Wide Angle Little Owl Photography | How I Took This Shot

One of the wonderful things about wildlife photography is the unexpected which can lead to one of those memorable moments and images.
In this video I take you along to my little owl site - a bird I simply love to photograph, and explain the wide angle techniques I use to create a dramatic images with a very different perspective than that you get when using a long telephoto lens.
I hope you enjoy it, take care and continue to stay safe.
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Website: simonwantling.co.uk
Instagram: / simonwantlingphotography
Twitter: / simonwphotos
** GEAR I USED **
Lenscoat Lightweight Hide - bit.ly/2zSgdDh
Fujifilm XT3 - amzn.to/2MlWONS
Mini tripod - amzn.to/2zHNOjx
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[@AndiusTeijgeler]

Amazing shot and very nice to hear and see the story of the making of!

[@roydassen]

It was a pleasure again to look at this video !

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Roy 👍

[@ryanackland9330]

Well worth waiting for. Another excellent video and a little glimpse into how you create such awesome images. Looking forward to your next video.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks very much Ryan.. 👍

[@mijiyoon5575]

Precious whittle thangs...TY

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks

[@sweetestangel410]

Great Video! thank you for sharing! What a great way to get out, and be uplifted in the fresh air and beauty of nature!

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. All the best..

[@AndyP1961.]

Wonderful work Simon, and an awesome shot 👍👍

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Andy. All the best..

[@richardb649]

Absolutely brilliant stuff Simon - really enjoyed the video and learnt a lot too

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you Richard. Really pleased you enjoyed it. 👍

[@FrankH-sz1ln]

What a superb shot of the Owl. I’ve got to have a go at this kind of photography now. I’ll start in my garden and try to at least get some kind of practice before I try outside. Appreciate your time and tips.

[@SimonWantling]

No problem Frank. If you need any advice then just drop me an email through my website 👍 good luck

[@nickclaytonphotography]

Another great vlog Simon. 👍 Fantastic images, & a technique I hadn't thought of giving a go, but am now inclined to try it. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, all the best. Nick

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks very much Nick. Glad you enjoyed it. 👍

[@kathleenmckee9603]

Great instruction. Thank you for taking the time to explain your process. I am learning a lot!

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you and no problem at all. If you need anymore advice the feel free to contact me through my website. Happy to help.

[@60secondmediauk]

great video and one cracking shot with the sunburst!! between you and Steve Mattheis bring us the largest and littlest owls :)

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Leon. Really pleased you enjoyed it. It's great being out with them. I recently recorded some video of the owlets so hoping to release that footage soon in a short video. Thanks again 👍

[@sophielouiserugby7]

really lovely & what a sweet one walking towards you 💕

[@phooesnax]

Very interesting! Enjoyed the video. What a cool little owl. Jim

[@SimonWantling]

Thank Jim 👍

[@LangbeinWildlife]

Great informative video Simon, and of course excellent images

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed it. Not released one for a while but currently editing my latest one now. 👍

[@florianwarnecke8451]

Fantastic work Simon!!!!

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you very much 👍

[@JeremyNeipp]

Incredible image!! Definitely a dream shot for many photographers to get a wide angle with amazing composition, lighting, and background. Great job man.

[@SimonWantling]

Hi Jeremy, thanks very much for taking the time to comment, really appreciate that and glad you liked the image. Little Owls are awesome birds to photograph and they've had a good year this year with 3 owlets making it through. All the best..

[@ronnyolsson2802]

Superb stuff Simon ! Fantastic shots and great video :) Ronny //

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Ronny, really pleased you enjoyed it. All the best. 👍

[@andrewyeates7717]

Fantastic video. Wish we had them in Ireland. Amazing bird

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Andrew - really appreciate that. Shame you done get them as like you say, a wonderful little bird. 👍

[@davidvdbroeck_nature8305]

Use the same technique for hedgehogs. What a super individual that little oil!

[@MAKE_PHOTOGRAPHS_ANYWHERE]

Another excellent video Simon!

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks very much..

[@weylintracking-worldwide]

Oh wow! Little gems like that character is what it is all about. Finding your opportunities, and then think a plan out... Amazing photo!

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Jeroen. Wonderful birds and I'm glad you liked the video. 👍

[@jeffbrown4743]

Another great video and thorough explanation of the technique involved. Thanks for posting Simon.

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you Jeff. Hope you get to try the technique sometime 👍

[@maxspringer7247]

Simon, you are really starting to show your pure skill in you blogs. I’m my opinion one of the best owl photographers out there. Shame I missed your workshops

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Max - that's very kind. You haven't missed the workshops, just paused due to the crisis. Just need to wait for it to become safer for everyone and then I'll restart them 👍

[@MAKE_PHOTOGRAPHS_ANYWHERE]

Agree!

[@williamdomey7584]

That image was awesome. I wish I could attend one of your workshops as I’m new to photography. Unfortunately I live in the States.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks William. Glad you like the image. All the best 👍

[@theworldthroughalens5324]

Wonderful Bird Photography.👏🏻

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you. 👍

[@bainebikerx3170]

Very enjoyable,great photography.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks very much.

