Wildlife Photography/How To/Photographing Fox Cubs in the dark

[@Gazzab6]

What a bonus Simon to get the Fox Cubs in the same location as the Badgers. You amaze me how can turn up with about two hours before the action, get set up with camera, lens, tripod and the chosen camo, set up your props and lighting all while you are vlogging. The other week I was in the Trough of Bowland photographing Short Eared Owls. I went mid afternoon but they were all ready out flying. I hid in a trough in the ground and threw my new bag hide over me and camera and tripod. It was my first time out with it and boy what a faff. I missed one of the Shorties fly right across my position twice because I was faffing about trying to get comfortable. Great channel mate - keep 'em coming.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Gary, it always looks a bit easier in the vlog than it is in reality!!😆😆You think your experience was a faff, try doing it with 2 vlogging cameras and doing the commentary!!🤣🤣 All the best, Si 👍🏼👀

[@Gazzab6]

@@simoneardley hahaha, that's why you amaze me ;-)

[@deanseldon5640]

Cracking stuff mate my favourite animal. Can’t wait to see my local Cubs

[@simoneardley]

They are fascinating to watch at close quarters 👀👀🦊🦊

[@gotophotoarchive9131]

I can't believe you were jumping around all day and they came out ... Amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@simoneardley]

I know but cubs are so inquisitive. So much easier to photograph than the adults!!👀📷🦊

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Awesome skills shared. Thanks for helping out us not-so-talented individuals

[@simoneardley]

Its all about practice and spending time in the wild, atb Simon.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

@@simoneardley I have grown up spending lots of time in the woods and feel perfectly at home there but will most likely never equal your photographic skills.

[@laurencebell8024]

Nice one Simon great video great use of lighting a joy to watch here’s to the next one.

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Laurence 👍🏼

[@woodymeristem2223]

Excellent -- another well done video and beautiful stills.

[@simoneardley]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@michaelwallwork7482]

Amazing! Great viewing. We'll done Simon 👍. Loved what you said at the end, about being out. That is what it's all about, being out. It's great if you get it on camera, but if you don't, you've seen it with your own eyes 👍

[@simoneardley]

Yep, exactly that Michael 👊

[@laurencearnold5822]

Absolutely amazing images Simon👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Laurence 👍🏼

[@littlemike50]

What can I say absolutely brilliant, you Richard B and Trond are going to cost me a small fortune, but well worth it, All the best again Mike E... ps the BBC wildlife team in Bristol had better keep an eye on you lot or up there game a bit,

[@simoneardley]

Haha, cheers Mike. You need to exercise some self control with the wallet!!🤣🤣 Thats what my missus is always saying. All the best mate 👍🏼👍🏼

[@geordiegraham6117]

All that preparation eventually paid off another brilliant video and pics

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Graham 👍🏼

[@stevedrew9231]

Cracking video really enjoyed it, got my mind going now 👍🏻👍🏻

[@simoneardley]

Mines going all the time Steve !!🤣📷👀

[@SimonWantling]

Nice one Simon. Really enjoyed the video. I think I'm up your way in a few weeks.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Simon, it was after seeing your owl films that I thought of trying the continuous lighting, works a treat. Feel free to give me a shout when youre up this way and nip in for a brew and a chat👍🏼

[@seanrooney6486]

Fantastic as usual si 👌👋

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Sean 👍🏼

[@richardhutchings921]

Nice job Simon. Very entertaining. Some beautiful shots.

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Richard 👍🏼😀📷🦊

[@sue.Hoo123]

Beautiful, and thanks for making your vids advert free, it makes such a difference 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Sue, youre the first to mention that. Theyre on at the beginning and the end but thats ok in my book. I think it spoils the continuity myself, all the best. Si 👍🏼😀👀

[@jamesdodwell192]

Brilliant footage your attention to detail is unbelievable

[@simoneardley]

Many thanks James 👀🦊👍🏼

[@eddiek0507]

Brilliant Simon, You've cracked it again. Some lovely footage and shots. Hopefully there will be more to come...😀👍👍

[@simoneardley]

There certainly will Eddie 👍👀

[@paulcbennettphotography7959]

Fabulous again Simon, I’ve never considered lighting like this but certainly food for thought mate for sure, another great watch 👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Paul, a relatively cheap set up that works well.

[@tonywarren1695]

Another fascinating 25 mins, well done

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Tony👍🏼

[@old4004]

Great work, Simon! Would never have thought that the foxes would be so relaxed with the LED lighting.

