November 2011
Oliver's regular feature for Bird Art & Photography is now available in the November 2011 issue of Bird Watch magazine.
Oliver's seventh article "Action Stations" describes some of the techniques for capturing inspiring images of birds in motion, whether this is in flight, catching food or taking off or landing.
If you would like to purchase a copy of the November edition please visit the Bird Watch website. The issue is also available as an iTunes app download.
September 2011
I am very pleased to report that the first five articles I wrote for Bird Art & Photography magazine have been repackaged and included with the October 2011 edition of Bird Watch magazine. The 24-page supplement covers my articles on "Choosing a Camera", Picking the Right Lens", "Choosing a Subject", "Stable Mates (Supports)" and "The Added Extras".
The sixth article "Images with Composure" was printed in the August 2011 edition of Bird Watch and the next instalment "Composing Action" will be out soon.
If you would like to purchase a copy of the October edition please visit the Bird Watch website. The issue is also available as an iTunes app download.
September 2011
British Mammals Desk Calendar for 2012
Oliver has just launched his 2012 desk calendar based on British Mammals. Each month contains a different mammal species living in Britain. Some are non-native species but are synonymous with British wildlife of today (i.e. Grey Squirrel and Rabbit).
For more information on these and Oliver's wall calendars which will be available soon please visit his Sales/Calendars page.
August 2011
British Birds: Bird Photographer of the Year 2011 competition
Having come 18th in this competition in 2009 with an image of a Black Guillemot, I was thrilled to discover that I had been awarded 10th place this year. My winning image was of a Redshank calling on the island of Fetlar in the Shetland Isles taken in June 2010.
The judges particularly liked the out-of-focus foreground and background and the low camera angle which helped to make the subject stand out. The flat-calm water behind the bird is reflecting the colour of the green hill behind.
The latest edition of the magazine (August 2011; Volume 104; pages 413-474) discusses all the winning 12 entries and a presentation will be made at the British Bird Fair at Rutland Water on Friday 19th August.
To see the winning entries and the additional fascinating articles on Chough in Cornwall and the return of Common Cranes to the UK please visit the British Birds website for subscriptions or one off copies.
British Birds will be celebrating the winning entries at the Bird Fair and will be in marquee 3 (stands 24 & 25).
August 2011
With the disappointing announcement that Bird Art & Photography magazine was closing back in June 2011, it was a great joy that Bird Watch magazine (Warner's publications) wanted to keep the name alive and incorporate some of the material in a supplement to the magazine.
Therefore my sixth instalment of Digital Workshop Secrets can be found in the August 2011 issue of Bird Watch magazine. For more details of the magazine please visit the Bird Watch website. The magazine is also available from good newsagents.
Bird Watch will be at the British Bird Fair on 19th to 21st August in marquee 4 (stands 97-100).
July 2011
Bird Watching magazine - Oliver's front cover
This is the first front cover for Oliver on the highly popular monthly magazine Bird Watching. The image from Kuusamo, Finland in April 2011 shows a Black Grouse displaying at a lek site and the early morning backlighting highlights the birds’ breath.
The shot was taken from a hide built on site to allow an extremely low angle. The grass in the foreground is diffused due to the low perspective and the light hitting the subject is coming from the rising sun behind at about 6am. The temperature was about -5 degrees so the breath was easily visible against the background.
The July issue also features articles on British grouse species, Antarctica, southern hemisphere penguins, Mandarin ducks and the usual monthly features, news and bird sightings.
Copies of the magazine can be purchased from many leading newsagents including WHSmith. For subscriptions, bird watching information and other services please also visit the Bird Watching website.
June 2011
British Birds magazine - Oliver's front cover
This edition has a fascinating article on 'A history of the Institute of Avian Research - Helgoland Bird Observatory' and an account on the Eastern Crowned Warbler which turned up for the first time in County Durham on 22nd October 2009. There is also a paper on the Fair Isle Wren plus all the usual news, bird reports and reviews.
The revamped British Birds website is both attractive, informative and full of excellent reference material, book reviews and plenty more to keep you entertained.
For subscriptions and information regarding the magazine please visit the British Birds website.
May 2011
Bird Watching - Puffin image
Oliver's images appear regularly in Bird Watching magazine and here is an image of a Puffin Fratercula arctica that was used for the contents page for the June 2011 edition. There were other images including Black Guillemot, Shag and Red-footed Falcon used for this issue.
Please visit the Bird Watching website for more bird news, articles and subscriptions.
