A Booted Eagle Looks Skywards Photographed On The Estate Used For The Natureslens Birds Of Extremadura Photography Holiday

What We Expect From Your Behaviour When Photographing From Hides With Us

At NaturesLens, we are committed to providing unforgettable wildlife photography experiences while ensuring the well-being of the animals we observe & the comfort of all participants. When photographing from hides or blinds on our photography holidays, we expect all guests to adhere to a set of ethical & practical guidelines. These rules help maximize your chances of capturing stunning images while minimizing disturbance to wildlife & fellow photographers.

1. Respect Wildlife & Minimize Disturbance

  • Stay quiet & move slowly - Sudden noises or movements can scare animals away.
  • Avoid flash photography unless explicitly permitted, as it can startle wildlife.
  • Follow the guide’s instructions regarding optimal behavior to avoid disrupting natural animal behaviors.
  • Never bait or call animals unless it is an approved & ethical practice at the location.

2. Be Considerate of Other Photographers

  • Keep conversations to a whisper - Hides are often small, & excessive noise can ruin shots for others.
  • Share space fairly - Avoid monopolizing prime shooting spots; rotate positions if necessary.
  • Minimize distractions - Turn off phone ringers & avoid unnecessary movements that could disrupt others’ focus.

3. Maintain Hide Etiquette

  • Arrive on time - Late arrivals can disturb both wildlife & photographers already settled in.
  • Dress appropriately - Wear muted colors (avoid bright whites or reflective materials) to blend into the environment.
  • Keep the hide clean - Take all rubbish with you & avoid leaving food scraps that might attract unwanted animals.
  • Stay inside the hide unless instructed otherwise - Exiting prematurely can scare off wildlife & ruin the session for everyone.

4. Follow Ethical Photography Practices

  • Do not manipulate the scene - Resist the urge to move branches or vegetation to “improve” the shot.
  • Prioritize animal welfare over the shot - If an animal appears stressed, give it space rather than pushing for a closer photo.
  • Adhere to local regulations - Some locations have strict rules about hide usage; always comply with these guidelines.

5. Be Patient & Prepared

  • Wildlife photography requires patience - wait quietly for the perfect moment rather than forcing an encounter.
  • Ensure your gear is ready before entering the hide (charged batteries, formatted memory cards, appropriate lenses attached) to avoid unnecessary noise.

By following these guidelines, you help create a positive experience for yourself, fellow photographers, & the wildlife we cherish. At NaturesLens, we believe that responsible photography leads to the most rewarding images - ones that reflect the true beauty of nature without compromising its integrity.

We look forward to sharing an incredible & respectful photography adventure with you!