How and Where to Photograph Otters on the Isle of Mull

Рет қаралды 8,640

Жыл бұрын

Title: How and Where to Photograph Otters on the Isle of Mull
Description:
Welcome to this exciting adventure on the picturesque Isle of Mull, where I embark on a quest to capture stunning photographs of one of nature's most charismatic creatures: the otter. In this comprehensive guide, I'll reveal the best techniques, tips, and prime locations to photograph otters in their natural habitat.
Join me as I explore the diverse landscapes of Mull, renowned for its rugged coastlines, secluded beaches, and tranquil lochs, all of which provide the perfect setting for otter encounters. With its abundance of wildlife and unspoiled beauty, Mull is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
In this video, I'll share essential information about otter behaviour, including their feeding habits, preferred habitats, and the best times of day to observe them in action. I'll discuss the equipment you'll need, from cameras and lenses to essential accessories such as camouflage that will help you capture those magical otter moments with precision and clarity.
I will provide valuable insights into the art of otter photography, covering scouting, tracking, and techniques to ensure your images truly stand out. You'll discover how to blend into the environment, maximizing your chances of getting up close and personal with these enchanting creatures while respecting their natural space.
Throughout the video, I'll take you to some of the most renowned otter hotspots on Mull, unveiling secret coves, hidden bays, and secluded lochs that serve as the perfect backdrop for incredible otter encounters. I will share my intimate knowledge of the area, revealing the best vantage points and sharing stories of remarkable otter sightings.
Whether you're a seasoned wildlife photographer or a beginner eager to learn, this video is a must-watch for anyone captivated by the charm of otters and the stunning landscapes of the Isle of Mull. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable photographic adventure as I unveil the secrets to photographing otters in one of Scotland's most breathtaking locations.
Don't forget to subscribe to my channel and hit the notification bell, so you never miss an episode of my wildlife photography series. Grab your camera, pack your sense of adventure, and join me on the Isle of Mull for an incredible journey to photograph the elusive and delightful otters. Let's capture their magic together!

Пікірлер: 113

@carstenpusch4480 15 күн бұрын

Great &Thanks! 🙂

@danwillis_photography 13 күн бұрын

My absolute pleasure 👍🏻

@KarlWellerPhoto Жыл бұрын

Great video as always Dan and some great photos as well… We have had some pretty terrible times on Mull seeing Otters being pursued and chased into the water, so much so that we stopped going to Mull and instead go to some much more northerly islands, instead where you have to walk a good distance across the moorland to photograph the otters, instead of driving around the Lochs, we find the additional foot work keeps the crowds at bay… On Mull in the past we were watching a mother and 2 cubs, deploying decent field craft, camouflaged, watching direction, moving while the Otters were down, and being quiet and getting some decent photos (I’m a Sony shooter sorry Dan) … All of a sudden a car pulls up and out run a few people with camera phones, next thing with a splash off go the Otters… Other occasions on Mull similarly we had found that the very prescience of us on the side of the road, or lower down would draw a crowd in no time… we even watched another photographer walking along the shoreline following behind an otter, you could clearly see the otter wanting to come up to the shore or shake off the person, in the end we had to shout down asking them to stop chasing the otter…!

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment and thoughts on this matter. The experiences you describe are very similar to the experiences I had on my most recent trip to Mull and can understand why you would choose not to return to the island. I too have been to the more northerly locations you described and agree it definitely puts off people. Thanks again for your comment and support, it’s appreciated. All the best 👍🏻

@mk1photography61 2 ай бұрын

A great video thanks and superb photography

@danwillis_photography 2 ай бұрын

Thanks very much I really appreciate that 👍🏻

@grapesodatravels Жыл бұрын

Oh my! How fabulous. The super still weather was glorious. We'd love to explore Mull one day and this video has only pushed it up our bucket list. Otters!

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment, I love to read that viewers are inspired to visit the places I share in my videos so really appreciate it. All the best 👍🏻

@dcurleyifa Жыл бұрын

Dan, please be aware that the Mull Otter a group would rather you did NOT provide locations for Otters as there has been too many incidents of togs causing disturbance to Otters, blocking routes to Holts and generally badgering the Otters to get shots without the necessary fieldcraft to ensure they do not cause harm or disturbance. I applaud your skills but be aware there are those who do not care about anything but getting the shot, I have witnessed this myself on a number of occasions .

