Image 1 of 1
Green Hairstreak Safari
Skill Level: Beginners to Advanced
Location: Burley in Wharfedale, West Yorkshire
Terrain: Muddy, uneven, rocky paths, gentle slopes
Hidden away in borders of our local moors, a sheltered patchwork of bilberry, heather and bracken forms the backdrop for one our smallest yet dazzling butterflies. Around the size of a thumbnail, brown in flight and too easy to overlook. But with the right approach and an observant eye, a true treasure of iridescent colour and fascinating behaviour awaits.
The Experience:
The Search: We will navigate the moorland edges where the Green Hairstreak hides. I’ll show you how to read the landscape to find their favourite spots for feeding, resting and duelling!
The Craft: Whether you are a beginner learning to manage and master artistic composition or experienced and looking for ambitious inflight shots, as part of a small friendly group there’ll be plenty of opportunity for individual guidance relavent to your experience and camera (yes, even if it’s a camera phone).
The Challenge: We won't just "take a picture." I’ll challenge you to think carefully about backgrounds, the direction of light and techniques to help you create photos you can be proud of.
Secret Moorland Birds, Golden Hour Safari
Skill Level: Beginners to Advanced
Location: Burley in Wharfedale, West Yorkshire
Terrain: Muddy, uneven, rocky paths, one or two steepish slopes
As the afternoon wanes, the moorland transforms. This is a journey into a hidden corner of the wild, away from the busier footpaths, where the landscape belongs to the birds.
It’s a time of high drama and haunting calls—the bubbling whistle of the Curlew, the ‘peewit’ of the Lapwing, ghostly calls of the Golden Plover and if we are lucky, the unreal "drumming" of Snipe tails vibrating in last of the sunlight.
The Experience:
The Spectacle: We will explore key habitats at peak time for ground-nesting birds. I’ll help you identify the distinct features and calls of our iconic moorland birds, and we’ll keep a sharp eye out for Brown Hare or the sudden silhouette of a Bird of Prey hunting in the low light.
The Craft: Transitioning from the bright afternoon into the "Golden Hour" is one of the most rewarding yet challenging times for a photographer. Whether you’re learning to track a bird in flight for the first time or you’re an expert looking for a unique shot, I’ll be on hand with tailored advice for your specific gear.
The Challenge: I’ll push you to look beyond the standard bird-on-a-post shot. We will experiment with approaches that capture the bird within the vastness of the moor, using the low, warm sun to create dramatic lighting and atmosphere that tells a true story of the wilderness.