Virtual Meeting, Nature Photography - Tuesday 20th October 2020.

                           

On Tuesday 20th October, Morpeth Camera Club members were able to view a recorded talk via zoom entitled Nature
Photography by renowned photographer Paul Keene FRPS MPAGB EFIAP/d3 MFIAP. Paul showed a marvellous selection
of nature and wildlife images whilst describing the equipment that he uses in this type of photography. He began by
suggesting things to consider before setting out with your camera and tripod, other accessories that may be needed,
to practice fieldcraft, follow the law, and then listed possible places to visit.

He went on to show some lovely shots of birds taken in his garden, explained his use of a hide, the setting up of props
to attract the birds and stressed the importance of being patient and very quiet. We saw great shots of Reed Bunting,
Nuthatch, Brambling, Waxwing and Fieldfares.

In his local area, he visits Wildlife Trust sites and we enjoyed beautiful action shots of raptors and water birds taking
off and in flight. He said that stalking was a good way to take successful shots; by keeping quiet, staying in a safe
range, one eventually gains the trust of the subject and by recognising their habits one can eventually predict where
they will be at a given time. Images of Dartford Warblers, Stonechat, Grey Wagtail, Bittern, Cuckoos and Starling
murmuration followed. Travelling further afield to the Farne Islands, the North Norfolk Coast, Yorkshires Moorland and
Scottish Highlands and Islands and the south coast we saw an array of sea birds; puffins, kittiwakes nesting, feuding
Arctic Terns, fighting Redshank, formations of geese, and moorland Red Grouse, Curlew, Golden Plover, Meadow Pipit
and Skylark. Paul gave some tips along the way including how to make an image more appealing, such as ensuring
that you have a blurred background, thus eliminating distractions from the subject.

Paul then moved away from birds and concentrated on other aspects of nature such as fungi, flowers and mammals.
We saw wonderful displays of wildflower meadows; snowdrops, wild garlic, oxeye daisies and poppies. Orchids of all
varieties; Green Winged, Greater spotted, Pyramidal, Military and the rare Lady Slipper and Red Helleborine Orchid.
An abundance of Funghi followed, including Bracket, Puff Balls, the Sheathed Woodtuft and Giant Polypor and Amanita
Muscaria. Explaining the difference between Wildlife and Nature photography and the different equipment he uses for
each, he went on to describe how, in nature photography, he sometimes uses a glass-sided tank to take photographs.
He documents pupa, which he has purchased, in the emerging stages, observing their behaviour. This was illustrated
in his amazing macro work of Hawk Moth, Garden Tiger and Privet Hawk moths in captivity.

In his Wildlife photography, of subjects actually taken in the wild, we enjoyed seeing a variety of damselflies, rare
marsh frogs, adders and slow worms. Paul continued with his images of mammals; of hare, muntjac, sika and
Chinese water deer, rutting Red Deer, Grey seals, dolphins and curious otters. In conclusion, Paul showed us images
of the edible dormouse; this illusive creature has adapted well over the years to the presence of man and can now
frequently be found hibernating in insulated attics. We saw charming, detailed images of this lovely little creature
feeding on fruit and nuts. The most important aspect of wildlife and nature photography, Paul emphasised, was to
remember that the welfare of your subject is paramount.

Paul’s eye for detail and his patience to be able to spot and photograph all these wonderful creatures and rare flowers
highlighted his love of nature, and together with some good ideas as to how we can present our own images, his show
was very interesting and informative throughout.

Steph.