inspiring website

[Rob Greenhill]

Nowt wrong with these images....well done indeed,Id be chuffed if they were mine

Rob

[Greywolf]

Thanks Rob. Although I know some people see it as a bit of a cheat the days I spent at Silverband were well worh every penny. The mornings would be spent high up on the fells photographing birds on the ground or free flying and this gives the intense practice that you can't get 'in the wild'. I now feel much more confident when I'm in a real situation that I could get a shot that without those days I would have lost.

And to be honest working with people like Steve and Ann is just brilliant. Down to earth no nonsense advice.

Definitely worth doing a few days like that.

[Rob Greenhill]

Sounds like a good day. being able to practice is priceless, you sometimes can't do this in the wild. I think that this is a cost effective method of improving skills!.
How often have we all driven for miles to a location and seen sod all,had poor light,dodgy backgrounds etc? The more good practice we all get,the better we become,and ultimatly our "wild" shots will be as good as set up ones!

Rob

[Steven Gourlay]

Sounds like its well worth it Greywolf, ive been to falconry place on a farm.

[Steven Gourlay]

What i meant by cheating was i did not realise there were places that would take the birds of prey deep into the countryside and remove any tags that make them look non wild. I personally would love to do it as I don't have the time has much as i would like with the camera so it's guaranteed chance of photos, however I’m not going to look as some photos and wonder if the birds are wild or trained.

[Greywolf]

I know exactly what you mean Steve, but having done a couple of the days generally I think you can work it out. The only one of the three shots I posted that might reasonable have been taken for real is, I think, the barn owl. You would have to be pretty damn good to get either the golden eagle shot or the Goshawk portrait.

When Richard does the set ups for portraits he does go to lengths to try to conceal the jesses and I did clone out the jesses on the eagle as I said, partly because I wanted to see if it would work.

I think most of these centres are working with raptors of one sort or another anyway so that can be a giveaway.

I just had a laugh thinking of some centre somewhere trolling out bearded tits and chiffchaffs for you to photograph.

[Rob Greenhill]

Bearded tits and chaffinches you say,well my friends it does happen. If you stake out a location,bait it ,bait it some more,birds will come in close to you,if you are there regular. they will eventually come to you, and only you. How do you think the BBc get their wildlife shots? Most of their decent shots are set up, some in artificial sets, or with trained wild animal / bird. If its good enough for Attenborough, then its fine by me.

Rob

[Greywolf]

Hmm, yes feeding stations, I had in my head the idea of trained chaffinches flying to the lure or being stalked for hours through forests by hawkers. It just made me smile, but I take your point.

[Rob Greenhill]

Originally Posted by Greywolf

Hmm, yes feeding stations, I had in my head the idea of trained chaffinches flying to the lure or being stalked for hours through forests by hawkers. It just made me smile, but I take your point.

Now that is a thought!

[John Fairclough]

Hi.
I too run Raptor days and depending upon the clients wishes, depends upon what locations we can offer.
One of my locations offers a small rockery and garden area, and woodland area with stream and bridge, and a quarry. In these you can achieve a great number of shots in a natural surrounding for a great number of birds.
In fact I am looking to work with a new Scottish company offering numerous wildlife holidays, including birds of prey weekends. The birds favoured on such a weekend would be those that suit the Scottish habbitats. (Will keep you informed if you wish)
I think the important point to remember when shooting captive birds is not to portray the finished results as wild.
Finally, If you are wanting to photograph wild birds, this can sometimes prove to be more expensive than a private setup/shoot by the time you calculate your travelling, accommodation, guides, oh yes and your own time.

Well done Greywolf, a couple of godd shots and the memories of a very enjoyable day.

John Fairclough.
www.fotographicimages.co.uk