[@simoneardley]

Me neither, I think cubs are a little bit naive but theyre getting more wary by the day

[@robertstoppard5867]

Another cracking video Simon, look forward to the next one.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Robert 👍

[@markmeth-cohn1136]

Inspirational Simon, just need to find me a fox den 😀

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Mark, I only found this one by accident!!😆😆🤣🦊🦊👀

[@colpage4030]

Again Simon a stunning blog, keep them coming mate

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Col👍

[@Burtonupontrentrailwaystoday]

Just ordered. the full lighting set you use Simon and some new tripods for the Ulanzi lights thanks for sharing your set up Simon

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Steven, good luck with your new setup mate👍🏼👍🏼

[@Neilberg56]

Brilliant. Just love watching your work absolute joy. Interesting to see your lighting system.

[@simoneardley]

Thank you very much! Its pretty basic but it does the job 👍🏼

[@daveroberts1139]

Wow. So close to the shot you wanted. You'll get there I'm sure

[@simoneardley]

A good excuse to keep going back Dave 😆👍🏼📷🦊

[@NikCan66]

Absolutely fabulous and brilliant to see people care about the wildlife in our areas

[@andywhiteside16]

Only just found your channel and I must say Brilliant really enjoying what your producing, you also sound very local Lancashire by any chance.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Andy, aye Lancashire born and bred. Not far from Preston 👍🏼

[@esoxchris]

Bloody Fantastic

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Chris 👍🏼

[@GarySmith-mc8vf]

Great video Simon, thanks for sharing your ideas and strategy, your a good man. 👍🏻

[@simoneardley]

My pleasure Gary, thanks for watching 👀👊🏼

[@roncartwright4092]

Thank you for such a great video, so glad you shared it with us.

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Ron 👍🏼🎥🦊

[@eerofi]

Excellent video, thank you! I hope you keep getting tons of new subscribers.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers, we're working on it Eero!!🙂👍

[@joskyeboogopro1245]

Absolutely fantastic, well done 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Jo 👍🏼

[@smiffy5467]

Great job Simon. Some cracking images there.... 👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Andy

[@lukesworldphotography8333]

Cracking video Simon 👏 love your work very informative and really well made video. I can't wait to get out I start looking for foxes or badgers and hopefully get some photographs. Whats the best peice of advice you can give to someone with lower quality gear? Canon 2000d 75-300mm lens. Great work keep it. 👍

[@davidcannon1148]

Simon great video, a vey simply and cheap way to get a fox’s attention is o take a piece of polystyrene and gentle rub it across a piece of glass , it will make squeaking noise. This sounds like a mouse or small animal in distress and t attracts the fox. Give it a try. Mate

[@simoneardley]

Cheers David, i tend to use the gap between my thumb and index finger. Does the same thing. Thanks for the tip mate 👍🏼👍🏼🦊

[@hoot2820]

Lights ordered but link to powerbank didn't work..knowing that you work for a living makes the videos even more amazing

[@garycorbett1789]

Thoroughly enjoyed your video thank you. You have a natural presentation ability and you explain what you are doing really well. I know the jacket you are using is a Rannoch. What are the trousers you are wearing? They look ideal for kneeling and sitting on the damp ground.

[@CamillaI]

Great dedication Simon keep up the good work !👍😍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks, will do!👍🏼📷🦊

[@robinbarnes3050]

Great video Simon. Wonderful to see the fox cubs with your clever lighting, Brilliant. One question. I did own a camo suit like you blanket but I found that twigs and grass and all sorts got stuck to it. I know this adds to the camo but made it very hard to handle. Question is does your blanket do the same? Robin

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Robin, in a word yes!! It does tend to pick up bits of foliage but as you said it adds to the effect. Anything big i just get rid but i wouldnt swap it for anything. Its a great piece of concealment👌👀

[@Eigil_Skovgaard]

Very constructive approach.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Eigil

[@grahamcox395]

Great Video, Simon what camera settings do you use when photographing the Fox Cubs with the lighting set up you are using.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Graham. Manual, wideopen,shutter 1/90 ish. Iso 4000 ish.👍

[@stephencopland1053]

Great job Simon. Great photos

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Stephen 👊

[@markfrost9005]

One word Si brilliant yet again 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou Mark 👊👍

[@marksymonds8477]

Great video and lovely shots of the Cubs 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for the visit Mark 😀🦊

[@markk1873]

Great video,hard work pays off.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Mark👍🏼

[@garthdimock6619]

Wonderful effort, you deserve the results you achieve, something for us all to aspire to,thanks,atb.