17 May 2011
Daily Telegraph - 'Steamy Encounter' with Black Grouse
Following a trip to Finland in April 2011 to photograph Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix, one of Oliver's images was posted on the Daily Telegraph website along with it appearing in the daily broadsheet on 17th May 2011. Please visit the Daily Telegraph to read the brief article.
Following the success of the image, Oliver has produced a canvas print which can be ordered by emailing for details.
Spring 2011
Mammals UK - article on the Otter
As part of Oliver's series on photographing mammals, his latest instalment on the Otter Lutra lutra is currently in the spring edition of Mammals UK magazine.
To receive this magazine you need to be a supporter of the People's Trust for Endangered Species. To support the work of the trust please visit the PTES website.
April 2011
Bird Art & Photography - Issue 5 - Oliver's article on 'The Added Extras'
This latest instalment of my quarterly article is focussing on camera accessories and those especially helpful in bird photography and how they work to make your images stand out.
The latest issue has articles from Danny Green on working with light and David Chapman on travelling to Norway. There are fascinating art topics from Brin Edwards, Dan Powell and David Miller. If you want to learn to draw or paint birds then follow David Cook's new series.
If you would like to subscribe to the magazine or buy an individual issue please visit the Bird Art & Photography website for more information.
Alternatively if you have an iPad or iPhone you can now download the issue instead. To do this visit the website link at Bird Art & Photography App.
February 2011
Wildlife of Britain - Oliver's front cover
Wildlife of Britain is a series of publications covering all aspects of nature in the British Isles, from birds to bees and mammals to molluscs. It is a thoroughly insightful collection of articles of some of the common as well as more obscure wildlife that can be found here.
Although the series is now complete, back orders and copies can be requested from Midsummer Books. Please visit their website at Wildlife of Britain.
Winter 2010/11
Mammals UK - article on the Red Deer
As part of Oliver's ongoing series on photographing mammals, his latest instalment on the Red Deer Cervus elaphus is currently in the winter edition of Mammals UK magazine.
To receive this magazine you need to be a supporter of the People's Trust for Endangered Species. To support the work of the trust please visit the PTES website.
January 2011
Bird Art & Photography - Issue 4 - Oliver's article on 'Choosing a Subject'
My latest article for this popular bird magazine is discussing the difficult task of selecting the right subject to photograph. Whether the problem lies in your knowledge of the species, the weather, the time of year, access restrictions, the law or the equipment you need then follow my advice for the top tips on finding the best subjects to work with.
The latest issue is also filled with interesting articles from wildlife photographers David Tipling and Bill Coster as well as art topics covered by sculptor Martin Hayward-Harris and artist James McCallum.
If you would like to subscribe to the magazine or buy an individual issue please visit the Bird Art & Photography website for more information.
Alternatively if you have an iPad or iPhone you can now download the issue instead. To do this visit the website link at Bird Art & Photography App.
January 2011
Country Innovation Webpage
Since my last update on my work with Country Innovation it has been moving along nicely. Their webpage is updated regularly with a blog, regular rotation of title images and a main homepage image promoting a particularly seasonal product.
This month the Osprey is the latest addition to the range supporting two layers to provide super wind and waterproofing qualities. With a Ventile® outer and an Innovation XL lining this is a high quality jacket. If you are looking for a tough and long-lasting winter jacket then this is just for you.
Visit the Country Innovation online store at Country Innovation to browse their extensive range.
November 2010
Butterflies of Britain and Ireland - Oliver's front cover
This latest book on butterflies has been written by Michael Easterbrook, a retired scientist from Kent. Michael is also the official Kent recorder for Butterfly Conservation and is the author of many titles including two on butterflies.
Oliver's image of a Grayling taken on the Malvern Hills in July 2008 was chosen as the front cover, as well as a further seven images used within the book illustrating some of the beautiful butterfly species to be found in the British Isles and Ireland.
A full review will appear here shortly, however for a 10% discount on the new Butterflies of Britain and Ireland please visit the A&C Black Publishers website.
November 2010
Bird Art & Photography - Issue 3 - Oliver's front cover and article
The latest edition of BA&P has used Oliver's image of an Oystercatcher scratching as the front cover. This was taken along Loch Spelve on the Isle of Mull in May 2008. The original image was in landscape format but allowing plenty of room around the subject has enabled the editor to crop it to fit the required space in the magazine.
Oliver's article this quarter discusses the best supporting methods for your camera including the use of tripods, monopods, bean bags and a few other useful tricks of the trade.
Bird Art & Photography is a quarterly publication which encompasses the beauty of birds taken through the different medium. For more details on subscribing then please click here or for a one-off copy of the magazine then please click here.
