Canon EOS 20D
Sigma 100-300 f4 @ 300mm
exp 1/350 @ f8 iso 200
There has been quite a bit on the forum recently about DN. I too was there on Saturday (22nd) and was one of only three vehicles in the car park (I was a bit early, don't sleep well in strange beds) and I too witnessed the mass arrival of vehicles that Tim Gregory referred to in his reply to Tom W's post. I was amazed at the number of photographers out on the sand bank, even more so when I realised the limitations of the photo opportunities out there. The weather and light conditions were conspiring against us (light in wrong direction for wind etc) and the risk of ruining expensive equipment took a lot of pleasure out of it. I retreated to the car park at about 11 to get warmed up etc and then went to take a look at the nursery / rookery to which all the tourists / families were heading. Frankly I was amazed at the number of seals and their proximity to the public path. The longer I looked, the more photo opportunities appeared and if the weather hadn't been so miserable I would have taken more. The seals were totally unfazed by the public hordes and I am surprised that more photographers weren't taking advantage of the opportunities. The first image I posted (First Bath) seemed to meet with approval as being somewhat different to the norm so why trek out to that god forsaken sand bank to disturb the resting seals when opportunities are to be had within yards of the car park? Incidentally, I must have been close to at least three forum members at some point in the day (I too have the same image as Tom W's 'snoring in storm')but as everyone was disguised in wet weather gear I didn't get to introduce myself to anyone, so apologies to all (particularly Tim and Trevor).
Robert
Posted by Iain Tookey on November 25, 2008 at 4:21 PM
I'm glad you've posted this Robert, as I really want to go to Donna Nook, but don't fancy the trek out to the sand bars, what with never having been before and the risk of tides etc!
I was wondering how many photo opportunities there would be at the Rookery, and this has answered my question. I understand it's open in the week also, unlike the range?
If so, I'd prefer to go on one of my days off in the week.
Really enjoying your photos too!
Posted by Danny Green on November 25, 2008 at 4:30 PM
Hello Robert
Thats a cracking image and very different to the norm in the past I have got some very nice images from the broadwalk and like you don't understand why more people don't take advantage of it.
Danny
Posted by Trevor Wilson on November 25, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Perhaps I can throw some light on the arrival of 18 cars all at once as I suspect I was one of them.
We were taking part on a Chris Weston Photography weekend and had all left a local hotel to head to Donna Nook for the sunrise.
The weather was horrendus, no probs Robert, it being my first time there I was amazed at how many people were there and soon realised I had no chance of meeting anyone from here.
The lady running the butty van did say it was one of her busiest weekends.
Posted by Trevor Wilson on November 25, 2008 at 4:51 PM
Oh excellent shots mate, Ive got around 600 from the morning and must admit most are the "typical" Donna Nook shot but spent more just sitting watching the seals in amazement.
Discussion
8 repliesSigma 100-300 f4 @ 300mm
exp 1/350 @ f8 iso 200
There has been quite a bit on the forum recently about DN. I too was there on Saturday (22nd) and was one of only three vehicles in the car park (I was a bit early, don't sleep well in strange beds) and I too witnessed the mass arrival of vehicles that Tim Gregory referred to in his reply to Tom W's post. I was amazed at the number of photographers out on the sand bank, even more so when I realised the limitations of the photo opportunities out there. The weather and light conditions were conspiring against us (light in wrong direction for wind etc) and the risk of ruining expensive equipment took a lot of pleasure out of it. I retreated to the car park at about 11 to get warmed up etc and then went to take a look at the nursery / rookery to which all the tourists / families were heading. Frankly I was amazed at the number of seals and their proximity to the public path. The longer I looked, the more photo opportunities appeared and if the weather hadn't been so miserable I would have taken more. The seals were totally unfazed by the public hordes and I am surprised that more photographers weren't taking advantage of the opportunities. The first image I posted (First Bath) seemed to meet with approval as being somewhat different to the norm so why trek out to that god forsaken sand bank to disturb the resting seals when opportunities are to be had within yards of the car park? Incidentally, I must have been close to at least three forum members at some point in the day (I too have the same image as Tom W's 'snoring in storm')but as everyone was disguised in wet weather gear I didn't get to introduce myself to anyone, so apologies to all (particularly Tim and Trevor).
Robert
I was wondering how many photo opportunities there would be at the Rookery, and this has answered my question. I understand it's open in the week also, unlike the range?
If so, I'd prefer to go on one of my days off in the week.
Really enjoying your photos too!
Thats a cracking image and very different to the norm in the past I have got some very nice images from the broadwalk and like you don't understand why more people don't take advantage of it.
Danny
We were taking part on a Chris Weston Photography weekend and had all left a local hotel to head to Donna Nook for the sunrise.
The weather was horrendus, no probs Robert, it being my first time there I was amazed at how many people were there and soon realised I had no chance of meeting anyone from here.
The lady running the butty van did say it was one of her busiest weekends.