Paul Miguel’s stunning nature photography has graced the front cover of calendars and featured in books. It is easy to see why. The pictures capture in great detail the wildlife that most of us glimpse only fleetingly, giving us a snapshot into the beautiful world around us.
Paul has been into wildlife and nature his entire life and remembers fondly his grandparents taking him bird watching on a regular basis – something he loved to do. He also remembers spending a lot of time drawing as a child so perhaps creativity has always been there. At the age of around 13-14 Paul got his first camera and started snapping away. He says “I became interested in photography because I wanted to capture the wildlife I saw all the time.”
Growing up, Paul’s love of nature continued and he gained a degree in zoology. Photography wise he is completely self-taught. He read a few books but puts his particular style and ability to create the incredible images down to a lot of trial and error!
Based in Richmond Hill in Leeds, Paul travels around Yorkshire to nature reserves and parks looking for the perfect shot. His favourite place to take photos is St Aidan’s Nature Reserve between Leeds and Castleford – not far from Fairburn Ings. Commenting on St Aidan’s he said “There is lots of wildlife variety there for nature photography. St Aidan’s is a very open place with reed beds, pools and channels. It lends itself very well to early morning mists which creates fantastic atmosphere. There is always something to photograph there.”
As well as spending much of his time out with his camera capturing birds, wildfowl and other animals, Paul holds regular photography workshops and talks at Fairburn Ings to pass on his expertise to others. A typical ½ day session involves spending a little time in a classroom environment before heading out onto the nature reserve to look at a variety of things, where he will encourage you to take close up photos of birds and insects such as dragonflies and butterflies. Paul can then see first-hand what pictures you are taking and give you feedback and advice on how to improve. The workshops are always popular, and suitable for adults and children over 12 years old. There is an ‘autumn colours’ RSPB workshop on the 17th October from 12-4pm.
For more information on Paul Miguel’s photography, or to book onto a workshop please visit
www.naturephotographycourses.co.uk or www.paulmiguel.co.uk
