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.

Jul 07, 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 03, 2025

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

photo of a fox 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

Continue reading "Forget the Forecast: Why Your Best Photos Happen in the Rain"

Jun 30, 2025

The Day I Learned to See Eye-to-Eye: A Low Angle Photography Story

lynx photographed from below

My wildlife photos were boring until I learned a lesson on a cold beach. A story about overcoming fear and finding a true connection with nature through my lens

Continue reading "The Day I Learned to See Eye-to-Eye: A Low Angle Photography Story"

Jun 30, 2025

Getting into Wildlife Photography: The Essentials You'll Need

running hare backlit by morning light

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

Continue reading "Getting into Wildlife Photography: The Essentials You'll Need"

Jun 30, 2025

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

robin with blurred background

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

Continue reading "How to Change Camera Settings to Capture Feelings, Not Just Photos"

Jun 29, 2025

The East Yorkshire coast - from Spurn Point to Bempton Cliffs

egret-at-spurn.png

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

Continue reading "The East Yorkshire coast - from Spurn Point to Bempton Cliffs"

Jun 28, 2025

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

fowlmere landscape

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

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

Jun 28, 2025

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

nene-washes-sunrise.jpg

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.

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

Jun 26, 2025

Finding and photographing rare swallowtail butterflies in the UK

Strumpshaw-fen-map.jpg

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

Continue reading "Finding and photographing rare swallowtail butterflies in the UK"

Jun 26, 2025

Golden Hour Photography: A Guide to Finding Your Confidence

mallard in flight

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

Continue reading "Golden Hour Photography: A Guide to Finding Your Confidence"

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.

Continue reading "Beak Speak: A Guide to Bird Beak Types and Uses"

Jun 25, 2025

How a Reluctant Teenager Discovered Ideas for Autumn Photography

autumnal wood

A reluctant teenager on a nature walk discovered how to see the stories of autumn and use a camera to capture them. A heartwarming tale with simple photo tips.

Continue reading "How a Reluctant Teenager Discovered Ideas for Autumn Photography"

Jun 24, 2025

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

wigeon

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.

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

Jun 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.

Continue reading "Types of Bird Feather Patterns and Why They are Important"

Jun 21, 2025

Monks Wood Nature Reserve: A Beginner's Guide

common-lizard.jpg

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

Continue reading "Monks Wood Nature Reserve: A Beginner's Guide"

Jun 15, 2025

Rutland Water Nature Reserve for wildlife photography

teal-and-wigeon.jpg

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

Continue reading "Rutland Water Nature Reserve for wildlife photography"

Jun 15, 2025

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

robin

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.

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

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?

Continue reading "I think I heard a Chiffchaff at Paxton Pits"

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:

Continue reading "Do Willow Warblers Visit Gardens?"

Jun 14, 2025

Common Chiffchaff: The Bird That Sings Its Name

A common chiffchaff perched in a tree, beak open in song. The bird faces slightly sideways, catching the spring morning light.

Struggling to identify birdsong? Learn the Common Chiffchaff's simple song with this guide and turn frustration into the joy of knowing what you're hearing.

Continue reading "Common Chiffchaff: The Bird That Sings Its Name"

Jun 14, 2025

Mute Swans - should I be afraid of them? Learn more about them

mute-swan-with-reflection.jpg

Learn many surprising mute swan facts about their lives and discover how to take great photos with plenty of detail in those beautiful white feathers

Continue reading "Mute Swans - should I be afraid of them? Learn more about them"

Jun 14, 2025

How to Connect With Nature | Find Wonder on Your Doorstep

The path across the road from my house

Feeling disconnected? Learn how to connect with nature by avoiding the "epic day out" mistake. Find wonder and belonging with simple, local walks

Continue reading "How to Connect With Nature | Find Wonder on Your Doorstep"

Jun 13, 2025

How To Edit A Wildlife Photo: Post Processing Techniques for Wildlife

robin before being cropped

An intro to learning how to edit a wildlife photo and techniques that will help your photos look their best while still appearing natural and authentic.

Continue reading "How To Edit A Wildlife Photo: Post Processing Techniques for Wildlife"

Jun 13, 2025

Nature in Cambridgeshire: Beyond the Guidebook

sunset.jpg

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

Continue reading "Nature in Cambridgeshire: Beyond the Guidebook"

Jun 07, 2025

Beginner Camera for Wildlife Photography | Nature Walks with Carol

may fly

Choosing your first wildlife photography camera? This guide breaks down affordable mirrorless and DSLR cameras, explaining the key features to look for without the overwhelm.

Continue reading "Beginner Camera for Wildlife Photography | Nature Walks with Carol"

Photo of Carol

About the Author

Carol is a wildlife photographer and nature writer based in the East of England, with a passion for peaceful walks, patient observation, and capturing life’s quiet wonders.

Through her lens and words, she shares the stories of the natural world — from bluebells and butterflies to birds like the great crested grebe.

Read more about Carol

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Recent Articles

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

    Jul 07, 25 02:41 AM

    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.

    Read More

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

    Jul 03, 25 09:18 AM

    photo of a fox 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

    Read More

  3. The Day I Learned to See Eye-to-Eye: A Low Angle Photography Story

    Jun 30, 25 02:46 PM

    lynx photographed from below
    My wildlife photos were boring until I learned a lesson on a cold beach. A story about overcoming fear and finding a true connection with nature through my lens

    Read More