This week I head out with my Sony A7r3 and macro lens. As a wildlife photographer I am often busy photographing the larger birds and animals in the environment. However as we move towards summer I also focus on the smaller creatures and plants that surround us and often go un-noticed. A macro lens is a great way to discover the smaller world that surrounds us and enables the skilled photographer to create wonderful images, often very close to home. In this video I give you an introduction to the macro world and tips to help you get the most from your macro lens. This video does not cover any kit other than a camera lens and possibly a tripod. Future videos will cover more complex techniques such as the use of flash and focus stacking but this video will provide the new macro photographer with the information to create some wonderful images.
Bird Photography on a short holiday in Cumbria
This was one of those occasions when you go away for a break but end up doing photography as well so why not make a video about it. Not of interest to everyone but this is a fascinating part of the UK being on the west coast of Cumbria. We stay in Ravenglass on the coast with its wonderful miniature steam railway that takes you into the heart of the Lake District as well as the imposing and magnificent Muncaster Castle a great place to visit but made even better by the Bird of Prey Centre located here and the flying displays in the grounds. As you can see in three days we packed a lot in and I still managed to get some images and film. I hope you enjoy it!
Back Button Focus - An Alternative
Back button focus is an accepted method which has become very popular especially among wildlife photographers. Having tried this method a number of times I found I just couldn't get on with it. The logic of changing my shooting style for what amounted to a limited number of situations just didn't make sense so I looked for an alternative that would work for me. So here is the simple answer and the method I use today.
My stalking techniques to get close to animals
Perhaps my favourite method for getting images of wildlife is stalking. In this video I explain the techniques i use to not only get close to wildlife but also to take images. The satisfaction of getting close to a wild animal without it knowing you are there, taking images and then slipping away is the ultimate wildlife photography high.
The Red Deer Rut has to be one of the UK's most spectacular wildlife events. But near Sheffield?
In this weeks video I go to a place I only recently discovered to capture film and images of the Red Deer rut. I would normally head to the Scottish highlands to witness and photography this spectacle. However, last year that changed when the covid pandemic lead to reduced travel. It was only by searching on line I discovered images of the red deer rut taken at a place called Big Moor just to the west of Sheffield. Intrigued I headed off up there and managed to catch the back end of the rut. This year I return much earlier to try and capture the behaviour of these wonderful animals. As I say in this video please remember these are not park animals used to the encroachment of humans. For the safety of yourself and the deer please use your common sense and stay at a sensible distance.
How I found and Photographed Fox Cubs
This week I use the knowledge gained from last weeks video on photographing badgers to help me find a family of fox's and there cubs. Follow me as I try to get into a position to watch these beautiful animals. I am also able to film and photograph while leaving the family undisturbed.