jancapturesnature.co.uk

Hi, I’m Jan. I’m a passionate nature lover and amateur photographer based in the UK. For me, there is nothing better than heading out with my camera to capture the quiet beauty of our local British wildlife.

You don’t need a £5,000 corporate lens or an expensive trip to the Scottish Highlands to enjoy nature photography. This blog is all about sharing practical, budget-friendly tips to help everyday beginners get stunning wildlife shots using simple gear, right in their own local parks or gardens.

Black and white close-up profile of a Western Jackdaw perched on a wooden fence post near the Flamborough cliff edge cafe in Yorkshire.
The Clifftop Sentinel. This clever Jackdaw was waiting patiently on a wooden fence rail just outside the cafe at Flamborough Head.
An Atlantic Grey Seal resting on a bed of kelp in the water along the rocky shores of the Farne Islands nature reserve, Northumberland.
The Kelp Bed Keeper. A curious Grey Seal watching our boat pass a rocky haul-out point in the Farne Islands colony.
Closeup side profile of an Atlantic Puffin on a rocky cliff face, captured during a wildlife boat trip around the Farne Islands, Northumberland, UK.
The Cliffside Character. Spotting Atlantic Puffins returning with sand eels during a fantastic boat excursion around the Farne Islands.

The Story Behind the Shot:

I captured this sharp profile of a local Western Jackdaw balancing on a weathered wooden fence post during a quiet afternoon. Corvids are famously intelligent, and I had to sit incredibly still for over twenty minutes to let him build up the confidence to land nearby and enjoy a small crumb. I chose a black and white edit to strip away distracting colors and really emphasize the beautiful textures of his plumage and that keen, watchful eye.

My Real-World Settings:

Camera Body: Canon EOS R10

Lens used: 70-300mm kit lens

Shutter Speed: 1/1000s to freeze the movement

Aperture: f/5.6 to get that soft blurred background

ISO: [e.g., 400]

While stopping for a hot drink at the Flamborough Head cafe, this striking Western Jackdaw landed on the wooden fence line right next to me. Coastal crows and jackdaws are incredibly bold but highly intelligent. I switched my Canon EOS R10 to tracking mode, sat completely still with my brew, and waited for him to turn his head to catch that piercing, silver-blue eye against the weathered wood.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing my personal field journals, simple composition ideas like using natural framing, and breakdown guides on easy camera settings like Aperture Priority. Pull up a chair, and let’s explore nature together.