central Essex Local Group

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers year - Just a quick note to thank you for your presentation to Photofold camera club, Billericay, on Tuesday.

Our members thoroughly enjoyed the evening, there were lots of images, a good variety of wildlife and good advice given by the spadeful!.

Your nature photography is brilliant with the subjects in perfect focus, a shallow depth of field with the foreground and background blurred – wonderful!

Margaret Stacey - Photofold Camera Club, Billericay

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers year - Members of The Thursday Club,Beck Row, really enjoyed  looking at Kevin's wonderful wildlife pictures and hearing his commentary through the different seasons of the year. The hours that Kevin spends capturing these pictures are certainly worth while. Many thanks Kevin for your talk.

Maggie Walker - The Thursday Club,Beck Row

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers year - Our ladies group in Peldon were treated to a stunning kaleidoscope of wildlife.  The beautiful photographs captured the very essence of wildlife in their native habitat.  Kevin took us on a journey through the seasons, often capturing his subjects at play, with great clarity and often a sense of humour.  We all learnt so much, the photographs were stunning, thank you.

Lorraine Davies - Peldon, Abberton & Wigborough society

British Wildlife Through the Seasons - I would like to thank you for the spectacular photos and the knowledge that you brought with the talk.  We always enjoy your shows and look forward to seeing you again soon. 

Thelma Willans - Letchworth Natural History Society

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year - Phoenix Group had the great pleasure of a visit by Kevin when he delivered a presentation on 'East Anglian Wildlife'. Kevin surpassed the expectations of members due to his enthusiasm in sharing his knowledge of how to photograph wildlife. The evening was crammed with such a variety of wildlife images along with details of the locations members could visit for opportunities. I can fully recommend Kevin without hesitation if you are considering booking him for talks, mentoring sessions or workshops.

Linda Wilson - Phoenix Photography Club

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year -Thank you for such an enjoyable talk you gave to Bury Water Meadows Group. Your pictures really are some of the very best I have seen and I am not surprised the RSPB and the like want to use them! It was light relief after so much strangeness and alarming uncertainty this year. We had good positive feedback and so I think you can be sure that at least some will visit your website and let’s hope it translates into some coming on one of your photography courses in the future.

Jillian Macready - Bury Water Meadows Group

Backyard Safari, Garden Wildlife Through the Seasons - Your talk was very interesting and informative, with so many beautiful pictures.

Linda Stuart - Stowmarket Bee Keeping Association

Suffolk through the seasons - Thank you so much for an absolutely brilliant evening – the presentation was excellent, photos beautiful and your knowledge impressive!

thank you so much! Really interesting.

Really brilliant thank you so much

Thank you so much! Wonderful photography and lots of information. A real treat.

Thank you!  Great photographs and v interesting.

Thanks Kevin - really interesting!

I've seen several of Kevins talks, and joined him on a couple of Adult Learning Courses and its always been a great privilige to be treated to his excellent photography and commentary. Thank you Kevin.

Super images as always Kevin...thank you

That was absolutely amazing ! Thank you so much Kevin - brilliant images, but also an incredible wealth of knowledge about your varied subjects. We’ve learned a lot and can’t wait to get out to some of the Trust reserves!

Thanks Kevin, lovely photos and very interesting!

Thank you, most enjoyble.

Thank you Kevin, what a fantastic photographer you are and such a great knowledge of wildlife too.

Thank you so much Kevin. That was really enjoyable and interesting!

Thank you, inspiring evening

Suffolk Wildlife Trust live webinar

Backyard Safari, Garden Wildlife Through the Seasons - Thank you for showing us some more of your wonderful pictures last Monday. I think we were all impressed by your patience in trying to get unusual and artistic shots of your subject matter, and by the variety of wildlife you managed to find in such a small area. We wish you the best of luck in the rest of your career.

Sue Tanner - Thurston & District Gardening Club

20 Nature photography projects throughout the year  - Just a quick email to thank you once again for your excellent presentation to Wymondham Photographic Society. Your presentation was very well received by our members a fact proven by the many post talk questions and discussions.

Alan Archer - Wymondham Photographic Society

Fieldcraft for Wildlife Photography - Many thanks for your talk to the Swavesey Camera Club last night. It was hugely enjoyable and useful with some superb images.  I am sure we will call upon you to talk to us again.

Simon Shore - Swavesey Camera Club

An East Anglian Wildlife Photographers Year - Thank you very much for delivering such an entertaining talk to our members last night.  The pictures were stunning and the additional contextual information really brought them alive.  A very enjoyable evening.

Mervyn Vickery - RSPB Huntingdon Local Group