Every year I spend two weeks in Norfolk running grey seal photography workshops during the pupping season - one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles we get here in the UK. While I was there, I decided to challenge myself to create something a bit different. And that's where the TTartisan 250mm f/5.6 reflex lens comes in.

It’s a tiny mirror lens that gives a 500mm equivalent on Micro Four Thirds, and it creates some very unusual backgrounds and those iconic donut-shaped bokeh rings. I took it out onto the beaches to see whether this quirky little lens could actually produce unique wildlife images… or whether it was just a fun novelty.

Included in this vlog:

• The handling of the lens and how the lens works
• The completely unique features of this lens
• Countless real-world photos of the seals on the beach
• The pros, cons and challenges of using a mirror lens for wildlife

It turned into a surprisingly fun experiment — and the results were… interesting. If you're into wildlife photography, unusual lenses, or simply want to see how a tiny mirror lens handles seals on the beach, you’ll enjoy this one.

Links for lens & adapter:
Lens direct from TTartisan: https://ttartisan.store/?ref=zsqmyjrc Lens Amazon link: https://amzn.to/4alx2Ft
Adapter K&F Link: https://tinyurl.com/mw8khh96
Adapter Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3M859a6

In this week’s vlog, me and my friend Dev head into the incredible Dinorwig Slate Quarry in North Wales to find and photograph the wild mountain goats that call this dramatic landscape home. It’s not exactly the place you’d expect to do wildlife photography… but that’s what makes it so special. We hike through the old quarry ruins, climb up the terraces, and explore some seriously impressive views as we track down the goats. I give my hand at some landscape photography and try to photograph the goats using different techniques to make the most of the environment & conditions. If you enjoy a mix of adventure, wildlife, and behind-the-scenes photography, I think you’ll love this one. Komoot Hike Link: https://tinyurl.com/yvtdjpxs Shoot From the Trip Link: https://tinyurl.com/s3s4v8b8

In this video I'm out photographing red squirrels, in the Yorkshire Dales at a little reserve called Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Sanctuary. I'm absolutely thrilled with the fact this is the first time I'm seeing red squirrels in England, but it does turn out that this video is a bit hectic... due to rapid squirrels, lens choices and mostly the weather. This video was a lot of fun to film, I hope it's even half as fun to watch!

In this video I'm out photographing red grouse once again, but this time from the comfort of my car. I also talk through the pros & cons of using your car as a hide for wildlife photography. Spoiler... some of the grouse get very close to the car!

In this video I try and give a taster of the experience on my "Beavers by Canoe" workshops, whilst giving some info on their behaviour & how they're identified by researchers.

In this video I get extremely excited about photographing red grouse in simply stunning weather conditions. When the heather turns a beautiful shade of purple in August & September, I'm always desperate to get out to photograph these iconic birds. I also share tips and tricks for fieldcraft to photograph red grouse. This is my first time photographing these birds with the OM System 150-400mm F4.5 PRO, and I love how many different styles of photo I managed to achieve in one morning.

In today's video I'm photographing little owls in the hide where I've been running photography workshops. I'm joined by the wonderful Andy Green and it's my day off, so a great chance for me to continue putting my new OM System 150-400mm to the test. My plan for the day was to nail some shots of the little owls in flight, however as you'll see from the video, things don't exactly go to plan...

It's my first ever visit to the beautiful Elmley Nature Reserve on the Isle of Sheppey, and that's not all, it's also my first time out using my brand new lens! The "Big White" OM System 150-400mm F4.5 PRO. I go through some of my tips for the reserve and also my first impressions of the fantastic lens.

Ever thought of using a wide angle lens to photograph wildlife? In this video, I'm in the wonderful Peak District to photograph the beautiful dipper, a small bird known for diving into fast-flowing streams. Instead of the usual long lens approach, I take a different route - with a wide angle lens - to try and create some unique images of this fascinating bird in its natural habitat.

In today's video I take you through my process of working on a brand new water vole location. I talk about how I found the spot, how to make sure the voles are actually there and ultimately try and photograph them. I utilise my handy trail camera and end up bedding in for a photography session.

In this video I go through how I've set my custom modes / functions on my OM System OM-1 for wildlife photography. As I stress during the video, you're best off cherry picking some of the things you think will work best for you - rather than blindly copying, as the most important thing is that you're comfortable with you're own set-up and you're able to learn how to quickly use everything you need.

