I am posting nothing at the moment due to my wife being seriously ill. However, Elliot's distressing post, and one that is very relevant, leads me to post a reminder of some of the NPN's wildlife photography guidelines:-
Special Wildlife Photography Considerations
“The subject and the habitat are more important than the photograph.”
* First study the species you want to photograph. Make sure that you can recognize signs of stress.
* Never let your presence cause the animal any stress. If there is a sign of stress, pull back.
* Familiarize yourself with the local rules concerning wildlife, such as the minimum distance to be kept between you and the animals, and be sure to obey them.
* Keep in mind that the animals are always unpredictable.
* Keep in mind that you are intruding in the animal's world - you are its guest. Conduct your activity accordingly and leave whenever your host gives even the slightest hint that you are no longer welcome.
* Do not entice a wild animal with food from the hand in order to get the photo. Allow the animal to be wild, and to move about on its own accord.
* Consider using a blind or camouflage to bring the subject within photo range without disturbing it.
* Use a lens of long enough focal length to avoid approaching the subject too closely. Also, consider composing your photos to show more of the animal's environment.
Another thing worth re-iterating is Schedule 1 licenses and which species these apply to - there have been a few Dartford Warbler pics recently on various forums and although I'm not sure about it isn't it the case that you shouldn't really photograph them at this time of year without one?
Discussion
4 repliesSpecial Wildlife Photography Considerations
“The subject and the habitat are more important than the photograph.”
* First study the species you want to photograph. Make sure that you can recognize signs of stress.
* Never let your presence cause the animal any stress. If there is a sign of stress, pull back.
* Familiarize yourself with the local rules concerning wildlife, such as the minimum distance to be kept between you and the animals, and be sure to obey them.
* Keep in mind that the animals are always unpredictable.
* Keep in mind that you are intruding in the animal's world - you are its guest. Conduct your activity accordingly and leave whenever your host gives even the slightest hint that you are no longer welcome.
* Do not entice a wild animal with food from the hand in order to get the photo. Allow the animal to be wild, and to move about on its own accord.
* Consider using a blind or camouflage to bring the subject within photo range without disturbing it.
* Use a lens of long enough focal length to avoid approaching the subject too closely. Also, consider composing your photos to show more of the animal's environment.
Best wishes
Phil
Mark
do you mean accustoming animals to literally feed from the hand, or the philosophy of feeding stations in general
http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/policy/wildbirdslaw/birdsandlaw/wca/schedules.asp
Martin