The One Day Photography Course on Sunday at Melbourne zoo was another exceptionally early start – 7am. Lucky that most of the course attendees were naturals at being up that early because as everyone knows, early morning lighting is always beautiful! Saturdays "storm of the century" left and ominous feel to how the weather was going to pan out for Sunday's course. However it seemed that every time we ventured outside for practical sessions on aperture, depth of field and shutter speed the sun peeped its head out from behind the clouds and by the time we headed back for lunch or afternoon tea it would start raining again. How lucky are we!

Towards the end of the day Jess and I sent every one off on their 'Assignment' – and similarly to Saturday's course there were some exceptional entries in the competition. Melbourne certainly does live up to its 'arty' reputation. After much contemplation the photograph that came first was Andrew Young's low lighting, close up of a Lizard perched on a branch in the reptile house. There is some tricky lighting situations in the reptile house so Andrew did a great job at capturing such a sharp and well exposed photo. Second place went to Kim Crokers photograph of a Red Panda framed nicely by sprouts of bamboo. Andrew took home an external Canon speedlite flash, while Kim Croker took home a fancy new camera bag by lowepro.

After another off-again on-again drizzling day at Melbourne Zoo Jess and I were very pleased to receive some fantastic feedback about the day! Check it out below!

"extremely informative course. I love it! Its interesting and exciting the location to power point presentations and then completing assignments. Very rewarding. I look forward to practicing learned techniques to maximize my photographic experience."

"Great, informative day. Easy to understand. Now I just need to practice."

"Now I can use my camera and all its features and feel like I have control"

"A great introduction with a nice balance of theory and prac components. Great venue and great to have a couple of people to help"

"Comprehensive course in a relaxed setting. Suits beginners to more advanced photographers. Well worth the investment"

"Fantastic day, full of fun, information and pracs. Would recommend the day to anyone. Chris and Jess you guys are awesome"

"Absolutely brilliant. Easily followed, I have enthusiasm to try out what I have learnt and not use the basic automatic modes as much"

"Fabulous and relaxed, easy to understand"

"Excellent course, good ratio of numbers. Well spoken and organized"

"loved it, now I understand my camera"