Mull Charters Photography Tour
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- Welcome to Episode 6 of my Scotland Tour 2024! This time, I’m back on the beautiful *Isle of Mull* for a special wildlife photography experience. In this episode, I join *Mull Charters* to photograph one of Scotland’s most majestic birds-the **White-Tailed Sea Eagle**. 🦅📸
Known for their enormous wingspan and striking features, these incredible eagles soar over the lochs and cliffs of Mull, providing perfect opportunities for stunning wildlife photography. But in this episode, I’m setting myself a new challenge: instead of sticking to my usual safe 300mm focal length, I’m pushing myself to shoot at *400mm* with my *Nikon Z9* to capture tight, creative portraits of these magnificent birds in flight.
*Photography Challenge: Shooting at 400mm*
Photographing eagles is already thrilling, but zooming in at *400mm* presents a whole new level of difficulty and creativity. Here’s what I’ll be covering in this episode:
*Why I’m Using 400mm:* I’ll explain how pushing the focal length further allows me to capture *intimate portraits* of the eagles, focusing on their piercing eyes, powerful talons, and intricate feather details. This challenge is all about getting up-close while the eagles are in mid-flight, catching fish, or perching on the rocky shoreline.
*Tracking Fast-Moving Subjects:* Using a longer focal length means precision is key. I’ll share my tips on *tracking fast-moving birds* at 400mm, including how I use the *animal detection autofocus* on the Nikon Z9 to ensure sharp focus on the eagle’s head and eyes, even while it’s in rapid motion.
*Managing Shutter Speed:* To freeze the eagles in action, I’ll break down how I set a **fast shutter speed**-often upwards of 1/2000th of a second. This is essential to keep my images crisp and to capture those dramatic moments when the eagle dives to catch fish from the water.
*Stabilising at 400mm:* With the added zoom comes the challenge of stabilisation. I’ll show how I use the *NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lens’ vibration reduction* system to keep the images sharp, even at such long distances, and how I position myself on the boat to minimise motion blur.
*Behind the Scenes with Mull Charters*
Mull Charters provides a unique opportunity to get close to these stunning birds. I’ll take you behind the scenes of the boat trip:
*The Best Locations for Eagle Photography:* We’ll explore the *sea lochs* and coastlines around Mull, areas well-known for being prime hunting grounds for sea eagles. I’ll explain why this location is perfect for wildlife photographers and share the ideal conditions for capturing these birds.
*Timing and Patience:* Sea eagles are unpredictable, and patience is a critical part of the experience. You’ll see how I wait for the perfect moment-whether it’s an eagle swooping down to catch a fish or spreading its wings to soar above the water.
*Boat Photography Tips:* Photographing from a moving boat adds another layer of complexity. I’ll share practical advice on how to deal with changing angles, moving targets, and varying light conditions while on the water. From using a *faster burst mode* to adjusting ISO to compensate for overcast skies, you’ll see how I tackle these challenges in real time.
*Creative Portraits and Composition:*
Beyond just documenting the eagles, I’m focusing on *creative wildlife portraits* in this episode. Here’s what to expect:
*Close-Up Details:* At 400mm, I’ll capture extreme close-ups of the eagle’s facial expressions, beaks, and feathers. This allows me to create unique, dynamic compositions that highlight the bird’s raw power and elegance.
*Composing for Impact:* I’ll share techniques on how I compose each shot for maximum impact, such as using the eagle’s wingspan to create a sense of drama or isolating the bird against a blurred background for that magazine-cover look.
*Action Shots:* Watch as I attempt to capture those breathtaking moments when the eagle snatches a fish from the water. These action shots are not only thrilling but also a test of my reflexes and ability to anticipate the bird’s movements at such a long focal length.
This episode is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike, offering a deep dive into the technical challenges of capturing birds in motion at long focal lengths. You’ll walk away with actionable tips on how to improve your bird photography while also experiencing the beauty of Scotland’s west coast.
Don’t forget to *like**, **comment**, and **subscribe* if you’re enjoying the series, and hit that notification bell so you don’t miss out on the upcoming episodes of my Scotland Tour 2024!
These pictures make me speechless........and jealous! Well done!
@@hvdb2406 thank you, that’s a fantastic compliment and I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Great video Dan. Loved every second of it and it brought back memories of my own fantastic past trips on the Lady Jane. It's an absolute "must do" for any wildlife enthusiast, photographer or not, when on Mull to see these incredible creatures.
