Mega Mix Barcelona

Fun with water in Barcelona

While away on holiday in Barcelona I tried experimenting with water with both fast and short exposures and here is a selection of my favourite shots.

This photo is a long exposure done without a tripod, it would be a lot more sharp if I had a tripod for this.

Fun in Barcelona

While on holiday in Barcelona I was able to get a few nice snaps of some birds, I hope you like them.

Lizard Rock

While traveling to the Sri Lanka we found this Lizard on a rock up Sigiriya.

Roe Deer Fun

While on an early morning trip to the New Forest, I found a Roe Buck and followed him and got some of these great snaps.

 

 

A Chance to Practise

Having done a few outings to various locations over the last few weeks with no luck at all, I decided to go to a few places that guarantee a sighting and good photo opportunity.
I feel that its really nice to do this when you start to get a little disheartened by the lack of results out in the field. Let’s call this a good pick me up.
I understand that this is considered cheating by many pro photographers, however I’m only using these outings as a boost to my confidence, while also learning in an environment that guarantees me a chance to photograph animals.

Below are a few shots taken from Richmond Park, Surrey & The Hawk Conservancy, Hampshire.




Richmond Park

Richmond Park

 

Hawk Conservancy

Hawk Conservancy

Hawk Conservancy

Hawk Conservancy

Hawk Conservancy

Richmond Park

 

 

 

Shoot first, edit Deer later!

I have just come back from a sunrise trip to Burley, New Forest, where I went into the woods on a walking path and came across a number of different deer. It was a great experience as I had 3 or 4 separate sightings. I am still a little disappointed as I only had a few usable photos. So I am writing this post in reflection on this trip.
Upon sighting one of the deer, I froze and didn’t get a shot off before it noticed me and did a runner. Also on the final occasion I had the perfect shoot lined up and as I felt it wasn’t great didn’t take that much needed shot, looking back I felt it would have been a great shot.                                     
I will take away from this trip that no matter how critical you may feel about a shot, just hit the button and get the shot as you can always delete photos, but you can’t go back and get a second chance to take that shot.

Below is one of the handful of shots that came out ok of a lovely female Roe Deer

Thistle & Bee, Basingstoke

Red Kite, Basingstoke, Hampshire

Wildlife & Patience

When starting out doing wildlife photography, as it appears I have, without really deciding to do it, you get a few nice photos and that’s it you are hooked
One of the things that you understand at the very start is that you have to be around at the crack of dawn and dusk.
The reason for this, is, that most animals are way more active at these times and the lighting is the most romantic and catches the eyes of them amazing creatures.
One of the best tools you can have in your tool box is patience, as you will need this in order to get them great shots.
I am really new to this and I am learning very fast that sometimes when you set out to see something specific, you end up not seeing what you set out to see, but you end up with something else or nothing at all. The main thing is to understand that wildlife is exactly that "wild" and try not to get to disheartened, as when you finally get the result you want, it will be a great photo and an awesome experience.
I feel that keeping an open mind to what you want to capture can make for more fun, for example; If you set out to get a photo of a Red Kite and you don’t see them, stay positive and try and get photos of other animals that you may see, but remain alert as you don’t want to miss that Red Kite when it appears.
You may find that the animal you have waited all day for, will appear at the last minute as you are packing up to leave, so ALWAYS keep your camera ready at all times.
Patience is a keep thing to have or to learn when doing this kind of photography, so try not to see it as annoying but more so a learning experience, as being away from the hustle and bustle of life in the quiet and peaceful wilderness alone is a great and calming experience on its own.

Please understand that what I have written is what I have found as I have embarked on my new found passion and that other more experienced photographers may have better advise, however I wish to share with you what I have found as I have begun my new adventure.

Thanks for your time

Lee Hill

Thistle, Berry Head

Geese Sunrise, Fernworthy Reservoir, Dartmoor

Sunrise, Fernworthy Reservoir, Dartmoor

Eastbourne, Sunrise

Light house Gull, Beachy Head

Grey Squirrel Fun, Basingstoke

Woodland Roe Deer II, New Forest

Roe Deer on the look out, New Forest

The Kissing Fallow, New Forest

Fallow Deer Family Alertness, New Forest