Shelley Pearson

Hey everyone, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I wish for peace, happiness and spending time with those you love. Take care and stay safe.

Thank you to each everyone who have supported my channel and I hope to improve and grow if its meant to be, Shelley 😊

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 20

Shelley Pearson

Hello,

Hope all is well in your day. Just to let you know I have a new video up. Just a short video on some Bird Photography Tips. Just to let you know I will be doing a part two to the High Key video, possible early 2026.

Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo, which are Endangered. Such characters and you can hear them calling from a distance and I always love hearing them and watching them fly over - they have a beautiful flying style.

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 32

Shelley Pearson

Just over two weeks ago, I broke my ankle. I was going crazy not being able to be in the field. Today I got good news, the ankle is healing and its not a bad fracture. I cannot drop to the ground like I usually do to get low for my shots, just yet, but I will, I will honest 😊.

This is the Spotless Crake chick, this was taken in very dark conditions. r5, 600 F4 + 1.4 extender, F6.3, 1/1000, ISO 5000.

1 month ago | [YT] | 30

Shelley Pearson

New video is up 💛

This one’s all about Birds in Flight — my favourite thing to photograph in the field. It follows on nicely from my first Birds in Flight video I shared about 8 months ago.

Photographing birds in flight is about capturing action, intent, and emotion. Those little details make all the difference. In this image, the White-bellied Sea-Eagle has its bill slightly open, pushing forward with its catch. He was being chased by other birds, but completely focused on getting back to the nest to share the fish with a juvenile.

The fish itself is interesting too — the head had already been eaten, which is typical Osprey behaviour. My guess is the Sea-Eagle stole it mid-air. That’s something I’ve witnessed many times, and one day I’d love to photograph that moment itself.

I managed to get this image because I spotted the Sea-Eagle earlier at first light, flying across the estuary. Later, I heard a commotion and noticed birds following something hidden behind the trees. I just knew it had to be him, so I pre-focused on where I hoped he’d appear — and sure enough, he did. I only managed about 10 frames as he flew past, clearly heading home.

Camera settings:
R5 Mark II · 600mm f/4
f/5.6 · 1/2000 sec · ISO 1250

The conditions were good, with some beautiful golden light still around. I was adjusting settings on the fly — 1/2000 was enough for a larger bird with slower wing movement. A real moment-of-opportunity capture with things happening fast.

I hope you enjoy the video. It really confirms just how much I love photographing birds in flight 🦅

1 month ago | [YT] | 21

Shelley Pearson

With photography, we have certain style that we talk about and take photos. I look at this image I took before I went to mirrorless and wonder what style it would come under. Settings: F6.3, 1/1600, ISO 1250 1dxII with the extender on the 600 F4. Since going to mirrorless I haven't used extenders. The sun was just peeping over the horizon, light hitting some of the feathers. I lighten the bird a little but not much.

My struggle is knowing when to not lighten the bird too much as you want that atmospheric feel from the background on the bird as well. I think its something that I have got better at. I think its good to embrace all the styles and add some spice to your images and enjoyment in the field. What do you think?

1 month ago | [YT] | 69

Shelley Pearson

New video is up! 🤍
I’ve been experimenting a lot with high-key bird photography lately — that soft, bright look can really elevate an image and make the bird stand out beautifully.

In this video I break down how I create the look, including shooting in pink first light and exposing to the right on the histogram.

Watch here 👇
https://youtu.be/M3-X_cbd2Jc

Let me know what you think!

1 month ago | [YT] | 33

Shelley Pearson

Hi Everyone,

Hope your week’s been going well. I’ll be sharing a new video soon — “Bird Photography Tips.” I’ve also been working on another video script that I’m really excited about—it’s just taking a little longer to bring together.

I still remember capturing this Great Crested Grebe with its chick. The way the light played across the rippling water, the patterns had me completely absorbed. Moments like that remind me how much there is to keep learning — especially about what our cameras can really do when we take the time to understand them.

2 months ago | [YT] | 12

Shelley Pearson

Hello, I have realised my video sound is still not the best. I know the problem and I need to be more proactive in checking it before going public. This will not happen again, and I intend to remain vigilant. I appreciate the support and trust you will still follow and watch my videos. I tend to be rushing due to life and work. I love what I do and very passionate about the birds, which received a great boost when I headed into the Murchison. I am so looking forward to the next couple of months.

I just got back from my August trip and it was so interesting. I mainly worked, but I have enough to post a YouTube video. The trip to and home from Wooleen was so scenic, with the canola out, water everywhere and birds flying around. I have a bit of the Wedge-tailed Eagle I experienced on the way home, Orange Chats etc. I leave for Wooleen again in about 10 days and will be there for two weeks. I don't do much photography when looking after guests, but I do have about 4/5 days where I can take images on my next trip to Wooleen Station. Have a wonderful birding week 😊

4 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 13

Shelley Pearson

Hello!
The past couple of months have been incredibly busy for me, and I wanted to give you a quick update. While I’m committed to continuing my YouTube journey, I won’t be posting every week—my videos take time to produce thoughtfully, and I want to maintain quality over quantity.

My photography business is going really well and keeps me on my toes! I’ve also just returned from hosting my very first wildlife photography tour in Zambia and Botswana—which was a fantastic experience and a huge success.

If you’d like to stay more connected, I share new content regularly (at least twice a week) over on Instagram and Facebook—photos, short video clips, and behind-the-scenes moments. I’d love to have you there if you enjoy my work! I have just posted my first photo shown below of the Pied Kingfisher, photographed on the Zambezi River, from a boat.

I’ve got a new video coming soon—sharing highlights from my African adventure. Keep an eye out in the next week or two!

Thank you for your support, Shelley

6 months ago | [YT] | 38

Shelley Pearson

Hey, My videos on techniques and tips seem to be popular. Let me know if you have any suggestions for topics I could cover on my channel. Thank you :)

9 months ago | [YT] | 24