In today's video I go through how to find and photography adders, whilst stressing the need to do so as ethically as possible. It's an important time of the year for these snakes, so please don't go out and disturb them - I hope the tips I give will allow you to photograph them whilst limiting as much disturbance as possible.

I've recently purchased the Panasonic Lumix G9ii as a 2nd body to use alongside my OM System OM-1. After using it for around 4 months I've managed to get to grip with it and learn all of its pros and cons.

I'm trying to see whether to start a new photography project, all based around wide angle photography within a cemetery.

After 1 month putting the OM System OM-1 mk ii through it's paces, I go through my opinions on this camera from the point of view of a full time wildlife photographer and user of the OM-1 mk 1 for the last 2 years. I've not been paid by OM nor have they asked for anything specific to be said in a review - these are my full & honest thoughts on this camera. Please let me know if you have any questions and I'd be more than happy to answer.

I'm in the beautiful north of Scotland attempting to photograph leaping salmon. This was taken during a holiday to celebrate my uncle's 60th birthday, where we were visiting areas my grandad used to take my mum & him on holiday. Whilst having a meal at the fishing lodge they used to stay at every summer, we walked along the river and saw tons of leaping salmon! Safe to say, once I saw that, I knew I had to return with my camera.

I decided to spend the morning up in the Yorkshire Moors to see if I could photograph some of the many Red Grouse that call the blanket of heather home. This is also my first time (I think) using my car to photograph from - it certainly made the 5:30am alarm a lot easier to handle!

After 1 month putting the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS lens through it's paces, I go through my opinions on this lens from the point of view of a full time wildlife photographer and user of Olympus/OM System gear for the last 3 years. I've not been paid by OM nor have they asked for anything specific to be said in a review - these are my full & honest thoughts on this lens. Please let me know if you have any questions and I'd be more than happy to answer.

In this video I use Adobe Lightroom to edit a grey seal pup photo in a high-key style. This is all about bringing all of the attention to the highlights within the image. I go through some masking techniques to get as close to a perfect mask as possible, whilst using local adjustments to increase contrast.

Whilst running my "Beavers by Canoe" workshops down in Kent, I was told about sightings of beavers in Canterbury - so I had to go and investigate it for myself!

I'm back on the Isle of Lunga, and this time I'm honing in on the smaller details of the beautiful bird life the island has to offer. This is my first time out testing the OM System 150-600mm lens - so stick around until the end for my first impressions.

In this video I go through my general video settings for the OM-1 Mk I & II. This is coming from someone who predominantly takes footage of wildlife, however it should be applicable to all types of shooting. I also go through a quick edit of some footage to show you my process within Adobe Premiere Pro.

On a day off from guiding, I was lucky enough to spend hours photographing newly fledged Barn Swallows being fed by their parents. I decided to use my remote shutter to make this an extremely lazy day of photography.

Join me whilst I showcase a few of the fantastic birds that the Isle of Lunga has to offer. I try my best to take a wide variety of photos and not get stuck in to spending hours trying to perfect just the one style. I may also get a bit distracted by a calling Corncrake later on in the video... watch on to see if I do eventually find it.

I visit the stunning shoreline of Loch Na Keal on the Isle of Mull. Whilst this island has so many wonderful species that calls it home, most notably otters & eagles, there's so much more to see. In this video, I go in search of a view of the island's shorebirds.

To celebrate my 30th birthday, I decided to head out on a solo trip on the Isle of Mull to see if I can find the Wild/Feral Goats that live in the area of Carsaig. You'll have to watch to see if I find them...

Before heading over to the Isle of Mull, I stopped over in Oban to try and find the resident Black Guillemots. Well I managed to find them, and had a wonderful photographing these charismatic little birds. I hope you enjoy the video as much as I enjoyed the experience!

In this video I go through my general camera settings & how I set up my OM System OM-1 for wildlife photography. As I stress during the video, you're best off cherry picking some of the things you think will work best for you - rather than blindly copying, as the most important thing is that you're comfortable with you're own set-up and you're able to learn how to quickly use everything you need.

Join me on an incredible canoeing trip to photograph Beavers. The mayflies were out in full force, and we were treated to a beautiful, still evening. I'm still buzzing from how well it all went, and can't wait to go back and do it another 7 times in July!

