Wildlife and Photography

In our line of work, we have ventured over a lot of the United Kingdom and parts of Africa. We really enjoy going and experiencing new places and wildlife to photograph. The thing about new places is they can be more than a little bit frightening. You don’t know what you have let yourself in for. Is all the time and money you’ve spent going to be worth it?Of course most of the time going somewhere new is worth the effort, but it is impossible to keep going to new places. So we have a fall back. We have a series of places that are very local to us that we visit on a regular basis. These are our banker places to take photographs, somewhere we are going to get pictures.We’ve had a lot of comments about close by locations that you can visit regularly. It seems that they seem to be the last on the list for photographers to visit and take photographs. Well we hope that in this podcast we can help change your mind. Local can be just as rewarding as traveling hundreds of miles to not get a sighting or photograph.If you would like to reach out to us with a question or comment our social media links are below.Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkandJackyBloomfield/Twitter - https://twitter.com/mandjbloomfieldInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mandjbloomfield/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/m&j-bloomfield/Buzzsprout - https://wildlifeandphotography.buzzsprout.com/1491085

Episode 19 “A year through our kitchen window” What an odd subject for a podcast you may think. But we will take you through our kitchen windows and into the woods beyond, which are full of wildlife. The wildlife we are privileged to be able to watch day to day. To witness, dramas life and death struggles, going on just outside our kitchen windows. This episode contains a full year of extracts from our wildlife diary where we record the comings and goings in our garden.There has been a wee bit of a break in the regularity of publishing episodes in 2022. We hope that you will stick with us as we have started to overcome the circumstances that have made it impossible for us to publish as many episodes as we would wish. Fingers crossed we are now getting back on track and will be able to publish more in 2023. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkandJackyBloomfield/Twitter - https://twitter.com/mandjbloomfieldInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mandjbloomfield/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/m&j-bloomfield/Buzzsprout - https://wildlifeandphotography.buzzsprout.com/1491085

Have you ever stopped and wondered how close-ups of flowers, butterflies, etc., are taken? These pictures are the ones we repeatedly take regularly.Over many years we have tested many bits of equipment. Some have been a help; others have ended up in a box somewhere. In this episode, we will tell you what we carry with us. Why we do it and how we use it. Learn from our successes and failures. You’re going to be surprised by some of the equipment we use. But over the years, we have refined what we take with us. What helps us create spectacular and individual pictures; of the intricate, macro world that surrounds us all.Take a journey into the world of macro photography. Don’t make the mistakes we did. Find out what we have ended up using, and learn from us. Companies that manufacture the products we mention in the podcast.O’Tom Tick Twister - https://www.otom.com/Zeiss Binoculars - https://www.zeiss.co.uk/Gitzo - https://www.gitzo.com/uk-en/Arca Swiss - https://www.arca-shop.de/en/Manfrotto - https://www.manfrotto.com/Sto Fen - http://www.stofen.net/Lumecube - https://lumecube.com/Wimberley - https://www.tripodhead.com/X-Rite - https://www.xrite.com/Helicon Soft - https://www.heliconsoft.com/ Our Social media linksFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkandJackyBloomfield/Twitter - https://twitter.com/mandjbloomfieldInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mandjbloomfield/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/m&j-bloomfield/Buzzsprout - https://wildlifeandphotography.buzzsprout.com/1491085

Episode 17 part 2 of the wildlife and photography podcast “Trees, myths legends and the science”. We continue where Episode 16 left off with another five tree species, facts, and recent scientific findings, about how woodlands and the trees in them work together.Trees and the products we make from them have been part of our world and homes, for tens of thousands of years. We understand how important wood is when we look for furniture to make life comfortable. We burn wood to keep us warm in the cold or cook our food on. But we don’t really have a deep understanding of how a tree and woodland work. We have lived side by side for 3 mega-annum, but it is perhaps only in the last 100 years that we have begun to understand, just what a complex organism a tree is.Chapter timingsHazel                                     09:10Horse Chestnut              16:30Oak                                        22:48Rowan                                  29:31Scots Pine                          35:14 OrganisationsTrees for life - https://treesforlife.org.uk/Woodland Trust - https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/American Forests - https://www.americanforests.org/The World Wildlife Fund - https://www.wwf.org.uk/Wildlife Conservation Society - https://www.wcs.org/ Social media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkandJackyBloomfield/Twitter - https://twitter.com/mandjbloomfieldInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mandjbloomfield/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/m&j-bloomfield/Buzzsprout - https://wildlifeandphotography.buzzsprout.com/1491085 DonationWe have a dear friend who's husband passed away. In his memory, a grove of trees is being planted here in the highlands. If you would like to help with the planting of new trees you can make a donation here - https://treesforlife.org.uk/groves/g5891/

