Confidence In Nature.

Dale.

Dale.

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Dale.
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Something that has been bothering me.

I'm introverted, I tend to avoid crowded places, I'd much rather be in nature. One thing I couldn't do well would be street photography, not my bag potentially confronting people. I have noticed a possible manifestation of this coming through to my willdife photgraphy. Some of the places I visit are semi rural but there is a potential for people to show up. This is something I've noticed at my kingfisher nest site. There are 2 footpaths nearby. I am reluctant to leave anything visible that might atrract attention to the site or even put perches/hides etc out nearby. This is mainly out of consideration for the kingfishers of course and I believe, rightly so but I have felt a certain uneasiness in myself lately. Wading into the river to put a perch out is right out of my comfort zone and I'm not sure why, apart from the obvious prior mentioned bird welfare. I am sure this has cost me images at and around the nest site. The birds will always come before an image every time but I've not been able to find that compromise. Maybe there isn't one.

A few years ago, I had a confrontation with some concerned parents as I walked though a nearby park with my camera and hefty lens. I was photographing snowdrops at the time but some kids noticed me, told their parents, the next thing I'm being confronted and told the police were on their way. I waited for the police as I was doing nothing wrong and the parents left with a ticking off from the police, the police were great with me, even telling me to 'enjoy the rest of my day' but I can't help feel with hindsight, that incident may be affecting my confidence generally with photography and public places.

I'd be a lot more comfortable photographing a species out in the wilds than I would be in semi rural or urban areas.

Or is it, as nature photographers, it's common to feel this way? Is it a mixture of concern for nature and our own comfort zones, or one or the other?

:)
 
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I've been confronted a few times by parents when in publc spaces with my gear, not even talking photogrpahs. I never really understand why some parents (and I'm a parent too) feel photographers with 'chunky' kit may be up to no good whilst anyone clicking away on their phone right next everyone is acceptable. I make a point now of not even going to places with any children around. I think this is a sore point for so many photographers so I won't harp on about it.

More on topic - I don't think this is limited to. or felt more so by 'nature' photographers. Maybe street photographers are more used to some abuse and shrug it off.
 
I think the experience of an extended period of 'lockdown' has affected many people in a negative way with regard to meeting others, I don't know if it has affected you.
Personally I have found it really difficult in dealing with visitors to the door and the odd friend who thinks it's okay to socialise again - I don't feel that I want to and I don't.
I don't want to be close to people!
I go out most days on my bike and regularly visit areas that are quite busy but with my bike I can move on and in & out quite quickly ... I don't feel I want to get back to popping in for a coffee or picking up a sandwich.
I used to enjoy the solace of nature but now photograph people and things, I've never had any abuse with my street candids, (don't really like using the term 'street', it tends to offend!) but then I never poke a lens in people's face or behave in the way I have seen some youtube street warriors behave.
 
drounding said:
I've been confronted a few times by parents when in publc spaces with my gear, not even talking photogrpahs. I never really understand why some parents (and I'm a parent too) feel photographers with 'chunky' kit may be up to no good whilst anyone clicking away on their phone right next everyone is acceptable. I make a point now of not even going to places with any children around. I think this is a sore point for so many photographers so I won't harp on about it.

More on topic - I don't think this is limited to. or felt more so by 'nature' photographers. Maybe street photographers are more used to some abuse and shrug it off.
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gramps said:
I think the experience of an extended period of 'lockdown' has affected many people in a negative way with regard to meeting others, I don't know if it has affected you.
Personally I have found it really difficult in dealing with visitors to the door and the odd friend who thinks it's okay to socialise again - I don't feel that I want to and I don't.
I don't want to be close to people!
I go out most days on my bike and regularly visit areas that are quite busy but with my bike I can move on and in & out quite quickly ... I don't feel I want to get back to popping in for a coffee or picking up a sandwich.
I used to enjoy the solace of nature but now photograph people and things, I've never had any abuse with my street candids, (don't really like using the term 'street', it tends to offend!) but then I never poke a lens in people's face or behave in the way I have seen some youtube street warriors behave.
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It's funny how things work out. Yesterday, I was at the river, camo on, big lens too. My normal approach would be to settle down in the bushes but yesterday, as I wasn't giving any sensitive locations away, I set up and sat just off from the footpath, in full view. This is right out of my comfort zone but I made myself do it, it was more an exercise to see what wildlife activity was on that part of the river but also, being a bit bloody minded at times, I knew there would be people about and I made myself stay put. To be fair, everybody that came along was fine. 2 lads came along on bikes, they were a bit curious but they soon got fed up when my engagment limit had been reached and they disappeared. I must have met 20 people in total, some just said 'hello' but a few stopped for a chat.

