Wildlife Photography Winter Wetlands Photographing Whooper Swans

Join me in this wildlife photography adventure at the East Coast Nature Reserve, Co Wicklow, Ireland to photograph Whooper Swans - a migratory visitor to Ireland from Iceland.
In this episode I will be experimenting with panning techniques and introducing movement and blur into still photographs.
Wildlife Photography Equipment:
Camera Equipment:
Nikon 400mm 2.8 FL
Nikon TC 1.4 III
Nikon TC 2
Nikon D850
Tripod:
Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fibre
Manfrotto MVH502AH Video Head
Groundpod
Manfrotto 393 Heavy Telephoto Lens Support For Monopod
Hide:
Tragopan V6
Vlogging:
Sony RX100 V
Zoom H2N
ZHIYUN Crane M2

[@fergal1970]

Great video Jimmy. You enthusiasm shines through.

[@jimmymcdonnell9435]

Hi Fergal, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Glad you enjoyed - have just released another if you have time to watch. Jimmy

[@zacharygoode8341]

Great content! Thanks for sharing!

[@jimmymcdonnell9435]

Hi Zachary, Thanks so much for the comment. Glad you enjoyed. Jimmy

[@cillin4821]

must go back to that location - never got great shots when i was there, mostly as i was too late in the day. But great to see that it offers much better than i have....please keep it up!!! Great to see a fellow Irish nature photographer at work

[@jimmymcdonnell9435]

Thanks Cillin, Your spot on - it's not great for bird photography generally - I can remember that year - the coastal field was flooded and filled with wildfowl. Jimmy

[@iviemclardy50]

A wee bit late on joining the party, I also just think these are magical birds, to photograph, like you I am also just starting out with Nature Photography, ( just retired), so will thoroughly enjoy your Nature photography journey with great interest, keep the great work

[@jimmymcdonnell9435]

Thanks Ivie, Lucky you - I've a few more years to go - hope I'm still in good health when I get there. If you have a website/Instagram please send me a link and we can follow each other - share the journey. Jimmy

[@adstoop7885]

Jimmy what inspiring photos and advice again. Thank you very much for your commitment.

[@jimmymcdonnell9435]

Thanks again Ad, Still in lock down here in Ireland. Lucky to have this little reserve just down the road. Jimmy

[@aeroptical]

Some really great images Jimmy. The single swan with the legs trailing in a running fashion was my pick from the video. Fantastic how you manage to keep the head still whilst showing the movement of the wings, legs and water. With the variety of birds and wildlife you have in Wicklow you're spoilt. Great video and perseverance, I enjoyed watching.

[@jimmymcdonnell9435]

Ruairi Phelan Thanks Ruairi, Perseverence is the word for it! 1/60 to 1/80 of a second seems to do it but the panning needs to be firm and smooth. Only images as the birds fly directly in front of the lens tend to work. One chance per day, some days no swans. The head will never be tack sharp but I love what the technique does for a good backdrop. Thanks for taking time to comment. Jimmy

[@eimearlaffan4427]

this was an absolute joy to watch. thank you!

[@jimmymcdonnell9435]

Hi Eimear, I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed the video. Thats brought a great smile to my face on this grey, drizzly day. Thanks so much, jimmy