Visionwild Blog

Griffon Vulture hides now available for hire

Geoff Simpson — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:00:44 +0000

We are now taking confirmed bookings for the use of our Griffon Vulture hide are now ready for hire at £150.00 per day or £225.00 for 2 days per photographer. This purpose built hide is capable of housing up to 3 photographers at a time. And constructed in such a way to give both ground level and in flight images. The hide is located on private land next to our home in the amazingly beautiful Guadiaro Valley, Andalucia, Spain and baited with a carcass.

As a paying client what can you expect?

Between 50 and 200 individual birds to pay a visit at anytime, plus Ravens.

Nearest airports are Gibraltar (46km) and Malaga (102km) There’s a superb local venta to stay at with great traditional spanish food, including black pig, great hospitality and very generous measures of refreshment.

I also have permanent hides for bee-eater and water reflection shots in the spring and summer months.

So what are you waiting for get booking! To reserve your place by requesting a booking form by calling the office on 0034 951 168 059 or email hello@geoffsimpsonphotography.com

Radio interview with Radio Gibraltar on Monday, 30 January 2012

Geoff Simpson — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:08:52 +0000

Further to the recent interview the Talk Radio (Europe) I have been invited as a guest on the Ben Lloyd Breakfast Show on Radio Gibraltar this coming Monday. 30 January 2012 at 10.30 a.m. (Central European Time). Don’t forget to tune in http://www.gbc.gi/radio

RADIO GIBRALTAR

They call it the Wanderer

Geoff Simpson — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:09:14 +0000

One of the best known butterflies in the world, the Monarch – Danaus plexippu belongs to in the family Nymphalidae that includes other impressive species such as the Camberwell Beauty, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell. A resident of North America where each year an estimated billion migrate to Mexico. Since the 19th century it has been found in such far away locations as New Zealand and Australia.

A resident of the Azores, Canary Island, Maderia, Algarve (Portugal) and Andalucia (Spain) where it is commonly found along the coastal scrubland where its food plant Milkweed grows. A very rare migrant to the British Isles and Western Europe.) Male Monarchs have a distinctive spot called the “androconium” located in the center of each hind wing, from which pheromones are released.

Lazying on a winters afternoon at 22c and an idyllic childhood

Geoff Simpson — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:42:06 +0000

An image of idyllic childhood as Niamh reads a book in the cork oak on the edge of the forest

Niamh and Zadie spend all there time building a tree house from holm oak branches

Despite living 1,200 metres above sea-level it can as it did today reach a balmy 22c, more like an English summers day and its only January.

Andalucían Photo Adventures 2012 Schedule

Geoff Simpson — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:53:20 +0000

why choose andalucia?

Andalucía overflows with wildlife, culture and has some of best landscapes the likes of nowhere else in Europe and light to die for. It boosts several impressive mountain ranges including those of the Sierra Nevada, Sierra de las Nieves and Grazalema and is the location for Europe’s only desert. One of, if not the world’s greatest bird migration, is visible each spring and autumn above the Straits of Gibraltar when tens of thousands of raptors pass overhead. Andalucía is world stronghold for the Griffon Vulture and is unquestionably Europe’s biodiverse hotspot, boasting more species of flora and fauna than anywhere else on the continent. We invite you to share your passion for nature and photography with us and experience Andalucía, experience Wild Spain.

To request a booking form and Andalucian Photo Tours 2012 Itinerary PDF please call the office on 0034 951 168 059 or email tours@geoffsimpsonphotography.com for a prompt response.

andalucían landscape photo adventures

dates

20-27 May, 2012
14-21 September, 2012
5-12 October, 2012
2-9 November, 2012

locations

Sierra de Grazalema
Los Alcornocales
Sierra de las Nieves
Montejaque
Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja
El Torcal

request tour itinerary brochure

price – £1,395.00 / €1,672.00 per participant

deposit - £395.00 / €474.00

group size - 6 participants plus Geoff & Isabel (tour leaders)

andalucían wildlife photo adventures

dates

18-25 June 2012
22-29 July 2012
19-26 October 2012
9-16 November 2012

target species

Iberian Wolf (a unique opportunity to photograph a pack in an enclosed compound with no fence with natural vegetation typical of Andalucia)
Spanish Ibex
Greater Flamingo
Griffon Vulture (working from Geoff’s permanent wooded hides, the Serrania de Ronda is the world’s stronghold for the species)
Iberian Southern Grey & Woodchat Shrike
Bee-Eater
Crested TIt
Bottled-nosed Dolphin
Barbary Macaque (Gibraltar)
European Chameleon
Fire Salamander
Snub-nosed Viper
Butterflies, hawkmoths, preying mantis and reptiles of all descriptions everywhere, together with hundreds of species of wildflowers.