Episode 16 – of the Wildlife and Photography podcast is all about Trees, myths, legends, and the science that surrounds trees. Trees have been part of our culture and providing us with material goods for tens of thousands of years. Over that time we and our ancestors have revered, and worshiped trees. We have come to rely on the tree to provide warmth comfort and protection from the world.Most of us, however, know very little about the woodlands we love to visit, and even less about the trees which grow there. It is only in the last few decades that our understanding of trees and the role they play in our lives has started to emerge.It is a truly fascinating subject and you will never look at a tree in the same way after listening to this podcast.If you want to know even more after listening to this episode, the next episode number 17 will be about trees as well. Because we couldn’t get all that we wanted to tell you into one episode.Chapter timingsAlder            10:52 minsAsh              16:17 minsAspen           21:29 minsBeech           26:22 minsBirch            31:22 minsElm              36:29 mins OrganisationTrees for life - https://treesforlife.org.uk/Woodland Trust - https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/American Forests - https://www.americanforests.org/The World Wildlife Fund - https://www.wwf.org.uk/Wildlife Conservation Society - https://www.wcs.org/ Social media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkandJackyBloomfield/Twitter - https://twitter.com/mandjbloomfieldInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mandjbloomfield/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/m&j-bloomfield/Buzzsprout - https://wildlifeandphotography.buzzsprout.com/1491085 DonationWe have a dear friend who's husband passed away. In his memory, a grove of trees is being planted here in the highlands. If you would like to help with the planting of new trees you can make a donation here - https://treesforlife.org.uk/groves/g5891/

If you are taking pictures outdoors then this podcast is for you. The weather is an important consideration to the type of picture you are going to get, and it can even determine where you can go.The weather forecasts we had access to were so vague, we found that we were wasting time, by going to places, only to find the weather was not as predicted. Weather is so important to us, we decided that we had to do something to try and increase our odds of getting a get picture. We decided meteorology is a vast and complicated subject but there had to be a better way of knowing what the weather is going to do.It seems impossible for amateurs, to be able to do better than teams of trained meteorologists but it is not such an impossible task. What we learned, and use daily and why we took the decision to be our own weather forecasters. How we use the information that is on the internet to make our own predictions and give you some pointers on how to get started yourself. Are all in this episode.Don’t’ forget if you have any questions you would like to ask about this or any of our episodes please reach out to us on social media. We will try and give you an answer or at the very least point you in a direction that may get you the answer.Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkandJackyBloomfield/Twitter - https://twitter.com/mandjbloomfieldInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mandjbloomfield/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/m&j-bloomfield/Buzzsprout - https://wildlifeandphotography.buzzsprout.com/1491085

Meadows are the subject of episode 14. Not just that bit of green, that flashes by as we look out of the car window. The subject is a vast one; in this podcast, we take an overview of the different types of meadows. These open areas of our countryside may look empty but, on land and sea, they are full of life and diversity. We consider how important they are, and what it could mean if we lose this valuable habitat. Join us as we take a wander through the fascinating world. Do reach out on social media if you have any questions. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkandJackyBloomfield/Twitter - https://twitter.com/mandjbloomfieldInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mandjbloomfield/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/m&j-bloomfield/Buzzsprout - https://wildlifeandphotography.buzzsprout.com/1491085

This episode, number 13 is about where to find wildlife and take pictures of it. For us, as wildlife and nature photographers we need to be able to find subjects to photograph. What may seem a simple task is in fact quite complicated and can be a challenge to people starting out in wildlife photography.The episode was inspired by one of our listeners who asked “How do you go about finding your subjects to photograph?” It was such a good question that we decided to do a complete episode trying to explain how we go about it.There are loads of hints and tips for you to try for yourself. And we will explain the different methods we have tried and our preferred way of working. This episode should give you lots of ideas on how to find subjects to photograph and along the way will give you an insight into how we get our images. Images that we like to think are just a little bit different from the norm. You will also get a greater understanding of why we do what we do. You can find out more about us and our work on social mediaFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkandJackyBloomfield/Twitter - https://twitter.com/mandjbloomfieldInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mandjbloomfield/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/m&j-bloomfield/Buzzsprout - https://wildlifeandphotography.buzzsprout.com/1491085 

If you know what rewilding is all about then this podcast may give you a different look at the subject. For those of you who, are looking for a podcast to listen to and are thinking what the !!! is rewilding let me explain.We live in the natural world. It may not seem like it if you live in the middle of a city but know matter how far you think you are from nature you are in fact very dependant on it for the air, water, and food we all crave.Rewilding, landscape restoration, ecological restoration, reawakening nature, and restoring natural diversity are all basically the same thing with a lot of different names to confuse the newbie. A vast subject with many differing opinions about what should be done. We try and shed a bit of light, and offer a quick way to come up to speed on what rewilding is all about.Some of the organisations mentioned in this episode:Scottish Rewilding Alliance https://www.rewild.scot/Ray Mears https://www.raymears.com/Trees for Life https://treesforlife.org.uk/Coastal Communities Network https://www.communitiesforseas.scot/Find us on social mediaFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkandJackyBloomfield/Twitter - https://twitter.com/mandjbloomfieldInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mandjbloomfield/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/m&j-bloomfield/Buzzsprout - https://wildlifeandphotography.buzzsprout.com/1491085

