Mull Charters Photography Tour

Welcome to Episode 6 of my Scotland Tour 2024! This time, I’m back on the beautiful *Isle of Mull* for a special wildlife photography experience. In this episode, I join *Mull Charters* to photograph one of Scotland’s most majestic birds-the **White-Tailed Sea Eagle**. 🦅📸
Known for their enormous wingspan and striking features, these incredible eagles soar over the lochs and cliffs of Mull, providing perfect opportunities for stunning wildlife photography. But in this episode, I’m setting myself a new challenge: instead of sticking to my usual safe 300mm focal length, I’m pushing myself to shoot at *400mm* with my *Nikon Z9* to capture tight, creative portraits of these magnificent birds in flight.
*Photography Challenge: Shooting at 400mm*
Photographing eagles is already thrilling, but zooming in at *400mm* presents a whole new level of difficulty and creativity. Here’s what I’ll be covering in this episode:
*Why I’m Using 400mm:* I’ll explain how pushing the focal length further allows me to capture *intimate portraits* of the eagles, focusing on their piercing eyes, powerful talons, and intricate feather details. This challenge is all about getting up-close while the eagles are in mid-flight, catching fish, or perching on the rocky shoreline.
*Tracking Fast-Moving Subjects:* Using a longer focal length means precision is key. I’ll share my tips on *tracking fast-moving birds* at 400mm, including how I use the *animal detection autofocus* on the Nikon Z9 to ensure sharp focus on the eagle’s head and eyes, even while it’s in rapid motion.
*Managing Shutter Speed:* To freeze the eagles in action, I’ll break down how I set a **fast shutter speed**-often upwards of 1/2000th of a second. This is essential to keep my images crisp and to capture those dramatic moments when the eagle dives to catch fish from the water.
*Stabilising at 400mm:* With the added zoom comes the challenge of stabilisation. I’ll show how I use the *NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lens’ vibration reduction* system to keep the images sharp, even at such long distances, and how I position myself on the boat to minimise motion blur.
*Behind the Scenes with Mull Charters*
Mull Charters provides a unique opportunity to get close to these stunning birds. I’ll take you behind the scenes of the boat trip:
*The Best Locations for Eagle Photography:* We’ll explore the *sea lochs* and coastlines around Mull, areas well-known for being prime hunting grounds for sea eagles. I’ll explain why this location is perfect for wildlife photographers and share the ideal conditions for capturing these birds.
*Timing and Patience:* Sea eagles are unpredictable, and patience is a critical part of the experience. You’ll see how I wait for the perfect moment-whether it’s an eagle swooping down to catch a fish or spreading its wings to soar above the water.
*Boat Photography Tips:* Photographing from a moving boat adds another layer of complexity. I’ll share practical advice on how to deal with changing angles, moving targets, and varying light conditions while on the water. From using a *faster burst mode* to adjusting ISO to compensate for overcast skies, you’ll see how I tackle these challenges in real time.
*Creative Portraits and Composition:*
Beyond just documenting the eagles, I’m focusing on *creative wildlife portraits* in this episode. Here’s what to expect:
*Close-Up Details:* At 400mm, I’ll capture extreme close-ups of the eagle’s facial expressions, beaks, and feathers. This allows me to create unique, dynamic compositions that highlight the bird’s raw power and elegance.
*Composing for Impact:* I’ll share techniques on how I compose each shot for maximum impact, such as using the eagle’s wingspan to create a sense of drama or isolating the bird against a blurred background for that magazine-cover look.
*Action Shots:* Watch as I attempt to capture those breathtaking moments when the eagle snatches a fish from the water. These action shots are not only thrilling but also a test of my reflexes and ability to anticipate the bird’s movements at such a long focal length.
This episode is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike, offering a deep dive into the technical challenges of capturing birds in motion at long focal lengths. You’ll walk away with actionable tips on how to improve your bird photography while also experiencing the beauty of Scotland’s west coast.
Don’t forget to *like**, **comment**, and **subscribe* if you’re enjoying the series, and hit that notification bell so you don’t miss out on the upcoming episodes of my Scotland Tour 2024!

