Carol's Nature Photography Blog

The pages on this site document my walks in the East of England and on vacation in other areas of the country. I always have my camera with me, and like to capture images of the wildlife and nature that I see.

As each page is added to the site it will be listed on this page making it easy for you to see the new additions. When I make repeat visits to a destination I will often add further information to an existing page, so you may see pages popup again. They are worth checking out even if you have read them before.

Aug 23, 2025

Monks Wood Nature Reserve: A Beginner's Guide

Feeling overwhelmed by nature? Discover Monks Wood, Cambridgeshire's quietest ancient woodland. Get simple tips to find peace and make your first discovery.

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Aug 23, 2025

Finding and photographing rare swallowtail butterflies in the UK

Swallowtail butterflies in the Norfolk Broads attracted us back for a second year. This time I was lucky enough to photograph them!

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Aug 23, 2025

Shutter Priority Mode: The Secret to Sharp Wildlife Photos

Tired of blurry bird photos? Learn how Shutter Priority mode gives you control over motion in wildlife photography. Step-by-step guide included.

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Aug 23, 2025

How to Change Camera Settings to Capture Feelings, Not Just Photos

Feeling intimidated by your camera's dials? Learn to translate feelings into photos by understanding aperture, shutter speed, and ISO as a creative language.

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Aug 13, 2025

How I Stopped Taking Boring Photos: My Guide to Low-Angle Photography

Feeling disappointed with your wildlife photos? This is the story of how I learned to use low-angle photography to go from boring shots to real connection.

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Aug 04, 2025

Prime Lens vs Zoom Lens: A Guide to Choosing Your Approach

redwings and fieldfares love the autumal berries

Feeling frustrated by your camera? Learn the real difference between a prime lens vs zoom lens. It isn't about specs, it's about your creative approach.

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Aug 04, 2025

Your Window on the Wild: Choosing a Lens for Nature Photography

Think you need a bag full of expensive kit? Not at all. Let's have a simple, down-to-earth chat about which lens for nature photography will serve you well.

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Jul 22, 2025

Can you walk to Spurn Point Nature Reserve in East Yorkshire?

Come with us on a virtual walk around Spurn Point and see the birds and wildlife that we encountered at Autumn time

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Jul 21, 2025

Types of Bird Feather Patterns and Why They are Important

When flying against the sky the bittern is clearly visible. But against reeds?

Discover bird feather patterns, from types and colours to the role of plumage in camouflage, breeding, and flight. A guide for beginner birdwatchers.

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Jul 21, 2025

Why Won't My Camera Focus? My Search for a Simple, Overlooked Answer.

The camera would not focus on the damselfly!

Feeling frustrated by blurry photos? You're not alone. An expert shares his own "rookie error" and a simple checklist to fix your camera's focus issues.

Continue reading "Why Won't My Camera Focus? My Search for a Simple, Overlooked Answer."

Jul 16, 2025

Nature in Cambridgeshire: Beyond the Guidebook

Forget typical guides. Join a 40-year journey into Cambridgeshire's nature, discovering the landscapes, wild secrets, and personal stories behind the places.

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Jul 14, 2025

Start Here: Your Beginner's Guide to Nature | Carol's Field Guide

Feeling lost in the outdoors? This is your starting point. Learn the steps to plan a great day out, identify your first birds, and take photos you're proud of.

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Jul 12, 2025

Forget the Forecast: Why Your Best Photos Happen in the Rain

Don't let rain ruin your plans. An expert guide to embracing the storm, staying functional, and capturing the magical wildlife photos others will always miss

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Jun 30, 2025

Getting into Wildlife Photography: The Essentials You'll Need

Getting started with wildlife photography? Learn about the right gear, techniques, and tips to capture stunning shots of wildlife, even as a beginner.

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Jun 29, 2025

The East Yorkshire coast - from Spurn Point to Bempton Cliffs

The East Yorkshire coast offers migrating birds, hidden coves, towering chalk cliffs and sea bird cities. Enjoy!

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Jun 28, 2025

RSPB Fowlmere: A Guide to Finding Your Own Pace in Nature

A personal story from RSPB Fowlmere about ditching the rush and discovering nature's quiet secrets. A jargon-free guide for beginner birdwatchers.

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Jun 28, 2025

RSPB Nene Washes Winter Sunrise: Wildlife, Owls & More (Guide)

Discover the magic of RSPB Nene Washes in winter. See photos of Short-Eared Owls, Whooper Swans, deer & get visitor tips for this Cambridgeshire gem.

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Jun 26, 2025

Golden Hour Photography: A Guide to Finding Your Confidence

Discover that golden hour isn't about expensive gear, but about finding the moment. Learn to capture the magic with confidence in this step-by-step story

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Jun 25, 2025

Beak Speak: A Guide to Bird Beak Types and Uses

The spatula shaped beak of a shoveler duck

This guide turns you into a nature detective, showing you how to read the story of a bird's life just by looking at its beak type. and uses.

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Jun 25, 2025

Autumn Woodland Photography Tips for Beginners - 6 Field-tested ideas

New to autumn woodland photography? Learn simple beginner tips for light, focus, and composition on a forest walk, no fancy gear needed

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Jun 24, 2025

Paxton Pits: How to See a Kingfisher (A Beginner's Guide)

guide to Paxton Pits Nature Reserve. Learn how to overcome "imposter syndrome" and get your first great wildlife photo, with tips for seeing a kingfisher.

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Jun 15, 2025

Rutland Water Nature Reserve for wildlife photography

Rutland Water Nature Reserve - an account of a day spent photographing the wildlife at this important reservoir and wildfowl reserve

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Jun 15, 2025

How to Identify Wild Birds: A Beginner’s Guide to Birdwatching

Stop memorising lists. Start making friends. A simple, personal method for how to identify wild birds. Turn a confusing blur into characters you know by name.

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Jun 14, 2025

I think I heard a Chiffchaff at Paxton Pits

I was out near Paxton Pits and think I heard a Chiffchaff, but it was just a single, soft 'hweet' sound every so often, not the full song. Is that normal?

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Jun 14, 2025

Do Willow Warblers Visit Gardens?

I saw a warbler in my garden that looked like a Chiffchaff but had quite pale legs. Could it have been a Willow Warbler in my garden? Carol's response:

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About the Author

For me, it’s never been just about bird names or camera settings. It’s about the quiet thrill of understanding the story unfolding in front of you. The moment a "weed" becomes a butterfly nursery, or a distant speck resolves into a hunting kestrel.

My camera is the tool I use to capture that magic, but my real passion is sharing it. This site is my digital field notebook, my collection of trips, and my invitation to you to stop, look a little closer, and find your own connection to the incredible nature on our doorstep.

Step Behind the Wild Lens

If you've enjoyed your time here, the journey doesn't have to end.

I send out the Wild Lens newsletter on an occasional basis. It's where I share my latest field notes, the stories behind my favourite photos, and practical tips that don't always make it onto the site. It's your dose of quiet magic, delivered right to your inbox.

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