[@simoneardley]

Many thanks Garth

[@noelhewitt7434]

Had to come back to watch this again.. I have a tiny fox kit that has been visiting my garden for the past week.. it is no bigger than a cat and it looks very ragged and hungry.. I left out some food for it on 2 occasions to give it a helping hand without trying to tame it or get rid of its natural fear of humans. I would like to get some night images of it and I've got some great tips on this vid.. thanks

[@simoneardley]

Youre welcome Noel, good luck getting your images 📷👍🏼

[@alanwright2950]

another brill vid fantastic photos

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Alan 👍🏼

[@gregwilsonnaturephotography]

Hey Simon, I was thinkin' since you are handy and get along well with the sewing machine you could bang out a couple small bags/pouches to put your power banks into and Velcro it to the stand to keep things tidy.... excellent video! And some crackin" images! They kinda have that dreamy look to them. Sayin' hey.... Greg

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Greg, good idea mate. When i get a lull in the beanbags I might just do that. Cheers, Si 👍👀👊

[@touchedbynature5445]

Beautiful Set up, just fantastic video and Beautiful Photos. The work you put in this is Amazing, Many Thanks Simon For Sharing. Greetings from Norfolk Wildlife.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks, looking forward to working at this location next year. Its all overgrown now with Himalayan Balsam.

[@richardmoult9781]

Great video Simon , I've had some success in my garden with Foxes using continuous lights but as yet no Cubs! With def. feeding Vixen visiting I need to pin point the earth!

[@simoneardley]

Yeh it can help a lot if you can locate the earth. Trail cam is always a good help in this situation.

[@steveoldham4462]

Once again the work you put into the video production is making a huge improvement to the feel and quality of the film, this creative approach make for an enthralling watch. The fox content is just inspiring. Can’t wait to see how you better this. Lee up the good work. Steve. 🤩

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Steve, i'll try my best. Filmmaking is a steep learning curve👍👍🎥📷

Nice video, Like and Bye from Italy :)

[@simoneardley]

Thank you very much Peri👍🏼

[@darrengornall8363]

Cracking mate and some lovely shots to remember the encounter , top job ;)

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Darren, thanks for watching 👀👊

[@JohnCooper-jl5nt]

Brilliant Simon really loved it, did miss the fig rolls though

[@simoneardley]

haha, me too. I forget to take em sometimes !!😆

[@graemehogg4465]

Thanks mate for another valuable lesson in wildlife photography, not to complicated just need a bit of patience and effort that's what's so good about what you do, keep it simple low cost and bingo. Thanks again mate. Stay safe. 📷 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Graeme, a lot of times its the best way. Dont over complicate the situation. Cheers, Si 👍📷👀

[@runtothehills04]

Fantastic.

[@jeffbrown4743]

Brilliant again Simon and 10 out of 10 for effort. One of my favourite channels. 👍

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Jeff, thanks 😆😆📷👀👍🏼

[@KGsPhotography]

Brilliant Simon great effort went into that. You must’ve been absolutely buzzing when the fox came up where you wanted it. Cheers Keith

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Keith, yeh it was somewhat unexpected!! A nice surprise though👍🏼📷👊

[@colindalton7379]

Brilliant Simon.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Colin

[@telkirton]

Bloody excellent Simon..

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Tel 👍🏼👊

[@leemanton3169]

Hi Simon, another great vlog and as always very inspirational. I'm currently planning to photograph some badgers at a local sett and was just wondering what you / happens you when decide it's time to pack up for the night as I obviously don't want to cause to much disturbance to the badgers and other wildlife.

[@simoneardley]

Good question Lee, always top of the list to consider the subject. I generally wait till they've moved to another area away from the earth or gone back in. They dont hang about the earth entrance for long as theyre out and about feeding📷🦊

[@stevecoker1004]

Hi Simon, brilliant video as always. great tip for the quick release plate, I have now fixed my Arca Swiss plate to my Vanguard pan and tilt head plate. No more fumbling around swapping the plate from lens to lens. Fig rolls food of Photographers. Many thanks, Steve.

