Exmoor Photography Kingfisher Hide Special - Info Page
Exmoor Wildlife Photography Course
Kingfisher Hides in Somerset with the experts, UK. Photograph the stunning Kingfishers from our bespoke wooden hide situated on private land overlooking a tranquil stretch of river.
The tuition will include bird and action photography. However for this workshop a working knowledge of the exposure triangle is essential.
We would suggest completing a 4hr taster workshop or Landscape Day first if you are not competent with the above.
Latest news: BOOK NOW FOR 2024
NB: we do not respond to enquires from other professional photographers or similar businesses, so please DON'T waste our time or yours.
Kingfisher Hide Booking Online now available.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: please read the following & FAQs below.
FAQS:
Days: Daily except Wednesday & Sunday
When: July & August Only see Availability Tab
Locations: Somerset
PLEASE NOTE: this is an unaccompanied hide. However, Jack will set you up for your session and make sure you are competent with the camera settings it is usually best if Jack leaves you in the hide to avoid any unnecessary disturbance.
Ideally you have the following equipment for this workshop:
Exmoor Photography Kingfisher Special:
Join us to photograph Kingfishers arguably one of the most stunning birds found in the UK, very often only seen as an iridescent blue flash and shrill, call as they whizz past. You will have the opportunity, with a little patience to photograph them in their natural environment, assisted by Jack who will help you with your camera settings and technique during set up. Jack finds that the best time of year is summer; so, the courses will only run from July to August. Professional photographer Rupert ‘Jack’ Clegg has over 30 years' experience photographing Kingfishers.
Please note: this is an unaccompanied hide. However, Jack will set you up for your session and make sure you are competent with the camera settings it is usually best if Jack leaves you in the hide to avoid any unnecessary disturbance. He will of course keep in touch via text during the session and pick you up when finished and as is only a phone call away if needed. For this workshop a working knowledge of the exposure triangle is essential.
We would suggest completing a 4hr taster workshop or Landscape Day first if you are not competent with the above.
Additional Info Kingfisher Special:
Jack has produced a brand-new field guide booklet and a supplement, ‘how to photograph Kingfishers’, that you will be given at the 'meet & greet' at the beginning of your day. This is yours to keep and provide a useful reference for you to use, next time you take your camera out on your own.
Jack advises having a camera lens that is at least the equivalent of a 500mm lens minimum for Kingfisher Photography and a frame rate of at least 7fps is preferable (please do not include your cameras crop factor, if not full frame). So, for example, a D-SLR/mirrorless with a 400mm or zoom from 150mm–600mm would be ideal. If using a mirrorless system micro 4/3 you will need at least a 400mm lens (a 300mm is ok but NOT recommended). If you are not sure, please ask Jack for advice. We also have cameras and lenses you can hire if required, must be booked prior to course, subject to availability. We have two gimbal heads mounted in the hide for your use. It is essential that your lens has a tripod mounting collar.
SORRY WE CANNOT FIX 'BRIDGE CAMERAS' IN THE HIDE. THEREFORE WE CANNOT TAKE CLIENTS WITH BRIDGE CAMERAS ON THIS WORKSHOP.
They are designed to educate, be fun, relaxed, and hopefully enjoyable!
There is also always a supply of Alison’s legendary flapjack & homemade cakes!
Sorry, but we do not take other professional photographers on this course.
Important Notice:
We do not use bait tanks for our Kingfisher photography. As above, this course is designed to give you the opportunity to capture some nice, perched shots and possibly diving shots (not low level) if of course the bird decides to fish at our location (this is not guaranteed). You will need to have patience, keep very quiet in the hide with Jack and with a bit of luck, you will be successful. We will of course explain the day to you when booking. A warm welcome awaits you at the ‘meet and greet’ on your day. This will include a friendly briefing on our ethical approach to photographing wild birds.
Obviously, these are wild birds, but Jack has successfully photographed Kingfishers at this location for several years now.
It is also essential that course participants understand that Kingfishers are protected wild birds, therefore the emphasis will always be about as little or no disturbance of them as possible. Please note that we do not photograph the birds anywhere near the nesting sites and you will not be shown their location.
What You Will Learn Kingfisher Special:
Our Vehicle:
Jack was trained to a very high ‘advanced’ standard to drive while in the service.
We use a new Ford Kuga Hybrid that will comfortably seat 3 guests and their equipment, the vehicle is maintained to a very high standard, it has dual zone air conditioning for your comfort and heated seats! The vehicle is fitted with a ‘cold climate pack’ heated windscreen etc. Although we do not intend to go ‘off road’ and ‘bounce’ you and your camera equipment about while on the course, the vehicle is fitted with ‘all weather’ tyres that give enhanced traction. We carry a BSI compliant (BS-8599-1) first aid kit on board & a fire extinguisher.
Thank you for contacting us. We will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within 24hrs.
Hide Interior
KINGFISHER INFO
KINGFISHER INFO