photoscot.co.uk - Events Programme 2023-24

Saturday 9th March 2024 - talk to Argyll Bird Club on some islands of Shetland in St Mun's Church Hall, Dunoon.

Wednesday 28th February 2024 - Talk to SWT Glasgow Local Group on Shetland, in the Airlie Theatre, Hyndland Secondary School at 7.30pm

Friday 13th October 2023 - Talk to RSPB Renfrew Local Group on the Outer Hebrides, in the Wynd Centre, Paisley

Wednesday 20th September 2023 - Talk to RSPB Helensburgh Local Group on Shetland, in the Guide hall, John St, Helensburgh

Talks in General

Some of the the talks I can give are listed below.
The talks mostly centre on my main interests of natural history, (especially ornithology).
In addition, geography, geology and scenery and the use of computers in photography (in all of which which I am qualified and have taught over many years) can also be covered.
Talks can be tailored to the requirements of the audience.

Shetland	Mainly on some of the scenery, archaeology, plants and birds of Shetland, including visits to most of the inhabited islands.
Some Conservation Issues	A talk in two parts, firstly focusing on conservation issues such as plastic pollution, climate change and their effects on wildlife, then describing some solutions to the problems.
The Outer Hebrides Through the Lens	Mainly on some of the scenery, plants, birds, bees, and some animals of the Outer Hebrides.
Orkney	The talk is entitled London Airport, Whitehall and the Palace. It is mainly on some of the scenery, plants and birds of Orkney. Most of the main islands such as Orkney mainland, Hoy, Flotta, Rousay, Shapinsay, Westray, Eday, Sanday and Stronsay will be included, and there will be mention of renewable wind and tidal energy.
Barra	Mainly on some of the birds and scenery of Barra, and some reflections on island life, and a one-day trip to Mingulay from Castlebay. Pictures from Barra can be found by clicking the red dot for Barra on the map page, or by clicking this Barra pictures link.
A Trip to St Kilda	Mainly on the birds and scenery of St Kilda and Boreray, and the one-day trip there on the MV Lochlann from Miabhaig in Lewis, which you can read about on the St Kilda page. Pictures from this trip can be found by clicking the red dot for St Kilda on the map page, or by clicking this St Kilda pictures link.
Cumbrae and the Firth of Clyde	Mainly on the birds of Great Cumbrae and the Firth of Clyde, but also some scenery. The photographs were taken mainly since 2000, some on film but the majority on digital, and include principally sea and shore birds, but also small birds, and some larger birds such as buzzards and geese, and some scenery and sunsets.
Falls of Clyde	Concentrates in the first half on the scenery, animals and plants of the Falls of Clyde SWT Reserve, and in the second half on the peregrine falcons which nest in the gorge of the Clyde. The photographs were taken mainly in 2003 to 2005, but updated from more recent visits.
Sanda	This talk is based on photographs taken during two June weekend excursions to Sanda, one in 2005 and one in 2006. Netting and Ringing programmes on Sanda since the 1970s have helped to monitor Scottish breeding birds, and contributed to a wider picture of national and international bird migration. Sanda has had one of the UK's official bird observatories since 2002, the only one on the west coast of Scotland. The lack of ground predators has contributed to the success of bird breeding on the island, in contrast to the mainland and some other islands, where mink in particular have decimated bird breeding productivity. Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel, Guillemots, Black Guillemots, Razorbill, Puffin, Shag and Gulls all breed on the island. Slow Worms, the Common Toad, Common and Atlantic Grey seals also breed on the island. Nearly all these species will be illustrated by pictures during this talk. Also covered are the Sanda bird observatory, accommodation on Sanda, the boat service to Sanda and not forgetting the local hostelry!
Birds of Some Scottish Islands	- selected from Mull, Iona, Great Cumbrae, Little Cumbrae, Sanda, Ailsa Craig, and the Garvellachs. If there is time, some birds from the Bass Rock and the Isle of May could be included.
Natural History Photography	This talk will concentrate on natural history photography, and with plenty of time for questions and discussion. It can be quite technical, or can be full of pretty pictures if that is what is wanted.
Digital Photography	This talk will concentrate on the transition from film to digital photography, emphasising photographic principles, and the ways in which digital is similar to, and different from using film. The idea is to help you to adapt to your new digital camera.
Computer Programs to help with digital photography	The role of jpgs, raw conversion software, Photoshop, and PicturesToExe can be examined. How to produce a slide show with (or even better without) using PowerPoint.
Glasgow	Glasgow's geography and history in the second half of the twentieth century, and the first part of the 21st century, illustrated by my own slides, which will need to be scanned, so some time is need to prepare this talk in digital format.
Doon the Watter	Illustrated by slides taken from the 1960s onwards, reflecting the changes in the landscape of the River Clyde and its environs over the past 30 years or so. As well as digital photos, this talk is illustrated by my own slides from the 1960s to 1990s, which have been scanned into digital format.
Other possible topics	Other possibilities include some scenery and geographical topics, all within Scotland, some of which will need slides scanned before the talk can be given.

