Wildlife Workshop – 19/01/24
On a dark, sub-zero Friday morning, 4 intrepid members of the club were given a workshop in wildlife photography by Paul McDougall at Hogganfield Loch, Glasgow. The homework provided by Paul before the workshop had been absorbed – recommended camera settings; how to use the lighting to best advantage; using the light and shutter speed for creative wildlife photography; and lots of examples of photographs taken at the location.
The previous week had provided some glorious sunrises (or so Paul said!), but this was not to be today as the period of settled weather was about to change. The low winter sun did present itself on and off, together with hail, rain and a chilly wind later in the day. Wouldn’t be Scotland if we couldn’t experience all the weather conditions within a few hours.
With more than 95% of the loch frozen, the majority of the birds were concentrated in one area. This meant that while we didn’t have to go in search for the wildlife, getting a clean shot of a single bird became a challenge at times, but a good challenge.
Cameras were pointed directly at the sun (or its surface reflection) for backlit and silhouette shots. With the sun behind us for action and ICM shots. And then anywhere and everywhere when Paul threw food into the air to capture birds in flight and squabbling for food.
Species on view were Mute and Whooper swans; Merganser; Goldeneye; Coot; Moorhen; Mallard; one Little Grebe; ubiquitous feral Pigeon and Common Gull. A walk around the loch provided a sighting of a heron, but it didn’t want to pose for photographs and kept well away.
With a small area of open water, the flying swans had a restricted landing area. This did mean that generally they were nearby for capturing with our cameras, but on two occasions a swan missed the landing zone and landed on the footpath. One almost crashing on Paul – no one bagged that shot!
Paul provided guidance throughout and help with those extensive camera menus. As we walked around the loch, Paul noted the typical kind of shots that could be achieved at different times of the year under different conditions.
Batteries were tested to the limit in the cold conditions and together with high frame rate exposures, the spare batteries just made it to mid-afternoon and the end of the workshop.
A good time was had by all with plenty of new skills and tips learned.
It was a timely reminder to us all that such an accessible location with so many birds is nearby. No excuses for not returning and bagging more photographs with improving skills.
Now to review the three thousand images taken!