In this video I go through everything I've learnt about how to get the most out of trail cameras for wildlife photography. Including: general tips & tricks, how to utilise them for finding what wildlife is around, where to find wildlife and when to see wildlife.

If you're interested in the K&F Concept 4G Solar Powered Trail Camera, it can be found here: https://bit.ly/3S2OILu

Remember to use the discount code: MARC - for a 10% discount.

In this video I use Adobe Lightroom to edit one of my all time favourite dipper photos in a high-key style. I go through some masking techniques to get as close to a perfect mask as possible.

I'm back at Padley Gorge for some more Pied Flycatcher action, but this time with the specific aim of nailing some in flight shots. I utilise the brilliant Pro Capture feature on my OM System OM-1. I've included a section on the settings I use for Pro Capture, but don't worry if you're not interested in that... there's hopefully plenty for all to enjoy.

When I'm running photography workshops, I often get asked how I found the location, and it has been through a number of different techniques. I thought I'd go through a few tips that have helped me both find wildlife and also new locations for wildlife photography.

I visited the National Trust site of Padley Gorge, hoping to catch more than just a glimpse of the stunning summer migrant, the Pied Flycatcher. Once I got my eye (and ears) in, I was treated to some fantastic views and managed to capture some photos that I'm very happy with. I hope you enjoy!

In this video I introduce you to the brilliant SpeediGimbal. As someone who looks to handhold for most of my photography, this is the perfect compromise between having a lightweight camera support & whilst maintaining maximum flexibility.

Once again I'm joined by the brilliant Dan Willis, but this time he's joined me in a beautiful cemetery in Bristol. These green spaces are a fantastic place to find wildlife within in urban setting. My goal for the day is to nail some shots of my grandma's favourite bird - the Eurasian Jay. Take a watch to see how I get on.

In today's video I'm testing out Lightroom's "Lens Blur" feature, to see whether it can help achieve the subject separation only possible with expensive wide aperture lenses and larger camera sensors. I have chosen 4 photos, each chosen to be gradually more difficult for the feature to work, to test whether I should be utilising this as part of my editing workflow.

I'm out in the Forest of Dean in the hope of catch sight of and photograph the elusive Wild Boar. There is evidence of their activity almost everywhere you look in the forest, but finding them to photograph is a different challenge altogether. Join me in this stunning woodland, where I wait for the chance to (hopefully) capture some photos & footage of this magnificent mammal.

I'm joined by the wonderful Dan Willis for a photography walk along a beautiful stretch of river in the Peak District. Just like last week, I'm capturing photos using slow-shutter speeds, however rather than using an ND Filter, I'm utilising the Live ND Mode that can be found in Olympus & OM System cameras. Whilst I wasn't initially planning on photographing Dippers, I just couldn't resist.

The Adder is a species I've been trying to find for 3 years in the UK - I've returned to this one site many times during March/April in hope of getting a glimpse of one of these beautiful creatures. In today's video I go through everything I've learned during my research of the species and maybe, just maybe, this time I'm successful with my quest to find one.

You join me at Butterfly World in Swindon for my first macro photography video, with plenty more macro photography videos to come. I'm so pleased with the results I'm able to get with my Olympus 60mm F2.8 Macro lens, Meike MK320 and a homemade diffuser. It's a brilliant place to witness myriad species of stunning butterflies and also ideal for practicing your macro photography.

In today's video I use Lightroom to show you how to minimise some issues people can have with micro four thirds sensors - dealing with noise & subject isolation. I've tried to keep this video as simple as possible to showcase a few techniques that I use when it's a noisy photo and the distance between the subject & background isn't big enough.

In today's video I'm in Rodborough Common in Gloucestershire hoping to get my first ever glimpse of the beautiful Waxwing. My expectations were blown out of the water as there was a flock of over 30 birds and the weather & light couldn't be any more perfect. Oh and a big thank you to my friend Dave, who not only helped me locate the Waxwings, but has also lent me his 300mm F4 whilst mine is being repaired.

In today's video I'm visiting RSPB Otmoor for the first time. Whilst I didn't really know what to expect, I was assured by my friend that it was a birding paradise, and he wasn't wrong! Whilst the main takeaway was the incredible amount of duck species, I saw much more throughout the day. I also had the incredible privilege of witnessing yet another starling murmuration, something I'll simply never tire of.

