Photographers endangering Donna Nook Seals

[pressld2]

Originally Posted by Durrell

My own opinion is that no seal should be approached at all,

I agree within reason. The distance of 10 metres is usually quoted and is one that seems reasonable to me.

However, sometimes the seals themselves may have other ideas! I took these shots in December 2008 with a 16mm wide-angle lens...



Firstly, these are not out on the beach, I'm lying on the sand right at the entrance to the car park where the visitor fence ends.

More importantly, I did not approach the seal. When I lay down I had a 400mm lens on and the seal was at least 10 metres away from me, probably more. But he was an inquisitive animal and as soon as I lay down for the low angle shot he started towards me at a fair old lick. I only just had time to switch to the wide angle before he was nose to lens.

Someone else took photos of us while we were there and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if these turn up on a web site one day with a caption of "Irresponsible photographer pestering a seal" when the truth is it was an irresponsible seal pestering the photographer!

Dave P.

[slimrbp]

Originally Posted by pressld2

Someone else took photos of us while we were there and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if these turn up on a web site one day with a caption of "Irresponsible photographer pestering a seal" when the truth is it was an irresponsible seal pestering the photographer!
Dave P.

I think your right there Dave, I believe you may have been subject to the Seal equivalent of a Tabloid sting.

[pressld2]

I've just received an anonymous demand for "200 un-marked mackerel to be left in a plain carrier bag behind the third sand dune to the right. Don't contact the rozzers or else!"



Dave P.