Previously, I have given talks to:

Argyll Bird Club
Bearsden Literary Society
Penilee Camera Club, Glasgow
RSPB Forth Valley Members' Group
RSPB Hamilton Members' Group
RSPB Glasgow Members' Group
RSPB Edinburgh Members' Group
RSPB Renfrew Members' Group
RSPB Helensburgh Members' Group
Mugdock Country Park
Glasgow Natural History Society
Helensburgh and District Natural History Society
Glasgow and Clydeside Members Group of the Scottish Wildlife Trust
Clyde Area Members Group of the Scottish Wildlife Trust
Clarkston and East Kilbride Members Group of the Scottish Wildlife Trust
Clyde Branch of the Scottish Ornithologists Club
West Kilbride Amenity Society
Smillie Centre (behind the Cumbrae's Card and Gift Shop) in Millport
Bearsden and Milngavie Photographic Club
Royal Scottish Geographical Society afternoon lecture series
Royal Scottish Geographical Society Travellers
Scottish Nature Photography Fair at the Battleby centre of Scottish Natural Heritage
Bearsden Literary Society

Groups will need to provide a digital projector, screen or white wall, electrical extension cable and video lead from computer, but I can usually bring a laptop.

It would be normal for a group to offer travelling expenses please if any distance from Glasgow is involved.

I normally bring a display of mounted pictures and greetings cards for sale. For this, I need a large table, or two if possible.

photoscot.co.uk - Previous Years Events Programmes

Zoom Talks 2021

April 21st 7.30pm - Talk to SWT Glasgow group AGM - West End Wildlife

March 9th, 2.00pm - U3A Bearsden - Citizen Science

February 4th, 6.30pm - Allander Rotary - Glasgow - Historical and Wildlife

January 27th, 7.30pm - SWT Glasgow Members' Group - Adapting to Climate Change

January 15th, 7.30pm - RSPB Renfrew Members' Group - Shetland

photoscot.co.uk - Events Programme 2022-23

Friday 17th March 2023 at 7.30pm - Zoom talk to RSPB Renfrew Local Group on the Falls of Clyde.

Wednesday afternoon 15th March 2023 2.30pm - Talk on Shetland's wildlife, scenery and historical (mostly archaeological) interest to Cumbernauld Historical Society, Cumbernauld Village Hall, The Wynd, Cumbernauld Village.

Tuesday 14th March 2023, 7pm - Talk on the Falls of Clyde to Glasgow Natural History Society after AGM meeting, in the Boyd Orr Building, Glasgow University.

