WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY | Woodland hide in the fog & print giveaway

2020 has to go down as one of those years I think we'd all like to forget. As we enter yet another lockdown in the UK and the situation getting worse again, it really can be a struggle to remain positive. Thankfully i'm very fortunate to have some wonderful locations on my doorstep so I'm still able to get out with my camera.
In this video revisit my woodland hide in dense fog which brought a whole new level of atmosphere. I hope you enjoy this short video and stay safe and well everyone. Until next time - bye.
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epidemicsound.com
The Crossing - Gavin Luke

[@system2213]

Beautiful video Simon. I keep coming back to it. Something very special about being alone for miles around in a woodland on a day like this. Really starts to make you feel like you might be a part of nature and not just a visitor to it.

[@brenttomlinson7871]

every animal has a right to life and watching wildlife is the best way to see this

[@paularedmond8708]

Love this video Simon. It's just so simple and lovely. There's nothing better than being alone in the woodland and the mist, no people around, no pressure, just the nature and wildlife to totally immerse in. It's sometimes even better when there's no subject to it, no focus, just the softness and freedom all around. I love this as it's not about the images, it's about the wellbeing of being in nature, surrounded by wildlife, but not targeting any particular thing, just enjoying being there, at one with the peace and nature all around. It's like a comfort blanket. Love it

[@joeiscoffee]

Very enjoyable as always, Simon. A couple of comments... someone posted their hide was stolen. How low must a person be to steal a hide? Disgusting. And regarding why we enjoy our photography. It’s the immersion. The 100% focus on nature’s beauty that takes us away from our daily drudge. Plus we can revisit the moments with our images and prints. The most rewarding art form.

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you Joe. Yes it's absolutely disgusting how people can just take other people's property. Beggars believe really.

[@michaelb1096]

Great video. Proof that its not always about getting the photo but enjoying nature and the process. Cheers!!

[@williamdomey7584]

Hi Simon, Great Video. I’ve always enjoyed being outside in Nature. I am starting out in Nature photography with the support of my wife after a work related accident. I enjoy being outside with the peace and quiet of nature.

[@jasonball9166]

Glad I'm not the only one to trip and stumble lose my footing , i also get stung by nettles or get a nasty thorn in my finger, i decided to take a pocket knife with me today neat little tool also included is secateurs, its a multitool, handy for getting those annoying little brambles out of your face or shot, anyway, enjoyable little video Simon as always, i personally enjoy all your outdoor vids, always learning, im pretty new to photography, but ive always been dead keen on the outdoors since i was a small boy and disapeared into the wilderness upon my door step, im married two boys, so kept busy with family life...55yrs old i still haven't lost that curiosity, yearning to be alone and simply discovering nature,love fieldcraft and being simply one with it, just blending in, got a wonderful image this weekend of my Favourite Barn owl being pestered by a Rook, your inspirational so keep up the good work !

[@joshuadavid6562]

Absolutely nothing beats the feeling of immersing yourself in a specific ecosystem or population and understanding the dynamics between individuals that allows you to create one off images

[@williammcgillivray6017]

Enjoyed the video it is great to get out in the countryside whatever the weather to see nature and photograph

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks William 👍

[@terryroth2855]

My entire life has been in the outdoors including my work career. I have found that photography gives one a clearer look at what Mother Nature is really all about. There is always something to learn from Mother Nature. The more one partakes, the more one learns.🙂🙂

[@narrabarker]

Great video again Simon. Your so lucky to have private access to some amazing places, but you work hard to earn that access. For me the thing I love most about wildlife photography is just being outdoors and the anticipation of what I might come across and get close too. Its so relaxing just looking for photo opportunities and forgetting about everything else.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Iain and I am very lucky indeed. Beautiful site and I've found once you get access to one site, assuming you stick to the rules, word spreads and other land owners are more than willing to allow you on their land. They have a secret interest in what's about. Glad you enjoy being outdoors. All the best 👍

[@haroldmassey5966]

I very much enjoy walking thru the woods whenever I get a chance. Gives you a chance to actually hear the birds and the squirrels chattering amongst themselves. Very soothing and calming.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Harold and so true. All the best..