[@roberttalmadge8874]

Fantastic.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Robert 👍

[@arthurroberts9474]

One word, stunning.. so envious. Inspirational

[@williammcgillivray6017]

Great images Simon really enjoyed watching your video on the Little Owls looking forward to the next one

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks William. Really pleased you enjoyed it.

[@clivewelch1025]

Wow Simon what an amazing little owl he is and an amazing photographer to get his good side / front/ back the image is truly a thing of beauty and as you rightly say one in a million. Until next time take care and stay safe

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks very much Clive. Glad you liked it and stay safe too. Hope you are able to get out and about a bit now.

[@rogerhance5883]

Really excellent video. Very informative and helpful.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Roger. All the best.

[@deanseldon5640]

That was awesome Simon been trying this kinda shot for a while now but not such luck. Just gotta keep trying I guess excellent shots and that one shot wow👌👍

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Dean. Hope you get an image soon. All the best.. 👍

[@Colin-ut4qf]

Excellent video Simon your patience was well rewarded with that image

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Colin..

[@findus605]

Stunning image Simon, fantastic, very envious as that is a shot in a million and well deserved. Planning, technique and patients payed off. thanks for sharing 👏👏👏👏👏👍

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks very much. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@davecollins9705]

Cracking video Simon

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Dave..

[@craigmaisfield3247]

Brilliant mate.. brilliant images..👍

[@SimonWantling]

Cheers Craig. Always appreciate the comment. All the best..

[@craigmaisfield3247]

@@SimonWantling your welcome.. I love owls. The one in my profile is my Australia Boobook..

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Another superb video Simon. Lots of really useful information and some stunning images. Thanks very much for sharing

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Darren. All the best..

[@gadgetgazphoto]

Fantastic Owl images Simon and I'm enjoying your videos so thanks for making them, looking forward to seeing more :)

[@jochenlambrechts9725]

Again an inspirational video!

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you very much. Glad you liked it. 👍

[@sibarsby2522]

Absolutely superb Simon! Thank you for sharing this and the beautiful images. wonderful!

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks. Very pleased you enjoyed it.

[@EmoEmu]

10/10

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks

[@huseyinokyar6251]

Quality work

[@SimonWantling]

Thank. Really appreciate that. 👍

[@arjandeheer4855]

That's what I call a great photographer. I love your workflow, and I love the results even more! Nice video, and well done!

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Arjan - that's very kind of you to say. All the best 👍

[@fubband]

Loving the wide angle images, Simon, especially the main one you were talking about; fantastic and great to hear you go through your thought processes on how to craft such an image. Love the video footage too, those Little Owls have such character!

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Martin, really appreciate the comment. 👍

[@Macroadventures]

Really enjoyed this video Simon, have been looking forward to it for a few days, did not disappoint. The images are amazing with a whole new feel to them compared to a long telephoto. 👍🏻

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks very much. Glad you enjoyed it. 👍

[@praveenpurohitphotography]

Beautiful man... loved the detail on how the whole setup works. Wid-angle is my favourite too. Love shot and thanks for sharing details insights on your thought process. Please keep making such videos often. More on wide-angle with a flash if you can.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks very much. Glad you enjoyed it and certainly will create more similar content. 👍

[@k.w.lwildlifephotography9091]

Great detailed video

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you Keith 👍

[@kendalllaughon9664]

Little owl tree 🦉

[@adrianmoore8200]

Great video, really interesting and nice shots simon

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Adrian.. 👍

[@deerohdeer8000]

Incredible capture!! Outstanding!!👍👍

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you 🙏

[@seanmarah6886]

Great video and brilliant photograph of the owl, you should enter it in Wildlife photographer of the year!

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Sean and thanks for the suggestion. I am thinking of entering it into a few competitions. Always stiff competition out there with some excellent images. Hope you're ok and thanks for commenting.

[@jamescarro771]

That picture is Absolutely amazing all credit to you for pulling that one off. I think you should give the owl a copy :-)

[@SimonWantling]

Cheers James. He is a bit if a star owl this one. Entertains the golfers and grounds staff on a daily basis. 🙂

[@MrCarlpenny]

Brilliant dedication and some awesome images Simon, I am deffo aiming to try the wide angle technique, once I find a Little Owl, my biggest challenge, please keep up the great work and sharing your knowledge and experience, very inspiring :-)

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Carl. Glad you enjoyed the video and good luck with your photography projects.

[@henrybrylowski1332]

That's an amazing image with sunset! Cool trick!

[@SimonWantling]

Thank you Henry 👍

[@steves8661]

Wow just loved this shot when I saw it on social media. Thank you for showing how it was created. Would so love to find a little owl to photograph. Looking forward to seeing how the story in the coming vlogs Stay safe

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Steve. Stay safe also.

