{"id":10508,"date":"2013-03-11T10:22:00","date_gmt":"2013-03-11T10:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/amateurphotographer.co.uk\/uncategorized\/wildlife-masterclass-with-luke-massey-10508"},"modified":"2014-10-22T15:52:08","modified_gmt":"2014-10-22T14:52:08","slug":"wildlife-masterclass-with-luke-massey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/technique\/wildlife_photography\/wildlife-masterclass-with-luke-massey\/","title":{"rendered":"Wildlife Masterclass with Luke Massey"},"content":{"rendered":"

Photo by Luke Massey <\/em><\/p>\n

Three AP readers join wildlife photographer Luke Massey at
\nthe UK Wolf Conservation Trust’s centre in leafy Berkshire to learn the secrets
\nof capturing these beautiful, enigmatic and oft-misunderstood creatures. Gill
\nMullins reports
\n
\n
\n \n<\/p>\n

British wolves were hunted to extinction in the 1760s after
\ncenturies of persecution, their reputations unfairly tarnished with myths of
\nsavagery and man eating. The last wolf on these islands may have died hundreds
\nof years ago, yet their sharp intelligence, sheer physical strength and beauty
\nstill fascinate us. And, of course, their presence is woven inextricably into
\nfolklore and fairy tales.<\/p>\n


\n <\/p>\n

It was to dispel such myths and support wolf conservation
\nthroughout the world that the UK Wolf Conservation Trust was established by the
\nlate Roger Palmer and his wife Tsa in 1995, after many years spent keeping
\nwolves privately. Today, the 50-acre site in Beenham, Berkshire, is home to eight
\nNorth American and European wolves, and three young Arctic wolves.<\/p>\n


\n <\/p>\n

It’s a first for Masterclass leader Luke Massey, too, as he
\nhas not yet managed to capture wolves in the wild. \u2018The closest I got was on a
\ntrip to photograph eagles in Estonia, when I was told of a good place to spot
\nwolves, but I only found their tracks,’ he recalls. \u2018They’re really clever and
\ntheir senses of smell and hearing are so acute that they’ll know you’re there
\nand will do everything in their power to evade you.’ Therefore, Luke says,
\ncaptive wolves are by far the best bet for decent photo opportunities. \u2018They’re
\nright in front of you and, as they’re used to humans, you’ll see their natural
\nbehaviour.’ <\/p>\n


\n <\/p>\n

Massey suggests shooting both documentary-style pictures -
\nthe wolves being fed and interacting with their keepers, shots that include
\nenclosure fencing and signage to show they are captive – as well as
\n\u2018wild-looking’ images. A close-up of the wolf’s eye with the wire fencing
\nvisible but defocused in the foreground would be a perfect documentary shot,
\nand behaviour such as howling is always good to capture, he explains. <\/p>\n


\n <\/p>\n

Wrapped up against the chill November air, we leave the
\nwarmth of the on-site caf\u00e9 to enjoy our encounter. The wolves have been
\nhand-reared, making them especially sociable and accepting of people, including
\n(thank goodness) photographers<\/p>\n

Your AP Expert…<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n <\/p>\n

<\/img>Luke Massey<\/em>
\nLuke Massey’s childhood obsession with wildlife has
\ndeveloped into a career as a wildlife photographer and cameraman. His passion
\nto show people the natural world and the problems nature faces has driven him
\nforward in his work. Luke has recently been part of the 2020Vision project and
\nhas worked for the world-renowned BBC Natural History Unit. He is available for
\ntalks around the country and is starting to run workshops in the UK and abroad.
\nTo see more of his images, visit www.lmasseyimages.com<\/a>
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \n<\/p>\n

The AP Readers…
\n<\/strong>
\n<\/img>Emily Kearns<\/em>
\nEmily is an all-round photographer, trying her hand at many
\ngenres, including portraiture and wildlife. She shoots using a Nikon D90 with
\n17-50mm and 55-200mm lenses. \u2018It was a great day and a lot of fun,’ she says.
\n
\n
\n \n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/em><\/img>Michael Kiely<\/em>
\nMichael enjoys all forms of photography, but has a
\nparticular passion for wildlife subjects. He shoots using a Canon EOS 60D with
\na 70-200mm lens. \u2018Luke is a clear and patient teacher,’ he says. \u2018It was a very
\ninformative experience.’
\n
\n
\n \n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/em><\/img>Tony Mearman<\/em>
\nTony is the chairman of Wokingham & East Berkshire
\nCamera Club. He uses a Canon EOS 7D with 15-85mm, 70-200mm and 100-400mm
\nlenses. \u2018I enjoyed the day so much and received a lot of helpful tips,’ he
\nsays.<\/p>\n

UK Wolf Conservation Trust<\/h3>\n


\n
\n
\n <\/p>\n