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Steve,yeh it gets a pain swapping from one to the other. Definitely a cheaper fix that buying multiple Manfrotto plates. Dig the Fig!!!!😆👊

[@aquaticcolledgefishing]

Cracking vlog Simon. Love the cubs

[@sinetwo]

Awesome video Simon, what settings are you able to get away with for photos, with one or two continuous lights? I'm thinking of badgers/foxes myself, with a 300 f/2.8 or a 500 f/4.0. I've been shooting urban foxes at night with street lights and even with 2.8, I'm pushing ISO at over 16200 to get a half decent exposed photo. Street lights are incredibly dim I've realised, despite our eyes adapting to them at night. Hopefully with the two lights you've suggested it is possible to get them at f/4.0 with 1/500 and ISO below 6000, roughly speaking?

[@simoneardley]

The lights will make a massive difference just as long as your subjects will tolerate them. Good luck 📷🤞🏼

[@sinetwo]

@@simoneardley being able to remotely and gradually increase them I think would help!

[@SkylarkFields]

You got some gorgeous images!

[@simoneardley]

Many thanks!

[@aynsleycooper365]

Simon, beautiful work, well done. This takes me back to trying to do the same in the 80's.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Aynsley. Glad you enjoyed it👍🏼📷

[@gladysklip6984]

I'm impressed with the work you put in it! Fantastic video Simon, hope you have another chance to photograph them. I've enjoyed every minute!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Gladys, im going to have a go at every opportunity. Thanks for watching😀

[@iRidetas]

shots and video look amazing mate! well done

[@IGThomas46]

Hi Simon Really loving all your videos, only just discovered them but already a big fan..I spend alot of time outdoors fly fishing in North wales and watching your videos has given me the bug to maybe have a go at some photography in the future.. I was wondering if you plan on a video aimed beginners in regards to equipment in the future? In particular maybe a camera that's good to start out with to capture some decent memories and shots.. thank you mate look forwards to watching more. Ian

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Ian, its certainly something that I will put on my list. Good shout and what a great place to live. I love North Wales 👍🏼👍🏼

[@IGThomas46]

@@simoneardley Thanks Simon, look forwards to more videos , great work and so interesting 👍

[@stephensimmons8657]

Great video , I have just come across 4 fox cubs , hope to get some shots 🤞

[@simoneardley]

Good luck Stephen 🦊🦊🤞🏼📷

[@richardpill8322]

Simon, really enjoyed this, you obviously put a lot of effort in to this video and put together sequences brilliantly. I love the fact that you showed us how you set everything up and you got great results. You clearly have a passion for wildlife, the outdoors and photography which comes across in your videos. Loved the foxes, how anyone would want to harm these animals is just beyond me. All the best, Rich.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for the kind comments Richard, yeh its difficult to get your head around what some people will do. Humans think they have the right to exterminate everything 😞😞

[@johnmunro5983]

Thanks Simon , another great episode. Its always good to see your tips and watch it pan out. Please stay safe, stay well and bring us some more encouragement to get out there, cheers

[@simoneardley]

Thanks John, will do mate👍🏼📷🎥

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

Loved it Simon 👍. 7000 subs is down to you Simon and the great content you keep putting out. Fantastic tips and tricks and inspirational footage 🙂👍 Bloody great stuff Atb Si Rick 🙂👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for that Rick . Glad you enjoyed it the other night 👍🏼👍🏼👀🦊

[@DTAnglesey]

Simon, as always, great video!

[@robshipman7242]

Amazing video Simon 🦊🦊👍🏻

[@johnhubbard6262]

Interesting the foxes with the lights. We have both urban fox and coyote that come into the neighborhood to hunt pets. Coyote's you see all the time, traveling in the open, on the streets, and if you keep your distance they are not worried about you at all, but they react to new lights being on in unexpected areas and will shy away until they see they are not a threat. I thought foxes would be even more light-shy, as it is a rare glimpse you get of them as their paths are through concealment in the yards.

[@simoneardley]

The adults are a lot more wary as these are not urban foxes. I think the cubs are a little more adventurous though. Thanks for watching John👍🏼

[@johnhubbard6262]

@@simoneardley It's a pleasure watching your videos, you are obviously totally into what you are producing it is like being on an adventure with you. I jinxed myself with the foxes, I am in a game chokepoint but missed the fox last night and he got past me and back with two cats from the neighborhood. The owners/oblivious NPCs posted signs that seem to indicate it was the fox's fault (seen snatching said cats) instead of the yuppies that put their pets outside when they leave for work as they are not properly trained to stay in the house.