[@morleydd]

Really enjoyed your Scotland tour and those white tailed eagles - wow - some stunning shots

[@deolimjo]

Stunning images Dan, love your content thank you for sharing

[@davidsutton2432]

Fantastic images Dan in another great video.

[@susanobryen5947]

Very informative Dan, we really enjoyed watching. Thank you

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you Susan, I really do appreciate it 👍🏻

[@ianwilsonwildlifephotography]

Great video Dan and just love the tighter images as they really show up the features of the bird. Defo makes me want to go back again, 😀👍

[@andrewmilne3031]

Fantastic foties as usual Dan. I especially liked the one of the gull mobbing the white tailed eagle. I like how you are imparting a lot of knowledge not just about photography but how to prepare for a trip too. Keep up the good work. 😀😀😀

[@durhamsnapper9426]

Mull Charters may have excelled but boy you also excelled in all aspects of communication. You really are an extremely competent and engaging fellow and a joy to watch . If pops taught you then you had a gifted instructor. Looking forward to all your adventures

[@gafurphotography6504]

Hello Dan. i admire your love for photography and I love you passion for wildlife, keep up the good work with your videos. Gafur from Norway

[@Seemples]

Stunning images, Dan.

[@peacockmick2]

Amazing trip and fantastic photos well done Dan

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you Mick, I really do appreciate it 👍🏻

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Awesome trip there Dan! Thanks for bringing me along. I thought that you were in the chat. My mistake! Cheers!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Jon, always very much appreciated mate 👍🏻

[@StephenBrooks-e9m]

Absolutely stunning as usual Dan.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you Stephen, I really do appreciate it 👍🏻

[@michaelsaltsman7550]

Dan u keep putting new places on my bucket list grrrrrr sensational video and beautiful stills shots cracking matey

[@danwillis_photography]

Get yourself to Mull mate, it’s an incredible place for wildlife photography. Better still, I’m looking to put together a tour in the future which you could join me on 👍🏻

[@garywebster8355]

Always fantastic 😊

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you Gary, I really do appreciate it 👍🏻

[@derricksalisbury7631]

Once again zDan Brilliant 👏 👌

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you Derrick, I really do appreciate it 👍🏻

[@corvandenberg8914]

Stunning video Dan, the shot with the seagull and eagle is my favorite. But the other are awesome to. 😉

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Cor, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻

[@jurgenseibertz4531]

Thanks for your great vids👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you so very much I really appreciate your generosity and support. Take care and all the very best 👍🏻

[@AndyGreenWildlife]

You did exactly what I did on my second trip with Adam mate, getting those classic shots in the bag allows you to get creative after that. Great stuff as always 🎉

[@Kenny.Mccormick.photography]

Brilliant again Dan Great Images love going out with mull charters when I am over on Mull . Another good boat to go out with if you’re up here next year . Glen Sheil Crusies not far from Fortwilliam near Glenffinan Via duct made famous in the Harry Potter films .

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you Kenny, I really do appreciate it. I have been on Loch Sheil cruises before and done a video on it. Completely agree that it is a fantastic trip 👍🏻

[@derekflynnsnr]

Super video Dan, I can see why you keep going back

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you Derek, I really do appreciate it 👍🏻

[@DroneAdventuresAyrshire]

Brilliant video again Dan 👌 these birds are amazing and your shots are magnificent 👍.... quick question.. I've just picked up a mint D800 (9000 actuations)... what's your thoughts on this body with a Sigma 150-600 c for bird photography?... thanks again for sharing your adventures....👍🙂🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much. I have owned the Signa 150-600 lens and it is an incredible piece of kit. Worth looking at the Nikon 200-500 lens as well 👍🏻

[@DroneAdventuresAyrshire]

@@danwillis_photography thanks Dan...👍... will check it out...🙂

[@johnflanagan44]

Special white tailed eagle images dan

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you John, I really do appreciate it 👍🏻