[@richardmoult9781]

Wonderful video Simon , superb images . Looking forward to trying this out on our garden Foxes.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Richard. Good luck 👍

[@asifalam223]

Really fantastic video... I enjoyed a lot your planning and execution is so well also no doubt about your patience it's a another level😊

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Asif. Always nice to get great feedback so thanks for taking the time. 👍

[@billsly5732]

Yet another wonderful video Simon. Cracking shot with the wide angle lens. Just for interest what setting and custom functions have set on the 1Dx ? ( perhaps a future video}

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Bill. Glad you enjoyed it. I don't really have many custom settings in place sort from tweaks on the AF. I will let you know seperately or in a new video. 👍

[@LeePengellyPhotography]

Great video, really interesting to see how you got the shot, love the other images too great stuff

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks a lot Lee. All the best..

[@LeePengellyPhotography]

Simon Wantling Really loving the videos. Very inspirational. I’ve been having great success with fox cubs, Kingfishers on the radar next 🙏🏻

[@SimonWantling]

@@LeePengellyPhotography great. Haven't photographed kingfishers for a few years now. I must give that a go sometime.. 👍

[@LeePengellyPhotography]

Simon Wantling Yes they are requiring a lot of patience !🙄 One if my top 5 subjects though so sticking with it

[@stevstephan]

Amazing, You have earned a new subscriber...

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks very much and for subscribing. Lots of videos in the pipeline so hope you enjoy watching them. All the best. 👍

[@gnowangerupcottage9186]

Love your owl videos, inspires me to try new things. Do you have any advice on how to find out who owns land to approach re: access to sites?

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks very much. The best way is local knowledge really. Once you get access to someone's land, the the land owners generally know other land owners in the area which always helps. Getting your work out there can help as you may get invited as I did initially. Thanks again.

[@gregwilsonnaturephotography]

Hey Simon such a great video! Big thumbs up!! The little owls look very much like our Burrowing Owls we have in my area of the US. Funny... they have such personality and attitude. I'm thinking if I were in a bag hide like that in that setting someone would call Homeland Security and Black helicopter's would be deployed! Ha.. Fun idea. Sayin' hey.... Greg

[@SimonWantling]

Hi, thanks for your message. They do look very much like your burrowing owls don't they. Gorgeous birds and full of character. You're quite right in the throw over hide, it does look a bit dodgy doesn't it. Not as bad as a ghillie suit thought 🙂 thanks for leaving a comment and have a great day.

[@clicboumboum]

Waouw What is your lens ? I have an X-S10 with an XF 70-300 but in some situation I'm too short

[@MrPuddPudd-zb6ew]

Simon brilliant video man, was just wondering what gimbal head you use for your tripod?

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks very much. Sure, I was using the Manfrotto 502ah professional video head. Because I found myself needing more and more to switch between video and stills I started using this system for the smooth panning movement it gives compared to a standard gimbal. I really like it and not hugely expensive. Hope that helps 👍

[@MrPuddPudd-zb6ew]

Simon Wantling ah Thankyou, Which was the other standard gimbal head you have used in your older videos.

[@SimonWantling]

I use the Benro GH2 Gimbal head. 👍

[@harrisonhallphotography]

Brilliant stuff, just one question what hide/tent do you use, is there a specific brand that’s the best for wildlife photography.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Harrison. Thanks very much for the comment. Yes I use products by Tragopan. They do some awesome hides and other field equipment. Here is the link and if you use the code - simon5 on order you'll get a 5% discount. tragopan-shop.com/en/e-shop/

[@SimonWantling]

If you want to use the one I used in the video then the link is in the description of the video. Thanks again.

[@SimonWantling]

Sure, it's the Gitzo GT5532LS. Not sure they make that version anymore though.

[@michelebullock9867]

First time watching and Lured in by the sunburst owl and stayed and subscribed for you. Thanks for explaining the thought process and technique and congrats on a superb image! One suggestion is to ID the type of owl vs “little owl” and please don’t reveal the location.

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Michelle for the comment. The owl is actually called a little owl so that is it's name. I never reveal locations. This is part of the agreement from the land owner so that always remains a secret which is a shame in some ways as nature is there to be enjoyed by everyone. However, I did allow visitors to the sites but consequently some broke the rules and now I can't reveal. Have to respect the landowners wishes.

[@michelebullock9867]

Simon Wantling thanks for the reply. I learned something. Little Owl (Athene noctua).

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

How about staging a picture of the Owl sitting on one of your cameras? Olympus do both Android and Windows remote apps.

[@SimonWantling]

Thamks. Did you see the video I took on my phone of the owl sitting on my camera. I turn my back to go and do something and the next time I looked her was sitting on top of it. A golfer also mentioned he has sat on his bag before whilst he was looking for his ball 🙂

[@anthonyhurren5613]

Nice Simon great to see how you made the shot! 👍 glad to see you like the Fuji as a small 2nd camera also! I have just finished my review of the Fuji X-T4 for wildlife photography: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmGwo4qwa66Kb7M

[@SimonWantling]

Thanks Anthony. Great to have the feedback. Interesting you've reviewed the XT4 for wildlife. I'll take a look now. Thanks again. 👍