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

The very reason I made this video was witnessing some terrible ethics from photographers hounding an Otter to the point it left the meal it had worked so hard to catch. My aim was to provide generic locations rather than specific ones (I had hoped I had done this) and most importantly the safest methods of photographing otters without causing any disturbance or harm to the otter. Hopefully this video achieves this?

@dcurleyifa Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dan, Apologies I panicked when I saw your vid title and didn’t watch the whole way through I have now and your good 👍🏻I have been following Otters for 30 years and much of what you say is sound, though I would say you don’t need CAMO for Otters, just dark comfortable clothing. Otters sight is relatively poor put what they do see is movement and far better is their sense of smell ! Always look for a freshwater stream entering a Loch and be aware that the Otter may have a holt upstream up to a Km away from the sea if the Otter approaches the mouth of the stream be ready for bathing shots and it running up the shore/stream. If it is a female and it appears to be hunting for food for cubs watch and listen for the cubs that could be 30 to 100 mtr. away, and I have had many encounters with the cubs coming to me whilst mum is hunting ( seems most youngsters are inquisitive)

@antonoat Жыл бұрын

Dan, a great film with some stunning images! You always demonstrate a very responsible approach to wildlife photography and I think you are a great advocate and ambassador for wildlife photography in general. I personally stopped posting locations for birds and general wildlife photography some time ago as there are so many inconsiderate idiots about I do my best to discourage them! I don’t think you gave away much here as everyone knows there are otters in that and similar areas. Seems you’re pretty thrilled with the Z9, I may also go that route at some point! 👍😀 Happy snapping! 😀

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

That sounds like some incredible insight thank you very much for sharing them with me it’s really appreciated. All the best 👍🏻

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

My aim was to give a very generic location but to really focus on the correct ethics when photographing otters. My recent trip saw some absolutely shocking behaviour from photographers. Thanks for your comment, it’s really appreciated 👍🏻

@twitcherspictures Жыл бұрын

Nailed it again Dan.

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much guys, appreciated as always 👍🏻

@rikarthur8969 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dan, been following your videos for quite some time now. They get ever better as you have become more comfortable with the "pieces to camera", this is your best yet. I've visited Mull numerous times over the last few years and have been horrified at the greedy, selfish and utterly thoughtless attitude of the absolute minority of snappers (I don't call them photographers as they are more concerned with social media "look how good I am" shots) who care little for the animals welfare. Your video nails the aspects of fieldcraft necessary to find, see and photograph otters successfully without intrusion. Let's hope people can learn from this. My latest otter encounter was in my local river where I'd seen an otter and tracked ahead of it, waited in bushes on an island as it spent ¾hr drifting and fishing towards me, just as it got to the critical distance a walker with dog came by, saw the otter, grabbed his iPhone and started videoing it...3 seconds, bye-bye otter! Perhaps he may find you video and learn.

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much for your comment and continued support. Good to hear that the video’s are improving as that is definitely been the aim. Your experience on Mull with snappers and then more recently with a dog walker highlight the issue perfectly which led me to making the video. I only hope that the behaviour of a few on Mull doesn’t have any detrimental long term impact on the otter population. All the best Rik 👍🏻

@keithgrafton5006 Жыл бұрын

2 Tubes of Smidge received and off to the Osprey Hide you mentioned on Friday followed by a week in Mull. Your videos have been well timed and much appreciated.

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much Keith, I’m jealous of the fact you are off to my favourite place. Have a fantastic and productive trip, all the best 👍🏻

@DavidJohnBlackwell Жыл бұрын

Lovely video Dan and I would totally agree with your no contact philosophy not just with otters but with all wildlife. Following your last video from gingrin farm I booked myself in and true to form had a wonderful experience and total sensory overload photographing red kites. I am also a regular visitor to Mull and will no doubt be visiting again in the near future. Your videos are very helpful inspiring and entertaining so please keep them coming. Best wishes to you and dad.

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave I really appreciate your comment and support and I’m glad you had a fantastic experience at Gigrin and hopefully got some great photos. All the best 👍🏻

@adelacour 3 ай бұрын

I was itching just watching :)

@danwillis_photography 3 ай бұрын

😂😂😂 that made me giggle 🤭

@stephencooper8565 Жыл бұрын

Lovely video Dan , I wish every one took the care you did . I have seen some chasing them all over especially on another well known loch

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

It was such behaviour that made me want to make this video, some people are photo over everything! Thanks for your comment 👍🏻

@csayban Жыл бұрын

So much great information. Thanks Dan!!