[@philbooth319]

Putting photography to one side, being out in nature provides those fabulous intimate moments in creation which no other experience can ever provide. I love it so much and it makes me feel part of something so much bigger, want treasure it and protect it for future generations. Another enjoyable video Simon...thanks once again.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks very much Phil. Glad you enjoy being out in nature and no better time than during this current situation. All the best..

[@SimonWantling]

Hi Phil, thanks for your comment. Just to let you know that your name was randomly selected as a winner for the print giveaway, so if you'd like to contact me privately through my website and share your postal address I will get it shipped off to you - www.simonwantling.co.uk. congratulations and all the best.. 👍

[@philbooth319]

@@SimonWantling, amazing, thank you - I have just message via the website!

[@SimonWantling]

Great. Not seen anything come though. I assume you emailed me through the contact page.

[@philbooth319]

@@SimonWantling, yes, although it was only moments before commenting here so maybe a slight delay? Let me know if it doesn't show in a while and I can resend/contact via another method.

[@emilysumner4460]

Being surrounded by nature is the complete opposite to my day job as a nurse. It is especially important to me this year as I find photography and being amongst nature very mindful, which relieves the awful anxieties of 2020.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Emily for your reply and what a tough job you do. Even more so now. I'm very pleased you can find the time and get out in nature and glad it helps you deal with these terrible times. Take care and stay safe. 🙂

[@clivewelch1025]

Hi Simon short & sweet video but still worth the watch and a great image of the woodpecker which is really apt as it happens which I will elaborate on. I am retired and my photography serves two purposes for me firstly I love landscape & wildlife photography and each allows me to get out with my own thoughts and enjoy what's around me, secondly my photography serves another purpose in as much as I love to paint mostly in watercolour and use the image's I take and paint them, now the reason your image of the woodpecker is so apt is it is actually the next subject I'm going to paint its already drawn out ready to paint. Until next time take care and stay safe my friend.

[@knutfugl]

Thanks for sharing, Si. Another interesting vlog. Beautiful shots! With best wishes for tomorrow, and a good weekend. Regards, Knut.

[@Allotmentwithpaul]

Only new to Photography I’ve always had a love of nature and as I get older the love growing, by going out with the camera on weekends it’s de stresses me, watching video on YT is important to me aswell the detail you cover is like no others out there keep up the good work

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you very much, that's very kind of you. Good luck with your phoyography. 👍

[@CamillaI]

Always love a little mist to simplify and defuse a background lovely looking forward to more time around my local area. Certainly it pays to explore your local area 👍😍

[@cpnock]

Very lucky that I am only a few minutes from part of Sherwood Forest. The last year it has been great just to walk round with a camera, somedays taking photos, others forgetting it is on my shoulder. Keep up the great work, stay safe.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks a lot and great having Sherwood forest on your doorstep. Thanks again.

[@kennethkiss9462]

Since I have retired I like to go hiking in the near woodlands. I especially like to photograph owls. Our woods have Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls. I live in Dubuque, Iowa.

[@SimonWantling]

Hi Kenneth, thanks for your message. Sounds like great woodland and I've never seen Horned or Barred Owls. Not an owl we get here in the UK. All the best..

[@jeffbrown4743]

I suppose we wildlife photographers all enjoy the challenge of being outside and trying to capture these elusive creatures and dreaming of that stunning fantastic image that might happen this time out.