It has done wonders for my confidence in these situations but it's also possible that one bad experience will undo that.

Maybe it's a case of the few spoiling it for the many.
 
Glad things seem to be working out for you, Dale.

Your final sentence sums up many aspects of life.

Dave
 
Getting out of that comfort zone has resulted in a decent kingfisher image.

I was here again yesterday for about 4 hours, a little more hidden but still in full view of the footpath and still actually say on part of it. A few locals have been getting curious as that's my 3rd day there now but I've said I'm just photographing 'whatever goes by'. I have an image now though, so I will leave the area in peace for a few days as to not draw more attention to it.
 
Dale I can't help with confidence around humans while making images of the natural world, I suffer much the same , I also seem to have gravitated towards species that I can't make images of with others, ok I can but most times my subject has run off to the next county when another turns up. . It hasn't really been a conscious choice to focus on things like roe and hare, I adore the solitude mate. I also don't think i'm ever at my best with others too many minds bro, instead of that one on one utter focus, which also knocks my confidence for six.

That said, you have spent years studying your subject. BLOODY YEARS mate!! Rome weren't built in a day no one really learns what they can and can't do without doing the graft . That has given you real insight into the king fishers you chase a real insight into how not to upset or disturb.

So maybe , just maybe :D ? me pointiing out to you that you have earnt the skillset to place your perch where you want it might just help with your confidence.?

Mate you have done all the graft have huge care and respect for your subjects, go put your perch out..........think it through thoroughly,, find an exceptionally pretty perch get in and out very smooth and efficiently, but get it done!! Buddy no bird is going desert their children because of some idiot:p paddling about in their stream for a few mins.

You have the nouce the knowledge to do this in the most optimal way, to cause as little concern as possible to your beloved birds.

Confidence is a strange thing Dale I have massive issues,but you need to be confident that all the time and hours have taught you something, it just has mate whether you realize or no. it has. use that Dale !!

Oh god mate soz for waffling at ya, I have watched this grow for years ,you already know how stoked I am for you, trust you buddy, you won't do those birds any harm. it just isn't going to happen

LMAO OMG mate that perch better be good or I'm gonna set uncle bob on ya with a wet sponge. :ROFLMAO: Soz Bob you might be close enough to knock some sens into him(y):LOL:

Please hear me Dale humans I can't help with at all, but maybe this might boost your self esteem enough for you to realize the skills you have earnt(y)

Where's this piccy then mate, ahh being edited like mine huh:banghead:

take care buddy ATB

stu
 
Stuart Philpott said:
Dale I can't help with confidence around humans while making images of the natural world, I suffer much the same , I also seem to have gravitated towards species that I can't make images of with others, ok I can but most times my subject has run off to the next county when another turns up. . It hasn't really been a conscious choice to focus on things like roe and hare, I adore the solitude mate. I also don't think i'm ever at my best with others too many minds bro, instead of that one on one utter focus, which also knocks my confidence for six.

That said, you have spent years studying your subject. BLOODY YEARS mate!! Rome weren't built in a day no one really learns what they can and can't do without doing the graft . That has given you real insight into the king fishers you chase a real insight into how not to upset or disturb.

So maybe , just maybe :D ? me pointiing out to you that you have earnt the skillset to place your perch where you want it might just help with your confidence.?

Mate you have done all the graft have huge care and respect for your subjects, go put your perch out..........think it through thoroughly,, find an exceptionally pretty perch get in and out very smooth and efficiently, but get it done!! Buddy no bird is going desert their children because of some idiot:p paddling about in their stream for a few mins.

You have the nouce the knowledge to do this in the most optimal way, to cause as little concern as possible to your beloved birds.

Confidence is a strange thing Dale I have massive issues,but you need to be confident that all the time and hours have taught you something, it just has mate whether you realize or no. it has. use that Dale !!