request tour itinerary brochure

price - £1,395.00 / €1,672.00 per participant

deposit - £395.00 / €474.00

group size - 6 participants plus Geoff (tour leader)

nature photo adventures for women only

This is a unique opportunity for women photographers only to work in safe, friendly and co-operative environment. Join Geoff and professional photo-journalist Isabel Benchetrit on a fabulous Andalucían nature-photo adventure and photograph Iberian wolves, Spanish ibex, Barbary macaques, Bottle-nosed dolphins, butterflies everywhere and wildflowers meadows and be enchanted by the only rainforest in the Mediterranean, the stunningly beautiful Los Alcornacales with its rich tapestry of cork forest, deep valleys and rivers.

dates

7-14 June 2012
16-23 June 2012
6-13 July 2012
3-10 September 2012

request tour itinerary brochure

price – £1,395.00 / €1,672.00 per participant

deposit - £395.00 / €474.00

group size - 6 participants plus Isabel & Geoff (tours leaders)

accommodation for all andalucían photo adventure clients

The delightful traditional farm steading of Hotel Cortijo Las Piletas, located in the stunning wild and dramatic Grazalema de Sierra National Park. A large buffet breakfast, an honesty bar, a comprehensive nature photography, bird watching and natural history library, a large relaxing swimming pool and gardens with traditional Spanish style courtyard and superior decor throughout. There could be no more idyllic place to relax after a fabulous day in the field. All meals and transportation throughout including airport transfers to and from Malaga Airport are included (no single room supplement and double rooms are available).

griffon vulture and bee-eater hides for hire

We are in the process of constructing 2 purpose-built wooden hides for griffon vulture and bee-eater photography in the Serranía de Ronda. Each hide will be available for hire from mid-March 2012. Accommodating up to 4 photographers per session (day) each hide is available at a daily rate of £150.00 / €180.00 per photographer. For those booking the griffon vulture hide a carcass will be made available each day, where you can expect a hundred or more birds in the vicinity of the hide. To book either hide please call the office on 0034 951 168 059 or email hirehide@geoffsimpsonphotography.com

guided nature and bird watching days

Geoff is a superb naturalist first and foremost and has an enormous wealth of natural history knowledge from a lifetime study of natural history. Guided trips to Gibraltar to watch one of greatest bird migrations in the world are popular. Geoff is a superb herpetologist and lepidoperist and has great knowledge of the Andalucian flora and fauna in general.

£125.00 / €150.00 per day for one participant and £40.00 / €48.00 for each participant there after.

to book a guided bird and/or nature watching day

To confirm a booking please call the office on 0034 951 168 059 or email hello@geoffsimpsonphotography.com to discuss your requirements and availability. A booking form will be emailed outlining your specific one-to-one tuition day.

one-to-one private tuition

£250.00 / €300.00 per day – 1-to-1 ratio

£50.00 / €72.00 per day for each participant thereafter

A tuition format specifically designed for discerning photographers of all abilities and from all walks of life. All one-to-one field-based tuition days are held in the stunningly beautiful Serranía de Ronda and confirmed by arrangement. Each day is customised to your exact needs and requirements and as one would expect only the highest standard of tuition to fast track your photographic skill set, creative vision and leave you feeling inspired.

topics covered but not limited to

composition and design
creating images with impact
understanding the attributes of light
understanding auto and manual exposure
exposure in difficult light conditions
creating atmosphere
nature and landscape field practices
wildlife photography techniques and field craft
macro techniques
portfolio analysis and review

to book a one-to-one tuition day

To confirm a booking please call the office on 0034 951 168 059 or email tuition@geoffsimpsonphotography.com to discuss your requirements and availability. A booking form will be emailed outlining your specific one-to-one tuition day.

gift vouchers

Attractively designed gift vouchers are available for all tours and make an ideal present.

beginners

Comprehensive discussion and demonstration and step-by-step tuition in the field to help to maximise the potential of obtaining great images in a variety of shooting conditions. Coverage includes all digital camera functions, use of filters,metering, lighting, HDR (if required).

intermediate to advanced

I can offer as little or as much instruction as required while enjoying photographing stunning locations and subjects.

credentials

Professional photographer since 2002 and multi-award recipient – British Wildlife Photography Awards, Nature’s Best and International Wildbird Photographer of the Year.

The photographic course tutor for 4-years at the Peak District National Park Field Study Centre at Losehill Hall Environmental Study Centre.

By invitation Geoff has led many field trips for students attending the BA (Hon’s) Degree in Wildlife Photography at the Blackpool & Fylde College.

Tuition standards approved by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Landscape & Wildlife tutor for Calumet (UK) between 2008-2010 before moving to Spain.

Presentation to the Andalucia Bird Society

Geoff Simpson — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:27:59 +0000

Tomorrow, Saturday 21 January I have been invited by the Andalucia Bird Society to deliver a lunch time presentation at their monthly meeting being held at the spectacular bird sanctuary that is Fuente de Piedra where wintering Bluethroat, Common Cranes, Greater Flamingos occur in good number and where the far rarer Lesser Flamingo resides and breeds.