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much Chad, appreciate your comment 👍🏻

@Rob.1340 Жыл бұрын

Cheers Dan, nicely done. Nature First. All the best. 👍📷😎

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much Rob, always appreciate your comments mate 👍🏻

@davidsutton2432 Жыл бұрын

Another awesome video Dan with some great images

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Many thanks David, appreciate your continued support. All the best 👍🏻

@ianjackson1670 Жыл бұрын

Another great video Dan great tips and advice for when I visit look forward to your next one!

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much Ian, appreciated as always 👍🏻

@paulcbennettphotography7959 Жыл бұрын

Just brilliant again Dan and you are fast becoming my favourite as I love your approach and how you get it across. The subjects welfare should always come first before any images and you do this perfectly. Having never been to mull for the otters I will be taking on board your very informative advice when and if I eventually get there sometime 🤞keep in touch mate and keep the fabulous videos coming. Best wishes Paul 👍

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Cheers Paul I really appreciate that and it’s always good to hear from like minded photographers as I know you are. All the best mate 👍🏻

@davidcollazos8985 4 ай бұрын

Absolutly amazing video...I'm planning to visit Mull coming fron Spain. I hope to find some...

@danwillis_photography 4 ай бұрын

Thanks very much David, I’m sure you will find plenty of. Mull is such an amazing island. All the best 👍🏻

@davidcollazos8985 4 ай бұрын

Thank you!...the last thing I want to do is to spoil the otters...may be I'll reach for some good local guide.

@danwillis_photography 4 ай бұрын

@@davidcollazos8985 I can thoroughly recommend Brian Boyes, I have linked his website below. Please mention me if you do decide to book him 👍🏻 bjbimages.co.uk/

@relichunter7984 Жыл бұрын

Great video again Dan with some excellent advice on both the photography side and the welfare of the Otters. It looks a beautiful place to go, another one on my list.

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much for your comment, my own brief for this video was pretty much your comment so thank you 👍🏻

@laurencearnold5822 Жыл бұрын

Well done Dan a very well put together video, my wife spotted some otters on another Loch as we drove along I had a fantastic 45 minutes watching and photographing laying in the kelp. When they moved away and i crept back several cars had pulled up also but to there credit they watched from the car👍

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

That’s great to hear that you had a good otter encounter whilst on Mull. Appreciate your comment as always Laurence, all the best 👍🏻

@SwanSycorax Жыл бұрын

Great video Dan, I am really hoping to visit Mull in 2024 so these tips are very useful.

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much Brian, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻

@deolimjo Жыл бұрын

Great video thank you for the tips, I often seem them in my local area virtually 5 minutes drive, however it’s not easy to get a clean shot as good as yours. well done

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much, really appreciate your comment 👍🏻

@craigmaisfield3247 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant mate. A place I'm yet to go..

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

I can definitely recommend Mull, it’s a wildlife photographers paradise. All the best Craig 👍🏻

@garyives1218 9 ай бұрын

So, I'm in the desert. There are a few rivers/ riparian areas not too far, so heck yeah, I get out there every so often. I sat very chilled out (aside from our "midges" swarming me) near the edge of the water just after sunrise when not 15ft from me a mammal emerged from beneath the water exposing over 2ft of its body. I didn't even know there were such large mammals in this river! It's nose was on the broadish side, so I believe it was a beaver. I had to Google if there were beavers in this (Verde in AZ) river. I also found out then that there are also otters! Otters here were reintroduced by some from Louisianna in the 1980s as they had been displaced by early settlers. Maybe it's a good thing that I hadn't yet pick up my budget buy Canon eos7D. I was so mesmerized I didn't even whip my phone out for a pic. No way I would have got a pic with the camera, and that would have been a bit frustrating :)

@danwillis_photography 9 ай бұрын

Wow that sounds like an incredible encounter, what a wonderful part of the world you live in (if it is your home area that is?) I’ve not yet had an encounter with a beaver but I can imagine it is incredible. Thanks for sharing, all the best 👍🏻

@user-ns6bu9ij6m Жыл бұрын

Hi Dan Great video .On mull at the moment got some otter photos yesterday .

