Photographing and Filming Coastal OTTERS- Wildlife Photography-Tragopan Ghillie blanket

[@cedarbrake1309]

Some people can be patient enough and slow their life speed down to that of the natural world around them. You just did that and I’m sure helped lower your stress levels and promoted a general feeling of your own well being. I would believe that quite possibly you did the same thing for a majority of those watching your output. Thanks and continue to enjoy your pursuits. 👍🎥🇨🇱

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Cedar, cant beat a bit of quality time out in nature. All the best, Si 👍🏼👊

[@NikCan66]

Another educational and enjoyable experience

[@TheLuapsch]

Just beautiful. Thank you so much for doing this.

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Paul 👍🏼

[@jefffiles9209]

Hahaha love the 'Apache' ring tone, very fitting for a wildlife photo hunter 😄, now to watch the rest!

[@simoneardley]

Good job it didn't go off when I had one in the lens eh!! I always forget to put it on silent🙄🙄😆

[@jefffiles9209]

@@simoneardley the rest of the film was fab! We went to Mull and my wife said 'so where are the otters', and while watching a Sea Eagle through the scope 'can we go, haven't you seen enough, you can see them at home' .... no love they are Buzzards in Wiltshire..... give me strength!! Keep well Matey

[@robcarter42]

Just Beautiful!! Awesome video! Thank You so much for taking the time to share!

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Rob, glad you enjoyed the content 🙂👍🎥

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Absolutely class Simon , bloody hell ! The footage was amazing and the stills even more so pal.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Ant, great place for an adventure sometime!!👊🔥👌

[@stevecolwill9761]

Lovely footage and stills mate! You need a sign on your back - “Wildlife photographer, DO NOT DISTURB!” I’ve had people come up to me when I’m in full camo; they ask “Are you watching anything interesting?” My usual reply is “not at the moment…” 🙄

[@Gazzab6]

@Steve Colwill Last year I had to warn a courting couple of my presence. I was behind a tree photographing a Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding its chicks at the nest site. A couple came and sat on a picnic bench on the other side of the tree I was hiding behind and they had no idea I was there as it was also on a steep banking which helped with my concealment. As soon as the Woodpecker flew away to get some food, I scrambled up the bit of banking to warn them that they might hear the rapid burst of a camera shutter. The bloke said, ''Oh, how long have you been there?'' He must have been worried in case I heard what they had been talking about. So on this occasion, the wildlife photographer caused a disturbance ;-)

[@stephenhankey688]

That was smashing Simon, lots of patience required, and no swearing, thanks great watch.

[@simoneardley]

No swearing on camera anyway!!!!😆😆Cheers Stephen👍🏼

[@alistairboyd5770]

You were obviously in your element,Simon. A true delight to watch the footage. I absolutely concur with your comments on thinking twice on approaching any photographer wearing Camo. Best Regards from Al.

[@andywhiteside16]

Outstanding again Simon

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Andy 👍🏼

[@dougson56]

I’ve just been to that spot myself crawling over the seaweed waiting for the Otters to come ashore, when a couple with a barking dog stood on the exit route to the Holt and that drove them offshore , that was my last view of them as we had to vacate the campsite that day. But a Sea Eagle flew over our heads very low .

[@philwheelhouse3405]

Brilliant Simon.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Phil 👍🏼

[@user-kk9cw]

Had a totally crap week, working a nightmare and then a child in hospital. Just watched your video as always now feeling chilled and able to put stuff into perspective. Thank you.

[@simoneardley]

Sorry to hear that and hope all is well. Glad it perked you up a bit. Wishing you all the best, Simon👍🏼👊

[@popoffchris1958]

Another great video and some superb stills, I can't wait to get back up to west coast of Scotland for a bit of otter spotting 👍

[@simoneardley]

Aye its a grand place, i'd be up there every week if it was possible!!😆

[@richardhutchings921]

Amazing.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Richard 👍🏼

[@derricksalisbury7631]

Great work again Simon 👏 ps we said

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Derrick

[@highlandmatt3869]

Fantastic footage Simon and great advice

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Matt👍🙂

[@KGsPhotography]

Awesome Simon and how many of us have gone through that “have you seen anything” moment!! Brilliant footage and images as always, so much work goes into that. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Keith

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Keith 👊👍🏼

[@mickbryan8908]

Just got back from the same area our selves. Long drive from sunny Lancashire but we’ll worth it, stunning scenery and amazing wildlife. Got some great photos with the aid of one of your bean bags (Father’s Day present). Great piece of kit well thought out and made. Cheers 👍

[@simoneardley]

Its a stunning place aint it Mick, we get up there at least twice a year now.Good job with the beanbag, glad youre finding it useful!!ATB, Simon

[@alanwright2950]

super pics and video simon

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Alan 👊

[@Eigil_Skovgaard]

Very good videos of the otters, Simon - and the b-roll is smoothly integrated. Nice work. For a second I thought - No, not a theme from an Italian western in the middle of this landscape! The gentle guitar is perfect.

