Creating wildlife shots with character

[DarkFairy]

Has any got any tips or tricks for creating this type of shot.

Basically I'm flicking through all my camera mags to give me some ideas and inspiration whilst the weather is a bit naff and I've come across a bit where Simon Roy, Ben Hall and Tom Mason have done this eg. getting a vole to poke its head out of a old boot, getting a bird to land on a spanner etc.

I love doing nature shots i have a very friendly robin who has posed with disney infinity characters and a cup and saucer but does anyone else have any tips and tricks for this kind of photography. Maybe encouraging other wildlife.

 

[steelydan]

A handle of a spade was probably the first shot I remember,that stood out from the rest,a long tome ago now. I suppose Robins are the,easiest to attract to such a perch,the possibilities are endless. Drilling holes and hiding dried mealworms',they will find it very easy in winter.
All I experienced is if you have your perch near a feeding dish,they will land on it prior to heading to the dish. All you need to do then,is change the perch.

A cheap garden gnome( maybe even a fishing gnome)
Old water tap
Old watering can
Old sign with "gardener" or humourius saying on it.

 

[rob-nikon]

There are quite a few who use props in photos with wildlife. The challenge is finding something that hasn't been used if you want something more original.

Geert Weggen is the person who comes to mind when I think along these lines. It's a niche sector that I've never explorered as I like a natural setting/environment to my images but I can see the appeal of it. Geert's image are done very well and very original. He has a Facebook page where you can see his images.

Of set up natural shots, Danny Greens Puffin looking into a burrow image is great. For me it's more nature and very well planned/thought through, and it doesn't involve sticking a camera inside a Puffin Burrow (that wouldn't have been very ethical).