WWT Martin Mere PT2

[JemC]

Hi again

here are a few more from my recent trip to Martin Mere
done a little internet searching with these so this time they will have IDs (hopefully correct ones)

#1 Avocet


#2 Black Swan


#3 Cape Barren


#4 Chilean Flamingo


#5 Mallard


and finally

#6 Otter


thanks for looking,

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[Wavelength]

That was a really enjoyable journey

[Dave Humphries]

Hi James,

My thoughts on this series are as follows;

#2 Black swan is below par on sharpness compared to all the others, focus appears to be at the back of the head, but I know how fast swans can move their head and have taken many similar pictures (of the Mute variety mainly) myself.

If there is one common theme to the whole series, they are all shot from the same angle. To really 'take things to the next level' you need to get some more unusual angles, from down low being the obvious.

However, I absolutely appreciate this isn't always feasible at places like Martin Mere; impossible for most enclosures and difficult for the rest - certainly without inconveniencing other visitors or breaking the rules (neither of which I do or condone). Sometimes you might find a gap between a gate and a fence, or a hole in a fence that can be shot through, this is more successful in the spring when vegetation in the enclosure is likely to be less of a view blocker.

I know this is a problem, I'm a WWT member and used to visit my 'local' reserve (Arundel) regularly but remember being frustrated that when the subject was close enough to get good feather detail, I could only shoot it from the angles you have - and when the angle was better, it was so far away, that I couldn't get the detail. Apart from that, the boat trips are worth taking several times a day if possible - and get there when the doors open too - and stay until you're in fear of getting locked in, the less other visitors about (especially little 'uns getting excited), the better.
(just have to remember that unless the little 'uns get interested, these places may not exist in future, so they need their access too, however bad their timing may be for that shot you've been waiting 20 minutes for)

Some US reserves seem more accommodating to photographers with sunken pit hides, so you can shoot from ground level, I'm not sure anywhere exists with them in UK.

Cheers, Dave

PS (EDIT)
One final thought on getting better angles is to buy (or have given to you as a joint family birthday or Xmas treat) a 'photographic day'. This doesn't need to be with an expert, although they each have their advantages and disadvantages.
I have attended several and all have proved useful in some way.
Sometimes the expert led ones may not give any better than 'public' access, which could disappoint if you went expecting it, but you may gain on the technique front (as I did).
Other times; the wildlife park's own keepers do a good job getting you in to enclosures, or bring animals or birds out, which allows better angles on them - and these 'days' (or half days) tend to be a more reasonable price.
I assume that some expert led days (or longer trips) costing several hundred (or thousand) pounds may combine the best of both worlds, but I've not tried those.
I usually find about 50% of people on these days have 'done it before' often with the same expert, so confirming the benefits of this approach.

I have done Birds of Prey, Reptiles, Bats and general wildlife days, some through photographer agencies, some direct from the wildlife parks and one from a 'Buy a Gift' type site and while all have some shortcomings, I have enjoyed all of them.

If you've not tried one, they are recommended.

[madcrow]

Good series.

[billtils]

James - I'd strongly second Dave's advice re a day with a pro. I've done a couple, one at the WWT centre at Caerlaverock.

[JemC]

Hi James,

My thoughts on this series are as follows;

#2 Black swan is below par on sharpness compared to all the others, focus appears to be at the back of the head, but I know how fast swans can move their head and have taken many similar pictures (of the Mute variety mainly) myself.

If there is one common theme to the whole series, they are all shot from the same angle. To really 'take things to the next level' you need to get some more unusual angles, from down low being the obvious.

However, I absolutely appreciate this isn't always feasible at places like Martin Mere; impossible for most enclosures and difficult for the rest - certainly without inconveniencing other visitors or breaking the rules (neither of which I do or condone). Sometimes you might find a gap between a gate and a fence, or a hole in a fence that can be shot through, this is more successful in the spring when vegetation in the enclosure is likely to be less of a view blocker.

I know this is a problem, I'm a WWT member and used to visit my 'local' reserve (Arundel) regularly but remember being frustrated that when the subject was close enough to get good feather detail, I could only shoot it from the angles you have - and when the angle was better, it was so far away, that I couldn't get the detail. Apart from that, the boat trips are worth taking several times a day if possible - and get there when the doors open too - and stay until you're in fear of getting locked in, the less other visitors about (especially little 'uns getting excited), the better.
(just have to remember that unless the little 'uns get interested, these places may not exist in future, so they need their access too, however bad their timing may be for that shot you've been waiting 20 minutes for)

Some US reserves seem more accommodating to photographers with sunken pit hides, so you can shoot from ground level, I'm not sure anywhere exists with them in UK.

Cheers, Dave

PS (EDIT)
One final thought on getting better angles is to buy (or have given to you as a joint family birthday or Xmas treat) a 'photographic day'. This doesn't need to be with an expert, although they each have their advantages and disadvantages.
I have attended several and all have proved useful in some way.
Sometimes the expert led ones may not give any better than 'public' access, which could disappoint if you went expecting it, but you may gain on the technique front (as I did).
Other times; the wildlife park's own keepers do a good job getting you in to enclosures, or bring animals or birds out, which allows better angles on them - and these 'days' (or half days) tend to be a more reasonable price.
I assume that some expert led days (or longer trips) costing several hundred (or thousand) pounds may combine the best of both worlds, but I've not tried those.
I usually find about 50% of people on these days have 'done it before' often with the same expert, so confirming the benefits of this approach.

I have done Birds of Prey, Reptiles, Bats and general wildlife days, some through photographer agencies, some direct from the wildlife parks and one from a 'Buy a Gift' type site and while all have some shortcomings, I have enjoyed all of them.

If you've not tried one, they are recommended.

Hi Dave

What can i say, you are spot on with you thoughts/observation,

i am planning another trip there shortly and will endeavour to try to get some different angles,

will also look into the photographic days, these seem like something i would enjoy,

Regards