[@simoneardley]

Haha, no that wouldnt have been the right soundtrack would it😆😆 Glad you enjoyed the film Eigil👍🏼

[@keithlow7586]

Excellent content Simon, well worth the effort you put in.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Keith and thanks for watching 👀👍👍

[@the_northern_nomad_]

10/10 - Awesome :-)

[@simoneardley]

Cheers pal !!👍🏼😀

[@RichardBirchett]

Nice one Simon, some great footage & pictures. Also well done on the business front, great products. All the best R

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Richard, tough going getting the footage again. Hard trying to combine a holiday with a photo trip!! Glad I managed a bit more than last time. Hope things are progressing with the woodland, exciting times eh!! ATB , Si

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Simon, progressing well thanks, I have started work already so coming along nicely. Cheers R

[@pathogan4854]

beautiful video Simon . It looked at 7.07 your subject was giving you a demo on how to use the Ghillie blanket. :))

[@simoneardley]

Haha, yeh I get what you mean. In fairness they are the masters of the disappearing act!!👀👀😆

[@kjefferyfishing-12]

Lovely photos Simon glad to see you saw some otters, the hard work always comes with a treat at the end 👍😀

[@simoneardley]

Thanks, they never make it easy for you but that a great part of it eh!! Having to work hard for your shots😀👀

[@deanseldon5640]

Cracking stuff mate 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Dean

[@haydnthomasphotography8084]

Great video as always!

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Haydn 👍🏼🎥 Thanks

[@graemehogg4465]

Hi Si just come back from Scotland so just watched the vid touch of class mate wasn't on a photography trip but had the gear anyway but didn't see a lot went hunting sea eagles but no luck looked out for the elusive otters but no luck but watching the vid I could have been there myself great stuff mate never fail to deliver. Will definitely go back next year and if I see a man in camp promise I won't ask ' you seen anything ' 🤣 Stay safe 👍

[@simoneardley]

Haha, keep away from the guys hiding in the seaweed!!😆😆 Cheers Graeme, all the best👍🏼😀

[@laku4412]

Great video, looks like heaps of fun! And gorgeous footage, too! Thank you so much for sharing :)

[@simoneardley]

Youre welcome. Thanks for watching!😀

[@geordiegraham6117]

Another brilliant video Simon. Coming back to the uk from spain for the first nearly five years and looking forward to uk forests and wildlife.

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Geordie, we do have some amazing wildlife over here for sure 👍🏼

[@9oldfingers349]

Fantastic video,

[@simoneardley]

Thanks, glad you liked it 👍🙂

[@andrewhopkins7334]

Wonderful footage, I am 67 and a very amatuer photographer currently in the New Forest trying to capture a few rutting Stags! Your shots brought tears to my eyes not sure if in the next life i want to be an Otter or a photographer? You are a inspireation, thanks.

[@rlrphotography-uk]

Brilliant ,thanks for sharing. I have the bean bag anyway. How the hell you can go down those rds/lanes in a motor home .No where to go if you meet any one !!!!!!!!! . Look forward to the next Vlog.

[@simoneardley]

He who dares wins Roger !!😆😆 Thanks for watching👍🏼

[@leemanton3169]

Another fantastic video, thanks for keeping inspiring us amateur photographers 👍🏻😁

[@simoneardley]

Youre welcome Lee, glad you enjoyed the film!!👍🏼

[@richardgee9558]

Another great video.... otters are on my " hit list " ..it's certainly going to worth a trip north of the border to try and get some shots...trying to persuade my better half that a week in Scotland in October will be far more enjoyable than being sat on a beach somewhere...😂

[@simoneardley]

Keep working on her Richard, in my book there's not many places that won't beat a week on a beach!!👊👀📷

[@johnchecketts1732]

Great video Simon it was really nice to see them otters mate, hope you're all OK and well take care mate

[@simoneardley]

Thanks John, glad you enjoyed it mate . All good here thanks 👍

[@wildsolitude101]

I would LOVE to do this! Scotland is an amazing country. Really enjoyed this video. Only just discovered you and glad I did. Subbed!!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for the sub Paul. Scotland is an awesome country for the wildlife photographer👍🏼📷🎥

