Birds Eye

Asio otus

Focused, the fixed look of a Long Eared Owl with a visual interest on subject. 

Photoshoot at Northumberland Birds of Prey Photography Workshop

I've just done something that I've not done in a while, what is it? socialising.

Yes, I had the opportunity to meetup with like-minded friends where we pursued our interest in a natural environment away from Zoom meetings. Members of the Midlothian Camera Club had arranged attendance at a Birds of Prey Photography Workshop. It wasn't local, we headed down to rural Northumberland where the welcome team were very friendly, helpful, and most importantly of all, knowledgeable in their field.

First and foremost, the bird's welfare always came first, nobody could handle the birds other than the professional falconer Andy Howey.

The teachings, it was a pleasure to engage in our pre-shoot lesson, we listened and absorbed the guidance of experience wildlife photographer Alan Hewitt. Under Andy's wing we were offered top tips on how to approach the birds and what to look out for, after our classroom tutorial we had our guided practical tour around the centre.

All in all it was a fun and productive day, enjoy if you plan on going, it's recommended. For me, it was a great opportunity to test new gear in a nature setting, up until now, some of my gear has only really been pointed at my aviation interest, so it was nice to have a change of target in the viewfinder.

Bonus points, I think Alan has been hustled for a lecture at Midlothian Camera Club sometime soon, I hope so, we look forward to seeing him again. 

Photos of birds, organised event

Photographs by John Gilchrist

30+ Bird of prey images in the full gallery at BoP Photography Workshop