Capturing farm life with Tiree – Perthshire Nature Photography
You may not have met Tiree on your visits to us, as she’s usually out looking after our animals. Her role is pivotal ensuring our non-human residents remain happy and healthy, but she recently revealed a hidden talent for nature photography, sharing some photographs she’d taken around the farm. We were blown away, and promptly sat down with Tiree to get her top tips for capturing some beautiful photographs whilst you’re visiting Errichel – your Perthshire nature photography could become just as impressive!
EF: These are stunning photos, and we notice most look like they were taken recently. What photography equipment do you use, and do you have your camera ready to whip out whenever there’s an opportunity, or do you have the specific aim of taking some great shots on a given day?
TP: I use a Canon EOS R6 with a Canon RF 100-500mm lense, which is a fairly complex camera, but I would say that equipment is less important than practise. A good photographer will be able to take a great shot regardless of equipment – a phone is fine! To answer the second question, I would love to say it’s entirely spontaneous, but I am usually on a mission to take a few photographs.
EF: People visiting Errichel always notice the chickens freely roaming the gardens. Recently we added geese, and of course there are wild mallards – these all have varying shyness levels! What’s your top tip for getting some great photos of ducks, chicken, or geese?
TP: It’s important to watch them first, to get an idea of how they behave, to get a more natural shot. I will then usually place/hide myself where I think they will walk. The chickens tend to be more personable as they’re hand-reared – sometimes by me! Sometimes I use food to tempt them – we sell duck feed in the shop which is sure way to their heart
EF: Unless on one of our farm tours, most visitors don’t get to go into the livestock fields, but they will often see ponies, sheep, and occasionally cows in the adjoining fields. Do you have any tips for great photos of these?
TP: I have to say, a zoom lense is really handy here. The ponies will often come and say hi, and if they do, you can say hello and work on developing a rapport.
EF: Amongst your pictures are some beautiful ones of hares! When and where would be the best chance of seeing a hare on the farm, and what other wild animals or birds should visitors look out for?
The best chance of seeing a hare is to go into our new orchard, and look through on to the hill. The earlier the better – if you’re staying here, set your alarm! It’s also a good opportunity to catch the morning light. They can also occasionally be seen at dusk. Please remember to leave everything as you found it, and, as ever, shut and bolt the gate behind you. You’ll also see red squirrels, lapwings, sparrowhawks, and a whole range of garden birds, but good luck getting photographs as they tend to be very quick!
EF: You’ve done some lovely compositions with stunning Perthshire hills behind many of the animal photos – where will visitors get the best vantage points?
TP: The best place for visitors is walking down the drive toward the road as if to leave, over the fence on your left. This field often has ponies in, and you can photograph them against the beautiful backdrop of the Tay Valley beyond. Good luck!
We hope you’ve enjoyed Tiree’s blog, and now, we’d love to see your photos! If you’re planning a visit to Errichel soon, be sure to take lots of photos, and share them with us using the hashtag #Wherefieldmeetsfork and tagging in the accounts @Errichel and @ThymeDeliBistro – they do not need to be spectacular – anything that inspired your imagination. We love seeing Errichel through your eyes!