[@steves8661]

Thanks for another great video in these strange times. I have been getting out and about in my local patch taking photographs I love just finding birds animals or anything nature related to take pictures of. The time I am concentrating on getting the shots and being out sharing the animals own environment help so much with my mental wellbeing. It is such a privilege sharing animals time with these wild animals and from time to time getting a decent shot or 2. I think my photography has improved this year as I am concentrating more on getting the right shot. Watching channels such as yours have helped and inspired me as well. Take care

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Steve. Indeed , strange times but glad you can out still. All the best 👍

[@richardmoult9781]

Lovely video Simon , stunning woodland if you can't be happy photographing wildlife and being out in nature you will never be. I know it's when I'm at my happiest and most contented , please keep these fine videos coming best wishes for Christmas and the new tear Rich.

[@esoxchris]

Quite simple really, I love nature and every aspect of wildlife photography. Only in recent have I invested and began to take it seriously. I’m amazed at how quickly I’m beginning to tune in with the environment. I simply loose myself mentally and begin to see the things I’ve always wanted too.

[@harrisonhallphotography]

It’s definitely the wildlife which I love most about the photography especially seeing different species thriving.

[@sebastianpalmay]

Being out in nature gives me lot of peace and good for my mental health. Of course that is one, secondly, seeing wildlife is just so amazing so nice to see we share this beautiful world with these beautiful creatures. Nature is so important and it is good to be part of it!

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Sebastian. Totally agree with every you say. All the best and stay safe. 👍

[@malcolmfowler2891]

Wow even got a couple of gorgeous woodland images. Lovely to see the marsh tit and of course the woodpecker. Your vids are so calm and relaxing even if the music at times drowns the birds in the background. ‘Til next time stay safe

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Malcolm. I always think about leaving the music out but decide to lower the volume when I'm speaking. I try one without sometime and see if improves things. All the best 👍

[@laurencearnold5822]

Lovely video Simon, it’s great to get out to an environment that you have to yourself. Stay safe.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Laurence. And you.. 👍

[@stevecolwill9761]

Hi Simon, lovely video. I enjoy the unpredictability of nature when I’m out and about. On many occasions I have been pleasantly surprised by the appearance of an animal or bird that I hadn’t expected.

[@PapunBhattacharya]

Beautiful ambient of forest. Like 250

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks 👍

[@andrewyeates7717]

Your blessed to have such an area to visit in peace. Love the little owl image. Photography to me is just a great form of escape, as for most people. And of course for the thrill you get when the hard yards of work you put in pay off and you get to spend time with the wonderful wildlife

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Andrew 👍

[@fubband]

Such a wonderfully dreamy bg on that woodpecker shot, just gorgeous! It’s the peace and quiet which does wonders for my state of mind that I really enjoy about being out with my camera 👍🏻

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Martin 👍

[@AndyGustavsson]

Great video as usual Simon, congrats on all your success, well derserved! Cheers 👍😊

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Andy 👍

[@arniecoons8248]

I'm a newbie here on your site. Kudos for the quality of your presentations. Thank you!

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you very much. I really appreciate that. Have a nice day 👍

[@davidblack2632]

I really enjoyed your videos. Nature photography is one great way of escaping reality, which is especially needed in the current reality, Then there is the technical and artistic aspects of photography both very important aspects of creating photography. I enjoyed your video because of both the escape from reality and the learning how to improve my own wildlife photography. Many thanks for providing the videos and stay safe and healthy.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks David for you comment. Really glad you like them. All the best 👍

[@ChrisHunt4497]

Hi Simon, I took up photography in retirement as a hobby and quickly fell in love with being outside in the beautiful countryside all day. I love all creatures great and small, even down to the tiniest insect. It is such a pleasure and a challenge to photograph them. I become completely immersed and hours flash by without notice. I am seeing things I never saw before I took up photography. I wish I had started years ago.

[@MsBunny105]

Beautiful images Simon, thank you so much for continuing to share your wildlife photography outings with us. The woodland looks amazing. Bird photography has offered me so much therapy, particularly this year and I’m blessed to have a selection visit my garden, however I do enjoy getting out and about too. I mostly venture out alone and always enjoy meeting other enthusiasts, and sharing stories of bird sightings. Your giveaway is stunning and would complement the images on my walls, bought from local, talented artists.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks very much..

