Donna Nook

[minky_monkey]

Now, I know a few of you have been there, I saw the shots posted today in the gallery.

Quick query, what kit would you recommend? Both in terms of photographic kit and personal stuff. Is there something that when you went for the first time, you thought I wish I`d bought such and such with me.

I`ve never been before, and being a southern softy I should imagine that it`s a little "brisk" up there!!

Just trying to get my preparation sorted, any help would be much appreciated!

 

[IanC_UK]

Firstly, it depends where you want to see the Seals at DN really, to see them by the path you dont really need much at all, but if you are wanting to walk out onto the beach (danger area, and only do this at weekends NOT during the week !)

Waterproof boots, waterproof trousers, waterproof jacket, make sure you are warm, a bag to protect your camera gear, something to cover the camera while in use, if its windy or wet, to protect it from the salt. Something to lay on, a bin bag or something will do really, specially if you have the waterproofs on

Any lens will do, longer the better to prevent stress to the animals, dont get too close, if one of the adults moves towards you, move away, they are damn ferocious if narked !

I found the 100-400 was perfect really.

Its a bloody long walk out to the waters edge, so check the tides and make sure you arent walking out while the tide is coming in, it can catch you out and you will be trapped ! Is about a mile out, and on soft wet sand. Keep you bearings with the shore line so you know where to walk back to.

Im sure i have missed something but that should cover a lot of it

Oh, and enjoy

 

[mobilevirgin]

WHS

Its freezing out there - even if its not at the car park.

Don't stress about lens lengths - 200 - 300mm is fine.

Don't get too close, but don't be afraid of getting a bit close - just watch and be aware of what's going on.

 

[kevshore]

I live about 20 mins away and try to go every November. I would advise you to get there early on a week day if you can. By early I mean 8.30ish. That way you will just about have the place to yourself and freedom to get the shots you want. It gets stupidly busy at weekends later in the day.
The tides around this part of the coast are well known for catching people out. even locals. So unless you are determined to get that ultimate shot as Ian has said, you can literally walk a couple of hundred yards and walk along a 3ft high fence and see pups/mums resting against it.
Its a great frist time experience and quite moving to just stand and observe.
Not a brilliant shot but an indicaton of how close you get. The shadow is the actual fence I referred to.

Just go, enjoy it and and please respect them and take litter home. (Some dont!!)

Kev.

 

[IanC_UK]

enjoy it and and please respect them and take litter home. (Some dont!!)

Yes very important and i forgot to add the take litter home or use a bin thing !

Remember the beach is out of bounds during the week, but you can walk along the fenced path no problem. And as shown by Kev the seals and pups do get very close to you.

Do NOT try to touch them, even the pups can remove fingers or cause a major problem if they get a grip, and if the mother smells any human smell on the pups, they will abandon them !

 

[markp]

All very sensible advice.
It is an amazing place, so enjoy it as much as you can but just be sensible.
We normally get there around 7am and have a quick mug of soup while we wait for it to get a bit lighter. It does get really busy so an early start is advisable (as is the hot drink, brrr!)

 

[minky_monkey]

Thanks alot for that info, all very useful. Cheers!

 

[The Matt]

I'm hoping to get down again this year. Hopefully I can convince my parents they want to set off at 6am!

I'll mirror what everyone else has said, and add that you should take a wee bit of cash. An enterprising landowner opens up a field as a car park and charges a quid or two for you to stop. It's well worth the cost!