In today's video I'm visiting RSPB Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath in the hope of capturing some footage & photos of the sensational amount of Starlings that call this area home over winter. I hope I've managed to showcase what a ridiculously special experience this is. If you've never been to see a starling murmuration, I would say it's a must for any wildlife lover!

In today's video I'm photographing Red Kites in the beautiful Chilterns. I get treated to absolutely stunning weather conditions and can't quite believe my luck. I hope I managed to successfully capture some of the beauty of the day, I'm very pleased I remembered to bring my drone with me. The Red Kites were out in force, and I managed to come back with a whole host of different images! Oh what a day it was, I hope you enjoy watching the video as much as I enjoyed making it.

In today's video I'm on the east coast of Norfolk, Horsey Gap, to search for Atlantic Grey Seals during the pupping season and whilst that doesn't go entirely to plan, I chat about how: consistently photographing one subject can force you to become more creative, the various techniques I've used to try and expand my portfolio of seal photos & how you can do to the same for your own photography.

In today's video I'm in Norfolk concentrating on some slow shutter speed photography with some beautiful short-eared owls. I talk about what I'm looking for in the scene & what settings I used to achieve these stylistic photos. I also start that video with a few thoughts on the sharing of locations and would love to hear your thoughts on this topic.

In today's video I'm in the Peak District with my friend Dev, and we go in search of England's only remaining population of Mountain Hare. As you can tell by the title and thumbnail, things don't exactly go to plan, but I hope you enjoy the journey and enjoy the photos we DID manage to get.

Sit back & relax whilst I take you with me around the beautiful Tatton Park for some nature photography. The aim was to make the most of the autumnal colours, and they were certainly out in force - it was my first time visiting the park and I'm sure I'll be back soon. I used a combination of my OM System OM-1 with my 40-150mm + 1.4 extender, and my new Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Join me as I take you through a quick & easy technique to capture a different perspective of common water birds you can find at most local parks. All you need is a camera, a kit zoom lens and some bird food; to find out the rest you'll have to watch the video!

Join me on a beautiful morning photographing the annual deer rut in Bradgate Park, Leicestershire. I go through some tips & tricks and talk you through different ideas to capture the beauty & drama of this wildlife spectacle.

Join me on a wonderful trip to photograph diving gannets off the coast of Yorkshire by Bempton Cliffs. The trip was organised through Yorkshire Coast Nature and took place at the start of August. I go through gear recommendations, settings advice and show some of my photos from the session - talking about what I thought worked and what didn't. It was an incredibly exhilarating session that I hope to do again next year.

Join me into the small world of the Wall Lizards of Bristol. I utilise some of the aspects of the OM System OM-1 (double the depth of field of a full frame camera & Pro Capture) to capture photos & footage of these beautiful reptiles.

Join me as I go searching in the stunning French Alps to capture some photos and footage of the Alpine Marmot.

Join me as I attempt to capture some photos and footage of Red Grouse in and around a beautiful purple heathland in the Peak District.

I was lucky enough to spend 3 and a half weeks on the Isle of Mull in June this year. 10 days for my own photography and 2 weeks guiding clients around the beautiful island. This video takes place over one day (from dawn until dusk), as I go around with my friend seeing what we can photograph.

I was lucky enough to spend 3 and a half weeks on the Isle of Mull in June this year. 10 days for my own photography and 2 weeks guiding clients around the beautiful island. This video takes place over one day (from dawn until dusk), as I go around with my friend seeing what we can photograph.

In today's video I'm at RSPB Bempton Cliffs visiting the gannet colony. I was there with the aim of doing some high-key photography, however the weather didn't quite play ball, so I decided to experiment with some slow shutter speed & low-key photography.

In today's video I bring you along to film & photograph a beaver colony in the South of England. It was such a privilege to spend time with these amazing animals and I hope you enjoy the video as much as I enjoyed the experience!

In today's video I'm in the stunning Peak District doing a recce of my favourite Dipper site ahead of my 2nd lot of Dipper workshops of the year. Join me whilst I'm checking on the progress of nest sites & get a surprise visit from a pair of Mandarin Ducks.