Wing tips
Amateur Photographer|December 13, 2022
The winter months see millions of starlings migrate to the UK, which results in their highly photogenic gatherings, or murmurations. Two skilled pros with different creative approaches are here to help
Wing tips

Discover a sense of place

I much prefer to see murmurations in context. That’s why I see the foreground as immensely important. As with the moon, the real challenge is setting murmurations in context with a landscape or building. As they are part of nature, I want the birds connected to it, rather than abstracted in the sky. A beautiful murmuration and a beautiful landscape is the perfect combination. In that way, it’s important to make sure you shoot as level as possible, so rely on the digital spirit level in your viewfinder if you have one.

One of the best ways I’ve found to add context is with reflections. You need to be in the right environment for that, with perfect weather, and be lucky enough to have the birds displaying in a direction that works. Again, that’s why patience and persistence really pays off. These images were taken on the third night of three, and it was only on that last night that it all came together.

Find your flock

Starlings winter in the UK between October and March and the greater proportion can be found in southern England away from cooler uplands. There are some places where they congregate more than others. The Somerset Levels are a good bet, as are parts of north Shropshire, south Cheshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and the east. If you want something less rural, you’ll also find them at piers such as Aberystwyth and Brighton. The RSPB is a great resource and members get a useful magazine and other benefits (www.rspb.org.uk).

This story is from the December 13, 2022 edition of Amateur Photographer.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 13, 2022 edition of Amateur Photographer.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERView All
140 years of change
Amateur Photographer

140 years of change

AP has become the world’s oldest surviving consumer photo magazine because we have moved with the times, says Nigel Atherton

time-read
2 mins  |
September 24, 2024
Preserving history in platinum
Amateur Photographer

Preserving history in platinum

A deep dive into the meticulous art of platinum printing, and the collaboration between the Royal Geographical Society and Salto Ulbeek. Mike Crawford explores how they brought historical photographs to life with enduring beauty and precision

time-read
7 mins  |
September 24, 2024
Life in the past lane
Amateur Photographer

Life in the past lane

What was life like for an amateur photographer in 1884? John Wade takes a trip back in time

time-read
3 mins  |
September 24, 2024
Choice cuts
Amateur Photographer

Choice cuts

How many trillions of photographs must have been taken in the past 140 years? Amy Davies asked some of our regular contributors for their favourites....a difficult task, to say the least

time-read
4 mins  |
September 24, 2024
How good a camera can you buy for just £140?
Amateur Photographer

How good a camera can you buy for just £140?

Three members of the AP team see what they can find for the money

time-read
5 mins  |
September 24, 2024
Round Five: The Best of the Rest
Amateur Photographer

Round Five: The Best of the Rest

The APOY judges choose their favourite images that didn’t make the top ten of our Landscapes category

time-read
3 mins  |
September 24, 2024
Amateur Photographer of the Year
Amateur Photographer

Amateur Photographer of the Year

Here are the top ten images uploaded to Photocrowd from Round Five, Landscapes, with comments by the AP team and our guest judge

time-read
4 mins  |
September 24, 2024
FILM STARS A lifetime of landmarks
Amateur Photographer

FILM STARS A lifetime of landmarks

Cameras that hit the headlines between then and now. John Wade is your guide

time-read
10+ mins  |
September 24, 2024
140 years of Amateur Photographer
Amateur Photographer

140 years of Amateur Photographer

As AP celebrates its 140th birthday next month, Nigel Atherton looks back at its glorious past

time-read
8 mins  |
September 24, 2024
John Wade considers...World War II: Home Front 1940, by A.J O'Brien
Amateur Photographer

John Wade considers...World War II: Home Front 1940, by A.J O'Brien

Say the word 'Wall's' to those of a certain age and two things spring to mind: sausages and ice cream.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 10, 2024