October 2010
Mammals UK - article on the European Mole
As part of Oliver's ongoing series on photographing mammals, his latest instalment on the European Mole Talpa europaea is currently in the summer edition of Mammals UK magazine.
To receive this magazine you need to be a supporter of the People's Trust for Endangered Species. To support the work of the trust please visit the PTES website.
September 2010
Bird Watching magazine - Oliver's Great Skua article
Bird Watching magazine is one of the leading consumer bird magazines in the country and Oliver has had an article published on Great Skuas in the September edition.
Great Skuas are found breeding in the northern parts of Great Britain and are under threat from climate change.
Oliver spent a week on the Shetland Isles in June 2010 watching and photographing these pirates of the sea.
The magazine is available in any good newsagents, otherwise subscribe online at the Bird Watching website.
September 2010
British Birds magazine - Oliver's front cover
The highly popular journal 'British Birds', which was established in 1907 has used Oliver's image of a Dotterel Charadrius morinellus for the front cover of the September 2010 issue (Vol. 103 - 481-560). The image represents the full article 'Rare breeding birds in the UK in 2008' which is the 35th report for the Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP). The report is an annual update covering the rare breeding birds from two years earlier. Oliver also has a second Dotterel image used on page 520 and an image of a Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus on page 504.
All the images were taken during a trip to Scotland in May 2008. The grebe was taken from the car along Loch na Keal on the Isle of Mull and the Dotterel images were taken at Carn Ban Mor in the Cairngorm Mountains following a three-and-a-half-hour hike to the top!
For subscriptions and information regarding the magazine please visit the British Birds website.
August 2010
Go Birdwatching magazine - Oliver's front cover
A new magazine released in early August by Warner Publications used one of Oliver's puffin images as the front cover. The magazine titled 'Go Birdwatching' is designed to encourage and teach people the art and technique of birdwatching as well as suggesting a variety of products to get you started.
The editor David Cromack hopes the magazine will "...inspire you to give birdwatching a go.", and reading through the 98 pages there is certainly plenty to learn and whet your appetite. The articles include choosing clothing, equipment, places to visit, identification, fieldcraft and many other topics to give you a head start. Pick up a copy at WHSmiths or online at Go Birdwatching.
August 2010
Country Innovation partnership
After several months of discussions, Oliver can now announce an exciting new partnership with Country Innovation, providing new imagery for their outstanding range of birdwatching clothing. The full waterproof, lightweight and comfortable clothing make them an ideal choice for the outdoors. From the Venture Waistcoat to the winter Rover jacket there is a choice for all seasons and for all budgets.
Each month Oliver will be testing and writing a blog for different seasonal clothing items on the Country Innovation website as well as regular updates here with exclusive offers and product reviews.
As an opening offer for visitors to Smart Images, Country Innovation is offering a 10% discount off all full-price clothing and accessory items. To take advantage of this offer then please enter the code 'CISMART' in the discount voucher box on the Country Innovation website when ordering your products. Alternatively call Country Innovation by telephone on 01934 877333 to order your products or to request a brochure. This exclusive offer is available until 31st December 2010.
Country Innovation are based in Congresbury in Somerset (just 30 minutes south of Bristol) and regularly attend some of the big birdwatching events throughout the year so why not come and visit them to try on some of their range.
For a full choice of fantastic birdwatching and walking clothing visit Country Innovation.
July 2010
Bird Art & Photography - Issue 2
In this latest edition Oliver gives his advice on choosing the right lens for bird photography. The three page article covers the different options with tips about lens quality, image stabilisation, noise control, weight, cost, prime or zoom and other alternatives. His star shot this quarter is a Lesser Yellowlegs taken in Norfolk.
Other images of Oliver's in the magazine include a Red Kite, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper and Steppe Grey Shrike.
The magazine also includes articles on European woodpeckers, the island of Mull, Hungary, plus several wildlife and artist profiles as well as the usual news, events and complete with wonderful images of nature.
To subscribe to this new magazine please visit Bird Art & Photography.
July 2010
2011 Calendars Now Available
Since 2005 Oliver has produced his popular wildlife desk calendars and last year his first wall calendars. For 2011 his title "Birds of Scotland" showcases some of the more likely to see birds in Scotland. The images are taken from trips to Mull, the Cairngorms, Rothiemurcus, Lochindorb and the Outer Hebrides.
To purchase both styles of calendar please visit his Calendars Sale page and place your order via Paypal or email Oliver directly if you wish to pay by cheque. His calendars are also available to purchase at his shows, talks and workshops too.