[@rlrphotography-uk]

well done mate .work smart brings results Brilliant , BTW got the bean bag filled but not used it yet . :) thanks look forward to the next one .

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Roger, thanks for your custom mate. 👍🙂

[@maxpickeringphotography]

Great when a plan comes together Simon! Another brilliant and inspirational video, thanks for your insight on your thought processes to get the shot you want. 👍🏻

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Max

[@kamilfreebirdmovingpictures]

Awesome!!!

[@9oldfingers349]

Is there a poss tree you could get up, fox & badger seldom look up, esp cubs, still use a bit camo as they will if you make a noise,

[@simoneardley]

Nice idea but would give the wrong perspective I'm afraid. I always try and get eye level with my subjects👀

[@malcolmnicholson864]

Yeah really good stuff I could sit and watch your videos all day, if the wife would let me !!!!

[@simoneardley]

Haha, good on ya Malcolm. Glad youre enjoying the channel 👍🏼

[@kevinmaxfield8298]

Hi Great video. why don't you use a velcro strap to fix the power banks to the light stand much much quicker than using tape.

[@simoneardley]

Good shout Kevin👍

[@laurencedocherty6512]

Amazing ! You but so much work into theses vlogs, a complete inspiration! I just have no lights or foxes 🤣 well done mate 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Laurence, you keep on searching and you'll find em. Foxes that is, not the lights!!!😆🦊🦊🦊

[@eust785]

Im loving the continuous lighting effect, it gives a warm felling to the subjects. Have you used auto white balance or chosen one to suit the l.e.d lighting? or, being a novice is my trail of thought incorrect?

[@simoneardley]

Not at all, I use auto white balance and because I shoot in RAW i can easily correct in post processing.

[@stevecolwill9761]

Gripping stuff Simon! Like you, I suspect, I was holding my breath as the cub got nearer. So close! Hope you get the shot next time. All the best 👍🏻

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Steve, yep I so nearly got it. Its hard as well when youre trying to get film footage. I missed the chance of a few good stills, another excuse to have another go!!😆😆📷👍🏼

[@chriswynne505]

Top Man another great video Simon

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Chris

[@bruno106a]

Good video Simon, have you thought about putting a red filter on your lights like they do in nocturnal houses in zoos to give a moon.ight effect?

[@simoneardley]

I've thought about it Andrew but feel i would probably have to use flash to get the right lighting when using red light.

[@bruno106a]

It would still work with your lights Simon, you may have to increase the brightness I have a red filter on my computer for looking as my astro photos when I'm outside

[@johnfisher170]

Love your blogs..keep up the great work..

[@simoneardley]

Cheers John

[@adrianmoore4690]

great shots and great video

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Adrian

[@stephanandersen7643]

Amazing video you go all in, the pic that is a bit unsharp, just order it as a canvas print then it looks like fine art, best regards from DK

[@simoneardley]

My OCD wouldn't let that happen!!!🤣🤣Better have another go!!👍🏼📷🦊🎥

[@stephanandersen7643]

@@simoneardley I know what you mean :)

[@wildlifephotobylenabratt5077]

Fantastic :o)

[@hoot2820]

I have a query/question.. Whenever i can i go on local reccys at night..my dashcam will show up subject lit up by car spotlights albeit blurry..my gopro the same..but my camcorder just records a black screen..why do you think this is

[@Burtonupontrentrailwaystoday]

Simon are they the tripods that come with the lights

[@simoneardley]

No Steve, the lights dont come with tripods.

[@user-kk9cw]

Another stonker Simon

[@707Gaming-m5z]

Good video Simon, but all your video s have very low volume audio.

[@simoneardley]

Sorry about that

[@martindodd5611]

Can I ask what ISO you used on the night thanks

[@simoneardley]

Hi Martin, I was working between 3-4000 ISO. Try Topaz denoise software, its a real game changer!!👍🏼

[@martindodd5611]

@@simoneardley thanks I'll take the iso in mind and have a look at topaz denoise too 👍

[@Mark-Huigen]

Beside the awesome video and content. Let's take a moment to think about how much effort goes into getting all these B-roll shots of Simon going to wherever etcetera. Setting up a camera walking past, going back, etcetera, etcetera. All that just for a couple of seconds to tie the story together.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Mark, yeh its a lot of work but great fun when it all comes together. Thanks mate 👍🏼👀👊

[@johnlocke7097]

Great video but lousy music.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers John😂