burnet moths • Mike Hutchinson

Features from Wildlife magazine Wildlife articles 2008 -- Spring 2008 -- ::Severn Barrage ::The Variety of life ::A year at Willsbridge ::Willsbridge comes of age ::Reaching out - Willsbridge ::Round the reserves Wildlife articles 2007 -- Autumn 2007 -- ::Thinking BIG ::Watery webs:the pond network ::Wildlife in the landscape ::Variety of life ::How to be a climate friend ::Seasonal stroll - Walborough ::Round the reserves -- Summer 2007 -- ::The Folly Farm appeal ::Weston Big Wood-biodiversity at its best ::The variety of life ::How to capture a butterfly ::How to get to know an orchid ::Seasonal stroll - WestonBigWood ::Reserves update -- Spring 2007 -- ::Folly Farm - a very special place ::Making a difference at Folly Farm ::How find the magic at Folly Farm ::Seasonal stroll at Folly Farm ::Magic spots at Folly Farm ::Batscapes ::Climate challenge ::Variety of Life - the Ponways project ::Round the reserves Wildlife articles 2006 -- Autumn 2006 -- ::The Severn Estuary ::Bird Watch results ::How to identify garden birds ::Making space for wildlife ::How does your garden grow? ::Round the reserves -- Summer 2006 -- ::Going for green ::Stand up and be counted ::Happy birthday NSLMP ::Holi day - a riot of spring colour ::Avon's species-rich grassland ::How to photograph dragonflies ::The Big Switch ::Round the reserves -- Spring 2006 -- ::How to identify winter water birds ::Make 2006 the year you... ::Invasive invasion ::Sowing the seeds: Willsbridge Mill ::Round the reserves Wildlife articles 2005 -- Autumn 2005 -- ::Indentify common funghi ::Build a hedgehog hideaway ::Big Bird Watch ::Champions for wildlife ::Round the reserves ::Seeds of the futre: Willsbridge Mill -- Summer 2005 -- ::Restoring Folly Farm ::How to become bee-friendly ::How to identify the butterflies of spring ::Save our seas ::The variety of life: hedgerows ::Round the reserves ::25 Ways to make a difference -- Spring 2005 -- ::The variety of life: water voles ::The Avon Biodiversity Action Plan ::How to take really good wildlife photos ::How to help your garden grow ::Round the reserves ::Seasonal strolls: Browns Folly ::Sowing the seeds: for wildlife for people ::Sowing the seeds: looking back

How to...

Take really good wildlife photos!

Wildlife photographers Tom Walmsley
and Mike Hutchinson have been keen supporters of the Trust for several years, allowing us to use their stunning images and working with us on our hugely popular wildlife photography courses. Here they share top wildlife photo tips with you, so that you can bring that extra special touch to your images.

1. Research your subject
Find out as much as you can from books, local wildlife trusts and the internet - this knowledge will help you to get closer and to do so without stressing your subject. Spend time watching animals from a distance to decipher their behaviour patterns. One of the joys of wildlife photography is that it gets you closer to nature and you often see details and discover aspects that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.

2. Start with common subjects
Garden wildlife should never be overlooked and is generally more approachable. It is surely more satisfying to get a great photograph of a robin than to explain to friends that the small fuzzy blob in the middle of your frame is in fact a badger (we've all done it at some point!).

3. Explore your subject
When you find a static subject like a fungus or flower, take time to walk around it and find the best angle. Experiment with different lenses if you have them, perhaps taking a close-up, but also a wide-angle that shows the subject in the context of its habitat.

4. Get down to your subject's level
Images nearly always have more impact and are more intimate if they are taken on your subject's eye (or flower!) level.

5. Use a tripod
Tripods are cumbersome to carry but if you're serious about wildlife photography and, particularly if you like taking close-ups or use a powerful telephoto lens that exaggerates camera shake, they are essential

6. Simplify
Particularly when photographing a landscape, it is tempting use the widest angle lens your camera has and cram in as much as possible. The results can be disappointing. Think about what it is about the scene in front of you that attracted you to it and concentrate on that. The best pictures are often simple compositions where the photographer has isolated or emphasized only a particular part of a scene.

7. Get out of bed
The best sunlight for photography is early morning and late afternoon. But don't dismiss overcast days as soft shadowless light is great for closeups and showing detail.

8. Respect
Always put the welfare of your subject before the photograph. If you think you are stressing your subject then stop.

9. Books, magazines, exhibitions
One of the best ways to learn is by looking at other people's photographs. Don't try to copy them but
be inspired!

10. Don't put your camera into hibernation
Winter brings the bonus of not having to get up early to catch the sunrise plus you get soft, low-angled sunlight all day compared to summer.

11. Clubs and courses
Join a camera club and/ or attend a photography course where you can meet like-minded people, learn and exchange ideas.

Above all - Enjoy it!

Wildlife Photography, an introduction

Mike and Tom are running the following wildlife photography courses at the Goblin Combe Environment Centre in May:

Wildlife Photography - an introduction (in four sessions) 5, 12, 19 & 26 May 2005 (afternoon or evenings available)

Practical Outdoor Wildlife Photography - day course 28 May 2005
To book telephone 01934 833723