[@craigmaisfield3247]

Just love being out in nature with my camera. Its the not knowing what your gonna get or see. Would love a private are i could work on.. Great video mate.👍

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Craig 👍

[@davidvdbroeck_nature8305]

Hey Simon, I also have access to a private woodland sadly not as big as yours. I have put out a Secacam 4G. I found you can learn @ what time certain animals tend to pass. Also fun to stay connected with the forest from your office or home each time you get a picture in on your phone. Just a thought I wanted to share 😉

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks David. I've thought about one of these myself actually. They sound good so might have to invest in one at some point. Thanks for the tip. 👍

[@gordonhatusupy2224]

Great video, I know exactly how you feel when you almost tripped haha

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks 👍

[@bestpix100]

Wonderful pictures, thank you so much for your time and effort

[@chrismartin7594]

Just being out with nature on my own. Enjoying the peace. Trying to capture that in my photos and just hoping I get that one picture which says it all.

[@SimonWantling]

Hi Chris, thank you for your comment. Just to let you know that your name was randomly selected to win the print giveaway, so if you contact me privately through my website and share your postal address, I'll get it shipped off to you - www.simonwantling.co.uk. Congrats and all the best. 👍

[@chrismartin7594]

@@SimonWantling 😊thank you 😊

[@sophielouiserugby7]

just beautiful 💕🌲

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you Louise. Have a nice day and stay safe.

[@tedshillitto6062]

Lovely Vid Simon.Thanks for all the effort you put into making them. Ted.

[@nancyhowarth9677]

Just love the great outdoors ,being as you would say a mature woman and disabled , just being out with my camera gives me a sence of wellbeing and frees the mind ,I take pictures for myself as a hobby and my first barn owl pictures weren't very good cant even see the owl in some of them ha ha ,but I was ecstatic and couldn't stop smiling couldn't believe what I had just captured even though they are not good enough to print the pictures make me smile every time I look at them and I think that's all that matters that little snippet of happiness.

[@SimonWantling]

Hi Nancy, thank you for leaving the comment and I'm very glad you can get out and about with the camera in nature. The reason I took up wildlife photography was because of a personal crisis and it does give you that feel good factor. Great that you have seen barn owls and photographed them. It doesn't matter what photo you get, it's the experience of seeing them that far outweighs the image itself. Good luck with your phoyography trips in the future and thanks again for leaving a comment 👍

[@AndyBeattieUK]

Nice video, I've just got myself a chair hide to spend more time with the wildlife. I'm spending a lot of lockdown chasing my local wildlife, mainly Barn Owls and Roe Deer

[@peterosborne9802]

Since lockdown earlier this year and still now I have been out over our local heath which is only ten minutes walk away, and through videos such as yours I have come to appreciate the outside and nature much more. I find it a sanctuary of peace and calm that is totally unaware of the problems of covid, I come back home feeling like I have been on holiday... even if I haven't got any shots.

[@SimonWantling]

Hi Peter, I'm glad you like the video and that you've been able to get out despite the situation. It's wonderful being outside so glad it's helped you to at least for a while forget about the covid situation. All the best..

[@BullitTom]

Great video again. Since being unemployed since April, getting out into the countryside with the camera has really kept me going, being able to see more wildlife than I have done before has helped too.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks and sorry to hear about the job. Tough times but glad you're able yo get other in the countryside. From memory, you're from Scotland correct so what a place to be out as well. All the best 👍

[@BullitTom]

@@SimonWantling thank you Simon. Yes, im up in morayshire, so lucky to have some great places on my doorstep. Some great wildlife too

[@GeoffCooper]

Hi Simon, what a lovely atmospheric morning in the woods - really enjoyed that :) Having a connection to the natural world is incredibly important to me, and getting outside watching wildlife, and immersing myself in their world and really being present, even just for a little while, is a great way to decompress in these troubled times. When I'm out waiting quietly for wildlife, I find I have to get into a certain mindset - I'm alert and aware, waiting, but being on full alert is unsustainable and so I have to relax become part of the scene - I think it must be a lot like the states you'd get into through meditation, and I certainly think it's good for me to do it!