You are absolutely right it’s a fantastic trip. Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Great timing Dan….i was there today…always a great experience and sneaking on their last trip of the year tomorrow. Stunning images especially the gull interaction
Thanks Nigel, always appreciated mate. Hope you have a fantastic trip 👍🏻
Fantastic Dan since finding your channel recently I’ve been binge watching all your wonderful adventures.
I’m Autistic and wildlife photography for me is so so important.
Your videos which include pops have given me the inspiration to plan trips further afield for 2025
Including Mull.
Many thanks
Neil Bennett
Thanks very much Neil, I really do appreciate it. When watchers say that the videos have given inspiration, it’s always the best compliment.
All the very best 👍🏻
Gorgeous shots Dan!!
Thanks very much Patty, always appreciated ☺️
Lovely video again Dan! It is really something this trip, with Mull Charters. Was there end of June this year!. Was amazing to be there and photograph these eagles .
Your previous youtube video's where a very large part of the inspiration to go to Mull! So thank you so much for sharing, once again👏🙏
Thank you, I always enjoy reading that my videos have inspired others to experience amazing encounters such as this.
All the very best 👍🏻
Lovely Dan, same here a must do if you’re on Mull!!
Thanks very much Andy I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Great photographs
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Great trip and images Dan! I saw their boat from the shore...wish I'd have gone! Next time.
Thanks very much Scott I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Some really important tips there Dan about keeping your camera dry etc, superb images, I'm going to make Mull a priority next year. Thanks Dan Brilliant stuff once again. Regards Andy
Thanks very much AndyI really appreciate it. Definitely need to get yourself to Mull 👍🏻
Absolutely stunning images Dan, just beautiful. The size of that beak and those talons! Thanks for sharing and you said you may be on 6000 subs when this video goes out! Well, you've smashed that and deservedly so.
Thanks very much I really do appreciate your continued support.
All the very best 👍🏻
Great video!
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Great video Dan.....did the trip last year..the first time the eagle flew near overhead truly took my breath away
Thanks very much Paul I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Enjoyed the series of vids mate. Top top pics. Off to Scotland myself in 3 weeks . You've wetted my appetite . Cheers
Thanks very much Gary I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Fantastic video, we did that trip a few years ago, and your pictures are stunning.
Thanks Sheila, always appreciated 👍🏻
Totally agree about the pent-up excitement as you walk down to the Lady Jayne. I've done the trip 4 or 5 times and I hope I never lose the buzz!
It’s an incredible feeling isn’t it. Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Absolutely cracking stuff Dan.
As you know I have been on Mull Charters a few times myself, & ironically on my trips I started out with the 400mm for the tighter images, & then switched down to the 70-200 & 1.4tc for some wider images. As you say it’s always magical seeing these birds up close in this way, & I reminded myself on a few of their visits to the boat to leave the camera down & just take it all in & soak it up with my own eyes. I’ve missed Mull this year, but can’t complain as Botswana wasn’t so bad! 👌
In the words of Arnold Strawberry….
I’ll be back! 😂
Great tips & some stunning images as ever mate.
Keep on keeping on!
Best,
Nick
Cheers Nick, it’s funny that you should mention taking the camera down and looking at it with your eyes. On the recent wild x podcast Adam said exactly the same and it made me realise that despite being on the trip several times I’ve never watched the eagles dive with my eyes 👀 so definitely something I will be telling myself on my next trip.
All the very best mate 👍🏻
@ I did it in 2023, just a distant iPhone video as I watched it come in - absolutely insane
Amazing images!!! Truly appreciate the time you put in to share your superb work with everyone. Looking forward to your next adventure.
Thanks very much Rick I really appreciate it 👍🏻
excellent and thanks for the tips…
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Loved the video Dan brought back some great memories from 18 months ago with Mull Charters, wish we had your weather it was pissing down on our trip and we were shooting at 6400 iso but still got some great shots. Martin and Alex are a great pair so helpful, the thrill of seeing the Eagles for the first time is breathtaking I couldn't believe how big they were. I think that was a great idea going for the tight shots with already having the standard shots. I totally agree about paying the extra for the Photography trip for six people that's what we did and it makes such a difference having so much space. Thanks again for a cracking video.👍
Thanks Kevin, glad the video sparked some great memories mate.
All the very best 👍🏻
One of your best films Dan. That lens is awesome and produces images of sublime IQ. Loved it.
Thanks Nigel, that’s high praise indeed! Appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Amazing Dan, looks like a fantastic few hours out on the boat. Will be heading to Mull next year, I'm already excited about the prospect of capturing some decent shots. Keep the videos coming they are a joy to watch .