Oh god mate soz for waffling at ya, I have watched this grow for years ,you already know how stoked I am for you, trust you buddy, you won't do those birds any harm. it just isn't going to happen

LMAO OMG mate that perch better be good or I'm gonna set uncle bob on ya with a wet sponge. :ROFLMAO: Soz Bob you might be close enough to knock some sens into him(y):LOL:

Please hear me Dale humans I can't help with at all, but maybe this might boost your self esteem enough for you to realize the skills you have earnt(y)

Where's this piccy then mate, ahh being edited like mine huh:banghead:

take care buddy ATB

stu
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Thanks for the words Stu.

Most encounters I've had this week have been good. A few people have just said 'hi', 1 or 2 have had a chat. The young lads on bikes were curious, a bit too much so and I was uncomfortable with that but they soon left in fairness.

The next day, I hardly saw a soul, which suits me. 2 dog walkers passed by, nodded and carried on. Later on, one hoodie type was standing on the footpath, about 5 or 6 feet above me. He was right behind me, for a good minute, looking super nosey. I had my back to him but I could see his reflection on the screen of the camera and the viewfinder. I watched him for a while but he cleared off when I started to turn around. I didn't see him after that.

One thing Stu, don't go giving Bob any ideas about knocking sense into me, he might just take you up on it. :LOL:


Listen to me going on :LOL:. I'm introverted, I prefer my own company to most others, that's all it is really, I have a few good mates who I trust implicitly. I don't like confrontation, I avoid it if possible. Sometimes though, you can't.


Anyway, there's something in the 'Birds' section you might want to see Stu. Don't blame me on the perch though, it was placed there by the river. :)
 
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Following up on this..........

Tomorrow, I'm off to see a kingfisher. It's one I've been watching for a couple of weeks, with no real intentions of photographing it on those occasions. Of course, I had my camera on these recces, just incase I got a sitter but it was more about wathcing the KF's routine.

I think I have that now. I have a plan and tomorrow, I'm going to implement it, all being well.

The problem is, it's very near a park, with one of those outdoor basketball/5 a side courts. Last Sunday, there were tons of kids there and I'm always uncomfortable in that situation. Hopefully, it will be quiet as it's cold here but it's also a Sunday, with the kids off school. I'm feet away from a path too, it's quite a difficult path but not impassable and I noticed last week some dog foot prints on the banking, so I think it's a regular spot for dog walkers. This doesn't bode well for my comfort zone.

I'm going though, I'm going to confront my feelings and deal with whatever comes my way.

The police station is nearby, I have been thinking of letting them know what I'm doing, to save any possible confrontations in that respect. Is that sensible?

So, we'll see what tomorrow brings, it's an uncomfortable one for me.
 
I'd def talk to the old bill buddy......................, I'd def be incredibly uncomfortable............... I'd def have the best camera and lens combo you own in me grubby mits, nowt else that is def stressed you def should go, its def gonna be 3 coats cold

you should def get a piccy and show me tomoz

I love being definitve about wildlife togging Dale who am I kidding....who the hell am I kiddin....

the more ya look the more ya stare the more hours in the field the more chances you get of making an image of a roe deer when all the work went into a kingfisher

Natures just makes a mockery of us bro you know it I do,many can't own that
but there's nowt here but truth is there? ;)

all the luck bro I don't envy you buddy but if you want anything enough in life one has to do the hard stuff

take care buddy
 
I agree with what you say Dale- I try to seek out places that the general public don't have access too and I am lucky being an ex- Gamekeeper, I know lots of local land owners & have access to a large expanse of land and a small lake - with NO PUBLIC right of way :)

I feel rather privileged having this

Les
 
I know how you feel I’d rather be out in nature away from people than in a busy place
I’m normally after dragonflies or butterflies which even nowadays not many people are interested in at least here in north Wales
I normally go for a wander along the river early normally just come across dog walkers who are normally friendly
 
Update,

as it turned out, it didn't really matter as when I got there, there was no KF ( or people). That's wildlife for you, it had been there for the previous 4 recces and then, when you go prepared and ready to try and take images, it's a no show. The KF wsn't there a few days ago either but I did sight one a bout half a mile downstream. Time to shuffle along. :LOL:
 
Dale. said:
Update,

as it turned out, it didn't really matter as when I got there, there was no KF ( or people). That's wildlife for you, it had been there for the previous 4 recces and then, when you go prepared and ready to try and take images, it's a no show. The KF wsn't there a few days ago either but I did sight one a bout half a mile downstream. Time to shuffle along. :LOL:
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What's that saying Dale? "Never work with Children or Animals " :LOL::LOL::LOL::LOL:
 
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