1
“
Persevere,”
says
Tipling. “You’re
bound to have many
disappointments as
you learn. My advice
is to experiment with
composition, don't be
satisfied with static
portraits and let your
imagination drive your
photography.”
2
“
Digi-ing
–
using
a fieldscope with a
camera – is great for
static subjects in good
light and for distance.
However, a DSLR
(
digital single-lens
reflex) camera gives
you versatility to shoot
moving subjects in any
conditions and the
quality is better.”
3
Starting off
does
not cost the earth,
according to Paul
Hackett, optics and
digiscoping consultant
for Kowa Optics UK.
“
You can spend a
fortune on kit these
days, but an entry-level
DSLR with lens will
set you back between
€620 and €745,” he
says. “My method
of taking pictures is
digiscoping, which
is the connecting of
a suitable compact
camera or DSLR to
a spotting scope
on a tripod to give
greater magnification
(
equivalent to
1,000
mm to 3,000mm
traditional lenses).
You'll also need to buy
an adaptor.”
4
“
Learn your
camera
settings
inside out,” says
Hackett. “Join a
photography forum:
don’t be afraid to
ask questions, and
take lots of pictures
of the everyday
birds and animals
around you, such as
sparrows, pigeons,
cats and dogs, before
progressing to more
exotic subjects.”
5
“
Learn the basics
of how to enhance
your pictures on the
computer, take your
time and remind
yourself not to expect
too much too soon.”
5
TIPS FOR HAPPY SNAPPING
Fancy yourself as a photographer? We’ve got two experts, David Tipling
and Paul Hackett, to provide their top tips for beginners
Stuart Winter is the environment editor of the Sunday Express. He is a winner of the BBC Wildlife Travel Writing
Award and his books, Tales of a Tabloid Twitcher and Birdman Abroad are birdwatching bestsellers
comes first. The birdwatchers’ code of conduct,
drawn up by leading British ornithological
organisations, provides excellent general rules
for all nature watching and photography at
home and overseas. The code’s advice, adapted
here for all wildlife, includes: avoid going too
close to animals and birds - if they move away
or make repeated alarm calls, you’re too near;
stay on roads and paths where they exist and
avoid disturbing animal habitats. Remember
many countries, including the UK, have strict
laws on photographing rare birds, particularly
at the nest, so take advice before travelling.
Good luck, and happy shooting!
07:
Long Tailed Jaeger
Nikon D2X + 10.5mm f/2.8
lens; 1/1000, f2.8, ISO200
Bjorn Anders Nymoen
07
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A C R O S S T H E N E T W O R K