Thanks very much Paul I really appreciate it 👍🏻
@danwillis_photography Hi Dan, just a quick follow up Mull is all booked, I do have a dilemma in your opinion should I do 300mm on full frame or consider 300mm on aps-c 1.6x crop and stick a 200mm plus 1.4 convertor on a full frame giving me a couple of options. I don't really want to be messing about on the boat with changing cameras. Cheers, your advise is always highly valued.
Sorry for the delay in responding Paul, I would 100% go with 300mm on a full frame, this is the sweetspot for photographing the eagles.
Have an awesome trip 👍🏻
Thank you, Dan. I'm looking forward to it. The excitement is already building. 👍
Brilliant video Dan, what a superb experience. Thank you.
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Once again magnificent captures of such a huge raptor, you certainly had a fruitful Mull trip, can't wait to see the dynamic duo in action in the near future, thanks for your informative and great videos 👍
Thanks very much Derek I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Another fantastic video Dan, a great Scottish trip once again and some great tips along the way!.....keep up the good work! thanks Chris
Thanks very much Chris I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Awesome photos enjoy the journey with you Thank you
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Awesome images! Loved coming along on your Scottish journey. Thanks for sharing it with us!!
Thanks very much Louisa, I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Super mate. Great to get a different shot to what you've already got in the bag. Those Talons !! 👏👏👏👏❤️👍
Cheers Rob, always appreciated mate 👍🏻
Fantastic foties as usual Dan. I especially liked the one of the gull mobbing the white tailed eagle. I like how you are imparting a lot of knowledge not just about photography but how to prepare for a trip too. Keep up the good work. 😀😀😀
Thanks very much Andrew I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Mull Charters may have excelled but boy you also excelled in all aspects of communication. You really are an extremely competent and engaging fellow and a joy to watch . If pops taught you then you had a gifted instructor. Looking forward to all your adventures
Thanks so very much, that’s a fantastic compliment to read. I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Great video Dan and just love the tighter images as they really show up the features of the bird. Defo makes me want to go back again, 😀👍
Thanks very much Ian I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Stunning video Dan, the shot with the seagull and eagle is my favorite. But the other are awesome to. 😉
Cheers Cor, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Another fantastic video Dan you took some great photos keep up the great work stay safe Mike. Hope PoP is well.
Thanks very much Michael I really appreciate it. Pops is doing great thanks for asking 👍🏻
Really enjoyed your Scotland tour and those white tailed eagles - wow - some stunning shots
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Hello Dan.
i admire your love for photography and I love you passion for wildlife, keep up the good work with your videos.
Gafur from Norway
Thanks very much Gafur I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Fantastic video dan! We are looking to try and get a trip up the mull in May
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Stunning images Dan! great content and tips, Thanks!
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Stunning images, Dan.
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
😍😍😍
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Stunning shots again Dan
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Amazing trip and fantastic photos well done Dan
Thank you Mick, I really do appreciate it 👍🏻
Very informative Dan, we really enjoyed watching. Thank you
Thank you Susan, I really do appreciate it 👍🏻
Fantastic images Dan in another great video.
Thanks very much David I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Stunning images Dan, love your content thank you for sharing
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Dan u keep putting new places on my bucket list grrrrrr sensational video and beautiful stills shots cracking matey
Get yourself to Mull mate, it’s an incredible place for wildlife photography. Better still, I’m looking to put together a tour in the future which you could join me on 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography now Dan that sounds like a plan
Absolutely stunning as usual Dan.
Thank you Stephen, I really do appreciate it 👍🏻
You did exactly what I did on my second trip with Adam mate, getting those classic shots in the bag allows you to get creative after that. Great stuff as always 🎉
Cheers Andy, you are exactly right. Once you’ve bagged the shots you can let your creativity shine.
All the very best 👍🏻
Brilliant Video Dan, still have to do Mull (planning for 2025).
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Always fantastic 😊
Thank you Gary, I really do appreciate it 👍🏻
Hello Dan, You have some amazing images, not to mentions some good tips to. I for one will try and remember. I know I will never be able to get a 400mm f2.8, to be honest I do not think I could left one.(I do have one of my collarbone missing and a smashed sternum, plus a good number of part the the surgeon thought I could live with out) I was thinking of replacing my 300mm pf F mount lens for the new 400mm f4.5 as I do like the way the Z glass looks. Great video and one super trip up to Scotland, I am looking forwards to my trip up there in 2025. Thanks once more.