[@colpage4030]

Another great blog Simon I’m over to Mull 2 wks Nov

[@simoneardley]

Great stuff Col, have a fantastic trip 👍🏼

[@gordonpearson1265]

Great video Simon, great seeing the the two otters together. The photos are excellent. What about the dog taking the owner for a walk, when you came of the ferry. 😂👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Gordon. Haha, yeh he looked like he was pulling his arm off!! The pair were probably mother and cub, like you say great to see the interaction between them both 👍🏼

[@Gazzab6]

Brilliant video Simon and you got some awesome shots. It was a shame you didn’t get the potential money shot. I was going to ask you about how you focused when panning but you answered that question when you mentioned the focus assist on the 7 inch screen and looking forward to the review video. I’ve got the D500 like you and I have just managed to get the Manfrotto Video Head from then Photography Show for £126 - what a bargain. I got it mainly for wildlife photography but may be I should try and capture some videos too.

[@simoneardley]

I know Gary, I was mortified. Not to worry, makes for a good excuse to go back!!👀🤣📷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Gazzab6]

@@simoneardley I don't think you need an excuse Simon. I bet you don't get tired of seeing the wonderful scenery up there.

[@peterwalmsley3847]

Amazing footage thanks for sharing! Come across this small tripod possible for low level hide Leofoto Ranger LS-223CEX Tripod + Levelling Base looks fairly robust. Going to check it out at Wex. Keep going brilliant

[@simoneardley]

Thanks, will do Peter. Always plenty of gear to choose from eh!!🤔😆

[@marellacoyle6999]

Wonderful vid as always Simon love the footage and the narrative. Could I ask you for a bit of guidance here, I've came across a fresh roe deer carcass and going to set up my portable hide nearby, the thing is I don't know how close I should be to the carcass, I'm using a 120-400mm or an 18-105 lens on a crop sensor Nikon DSLR. I'm hoping to get Buzzards and maybe foxes. Any tips would be appreciated. This will be my very first experience in a hide...Marella.

[@simoneardley]

Hi Marella, it would be handy if the carcass is on private land. I'd then be trying to set the hide up and leave it so the raptors can get used to it. Probably start off at about 100m and gradually bring it in closer. If you have a trailcam it would really help so you can see what's coming into the deer carcass. A trailcam is a great investment and definitely you want the 400mm on which should be fine with the added crop factor. Good luck and let me know how you go on 👍

[@smiffy5467]

Used to get that question all the time when fishing, its bloody annoying! Shame about the flat fish shot but the footage and other images are great. 👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Andy, one of those things eh!! I'll talk to anyone but there's a time and a place!!😆👀🎥

[@jamesbullen7267]

hi simon you hit the nail on the head about ( HAVE YOU SEEN ANYTHING MATE ) if murder was not a crime there would have been at least 2 on the island of -------- i had an otter with a lobster it took me about ten mins to get in right-angle to get a photo, down a sinking pile of sea weed along a small cleft on the rock's got in to position just about to tack the shot !!!!! the otter done a halt pike took most of the lobster with it. i though well it was not me that spooked it wind in the right direction it couldn't see me, THEN I HEARD THE AMORTAL WORDES HAVE YOU SEEN ANYTHING MATE ,,,,well i did swear 🤬 not surprisingly this was the second time that morning that had happened i was fuming . so dear readers of this note, if you see some one all in cammo gear and with a large camera crawling along a pile of stinking sea weed; thay are not doing it for there health reasons it's cold wet and hard work to get the photographs that you all like so please be a bit more considered to you fellow photographer and give them space and stop crowding around the otters you are frightening them to death ☠ ☠ ,.....still living the dream...........jim .bo

[@simoneardley]

Nightmare aint it Jimmy. You've just got to bite your lip sometimes mate. Good to catch up with you the other week. Stay safe pal. Al the best, Si 👍🏼👀📷

[@markfrost9005]

I know exactly what you mean Si , I'm in South Wales for a week trying to get a shot of the dolphins 🐬 here for the last three days I've sat waiting to see one jump, and a couple asked me the same I've you seen anything yet, just as they asked one leapt right out of the water.... shot missed 😡 now instead I've got a reference shot of it cutting through the water, now the week is over try again next year 😠

[@simoneardley]

Haha, nightmare ain't it Mark. I need better camo!!!🤣👀

[@markfrost9005]

@@simoneardley you & me both 🤣

[@paulbocking8604]

If the people have seen you your como was not working. 😉😁🤣

[@simoneardley]

Good point Paul !!🤣🤣