BEST PHOTOGRAPHIC HIDES
With the diversity of wildlife that exists in Portugal, it is difficult to identify a single hide model that works for all species. In most cases there are specific hides and techniques for the species we want to photograph. Here I leave some information about the various hides and techniques.
NETS AND CAMOUFLAGES
Indicated Species – Ideal for walks where it is not possible to take a hide, or for testing situations where you want to determine the best places to put the shelter.
what do I recommend – Net covering the whole body or one of the camouflaged suits (leaf suit or ghillie suit)
where to buy – Fotocamo sells various types of camouflage nets and accessories
Recommendation – The problem with using this type of camouflaged nets is that they limit our movements, they can stick to the vegetation, however, the use is always visible inside.
VEHICLES
Indicated Species – Species that like to stay close to a dirt road, where they can stop and photograph. It's a technique widely used when we're starting to shoot and we still don't have accessories.
what do I recommend – Net that covers the car window and a bag of beans.
where to buy – Fotocamo sells various types of camouflage nets and accessories.
Recommendation – Look for dirt roads with fences where birds land to be able to photograph them, avoid photographing them on the ground as it will not create a beautiful bokeh. Pay attention to the state of the roads so you don't need to order a trailer.
PORTABLE HIDES (1 PERSON)
Indicated Species - All.
what do I recommend – Mark II camouflaged tall hide + camouflage net
where to buy – You can buy it at fotocamo
How to choose the right shelter – Watch YouTube video: Photo Shelters
Recommendation – It is the hide that I most use.
PORTABLE HIDE (2 PEOPLE)
Indicated Species - All.
what do I recommend – Aquila M II cube hide + camouflage net
where to buy – You can buy it at fotocamo
How to choose the right shelter – Watch YouTube video: Photo Shelters
Recommendation – Sunrise is the best time to photograph birds, it allows us to set up the hide before the first rays of light and start shooting shortly after there is light. In this way, they are used to the presence of the hide and do not find it strange.
PORTABLE HIDE TENT (1 PERSON)
Indicated Species - All.
what do I recommend – Camouflaged Tunnel Tent + camouflage net
where to buy – You can buy it at fotocamo
How to choose the right shelter – Watch YouTube video: Photo Shelters
Recommendation –
HIDROHIDE
Indicated Species – Water birds.
what do I recommend – Build one with marine plywood or another solution.
where to buy – There are no stores that sell this model.
How does hydrohide work? – See YouTube video: Hidrohide in an Alentejo pond
Recommendation - O
FIXED HIDES (FREE)
Indicated Species – It varies from hide to hide.
what do I recommend – Hides visited by several photographers, they should try to find out what the conditions of the hide are and what they need to take to be successful.
Where – There is no website with all the hides in Portugal, but you can check the ones I have already used in the blog article .
Recommendation – Check the photographs taken at the hide to know what to expect and what end results they can achieve.
FIXED HIDES (PAID)
Indicated Species – It varies from hide to hide.
what do I recommend – Photographing birds of prey, as it is complicated and time-consuming to prepare a hide. For beginners, the passerine hides are a good start, learning to know and photograph the species, however, it is necessary to visit them many times to obtain a wide variety of photographs and species.
Where – EVOA , Faia Brava , Herdade da Contenda, Monte Barata and others. There is no website with all the hides in Portugal, but you can check the ones I've used in the blog article .
Recommendation – Sunrise is the best time to photograph birds, it allows us to set up the hide before the first rays of light and start shooting shortly after there is light. In this way, they are used to the presence of the shelter and do not find it strange.