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks for the comment Geoff and hope you and your family are keeping well.

[@peterlittle6651]

Firstly I would like to agree with 1MalR below and secondly I admire your restrained style of presentation please keep these videos coming....

[@mrnice6598]

Thank you for sharing. I really do enjoy the videos and you and your family stay safe. One question do you think you will go mirallas in the future this is fir Q&A

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Dave and very glad you enjoy the videos. Bit of a quick one this week but was really nice in the fog despite the sparrowhawk spooking all the birds. Thanks for the question. I won't answer is now but will add it to the Q&A video. 👍

[@sigurdroemer4274]

I love Being in nature, for me it means a lot and usually i am with my father and i love it. My favorite place in Nature is probaly woodlands, because woodlands have This indcredible atmosphere. Good video

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you for your comment. Woodlands are great places. Not so nice photographing Tawny owls on your own in the dark in a woodland when the mind plays tricks on you but still amazing to be in. 🙂

[@Expeditom]

Wonderful video and superb image of the woodpecker! Being outside puts me at ease and allows me to reflect on life from a different point of view. It is also a great source for creativity. Therefore, I watch your videos in times I'm not able to go out for myself. Cheers and keep up the good work! Tom

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you Tom.

[@adrianmoore8200]

great video and nice shots

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Adrian 👍

[@michaelwallwork7482]

Beautiful video Simon 👍

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Michael 👍

[@beyondyourbackyardadventur3089]

Great video! Great images! That atmosphere was just magical! I studied conservation and besides having a deep appreciation for nature, I just find being out there to be calming and wonderful and being able to share it with photography is a great bonus! Big fan! How do you choose where to set up your blind?

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks for the comment. When I set my hides up I'm obviously looking at places where I think the wildlife will be such as in my owl photography but also I'm really focused on the background and how far it's likely to be from the subject, so you can get those lovely blurred background separation. Thanks again.

[@beyondyourbackyardadventur3089]

@@SimonWantling Thanks! I am pretty new to your channel, but I need to check out all your videos, especially the owl ones. I have got a few pictures of Barred Owls, but I am still trying to figure out a good location to set up my hide.

[@alyamaut]

Great🤘

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks 👍

[@nsbhagwat]

Nice video, great to note that this particular landowner is looking at his huge land parcel to keep on improving wildlife. Question - in the foggy situation where you shot the video n made images, can you please share the do's n don'ts with camera settings, camera placement, lens selection? Plus any tips based upon your experience. Regards Nikhil

[@SimonWantling]

Hi Nikhil, thanks for your message and suggestions. No problem at all. Will try and incorporate that in the videos when I have the opportunity. Thanks 👍

[@mtb_edits7814]

Hi simon I love the peace and the feeling of the escape from everything when being out in nature. Especially with my camera that feeling when you get the right picture is unbeatable. Love your vids keep up the good work

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you Jonathan. Hope you're able to still get out during the lockdown. All the best.

[@Elbwobbler77]

Sehr schön. Hat Spaß gemacht sich anzuschauen. Weiter so. Viele liebe Grüße Jörn

[@vincentlimagne9768]

Thanks Simon for this new video ! Great images of how’s Nature in november...

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Vincent.

[@benpulletz]

Glad your hide is still there. Mine got bloody taken , I left it in a field near me thinking nobody would go there as is very remote . And it’s not there there you go! Great video Simon. And also my question for q and a , is what would you say in uk wildlife/ nature , birds is the hardest subject to photograph?

