Stephen Paul Young Photography
FineArtPics
Wildlife Photography focuses on photographing animals through observation, patience, and respect for natural behaviour.
Posts here explore fieldcraft, camera technique, seasonal habits, and the realities of spending long periods waiting for moments that may never arrive. Ethical practice and minimal disturbance are central themes throughout.
This section is written for photographers who value understanding wildlife as much as photographing it.
The Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata), with its piercing yellow eyes and striking facial markings, is the largest tropical owl in the Americas, embodying the shadowy mystique of the rainforest. Photographing this enigmatic species at Millets Falconry Centre in Oxfordshire offered a rare chance to study its intense gaze and quiet power up close, without the challenges of humid…
Introduction The Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) is a slender, agile raptor native to the grasslands and savannahs of the Americas, known for its striking plumage and dynamic hunting style. Photographing this elegant falcon at Millets Falconry Centre in Oxfordshire offers a rare opportunity to observe and capture the beauty of this species up close, allowing photographers to refine their…
Wildlife photography combines patience, skill, and a deep appreciation for nature. Capturing the perfect shot requires more than a camera—it demands an understanding of animal behaviour, lighting, composition, and often, a touch of luck. Whether you are photographing grey seals along the coast, elusive owls, or the swift flight of a gyrfalcon, this Guide to Wildlife Photography will provide…
Introduction to Norway Wildlife Photography Norway is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. Its breathtaking landscapes — from rugged fjords to endless tundras and dense boreal forests — are home to some of the most fascinating creatures in Northern Europe. Norway Wildlife Photography offers not only the chance to see rare animals but also…
Introduction The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) is a majestic, large woodland owl known for its soulful dark eyes and pale facial disc, creating an unmistakable presence in European forests. Capturing this elusive bird through your lens is both a technical challenge and a rewarding photographic experience, adding ethereal beauty to your wildlife portfolio, Ural Owl Photography. In…
The Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) is one of Britain’s most iconic nocturnal birds, known for its deep, resonant “twit-twoo” call echoing through woodlands at dusk. Tawny Owl Photography gives challenges and rewards wildlife photographers, offering opportunities for atmospheric portraits and storytelling images that capture the quiet mystery of the night. Recently, I had the chance to photograph…
Introduction Introduction The Yellow-Billed Kite (Milvus aegyptius) is a striking raptor known for its graceful, buoyant flight and characteristic yellow beak. Yet one of the most captivating moments for any wildlife photographer is capturing these birds as chicks, where vulnerability, curiosity, and emerging character are revealed before they take to the skies. Recently, I had…
Introduction The Chilean Blue Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus), also known as the Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, is a striking raptor of the South American highlands, famed for its imposing wingspan and distinctive slate-grey plumage. Photographing this powerful eagle at Millets Falconry Centre in Oxfordshire offers UK photographers the rare chance to study and capture an Andean hunter without travelling to South America,…
Gyrfalcon Photography (Falco rusticolus), the world’s largest falcon, is a true marvel of the Arctic skies, blending brute power with graceful agility. Having the chance to photograph this formidable predator at Millets Falconry Centre in Oxfordshire provided a rare opportunity to study and capture its striking presence up close. This post shares the experience, photography insights, and…
Few birds capture the spirit of flight like the Lanner Falcon. With its keen eyes, tapered wings, and breath-snatching stoops, it embodies the wild freedom we often seek to capture in our wildlife photography. Recently, I had the chance for Lanner Falcon Photography experience up close at Millets Falconry Centre, a hidden gem for wildlife photographers seeking…
The brown hare (Lepus europaeus) is a symbol of both speed and stillness, of sudden drama and quiet poise. Capturing these animals on camera takes more than luck — it demands an understanding of their seasonal rhythms. This timeline offers a month-by-month guide to photographing brown hares across the year, especially in the rolling landscapes…
Roe deer are one of Britain’s most graceful and enigmatic native species. Their shy nature and seasonal behaviour offer unique photographic opportunities for those willing to tune into the rhythms of the land. This ‘Photographing Roe Deer’ guide walks you through the roe deer’s year, helping you understand when, where, and how to capture them…
There was a time when stress, anxiety, and overwhelm felt constant. I didn’t need big solutions—I needed small escapes. That’s when I picked up my camera, took a walk through Ashford Hill Nature Reserve, and found something I didn’t know I was looking for: stillness. Over time, wildlife photography became more than a hobby. It…
There’s a kind of quiet magic in photographing Brown Hares at sunrise. Just beyond the edge of Baughurst Copse, where the mist hangs low over the fields and the birds begin their tentative morning calls, I’ve found both wildlife and peace. It’s here — in the stillness before the world wakes up — that I turn…
A New Approach to a Familiar Place There’s something uniquely rewarding about rising before the sun, heading out into the quiet of the countryside, and waiting for the world and the Brown Hare to wake up. This morning was no exception. I set out early to Baughurst Copse, a place I’ve explored many times, but…
A Quiet Encounter with the Wild Some mornings seem stitched together by something quieter than luck — 5 Roe Deer Photos stitched by patience, stillness, and the simple act of being there.This spring, in the soft woodland light of Ashford Hill Nature Reserve, I spent a few precious hours capturing a series of 5 Roe Deer photos that became…
The Stillness Before Dawn There’s a special kind of silence that exists before dawn, just before the world wakes up. It’s the hush of expectation, the moment when everything stands still, waiting for the first light to break the darkness. That’s the moment I stepped into Ashford Hill Wildlife Nature Reserve today, camera in hand,…
I find there’s something magical about stepping out into the countryside on a crisp February morning for a photography walk. The cool air, tinged with the fresh scent of damp earth, combined with a serene blue sky, creates a perfect setting for both relaxation and photography. Armed with my Canon EOS R5 and Sigma 150-600mm…
Eurasian Blue Tit Photography during winter can be a rewarding experience, even on overcast days. Blue Tit Photography These charming birds add vibrant energy to the season, and with the right approach, you can create beautiful images in your own backyard. Here are five tips to get you started: Now, let me share how these…
