A picture of red squirrels in the snow was in our minds for some time. Last year we headed to Scotland where the biggest population of UK red squirrels is found. Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to photograph this ginger coated beauty in the snow. Unusually for Scotland February was without snow. This year we headed to Yorkshire Dales with the same aim. Local photographer informed us about a healthy population in that area. A forecast was promising – snow was on the way and we only had to wait. The snowfall started in early afternoon. During the first half an hour photographing squirrels in the light snow was a good fun.
Later heavier snow arrived and wet ear tufts of the red squirrels started to look like needles. It was amazing how quick everything was covered in snow. With the heavy snow and big flakes squirrel photography became very challenging. Difficulty to focus was the main issue and cold stiff hands didn't ease photographing either. At one point fingers were so bad that it was impossible to select AF points, but we couldn't stop trying as we always wanted to get some images of red squirrels in the falling snow. The more challenging photography the more rewarding the results are.
Even the snow was heavy, we got a crazy idea to slow a shutter speed in order to capture the movement of the snowflakes. Luckily we have got an image which we really like.
That evening we came back to our hotel wet and cold but with a smile on our faces. We were praying for the snow to stay overnight and we couldn't stop checking the weather. Luckily it was not raining and the ground was still covered in white snow. Finally we went to bed...with a candle by our bed. For the first time in our experience we stayed in the hotel without electricity. Strong winds have done the job...
Next morning when we woke up the first thing we did of course was look out the window. There was still plenty of snow and we were eager for more adventure. It turned out that not everything went us we planned even the start was promising...
Red squirrels looked like they were enjoying the snow and most of the time there were 2 - 3 of these ginger beauties around.
We noticed that cute red squirrels really stood out in the white snow so we decided to try high key photography.
As it was not snowing and the squirrels were coming very close we decided to experiment with wide angle lens. This is our favorite shot.
That day turned out to be very creative... Then our real red squirrel photographing adventure started...
To our big shock after yesterday's harsh conditions one of our cameras stopped working. It was very very frustrating. Luckily at the end we found another use of it and luckily we had a spare body...
So ... we placed couple of peanuts inside the lens hood as we were hoping to get a squirrel in or on top of the lens. We were amazed by one squirrel which was not shy at all and got inside a lens hood several times. We haven’t seen images of red squirrels inside a lens hood before. It was very exiting.
As the squirrel realized that we kept replacing the peanuts, he didn't mind to come back again and again...
Even a small lens made an impression on squirrels...
It was an amazing and unforgettable experience. The journey was more than we expected...