On Friday 19th September, members of Ilkley Camera Club were joined by local wildlife photographer Paul Miguel, who delivered his talk, “How YouTube Changed My Photography.” The presentation focused on Paul’s photographic journey since launching his YouTube channel in 2017.
He gave insight into his fieldwork and discussed how he makes the most of whatever nature throws at him — including challenging weather conditions. Once he’s committed to creating content for YouTube, Paul explained, he often has to persevere even when conditions change or worsen. This experience has taught him the importance of making time for his personal photography, and he continues to pursue his long-standing passion for photographing small birds, sharing some stunning examples with the audience.
Paul also spoke about how he strives to be more creative, especially on dull days. He demonstrated how techniques such as panning, slower shutter speeds, and intentional camera movement can produce striking visual effects. Additionally, he showcased some of his recent work in macro photography, which he has developed a growing interest in — particularly during summer mornings, when calm weather and low winds provide ideal conditions for capturing insects, butterflies, and moths. The images he shared were wonderfully atmospheric, highlighting the rewards of an early start on a misty morning.
A portion of the talk was dedicated to the challenges of photographing birds in flight. Paul offered useful tips, such as positioning yourself with the wind at your back — encouraging birds to fly toward the camera. He noted one exception: gannets. A visit to Bempton Cliffs, especially when the wind blows in from the sea, offers excellent opportunities to photograph these birds as they hover on the updrafts from the cliff edge. Many club members had attempted similar shots themselves, with varying degrees of success. This part of the talk effectively illustrated the importance of choosing weather and conditions that best suit your photographic goals.
In snowy weather, Paul recommended staying local to photograph wildlife nearby. Not only does this reduce the risks associated with travelling in poor conditions, but it also increases the likelihood that you’ll actually encounter the conditions you’re hoping to capture.
Through his work on YouTube, Paul said he has deepened both his technical understanding of photography and his ability to communicate these concepts clearly. He also shared a number of practical tips, such as using a small LED light in macro photography to enhance colours — particularly effective when working with iridescent subjects.
Club members thoroughly enjoyed the evening and appreciated both the stunning images Paul shared and the useful insights and tips he provided.
You can see some of Paul’s work on his website paulmiguel.co.uk
Watch his YouTube channel