AMATEUR photographers learned how to improve their skills during an event at Gartmorn Dam.

They picked up plenty of tips on how to get the best outdoor shots while at the Sauchie spot earlier this month.

Local photographer Dave Taylor, of Wildpix Scotland, led the session for Clackmannanshire Council's Ranger Service.

He shared his knowledge on how to get the best out of a camera and those who attended gained a good understanding of how to adjust the settings in various ways to achieve different effects.

The end results were fantastic – there were some lovely close-up shots of beautiful wildflower red campion, along with some ferns, leaves and even dandelion seeds being blown off.

Some Canada geese with their goslings provided great photographic opportunities with the stunning backdrop of the Ochils.

Dave also revealed some tricks of the trade for setting up potential wildlife shots, including making hides, setting up feeders and getting the camera ready for action images.

At the end of the afternoon some very obliging swans, who were bribed with tasty treats, became the subject matter for some great pictures.

Dave's knowledge of the habits of our local wildlife was invaluable in helping everyone understand the potential opportunities of getting that one off shot.