Pops had the 400mm f4.5 and absolutely loved it. Incredibly sharp images and well worth a look 👀
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Once again zDan Brilliant 👏 👌
Thank you Derrick, I really do appreciate it 👍🏻
Brilliant as always mate. Great advice about the focal length too - I love the 400mm on Mull Charters. Question is, after our conversation, did you manage to watch a dive away from the camera? 😂😂
Thanks so very much Adam, really appreciate it. Unfortunately this video was shut before our discussions on the podcast, so no I didn’t get to see this incredible bird away from the viewfinder 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ there is of course, next time 👍🏻
Awesome trip there Dan! Thanks for bringing me along. I thought that you were in the chat. My mistake! Cheers!
Thanks Jon, always very much appreciated mate 👍🏻
Thanks for your great vids👍
Thank you so very much I really appreciate your generosity and support.
Take care and all the very best 👍🏻
Brilliant again Dan Great Images love going out with mull charters when I am over on Mull . Another good boat to go out with if you’re up here next year . Glen Sheil Crusies not far from Fortwilliam near Glenffinan Via duct made famous in the Harry Potter films .
Thank you Kenny, I really do appreciate it. I have been on Loch Sheil cruises before and done a video on it. Completely agree that it is a fantastic trip 👍🏻
I have thoroughly enjoyed all your 2024 Scottish outings. Your photography is so amazing, thank you. Can I please ask who makes your camouflage jacket/coat. We are planning a trip to Mull in 2026. Your videos have highlighted the importance of great clothing. Thanks in advance. Tony
Thanks very much Tony, really appreciate it mate. The camouflage jacket is from Decathlon.
Hope you have a great trip in 2026 👍🏻
Super video Dan, I can see why you keep going back
Thank you Derek, I really do appreciate it 👍🏻
Awesome videos Dan! I was on Mull in June this year and will hopefully be back next year, when I hope to do a Mull Charters trip too.
Quick question, what auto focus mode(s) did you use for the eagles? Single point, auto area, subject detection, 3D tracking?
Thanks very much Davide, appreciate it mate.
For the eagles it very much depends on how they approach. If they are coming in off the sky then I use 3d tracking.
When they come in low and the background maybe distracting I use wide area small with animal recognition and then switch to 3D tracking once the camera has acquired the subject 👍🏻
@danwillis_photography super helpful, all being well I will be there next year with Mull Charters and hopefully a new Z6III and 180-600, but very nervous about what settings to use!
@ I would suggest that you use auto ISO, keep your shutter speed above 1/1000s if light permits above 1/1600s and wide open aperture. Hopefully you will get several visits to allow you to experiment with shutter speeds and aperture 👍🏻
Brilliant video again Dan 👌 these birds are amazing and your shots are magnificent 👍.... quick question.. I've just picked up a mint D800 (9000 actuations)... what's your thoughts on this body with a Sigma 150-600 c for bird photography?... thanks again for sharing your adventures....👍🙂🏴
Thanks very much. I have owned the Signa 150-600 lens and it is an incredible piece of kit. Worth looking at the Nikon 200-500 lens as well 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography thanks Dan...👍... will check it out...🙂
Did you stick with auto exposure - 1/2 a stop throughout? I find that when photographing large birds against a bright sky I either have to add 1 to 2 stops or set the camera in full manual with auto iso switched off. How do you expose for sea eagles against a bright sky?
Some great questions, I use highlight weighted metering as opposed to matrix metering and this often yields much better results.
Hope that answers your question 👍🏻
Thanks. I have never used that exposure mode on my Nikon Z8 but it is available and I will give it a try. Initially it seems a bit counterintuitive but if it reduces the exposure of the bright sky, there is a better chance of the darker bird being exposed correctly.
A weird question but is your voice on the smarty mobile advert??
😂😂😂 that’s Karl Pilkington from the idiot abroad. That made me giggle 🤭
@danwillis_photography oh dear lol, you do sound alike but I'm not calling you a idiot lol
@ 😂😂😂 no offence taken at all, all the best 👍🏻
Dan if you don’t mind me asking who made your photo logo please.
Don’t mind at all. I made it on the Canva website 👍🏻
Special white tailed eagle images dan
Thank you John, I really do appreciate it 👍🏻
I don't believe thats a 400mm lens, even with a 1.6 crop sensor I can barely get a sparrow at the end of the garden! 😥
It most certainly is 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography Of course I believe you, but could you please put it in to perspective for me? How far were you away from the birds, or how much cropping was involved to make the bird look like it was landing on your patio?
@ of course, the birds are hitting the water around 15m from the boat. Sometimes closer sometimes further away. I have cropped in on the tight portrait shots, but no more than around 50% as in full frame the wings were clipped in the image. You also have to take into perspective the size of the Eagle. They have a 2.4 meter wingspan.
Hope that answers your questions 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography Thanks again, because I was beginning to question is 400mm enough? Love the channel mate, keem them coming.