sounds fab! count me in. Have you got a Hillingdon Arts festival leaflet? there are details of a photography competition in there.

Well I think that since I have a new camera I might join you....havent got a clue how to use it but I`m sure Pippa will give me the benfit of her vast knowledge and I have every confidence in her abilities.

Janey and myself had a fantastic afternoon out at Stockley Park. We've been there many times in the past with our cameras, but we still manage to find something new to snap. There's always that one duck that won't pose properly, so we have to go back time and time again to get the shots we want. I took almost 350 photo's but ended up binning most of them as there were out of focus... Must find a way of getting the ducks and geese to stand still.

I've created a "photo club" area in the gallery, and have uploaded a few of my best photo's. The one of the gull was a total fluke, I rattled off half a dozen shots as it flew over head and didn't even realise it had a fish in it's beak till I got home. 

I also managed to take about 15 minutes of video on my camcorder. I'll find somewhere to upload that too when I've finished editing it.

We're thinking of doing the same again next weekend if anyone is interested, possibly Saturday afternoon. Let us know which days are best for you.

Paul 

The club sounds great. I'd love to do more photography, mine is generally of the children which as portraits can be quite hit and miss!  Can children come on the walk too? My son is quite keen on photography. 

A good place to go for photographing ducks is the Wetland Centre in Barnes. Lovely place. I think they may have a photographic competition on at the moment too.

Well done on a lovely gull photograph - some of the best photos are taken when you are not trying. I took a lovely sunset with a man fishing at Portland Bill, not thinking it would come to much and its one of the best photos I've ever taken.

I think I'm free Sat or Sun 

I personally have no problem with the idea of kids coming along, one thing I will say is that somtimes there's a lot of waiting round - I spent a considerable time lying on a gravel path getting covered in dead bits of tree to get some of my pics! As long as they're not likely to get bored or scare the wildlife it should be fine

The wetland centre sounds good as long as it's easy to get at on public transport and doesn't cost too much. I think for the most part we'd like to keep it cheap and cheerful but there are a few places we've thought of too for when we have a little more disposable cash - Last year Paul and I went to London Zoo and managed to get some really nice pictures.

I've added my pictures from Stockley park yesterday. There are quite a few but I was having trouble getting the selection small since I took over 600 photos! If you click on the duck it should take you to my pics!

We had an absoulutely fantastic afternoon and are looking forward to lots more like it  

Well, it seems like we've got some interest, so I guess the next question is, who's free this coming Saturday afternoon?

Next question is where's the best place to meet up and at what time? St Johns, about midday sound OK?

We figured Saturday would be more convenient than Sunday as some have family roasts to sort out.

Janey, what wonderful photographs!  The baby mallards are gorgeous!  And the one of the coot feeding her baby is really good too.  I was brought up with bird watching from a very early age, so love bird photos. 

The Wetland Centre is a great place for wildlife, although I'm sure you can find some local places too. Admission is about £7. Very accessible on public transport. Hillingdon - Hammersmith on piccadilly line (lifts at Hillingdon and Hammersmith) and then a bus (called The Duck Bus) straight from Hammersmith tube that terminates at the wetland centre. Takes about an hour door to door.

Alternatively, I could take you to Perivale Wood in Perivale. There aren't any ducks but plenty of trees, flowers and grasses. And you may get a horse photo if you're lucky as they rent out the paddock.  I think I'll next be there third Saturday in June (assuming no clashes with fetes etc).

Did you by chance take any photos of the cherry blossom down Long Lane in April?  I wish I had, it was a wonderful sight. 

Thanks for the invite Paul. Sorry I can't make this Saturday. Keep us posted of the next photographic session though.

Now that would be a wonderful place to take photos. 

I remember taking my son when he was younger. While admiring the giraffes, I thought "we are in the middle of London and I am looking at a giraffe"!