BEN Osborne – Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2007 – is well known on the Artsreach circuit for his captivating live shows reflecting his extensive stills photography work on David Attenborough’s programmes such as Life in the Freezer and Planet Earth.

Ben is currently working on a joint Artsreach and Villages In Action project to create an audio-visual show based on the Dorset/Devon Jurassic Coast, which will be ready to tour in Spring 2011.

He has been collaborating with local musician and composer Sammy Hurden, Dorset artist Lal Hitchcock and Devon poet Matt Harvey along the World Heritage Site to create the show, entitled Jurassic Journey.

As part of this project, Ben will be running a series of photography masterclasses this month. These workshops will be suitable to anyone interested in photography.

No previous experience is required – just an enthusiasm to improve and develop photographic skills. The workshops will start indoors with a brief illustrated introduction to landscape photography and a discussion of how to photograph the Jurassic Coast and the range of subjects that the World Heritage Site offers for photographers, from fossil close-ups to big views. The majority of the workshop will be spent on the beach photographing the local area.

During the day Ben will discuss any photographic issues that crop up.

Ben said: “The Jurassic Coast has provided a superb opportunity to photograph 185 million years of geological history.”

There are limited places available on each workshop, to ensure that participants benefit fully from Ben’s expertise, so advance booking is essential. The Jurassic Journey project is supported by The Fine Family Foundation, West Dorset District Council, Arts Council and The Valentine Trust.

The classes take place at St Andrew’s Community Hall in Charmouth. There will be an adult workshop on Saturday, August 21 from 9.30am to 5pm. The cost is £30 per person call 01305 269512 to book.

A workshop for young people aged 14 to 21 will take place on Friday, August 20 from 10am to 4pm. The cost is £10 per person call 01297 560948 to book.

If these dates don’t suit, there will be further opportunities to work with Ben Osborne over the coming winter. Contact Artsreach for details on 01305 269512.