Monday 28 November 2022 - Talk on the wildlife and scenery of the Outer Hebrides to the Kirkintilloch Camera Club
Turner House, 34-36 Eastside, Kirkintilloch, G66 1QH, at 7.30pm.

photoscot.co.uk - Events Programme Spring 2022

5 March 2022 in the Cairnbaan Hotel - a real live talk to an actual meeting! - Argyll Bird Club - a talk on Foula.

February 15th 2022 at 7.30pm - Talk on the Outer Hebrides to the SWT Ayrshire Group - mainly on some of the scenery, plants, birds, bees, and some animals of the Outer Hebrides.

photoscot.co.uk - Events Programme 2020

Talks 2020

Tuesday 13th October, 7pm - Zoom talk to Glasgow Natural History Society - Glasgow's West End Wildlife
~~Friday 1st May, 2020~~ 7.30pm, RSPB Renfrew, William McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew - Talk - Falls of Clyde POSTPONED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS.
~~Tuesday April 14th, 2020~~ 7pm, Glasgow Natural History Society, Graham Kerr Building, Lecture Theatre 1, Glasgow University - Talk - West End Wildlife (West End of Glasgow, that is!). Talk given by Zoom on 13th October 2020.
~~Tuesday April 14th, 2020~~ 2pm, U3A, St Andrews Church, Bearsden - Talk - Citizen Science. POSTPONED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS. The plan is to give this talk by Zoom on 9th March 2021.
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 2.30pm, Cumbernauld Historical Society, Cumbernauld Village Hall, The Wynd, Cumbernauld Village - Talk - Orkney.

Photography Workshops 2020

~~Seven Lochs Wetland Park - Saturday 28th March~~ (beginners - 13.00-16.00) at Drumpellier Country Park See the Seven Lochs website for details and to book a place. POSTPONED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS.
~~RSPB Lochwinnoch - Sunday 29th March~~ (beginners - 13.00-16.30). See the RSPB Lochwinnoch events page for details and to book a place.POSTPONED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS.
~~SWT Jupiter, Grangemouth - Saturday 18th April~~, (families) 10.00 - 12.00. See the SWT Jupiter events page for details and to book a place. POSTPONED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS.
~~RSPB Lochwinnoch - Sunday 19th April~~ (intermediate - 10.00-16.00). See the See the RSPB Lochwinnoch events page for details and to book a place.POSTPONED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS.
~~SWT Jupiter, Grangemouth - Saturday 16th May~~, (Intermediate) 10.00 - 14.00 See the SWT Jupiter events page for details and to book a place. POSTPONED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS.

These events need to be booked with the relevant organisation. See links above for details and how to book.
They are about helping you to be more confident and knowledgeable in using your camera.
They are themed around wildlife photography (most likely plants, perhaps insects but not necessarily birds).
They are arranged for different types of camera and levels of familiarity, but you are welcome to join any of them at whatever level.
A beginners workshop assumes that you have a compact or a bridge digital camera and want to shoot jpg.
An intermediate workshop assumes that you have a digital SLR, have some level of knowledge and may want to shoot raw.
Ideally 10, but a maximum of 12 people can be accommodated on each workshop, so please book to ensure a place.
Each workshop begins with introductions, any initial questions about your camera, then a slide show of possible subjects.
We then go out and take photos, with help available to get the correct exposure, focus and composition.
Finally we come back and project your photos on the screen with discussion and help.

photoscot.co.uk - Events Programme 2019

Talks 2019

Saturday November 30th, 2019 3.50pm, TWIC Conference, Oatridge College, Ecclesmachan Road, Uphall, Broxburn - Talk - Wildlife Photography in the Central Lowlands.

Monday November 25th, 2019 7.30pm, RSGS Travellers Group, Renfield St Stephens, Bath St, Glasgow - Talk - Shetland.

Thursday November 21st, 2019 7.30pm, RSPB Lanarkshire Members' Group, Motherwell South Parish Church - Talk - Shetland.

