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!
Photographing Small Birds with the Sony 200-600G Lens
With springtime well and truly here in the UK I visit a local gravel pit to try and capture images of the numerous summer migrants that have recently made there way to the UK. I don't go far and am soon surrounded by displaying Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap. A really enjoyable way to spend a a day close to home on a very small area of scrubland. Tell me in the comments what birds you can photograph close to your home and what's arrived for the spring. (or the season where you are, for my international friends!)
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.
I bought the Sony A7r3 for wildlife photography in 2022. Is it worth it?
A couple of months ago I made the decision to exchange one of my Sony A6400's for a Sony A7r3 . In this video I explain my reason for that decision, after all I have been a great fan of the Sony A6400. How does the Sony A7r3 compare to higher and newer models and is it more versatile for other forms of photography? I also give my thoughts on this new/old camera (it came out in 2017) and decide if I made the right decision and why!
Photographing the Common Buzzard (with Luck!)
In this weeks video I explain my buzzard hide setup. This is a project I have attempted many times over the years but for me buzzards seem to be the one animal that just does not want to appear in front of my lens. Hopefully this year will be different as I go all in to photograph this amazing bird of prey.