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

I hope your trip is a fantastic one mate. All the best and thanks for your comment 👍🏻

@geordiegraham6117 Жыл бұрын

Stunning Video Dan with Stunning footage at a Stunning location,well done mate Graham

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much Graham I appreciate your comment. All the best 👍🏻

@cliveingram9840 Жыл бұрын

Wonderful video Dan and my wife and I were lucky enough to see otters from our first day on Mull but having our dog with us prohibited the photography as I didn’t want the dog anywhere near causing disturbance. I did get one shot from a fair distance and with a 400mm so far from great. Otter was looking straight at me but was unfazed I think as I was a respectable distance away and did not try to close that distance. Truly stunning shots and a very respectful and informative video. Clive

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much Clive, appreciate your comment. Hopefully the tips I’ve shared might get you closer next time. To be honest though it’s just a pleasure to see them. All the best 👍🏻

@andywilson3381 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant and very informative video as per usual Dan, I’m there again in September , an amazing place Keep up the good work, love watching your videos 👍

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Cheers Andy, I really appreciate your comments. I’m back on Mull in August with Pops so we’ll let you know for September. All the best mate 👍🏻

@nickclaytonphotography Жыл бұрын

As usual, top drawer stuff Dan! If Carlsberg made Photographers Dan Willis would be the best in the world - probably! Some great tips, advice & general etiquette that I really hope some others heed. Like yourself & many others, I too have witnessed the charge of the tog brigade chasing these poor animals up & down the beaches on lots of different lochs on Mull, terrible behaviour to watch & I know a few people that won’t return to Mull because of this. This video your words, your actions & the results you achieved are all people need to watch - & hopefully a few of the guilty ones (be they newcomers/ignorant to the disturbances they are causing) will watch & learn the right way to do it! Well done mate, cracking stuff! Best of luck with the Ospreys too! 🦅 Keep on keeping on! Best, Nick

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Many thanks Nick, I really appreciate your comment and your continued support for my channel. All the best mate 👍🏻

@jeanlouis83 Жыл бұрын

Hello Dan good oictures and good vidéos, and a fine day

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much, appreciated as always 👍🏻

@sangliersepromene Жыл бұрын

Très intéressant. Merci pour ce beau partage. Je pense aller à Mull l'an prochain, je tenterai ;-).

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

merci beaucoup pour votre commentaire, c'est apprécié. Je peux vivement recommander l'île de Mull, c'est vraiment un paradis pour les photographes animaliers

@sonnydugganphotography Жыл бұрын

Another Great Video Dan Very Informative Top Work Pal 👍

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Many thanks Sonny, appreciate your comment and continued support 👍🏻

@daleroyal6449 Жыл бұрын

@@danwillis_photography The only info Sonny took from that was having to run every 20 seconds and that is not going to happen lol, Another great video Dan ,if your ever photographing river Otters ,As they dive watch for bubble trails coming to the surface ,then when the bubbles stop that is where the otter will appear👍

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

That made me laugh out loud Dale 😂😂😂 Thanks for the tips on river otters, something I will definitely remember. Best comment so far, cheers 👍🏻

@sonnydugganphotography Жыл бұрын

@daleroyal6449 Listen To The Old Man Its Me Who Carrys You When We Are Out Less The Cheek Boyo 😄

@richardcotton4267 5 ай бұрын

What a great video. You’ve done well there. Great tips and ideas. Something I will take note of. Thanks very much. Hope your Osprey hide was a success

@danwillis_photography 5 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Richard, really appreciate it 👍🏻

@phillipalmond4357 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant video Dan and very useful crafting techniques, do you have to consider tide times in that area which will push them closer to the banking. 🙂👍

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

When I first started photographing otters on Mull I used to swear by tide times in that I would always go looking for them an hour either side of low tide. The more I visited the more I realised that they are pretty much active throughout the day and that low tide presents more opportunities to photograph them out of the water due to more shoreline being available. I tend to now focus on the best lighting available rather than tide times, when the two combine it’s the perfect setup 👍🏻

@phillipalmond4357 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, it is good to know this and quite agree light is so important when photographing these guys and so much fun to watch, we saw some at Garloch in the harbour. 🙂👍

@martynsmithson6908 Жыл бұрын

Superb again Dan.Thanks, my question,,, where did you purchase your camaflage jacket ?.