[@SimonWantling]

Wow, I'm sorry to hear that Ben. Some people have no respect for other people's property 😠 it is always a risk leaving it out though and I myself have had trial cams stolen. Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the question for the Q&A video. 👍

[@simon.b71]

Hi Simon, I would like to know how you get access to private woodland. Is it that you know the landowners or do you just knock on doors with a nice smile and a pack of beer. Secrets please. Great channel by the way.

Nice video, Like n.150 and Greetings from Italy

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Peri and all the best and take care.

[@phughes696]

Hi Simon Hello for Ireland I really enjoy videos, I guess for the last two years but time to me is a bit like a fog could be longer, I love your own photography just wow. I hope you and your family stay safe and well and I hope next year once we over this virus will be great for you. and the very best of luck. looking forward to your next video I have you question from you from the Video, I see you use a Simon King hide I am about to buy one once they back in stock, What do you think of them, I know they not 100% waterproof but I still think it looks like one of the best hide out there, big but not to bid and low and high windows and the colour works well for the British isles Thanks Simon o

[@SimonWantling]

Hi. Thanks very much for the comment and glad you like the images and video. The Simon King hide is pretty good but my other hides I use are ones by Tragopan. They are full of features and much easier to assemble. Their website is here and if you use the code simon5 you should get 5% discount. I did a review on their V6 hide last year buy they've just released a new one with much nicer camouflage. Worth looking at. tragopan-shop.com/en/e-shop/

[@phughes696]

@@SimonWantling Thanks very much Simon great channel

[@333movie]

열정 100 굿 좋아요 하나.

[@mikek601]

Hi I have just subscribed to your Chanel loved watching all of your videos. Especially the woodland hide ones. But the last video you added was a year ago have you plans for more videos?

[@SimonWantling]

Hi Mike, thanks very much for subscribing. Yes I do intend to do more videos especially as I'll be turning a full time pro soon. I've just taken a bit of a break as lifes been so busy but I will be back on there. Thanks again.

[@mikek601]

@@SimonWantling thanks for replying oh great news congratulations on going pro

[@tomwhitmore]

How did you get access to private land? Was it a case of being on the land & noticing the potential for all the animal species, then going to the owner or did you gamble & go directly to the landowner and ask for permission, in the hopes that it was a good plot of land for wildlife?

[@SimonWantling]

Hi Tom, thanks for your message. I got to know the land owner through someone I knew then over the years have built up a decent relationship with them where they can trust me. We have a common goal in that they would like to understand what's on their land for better land and farming practise and I have the privilege of being able to work with the wildlife which I have discovered over the years. Other private sites I visit have been through invite as I think word gets around so they seem more than keen to allow you on their land. As always it's key to respect the rules of the landowner and everything is fine. 👍

[@DragonfireRC]

Hello. Love your videos. What are your thoughts on the new Olympus 150-400mm f/4.5 with built in 1.25x TC? Do you think you could get Olympus to loan you one for a review? I loved your video on the 300mm f/4 they lent you.

[@SimonWantling]

Hi Tony, thanks for your message. On paper it does looked an interesting system especially as you can use teleconverters on top of the one built in to give you crazy focal length. I'd really like to review it as a follow up on my previous video. They have said they may be able to send one out once released so will keep you posted. Fingers crossed that comes together. Thanks again.

[@DragonfireRC]

@@SimonWantling Wow. I hope they do send you one with the EM-1x again with the new Bird AF update. You would give it a wonderful unbiased workout. It is indeed incredible reach, and hand holdable. The price is quite steep, but the abilities are also quite incredible. Stay safe!!

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks. The prices is steep but still half the price of my canon 600mm so if it's sharp with that reach then could be worth it. Will let you know if I hear anything.

[@johnlocke7097]

In a hide or walking nothing else exists, just what you are photographing and the problems of the world disappear.