A slightly shorter episode this month, but looking ahead to the forthcoming season of autumn. Where does the word autumn come from? Some scientific facts - we enlighten you. Listen to some mythology, good info for those awkward quiz questions. There is something for everyone in our podcasts. Please reach out to us on social media, if there is a subject matter you would like us to cover.Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkandJackyBloomfield/Twitter - https://twitter.com/mandjbloomfieldInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mandjbloomfield/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/m&j-bloomfield/Buzzsprout - https://wildlifeandphotography.buzzsprout.com/1491085

We have called this episode the Rule of Moving about. Confused about all the rules you’ve heard about. We have got our own special rule called the rule of moving about. Listen and find out why and how this can help you get better pictures. Doesn’t matter what camera you use, this rule can help.Any questions or comments let us know via our social media channels. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkandJackyBloomfield/Twitter - https://twitter.com/mandjbloomfieldInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mandjbloomfield/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/m&j-bloomfield/Buzzsprout - https://wildlifeandphotography.buzzsprout.com/1491085 

Flowers make our world a better place, but they are not just for our delight. The real reason plants produce flowers is all to do with reproduction. Flowers are for most plants a way of getting an animal to transfer pollen to another plant. Without this true wonder of nature, humans would lose about 70% of the plants we rely on to feed ourselves. Our podcast gives an insight into the relationship between plants and the animal kingdom.Bumblebee Conservation Trust - https://www.bumblebeeconservation.orgRoyal Entomological Society - https://www.royensoc.co.ukBuglife - https://www.buglife.org.ukM&J Bloomfield - on Social mediaFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkandJackyBloomfield/Twitter - https://twitter.com/mandjbloomfieldInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mandjbloomfield/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/m&j-bloomfield/Buzzsprout - https://wildlifeandphotography.buzzsprout.com/1491085 

This episode is all about our climate. What does climate mean, where does the word come from? We give a brief look at the planet’s climate. How the changes affect our world and what we can do to make a difference. If you have any questions or comments let us know via our social media channels.Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkandJackyBloomfield/Twitter - https://twitter.com/mandjbloomfieldInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mandjbloomfield/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/m&j-bloomfield/Buzzsprout - https://wildlifeandphotography.buzzsprout.com/1491085 Phoebe Weston – The Guardian 8 March 2021 – Land could be worth more left to nature than when framed, study finds

This episode is all about using manual exposure on your camera. We try to dispel the myths that seem to abound on the internet, that manually setting all the exposure parameters, makes your pictures better. We have advice about, how and when to use it, give examples of what we use to capture our wildlife images. We hope after listening to the episode, you will be able to make an informed choice, about how you choose to use manual exposure. If you have any questions or comments, please get in contact via social media.Buzzsprout.comFacebook - @MarkandJackyBloomfieldInstagram - @mandjbloomfieldLinkedIn - m&j-bloomfieldTwitter - @mandjbloomfield

Spring has arrived. Episode 6 of the Wildlife and photography podcast is all about the science and beauty behind spring. The effects it has on animals, plants, and humans. Because we live in the UK, don’t think this podcast is not for you, we cover spring as it affects the planet. 

In this episode, we are talking about important accessories that are often overlooked by many. It’s not all about the latest lens or gadget. It is about how to stay safe, comfortable and enjoy your time out photographing. We talk about what we have found invaluable and recommend some products and where to buy them, including a special section for ladies. Products and organisations mentioned in this episodeKahtoola Microspikes Footwearshewee.comboobydoo.co.ukrya.org.ukscottishmountainrescue.orgmountain.rescue.org.ukglenmorelodge.org.ukrnli.orggov.uk/government/organisations/maritime-and-coastguard-agencyordnancesurvey.co.ukwhat3words.com

In this podcast, we give a slightly different view on the question, where is the natural world going to live? It is a big question, with far-reaching consequences for us all. Learn about how every small action we collectively take, will make a difference to help save our planet for the natural world and ourselves. 

What camera do you use? Is a question we get asked a lot. In this episode, we look at our reply and the reasons behind it. Also, hints and tips to improve your photography no matter what camera you are using. Be it a smartphone, compact or DSLR.If you would like to know more about us and our work, visit our website https://www.mandjbloomfield.com

Badgers are the largest mammalian land predator in the UK. It's active during the hours of darkness and therefore rarely seen. If you are curious about Badgers and want to look into its secretive world, this podcast is for you. We have a group of Badgers that regularly pay our garden a visit on their nightly foraging trips. Years of watching and much research gives us a wonderful insight into their world, and the impacts we have on theirs. If you would like to know a bit more about us you can listen to Episode one which is an introduction to us and our work or visit our website https://www.mandjbloomfield.com/To find out more about Badgers and locate your local Badger group, visit the following websites depending on where you live.England, Wales and Northern Ireland visit the Badger Trust website. Scotland then Scottish Badgers is the website for you. 

In this episodeStarting today we’re launching a series of podcasts, each episode will be covering a different topic about either wildlife or photography. Learning about the natural world, how it works and its inhabitants is something we do every day. Our knowledge of photography comes from over 15 years as wildlife photographers and many more years in commercial photography. We are Mark and Jacky Bloomfield we’re passionate about helping people enjoy, understand and learn. Episode one is an introduction to the content of future podcasts and a little about who we are. If you would like to know more about our work visit https://www.mandjbloomfield.com/