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much Martyn. The jacket is from Decathlon and the 3D jacket is from Amazon 👍🏻

@martynsmithson6908 Жыл бұрын

Cheers, looking forward to next one.

@kimwedgbury8518 Жыл бұрын

Enjoy your videos Dan and the message in this one about not harassing the otters for mere photographs is well said. A couple of queries though. Whilst you say that Loch Scridain is your personal favourite otter hotspot I note that the majority of this video is filmed at a different and in my experience very productive location. is this an attempt at misinformation to take the pressure off the loch not mentioned ? Secondly whilst the point about not parking in passing places on Mull's roads is equally well made is that your car parked in a parking place at the end of your video ? Hope to catch up with you on Mull sometime and share anecdotes.

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment and I’m impressed with your detective skills. I’m genuinely not trying to deceive or push people away from locations. All the drone work and some of the other filming was at another Loch but purely down to being able to film uninterrupted. Loch Scriddan had heavy traffic on the week we were there and so it was difficult to film due to the noise of work vehicles and lorries. My vehicle is never parked as my wife drives on the island and so she is always in the vehicle and able to move it to avoid obstruction. All the best 👍🏻

@stephenwilliams6682 Жыл бұрын

Hi Dan, another lovely video. The mono photo of the otter did you change in camera or post production? Thank you for sharing.

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much it’s appreciated. All my images are shot in raw and then converted to mono in Lightroom, hope that answers your question. All the best 👍🏻

@JgHobley Жыл бұрын

Great video. If your 500mm f4 the VR or FL?

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much for your comment. The lense is 500mm f4G VR 👍🏻

@Boiga. 6 ай бұрын

Great video, thanks for the tips. I am going to Mull on a workshop in June, where did you pick up the 3D camo from? I have been looking around online but not sure which one to go for. Cheers :)

@danwillis_photography 6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. The 3D camo was from Amazon. I’ve popped a link below amzn.to/3H0xFo7 All the very best for the new year 👍🏻

@Boiga. 6 ай бұрын

@@danwillis_photography Amazing, thanks so much! :) have a good new year and cant wait to see ore of your videos in 2024. Happy new year :)

@M4tt.C0llins 3 ай бұрын

Great video, Dan. I will certainly be putting your tips to good use when I go myself. Can I ask where you got all your camo clothing from?

@danwillis_photography 3 ай бұрын

Thanks very much I hope you have a great trip. All the camp clothes I have worn for this video have been purchased off Amazon, if I can find the link I will send it through you. All the best

@M4tt.C0llins 3 ай бұрын

@@danwillis_photography Thanks Dan, that would be greatly appreciated. I think I’ve found some of the items but I am curious as to what the camo pattern names are. Also, will you and Pops be doing any competitions anytime soon? All the best

@danwillis_photography 3 ай бұрын

@@M4tt.C0llins we will once Pops has recovered from his surgery and is back to full strength. The camo link is below amzn.to/43wsg2F

@M4tt.C0llins 3 ай бұрын

@@danwillis_photography I’m sure he knows this, but we all wish him the best of luck and a speedy recovery, and hopefully you get your camera sorted soon too haha. Do you have the link to the jacket and gloves also? Thanks

@danwillis_photography 3 ай бұрын

@@M4tt.C0llins the jacket and gloves were from Decathlon and were there own brand 👍🏻

@user-kz3fy4tn8e 3 ай бұрын

Great video Dan! Was just wondering what brand your gloves were? Thanks.

@danwillis_photography 3 ай бұрын

Thank you. The gloves were purchased from Decathlon and were their own brand 👍🏻

@user-kz3fy4tn8e 3 ай бұрын

@@danwillis_photography Thank you 🙏

@paulliversage4479 Жыл бұрын

Great video and great tips...unfortunately my gf isn't up to all that...we only seen 1 on our trip near where you said....got a few shots of it in the water then got ourselves ahead of it and hid ourselves behind bushes...unfortunately 1 of the wildlife tours turned up and stood out in the open ruining any chance

@danwillis_photography Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment Paul, appreciate it. I know exactly what you mean, one of the reasons for being up so early in the morning was to miss the car fulls of tourists. All the best 👍🏻