Tuesday November 19th, 2019, 7.30 pm, Men's Association of New Kilpatrick Church in Bearsden, in the halls adjacent to the church - Talk - Scenery and Wildlife in the Outer Hebrides. All welcome. Contact Ken Winch, Secretary 942 5162

Monday November 18th, 2019 7.30pm, SWT Clarkston and East Kilbride Members' Group, Duff Hall, Busby - Talk - Volunteering and Citizen Science.
For details of SWT Clarkston and East Kilbride Members' Group events see the SWT Clarkston and East Kilbride Members' Group events page.

---------------------------------

Wednesday June 19th, 2019 2pm, U3A (University of the Third Age), Russell House, 81 Hyndland Road, Glasgow - Talk - Citizen Science.

Tuesday June 18th, 2019 6.30pm, Hillhead Library, Byres Road, Glasgow - talk as part of the West End festival - West End Wildlife.

Wednesday February 27th, 2019 2pm, Royal Scottish Geographical Society Travellers Group, Smith Art Gallery, Dumbarton Road, Stirling - Talk - Some Conservation Issues.

Wednesday March 27th, 2019 7.30pm, SWT Glasgow Members' Group, Hyndland Secondary School, Glasgow G12 - Talk - Citizen Science.
For details of SWT Glasgow Group events see the SWT Glasgow Group events page.

Photography Workshops 2019

RSPB Lochwinnoch - Sunday 1st September (intermediate - 10.00-16.00). See the RSPB Lochwinnoch events page for details and to book a place.

RSPB Lochwinnoch - Thursday 22nd August (beginners - 13.00-16.30). An overflow workshop as 11th August is full. See the RSPB Lochwinnoch events page for details and to book a place, once the RSPB's site is updated.

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RSPB Lochwinnoch - Sunday 11th August (beginners - 10.00-13.30).See the RSPB Lochwinnoch events page for details and to book a place. Now full.

SWT Clarkston and East Kilbride Members' Group, in Rouken Glen Park - Saturday 10th August (beginners - 10.00-13.00). See the Scottish Wildlife Trust events for details and to book a place.

Seven Lochs Wetland Park - Saturday 9th March (beginners - 13.00-16.00) at Hogganfield Loch See the Seven Lochs website for details and to book a place.

RSPB Lochwinnoch - Sunday 10th March (beginners - 13.00-16.30). See the RSPB Lochwinnoch events page for details and to book a place.

RSPB Lochwinnoch - Sunday 28th April (intermediate - 10.00-16.00). See the RSPB Lochwinnoch events page for details and to book a place.

Coll Bird Festival - Saturday 11th May (beginners - 10.00-12.00) in Arinagour. See the Coll Bird Festival programme page for details and to book a place.

Seven Lochs Wetland Park - Saturday 15th June at Drumpellier Country Park visitor centre.(beginners - 13.00-16.00). See the Seven Lochs website for details and to book a place.

SWT Clarkston and East Kilbride Members' Group, in Rouken Glen Park - Saturday 10th August (beginners - 10.00-13.00). See the Scottish Wildlife Trust events booklet for details and to book a place. In the meantime until the events booklet is published and distributed, feel free to email me to express interest.

Recent (unsolicited)
customer comments: "I learnt more there than I have at a previous couple of classes"
- Mhairi Boustead "Thanks for a great workshop at the weekend - I had a great time learning from David and also the other participants and hopefully it's helped my photography a little! I'll definitely be looking forward to future workshops. Thanks again to you and everyone else at Seven Lochs and also to David for his insight and knowledge. Thanks again for a fascinating day!" - Mark McGillivray

Talks 2018

Monday 12th February 2018, 7.30pm to Milngavie Heritage Group, Milngavie Town Hall - The Outer Hebrides Through the Lens

Wednesday 28th February 2018, 2.30pm to the Travellers Group of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society in the Smith Museum, Dumbarton Road, Stirling - Some Aspects of Conservation

Thursday 8th March 2018, 7pm to Cowal Natural History Society in Dunoon Community Education Centre, Edward St - The Outer Hebrides Through the Lens

