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Welcome to my post Birdfair newsletter.
Thank you for entering my free draw at the British Birdfair and I am delighted to announce Richard Coatsworth from West Sussex as the winner. He has claimed a puzzle for his prize to share with his grandchildren.
It was a fantastic weekend and lovely to meet so many people. I have exhibited for many years but this was my first since 2016 so great to be back in my usual spot in marquee 6!
Hopefully you will enjoy the newsletter and continue to subscribe, however if you wish to unsubscribe then please do so below. I only send a few a year and include photographic tips, case studies, new products and future shows, talks and events where you can meet me.
If you saw anything on my stand and would like to get in touch then please do so and ensure you add oliver@smartimages.co.uk into your address book/contacts to prevent it being spammed.
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Chalkhill Blue Polyommatus coridon - Stockbidge Down, Hampshire, UK
July 2019
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British Birdfair - 16-18th August 2019
Just in case you've forgotten here is my stand at the Birdfair. What a great weekend it was, despite the early rains!
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Smart Images
August 2019
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New Products Launched at Birdfair
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A range of new signed & mounted prints along with new contemporary aluminium & tray framed acrylic prints were launched at the show.
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The Photogenic Wildlife of Ethiopia
New Tour dates: 16th November to 2nd December 2020
All images here from this year's tour.
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Gelada Baboon Theropithecus gelada
Baboons, wolves, birds and photography...and of course a delightful taste of Africa. Join me for an adventure to some of the most beautifully rich habitats of this extraordinary land.
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Following the success and wonderful photographic opportunities this year I will be teaming up with Reef & Rainforest once again to run a photographic trip to this remarkable landlocked country in 2020. Many endemics, unique species including the Ethiopian Wolf, Walia Ibex, Gelada Baboons and dozens of bird species, along with picturesque backdrops and dramatic scenery will make this a truly memorial adventure. We will also enjoy some remote accommodation, stargazing and culture as part of the tour to gain a real appreciation for this diverse country.
I shall be your photographic guide on the trip and jointly led by local expert naturalist Daniel Million. For the full itinerary and costs which include all internal flights please visit Reef & Rainforest or contact Ian Loyd on 01803 866965 . There is also a condensed brief on my website here.
Lesser Flamingo Phoenicoparrus minor
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The tour takes in a range of unique habitats from low-lying lakes and grassland to high mountain ranges and plateaus. Each distinct habitat hosts a suite of species, including many endemics and African specialities.
Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumenifer
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A highlight of the trip will be a visit to the Sanetti Plateau to search for the striking Ethiopian Wolf. The 'trickster' will hopefully put on a show once again and delight the waiting photographers.
Ethiopian Wolf Canis simensis
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Various forested habitats and lodge gardens will be our focus for part of the adventure, spotting and photographing many species of bird, some 324 seen on our 2019 trip! Along with reptiles, landscapes and invertebrates there is little time to take a breath.
African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii
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Mountains three to four times higher than Mount Snowdon in Wales will be our home for exploring rare wildlife including Walia Ibex, Lammergeier, Gelada Baboons and the impressive night sky.
Thick-billed Raven Corvus crassirostris
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The Wildlife of Madagascar's Magical Forests
New Tour dates: 18th September to 3rd October 2020
Madagascar is home to thousands of endemic animals, birds and plants. If there is one destination I would recommend visiting, then it is here. From the metre-tall Indri to the bizarre Giraffe-necked Weevil, from baobabs to the Helmeted Vanga there is something for all tastes. This photographic journey takes us on a tour of three of the key habitats - dry deciduous, spiny and wet rainforest.
Along with naturalist and guide Daniel Razafimandimby, I will be your photographic advisor on this magical trip. The tour is being run by Reef & Rainforest and was launched over the Birdfair weekend. For more details contact Ian Loyd on 01803 866965 for the full itinerary. Further details of the tour are also now available on my website. |
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Autumn Bird of Prey Photographic Workshops
Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd November 2019
Ever fancied the chance of getting really close to birds of prey and owls? During our day we will capture a mixture of birds, with at least six species including an afternoon flying display. Autumn is a super time to capture the changing seasons with plenty of colourful backdrops and foliage to maximise your shoot. I provide a number of props too to personalise the day. Lunch, drinks and cake is included. More information can be found on my Workshops page and bookings can be made directly with the Hawk Conservancy Trust.
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Tawny Owl Strix aluco
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Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus
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Case Study - Photographing Wildlife in Snow
Each quarter I discuss a photographic topic, species or location and from earlier this year I gave tips on photographing wildlife in snowy conditions. I know it is still summer but planning your forthcoming winter trips and preparing your kit can be done well in advance.
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Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rustica
During hard winter conditions in the UK many wildlife species go into hibernation. Those that cannot have to either leave our shores or in some cases come out of hiding in their quest to find food.
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I love the snow! I'm no skier but the conditions for wildlife photography are second to none. Light reflects off the surface giving a beautiful additional ambient light source to your scene. Even in overcast conditions you can benefit from this extra light.
A lot of wildlife becomes more visible in snowy weather and if you can't find the animal itself you may well be lucky to find tracks or other signs. These can be very helpful clues as to the presence of an animal or bird so learn your footprints and droppings! It could save you a lot of time searching for your target species.
Working in snow can be uncomfortable if you are not prepared so always wear warm, layered clothing. Insulated boots, gloves and a good hat are a must. Pocket hand/foot warmers are easy to get hold of and can help prolong your session. If you are warm and relatively cosy in your gear you will be much more likely to stay out longer and your patience will be rewarded. It may sound obvious but it's amazing how easy it is to go unprepared. A cold photographer is no fun at all!
Red Fox Vulpes vulpes & Common Raven Corvus corax
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Shooting in snow requires some additional thought to maximise the environmental conditions. If snow is falling your camera can often become confused and may even focus on the larger snowflakes. Switch to manual focus instead.
Your exposure reading from your camera will often try to render a white scene as a mid-tone and it's no wonder so many photographer's winter holiday shots come out with grey snow! Snow is white, or sometimes blue, particularly with beautiful shadows. You want your white snow to look white so if shooting in AV mode then push your exposure to the right. This may be as much as 2 or even 3 stops of added exposure compensation. Your histogram on your camera display will indicate if you go too far by the blinking white areas (ensure you turn this feature on in your custom settings). By watching your histogram and checking your images as you go you will see the exposure of the subject matter is accurate and the colours remain vibrant and the contrast high.
If you do make the mistake of shooting grey snow then use your processing software to restore the snow to white by increasing the exposure, whites and highlights channels.
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major & Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos |
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Winter comes with the extra advantage of a low sun in the sky for most of the day. This allows plenty of opportunity to shoot your subjects with the sun in the background. Backlighting, silhouette and glorious colour halos can be created by thinking outside the box. Give it a go and you will be surprised at what a difference snow can make to your image taking. Good luck!
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Next issue I will discuss photographing moths in my periodic case study piece.
Enjoy the remainder of the summer, may it last long into November!
Oliver Smart
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RSPB Images
Over 2100 stunning images held with the RSPB's internal library. Images can be purchased as prints or for publication.
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Alamy
Choose from over 7200 images from my extensive online collection, covering all aspects of wildlife and nature.
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