Branching Out: Walk and beginner photography at the Cotter

Join ecologist David Cunningham, from David Cunningham Wildlife, on a walk at the Cotter. Learn about the ecology of the river and the animals and plants that live there while you also learn how to photograph them to best effect. You don't need a special camera for this - you can just use the one in your mobile.

Following a brief introduction to composing photographs for the most impact, we will set up our cameras for the conditions and photography experience level and begin our nature walk at the Cotter - taking photos as we go.

David will provide assistance and recommendations for the best settings per individual as much as time allows.

We will walk for approximately 1.5 to 2.5 km around the base of Cotter Dam, the Cotter River and its confluence with Paddy’s River.

This area is home to a variety of birds, reptiles, fish and mammals, as well as many invertebrates including some of the ACT's threatened species, in particular the Murray Crayfish, which David will provide more information about.

David will provide recommendations on how to photograph the wildlife for the greatest impact, while maintaining and advising participants on ethical wildlife photography.

DETAILS

• Date and time: Thursday 10 Sept, 10am - 1pm

• Walk distance and location: approximately 2kms - around the base of the Cotter Dam, the Cotter River and its confluence with Paddy's River

• Meeting location: Gazebo opposite the Cotter Avenue Playground

• Suitable for people: Aged 16 and above; able to walk up to 3km including some stairs and/or ramps

• What camera and gear to bring: A digital camera which can be your mobile phone, DSLR, mirrorless, or an automatic camera. If you have an additional lens you would like to use or learn more about you're welcome to bring that. Tripods are not needed. Please ensure your battery is charged and memory card empty.

WHAT TO BRING/WEAR

• Long pants and long sleeved shirt

• Enclosed shoes

• Hat and/or beanie

• Sunscreen

• Jacket, preferably waterproof

• Water and snacks

• Lunch, if you'd like to enjoy a picnic lunch at the Cotter

DAVID'S BIOGRAPHY
David Cunningham has a PhD in ecology and is now a part-time wildlife photographer and nature guide based in Canberra and has a PhD in ecology. His photos have featured in articles by Lonely Planet and Australian Geographic, and on an Australian postage stamp. You can view some of David's stunning photographs on Instagram @davidcunninghamwildlife and at www.davidcunninghamwildlife.com

MORE INFORMATION

Contact: kelly.allison@conservationcouncil.org.au

ACT THREATENED SPECIES FREE PRESENTATION EVENING

Want to learn more about the ACT's Threatened Species like the Murray Crayfish and how you can help protect them at our free ACT Threatened Species Presentation Evening: https://events.humanitix.com/act-threatened-species-awareness-presentation-night

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This walk was made possible with assistance from the ACT Government under the ACT Environmental Grants Program.