Advice for photography day at British Wildlife Centre

[mr.si]

Hi all,

My family have clubbed together to get me a photography day at the BWC and I was wondering if anyone has been and if you have any pointers?

I am not doing the bird specific day but the general wildlife version as I thought that would give more variety.

I currently have a Nikon D7000 with 2 lenses... Tamron 17 - 50 f2.8 and a Sigma 120 - 400 HSM APO f4.5-5.6

This is what I shall be taking with me, plus speedlights and wireless shutter release. My tripod is a decent one, I can't remember the name of the legs but bought via the classifieds here and the head is from an old hama pro 2.

I also have extension tubes for the purpose of macro.

 

[gramps]

@Gremlin is a regular visitor there so will be able to give you some tips

 

[Gremlin]

Hi simon, you will love it, done a couple of members' photography days, great fun, we had mammals and owls
To be honest l wouldn't bother with the speed lights or tripod, you will be outside
and the animals moving, the keepers set them up for you, lenses should be fine, l used mainly a 70/200 2.8
you are in the enclosures with the foxes, wildcats, otters and squirrels

Some of my pics
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54506982@N07/albums/72157649680649024

a bluebell day with owls and hedgehog
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54506982@N07/sets/72157667332384140

If you need to know anything else feel free to ask, they have wildcat and polecat kitts atm

 

[mr.si]

Yes I am very much looking forward to it. I am going early July so hopefully it will be a nice dry day.

I will take your advice regarding speedlights etc.

I think my main worry is that I have a gap in my focal length due to my lenses and I only have one body so would keep having to faff with lens changes. I cannot justify another body even a used one from here.

Still, I can't wait!

Great photos by the way Gremlin, truly stunning and so sharp.

 

[wave01]

Never been to this place but been to other centres. iMHO you will be fine with the lens you have. Do t worry about flash or tripods Enjoy the day take lots of shots.

 

[Gremlin]

Yes I am very much looking forward to it. I am going early July so hopefully it will be a nice dry day.

I think my main worry is that I have a gap in my focal length due to my lenses and I only have one body so would keep having to faff with lens changes. I cannot justify another body even a used one from here.
Great photos by the way Gremlin, truly stunning and so sharp.

You'll be fine, don't want it too bright, just dry and warmish?
I don't think the gap in focal length will be a problem, more how close you can focus as the animals do get quite close
at times
Keepers are very helpful and friendly, a couple are photographers so know what the limitations are
If you live close enough it might be worth going up on an open day (weekends only except for school holidays) just to have a quick look round and give you an idea
just remembering that you will be in with the animals.
Car park is close to the centre so you can always leave stuff in the car and collect it later if you think you need it.

Thanks for the comment on my pictures, those albums were on photo days with just our group on site, just to give you an idea of what you can get, there is another album
showing loads more from normal days, which can be almost as good, if the animals show.
If you do decide to visit before, try and be there a bit early for the keeper talks, animals are often out and waiting, and you can chose a good place. and hang around
a bit after, they tend to get playful after everyone has left .
Red Squirrels in particular who tend to be a bit elusive at other times but always show for the talk .