Silves Sempre…!

When I have some spare time, I often have a play around in Photoshop as there is so many things to learn and keep up to date with.

This morning, I thought of an idea to create some digital art and combine both Wildlife and a sunset in the same image. So I decided to create “Silves Sempre…” which translates to Silves Always.

The main photograph is from Sunset Over Castelo De Silves taken back in September 2019. Silves is well-known for it’s White Stork population and therefore I used an in-flight shot of a White Stork, also shot in Silves as a layer mask to create something a little different.

Very postcard like I think.

(Click to view in Lightbox)


White Storks Of Silves Field Trip 2020! – Saturday 8th February

This field trip back in February was very popular and sold out quickly therefore, I have added the event for booking much earlier this year and is scheduled for Saturday February 8th.

If you know all about this trip and just want to book, please CLICK HERE.

Come and spend a morning with me and other like-minded nature and photography lovers in the historic town of Silves amongst the stunning White Storks. Although this trip is designed with photographers in mind, feel free to join us even if you don’t bring a camera!

There will be plenty of opportunities to photograph Storks on their huge nests and point your camera at these giants in flight. We may even be lucky to witness them fighting over nesting rights. Of course, I will be on hand to offer advice on all aspects of photography from exposure settings to bird in flight techniques.

This is the perfect Field Trip if you are wanting to improve your Bird in Flight technique!


The morning will consist of the following schedule;

» A brief talk about the White Storks and their habitat, lifestyle, feeding, breeding and migration patterns.
» Photographic opportunities of Storks on their huge nests with walks to various nest sites around the city of Silves.
» Photographic opportunities of Storks in flight.
» During the morning I will be on hand to help with any photographic tips and techniques from exposure settings to Bird in Flight Techniques.

Although it helps if you have a little experience in photography anyone is welcome on this field trip as I will offer help and advice. It can be used as a followup or a taster to my Digital Photography Fundamentals Workshop.


Where is this Field Trip?
This trip is in the stunning historical city of Silves. Why not make a day of it and spend the afternoon exploring this fantastic city! Google Map of Silves

How large is the group size?
This trip has a maximum number of 12 people.

What time does it start?
We will meet at 8:00am in Silves.

What time does it finish?
Approximately 1pm, however, you are able to leave earlier if you wish.

Is this a strenuous activity?
No, although we will be walking around the city and standing for most of the time.

Is transport included?
No, attendees must make their own travel arrangements.

What language is spoken during this Field Trip?
English

What is the price?
Just €14 per person

Are White Storks sightings guaranteed?
Whilst nothing in nature can be guaranteed, it is extremely unlikely that there will be no White Storks present. Silves has White Storks all year and during February they are usually in abundance.

What camera do I need?
Any camera is suitable and although you don’t require super telephoto or zoom lenses, it is recommended that you have a modest magnification available. Feel free to bring along any equipment (various lenses, tripods etc.) you wish, but bear in mind you will be responsible for carrying your equipment. Please Contact Me should you want any advice.

Is this trip dependent on the weather?
Yes and maybe rescheduled due to bad weather. We of course want perfectly clear skies and glorious light, however, this cannot be guaranteed. Should there be inclement weather forecast (rain or strong winds) then the trip will be rescheduled. Should bad weather be forecast then a final decision will be made 5pm the night before and all attendees will be notified by email and/or telephone.

Where is the meeting place?
The location will be communicated nearer the day.

Payment is required in advance by booking online and paying via either PayPal (inc Credit/Debit card without a PayPal account) or Bank Transfer. By booking onto the this Field Trip you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions.


Sunset Over Castelo De Silves

Shopping, that task that never seems to be more efficient. Yes certain supermarkets in certain countries have tried to speed up the process, but you park in the car park, grab a trolley, fill the trolley, empty the trolley at the checkout, fill the trolley back up, take it to your car, empty the trolley into the car, drive home, empty the car into the house, put shopping in the correct place inside the house! Arrrrrghhhh! It was shopping day and we decided to head out an hour before sunset. I looked to the western skies and thought that just maybe the high clouds would create some colour.

We drove to Silves and the cloud cover was getting thicker, but I decided to still go to a favourite spot that over looks the city with a great view of the Castle. As the sun got lower, the clouds seemed to thin out, it was a gamble that paid off! We were treated to a fantastic colourful sky! Of course, then we went shopping……

{Click image to view in the shop}
Sunset Over Castelo De Silves
📷 Nikon D850, AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E @ 70mm, 1/6sec, f/11, ISO64
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Spend A Morning Amongst The White Storks Of Silves

Come and join me on Saturday 9th February on a Field Trip at the historical city of Silves and observe the White Storks up close. During this morning Field Trip I will not only explain all about these gentle (or not so!) giants of the bird world but offer help and explanations on how to photograph them on their nests, feeding and of course, in flight!

This Field Trip is available to any experience of photographer and due to the size of these birds you won’t need a huge superzoom or telephoto lens, although some degree of magnification is required.

The cost of this trip is just €8 per person, all are welcome even if you have no interest in photographing them. Spaces are limited to just 10 attendees, so I would recommend booking early.

More information and online booking can be found on the event page – Field Trip: A Morning With The White Storks Of Silves – Saturday February 9th 2019

Take a look at a session I had with them earlier this year in THIS BLOG POST.

Stork attacking another for nest rights

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Silves At Sunset

I’ve been wanting to get a sunset shot at Silves for a while but I’ve been waiting for the right moment when I could get an angle of the sun dropping behind the castle walls. Yesterday things lined up nicely and the skies were clear which is a nice change from all the storms recently.

Using the PhotoPills App I was able to find a location to shoot from and headed down at sunset for the following photographs;

{Click image(s) to view on Flickr - opens in new tab}

This first shot was just as the sun was dropping behind the castle wall

Silves ao Pôr do Sol - Silves at Sunset
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