© 2026 Robert Canis
Two times Botanical Britain category winner in the British Wildlife Photography Awards
There are few other places I would rather be, in early spring, than in an ancient broadleaved woodland in the heart of the Kent countryside whose floor is carpeted with the delicate, nodding heads of wood anemones. These are the true harbingers of spring, a sure sign of longer, warmer days ahead.
Although flowers can, of course, be photographed at any time of the day, my personal preference is early evening through to sunset when low-angled golden sunlight reveals the anemone's texture and translucency producing striking backlit photographs.
Held at a beautiful ancient coppice and broadleaved woodland near Ashford in Kent, upon meeting at the car park we will head into the woodland a short distance where I will discuss and illustrate the techniques I use to produce creative images of wood anemones. Lens selection, lighting techniques, exposure, and differential focus will all be covered, in detail.
Although the date has been carefully chosen to coincide our visit with their flowering they are, of course, a natural thing so it is impossible to predict, 100%, what state of growth they will be in. You can be certain, however, that whatever stage they are in there will be ample to choose from that are in their prime.
Please note the following: Due to the remote nature of the location, this workshop is not suitable for those relying on public transport.
"As a complete amateur, I've now been on 3 of Rob's courses, 2 half day and the Prague trip. What I like about Rob's style of tuition is that he never makes you feel stupid whatever your question, and believe me I can ask the most basic not once but twice! His workshops are well planned and give a balance of input from him and scope to do your own thing. He has the ability to make you look afresh at the subject; allows you to explore on your own but is there if you need technical help, as I so often do! "
Dyanne Cox
"Many thanks for the wonderful day you gave us on Thursday. I was very lucky to be quick off the mark and scoop up an amazing day of photography with a "Master"! I did learn quite a few new things, just need you sitting on my shoulder during the composition of my images, but will definitely try harder to remember your hints and tips,".
Melanie Chalk
"Thank you for a most enjoyable and informative day out. I learnt a lot from an excellent teacher".
Paul Murray
Thank you for dropping by and considering attending a workshop. I love nothing more than to pass on to others the knowledge I have gained over the last 30 years as a professional photographer and 15 as a workshop and tour leader. My group sizes are always small ensuring a fun and friendly group dynamic, lots of 'personal space' in which to photograph without too much fear of others getting in your way and as much tuition as you would like or feel that you need. I hope you can join me!
Although under the 'umbrella' of Workshops, please note there is a difference between the three types that I offer. To avoid any confusion, please see below.
Those taking place in the UK are classed as Workshops where learning is the primary aim, and in the case of those which are multi-day residential, very often include image critique and post-processing sessions.
Overseas trips are classed as Tours where the logistics are all taken care of and where the emphasis is on getting you to great locations at the best time of the day. Since these may include hide photography and working in cold, windy conditions where one-on-one tuition isn't practical, these are less hands-on. However, prior to the hide session or upon arriving at a location, I will give advice and suggestions on composition, lens selection and exposure.
Creative Visions is a new concept that I have designed to specifically nurture your artistic growth. They can take place in either the UK or abroad combining both workshop and tour principles. There will be critique and post-processing tutorials and, most importantly, you will be encouraged to go beyond the record and representational and instead produce more intimate creative interpretations.