One of many information displays (flamingos) at the Fuente de Piedra centre

Radio interview with Talk Radio Europe

Geoff Simpson — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:57:52 +0000

As part of our extensive marketing campaign we have formulated here in southern Spain I have a radio interview this coming Thursday at 2.40 pm with Hannah Murray, Presenter & Producer with Talk Radio Europe, the regions largest radio station. So if you would to like to here about all the goings-on here in Andalucia; our fantastic new Andalucian Photo Adventures 2012 program and much, much more about working as a professional outdoor photographer in Spain. Follow this link to be able to listen. http://www.talkradioeurope.com/

Sierra del Pinar mountain range at sunset – Grazalema NP, Andalucia, Spain

Four seasons in one day – Grazalema never fails to deliver

Geoff Simpson — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:32:26 +0000

The capricious nature of the weather in southern Spain means changes can be sudden and few regions in Europe can genuinely claim to have ‘four seasons in one day’ like that of Andalucia. A short drive of only 40 kms had seen my vehicle thermometer go from a balmy 17c at sea level to chilly -2 and snowy conditions at an evelation of 1600 metres above sea-level.

The images presented below were all taken in a 1-hour period earlier today and just goes to show the diverse weather conditions that often occur in the most stunningly beautiful and dramatic landscape in my humble in Europe – Grazalema National Park, Andalucia.

Spring starts in January – Almond blossom

A hint of summer sun though only just, saying that it was 24c last week – Salto del Carbrero

Autumn runs from October through to February in Andalucia – Holm Oak in the mist

The first snowfall of the year and I’m sure not the last in Grazalema National Park

TV interview for Canal Sur (Spanish TV Channel)

Geoff Simpson — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:25:57 +0000

Spanish firs dusted in snow – Grazalema National Park

Earlier today I was interviewed by the popular Spanish TV Channel, Canal Sur, with regards to why an Englishman was living in rural Andalucia and why the first snow in Grazalema National Park attracted by attention. The broadcast was televised at 9pm local time.

Some interesting facts about Andalucia

Geoff Simpson — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:26:32 +0000

The Bullring – Ronda

During the course of this week we will be publishing our fabulous 2012 Andalucian Photo Adventures, nature watching and cultural tour dates and itineraries. I thought you may like to brush up on your knowledge of Andalucia, this stunningly diverse region of southern Spain with its wild ruggedness, mountains. vast natural pine and holm oak forests and why you should your spend your hard-earned cash with us in 2012 and experience Andalucia, experience wild Spain with professional that actually live their.

Andalucia is greater in size and more populous than a number of European countries; it has a similar size & population to Austria in the region of 8.1 million. It stretches from Huelva province in the west whence the first hothouse strawberries of the year emerge to the more well-known province of Granada where a drive of less than 50kms will take you from sunbathing on the sub-tropical coast to the snowy peaks of Mulhacen, in the Sierra Nevada, the highest mountain in Andalucia. In the province of Almeria, lies Europe’s only desert and where directors such as Sergio Leone filmed his Spaghetti Westerns.

Salto de Carbrero

Some interesting facts about Andalucia

Andalucia is the most south of the seventeen autonomous states that make-up Spain.
Andalucia is made up of 8 provinces - Huelva, Sevilla, Cadiz, Cordoba, Malaga, Jaen, Granada and Almeria.
The capital city of the province is Sevilla.
Andalucia is the second most mountainous region in Europe after Switzerland.
The are over 30 bullrings in Andalucia registered by the Regional Government.
Andalucia has 27 public astronomical observatories.
The Osborne Bull is the black silhouette of a bull that stands on hilltops and along the road in most of Spain.
The Kite surfing World Championships are held each year off the coast of Tavria.
Christopher Columbus departed for America from Huelva.
Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga in 1881.
The Province of Jaen is the olive growing capital for Spain.
Flamenco dancing is the traditional form of dance of Andalucia.

Griffon Vulture over Grazalema

Andalcuia is the world stronghold for the Griffon Vulture.
Andalucia is home to the only rainforest along the entire Mediterranean coastline, the magnificent Los Alcornecales.
One of world’s greatest bird migrations occurs each spring when literally ten of thousands of birds cross the Straits of Gibraltar.
Andalucia has more species of flora and fauna than anywhere else in Europe, it is the biodiverse hotspot of Europe.
The Iberian Lynx one of the rarest cats in the world is not confined to the Cota Donana as is often thought….. in fact it has a wide distribution across Andalucia.
The rain in Spain does not fall mainly of the plain. That honour goes to the fabulous mountainous region of Grazalema, where annual rainfall often exceed 2.2 metres.
The world’s rarest pine tree species the Pinsapo Pine is only found in the Serrania de Ronda.
American author and Nobel and Pulitzer prize-winning novelist and correspondent, Ernest Hemingway was able to capture the essence of the Spanish way of life and its unique culture. He spent many summers living in Ronda.
Children attending infant schools in the campo (countryside) in Spain are taught about natural history as part of the education curriculum.