June 2010
New Greeting Card Designs
Oliver has launched three new greeting card designs taking the total number of available designs to 30! All are available from the Sales page. The new designs include an Otter taken in Shetland in 2010 and also an Exmoor Pony taken in March on Exmoor in Somerset. The Kingfisher image was taken during Oliver's last trip to Lesvos in 2007.
Alamy - Find a Photographer Service
Oliver has now been accepted with Alamy's 'Find a Photographer' service. The service is being run as a beta to see whether it works for clients and photographers alike.
The service works by a client entering a locality where they require a photographer to undertake commissions or to provide other services. It works using Google Maps to pinpoint photographers in a particular chosen area.
To visit the Find a Photographer Alamy page then follow this link to Alamy.
April 2010
Cuba - A Flicker of Interest
Following his successful trip to Cuba during late March/early April Oliver has announced that he will be writing his next talk on the birds and culture of Cuba which will be available from early 2011. For more details please see his Talks or Diary page for further news and images.
March 2010
Bird Art & Photography magazine
Oliver will be writing a quarterly article titled 'Digital Photo Workshop Secrets' for this new publication. Each issue Oliver will deal with a topic relating to the requirements of a wildlife photographer and how to take better images using his practical guide. Warner's will be publishing the magazine as a sister title to Bird Watch. The magazine is being launched in April 2010. Here is an extract from the Bird Watch website:
"Bird Art & Photography is the magazine for anyone who loves wild birds. It seeks to inspire readers about the beauty and fascination of wild birds with breathtaking features and stunning images.
The magazine will focus each issue on the work of leading bird photographers and wildlife artists, complemented with articles of general interest to birdwatchers.
Features include artist profiles, artist's sketchbook, bird photography, classic birding books, Photography With Passion, gallery profiles, and much more.
Also included are how to guides giving you all the information you need to know to start or continue your hobby for art and photography, plus bird news, reviews, and gallery guides.
Bird Art & Photography is available by subscription only, so to make sure you don't miss out on this stunning new magazine, you can take out a subscription today online."
To subscribe please visit the Bird Watch website.
February 2010
Winter Newsletter
My winter newsletter is now available. Please use the contact page to subscribe. This edition includes a case study on Redwings which have been very prevalent this winter and also an article published in Mammals UK during the autumn.
November 2009
Bird Watch Magazine - 2010 Calendar
For anyone who may subscribe or purchase the December issue of Bird Watch you will hopefully notice that one of my Corncrake images from North Uist in the Outer Hebrides has been used for the month of May. May is the best time to see Corncrakes in Scotland as the vegetation is much shorter and as the bird's arrive after their mammoth migration and start to set up territories they are 'slightly' easier to track down and photograph. Later in June and July the vegetation is too tall for them to be easily seen as they skulk through the undergrowth. They call throughout so even though you can easily hear them they are extremely hard to see.
August 2009
Bird Watching Magazine Showcase
For anyone who may have missed my Bird Watching Showcase back in August 2009 here are pages 54 & 55 from the magazine. The showcase was a six-page portfolio of my images, which was the first large display of my work in one of the UK's biggest selling wildlife magazines. If you'd like to see more images from the showcase then please order a back issue of the magazine or subscribe to my quarterly newsletter where I'll discuss in more detail the images that were used for the magazine (will be released in November 2009).
The left-hand image is of a flock of Starlings Sturnus vulgaris taken at Slimbridge late one evening. The birds were swirling around against a beautiful pink sky. I was only carrying a 500mm lens at the time so was not really prepared for the Starling's performance. Rather than ignoring the opportunity I utilised what I had and decided to use a slower shutter speed to create a more artistic impression of the birds and the sheer volume involved (although in this flock there were only a few thousand).
Canon 1D MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens, 1/50 sec @ F4, -1/3 stop, ISO 400, handheld
The images on the right include a Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola and a Grizzly Bear Ursus arctos. The Wood Sandpiper taken on the island of Lesvos, Greece is an unusual shot as I was unable to establish why the bird was straining with its beak wide open. It did not make a noise, it did not regurgitate a pellet and it did not look like a yawn so I am baffled as to know exactly what it was doing.
Canon 1D MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/1250 @ F8, -2/3 stop, ISO 200, bean bag from car
The Grizzly Bear in Alaska was taken back in 2005 on one of my most exhilarating trips to photograph these amazing mammals. This female bear was relaxing along the shoreline of the creek for some time. The weather was rather dismal and the cloudy and wet conditions did not make for exciting photography. However, the posture, behaviour and emotions this bear was expressing was wonderful and I took a sequence of images that have sold many times over.
Canon 1D MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 2x converter, 1/80 sec @ F8, -2/3 stop, ISO 200, tripod