User:Garelochhead

Robert Bell Official photographer to the Lord-Lieutenant For Dunbartonshire and his deputes

Being a very committed and dedicated photographer, Up until now my experience of filming has been working with people, involving commercial work, stage performances, athletics and a charity DVD video of David Bowies' song "HEROES" performed by about 100 volunteer members of the public. I also worked on a feature film by Director/Producer David Baker as a stills photographer.

This film came about through trying to get a ten second clip for another project. This film clip took nearly three weeks to achieve. By this time I had grown attached to the swan family, I was fascinated by them and their cygnets' behaviour and communication skills. I then followed the swans for a further thirteen months. During this period I discovered that the swans and other wild fowl had a problem with litter and vandalism. I thought this could make a good educational film and highlight some of the problems that our wildlife endure in today's world.

Throughout the year while filming these swans I worked on other film projects. It was then I discovered that working with wildlife was very relaxing and rewarding. I found I could bring in to play some of my artistic skills while making this film. With observation, patience and perseverance I could get the shots I wanted, with patience playing a major role, because you don't get the chance to do a retake. Unlike humans, wildlife rarely repeat actions. I quickly learned to anticipate the swans' movements allowing me to get the shots I wanted.

It was a pleasure and a challenge making this film even allowing for the inclement weather and enduring the biting insects in summer and severe cold in winter I still felt at one with nature.

The rewards of filming this documentary can't be measured against any other job I have done in the past due to the feeling of inner peace and tranquillity I felt while filming these birds. The whole experience and passion for filming all wild life has given me the inspiration for a much more demanding and creative film which I am currently working on…