Tuesday 10th April 2018 - Behind the Naturalist's Lens - the photographic work and contribution to natural history of my father, Charles Eric Palmar, to the Glasgow Natural History Society, Glasgow University (Graham Kerr Building Lecture Theatre 1) at 7.00 for 7.15pm

Wednesday 19th September - Talk to RSPB Helensburgh Members' Group, Guide Hall, John St., Helensburgh, 7.30pm - St Kilda and Mingulay

Wednesday 3rd October, 2.30pm, Church Hall, Cumbernauld Village - Talk to Cumbernauld Historical Society - Outer Hebrides

Thursday 11th October 2018 - Bridge of Weir Horticultural Society - Flowers of the Hebrides, 7.30pm at the Bridge.

Monday 19th November, 7.30pm - Talk to SWT Clarkston, Duff Memorial Hall, about Coll and Tiree.

Monday 3rd December, 7.30pm - Talk to SOC Clyde, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow University - Talk: Behind the Naturalist's Lens - celebrating the life and contribution to natural history photography of my father, Charles Eric Palmar.

Photography Workshops 2018

The following events need to be booked with the relevant organisation. See links below for details and how to book.
They are about helping you to be more confident and knowledgeable in using your camera.
They are themed around wildlife photography (most likely plants, perhaps insects but not necessarily birds).
They are arranged for different types of camera and levels of familiarity, but you are welcome to join any of them at whatever level.
A beginners course assumes that you have a compact or a bridge digital camera and want to shoot jpg.
An intermediate workshop assumes that you have a digital SLR, have some level of knowledge and may want to shoot raw.
A maximum of 12 people can be accommodated on each workshop, so please book to ensure a place.
Each workshop begins with introductions, any initial questions about your camera, then a slide show of possible subjects.
We then go out and take photos, with help available to get the correct exposure, focus and composition.
Finally we come back and project your photos on the screen with discussion and help.

RSPB Lochwinnoch - Sunday 11th March (beginners - 13.00-16.30)

Scottish Waterways Trust - Saturday 31st March (beginners - 13.00-16.30) starting at the Tamfourhill Community Centre near the Falkirk Wheel.

Scottish Waterways Trust - Sunday 15th April (intermediate - 10.00-16.00) starting at the Tamfourhill Community Centre near the Falkirk Wheel.

RSPB Lochwinnoch - Saturday 28th April (intermediate - 10.00-16.00)

RSPB Lochwinnoch - Saturday 11th August (beginners - 10.00-13.30)

RSPB Lochwinnoch - Saturday 1st September (intermediate - 10.00-16.00) Booking details on RSPB Lochwinnoch Events page.

Talks 2017

Glasgow Natural History Society - Tuesday 10th January - Some Conservation Issues

Argyll Bird Club - Saturday 4th March 2017 - Some Conservation Issues

Coll Bird Festival - Friday 12th May - Some Citizen Science Projects

Royal Scottish Geographical Society Travellers, Renfield Centre, Bath St., Glasgow - Monday 30th October 2017, 7.30pm - Some Conservation Issues

Scottish Wildlife Trust Clarkston Group, Duff Memorial Hall, Main Street, Busby, G76 8DX - Monday 20th November 2017, 7.30pm - The Outer Hebrides Through the Lens

RSPB Local Group, The McMaster Centre, 2a Donaldson Drive, Renfrew, PA4 8LX - Friday 1st December 2017, 7.30pm - The Outer Hebrides Through the Lens

Previous Photography Workshops
I have previously led photography workshops, usually concentrating on wildlife photography for the following organisations:

Kirkintilloch Canal Festival

Mugdock Country Park

Glasgow University Department of Adult and Continuing Education

Scottish Wildlife Trust Falls of Clyde Nature Reserve

East Ayrshire Coalfield Environment Initiative

Inner Forth Landscape Initiative

RSPB Loch Lomond

RSPB Lochwinnoch