Golden Silhouettes at Warnham Local Nature Reserve

A Day of Capturing Light and Shadows

There’s something truly magical about winter light, especially when it transforms familiar wildlife into stunning silhouettes. On my latest visit to Warnham Local Nature Reserve (12/01/2025), I had the perfect conditions for capturing some backlit wildlife against a golden glow. The low sun provided a warm, ethereal backdrop, turning everyday moments into dramatic compositions.

Wildlife in Silhouette

The beauty of silhouettes lies in their simplicity—no intricate feather details or colours, just the striking contrast of form against light. Here are some of the standout moments from the day:

✨ Black-headed Gull – Floating effortlessly in midair, its wings spread wide, outlined perfectly against the soft golden sky. A moment of pure elegance.

✨ Herring Gull – A commanding presence in flight, its bold silhouette cutting through the warm evening glow. Gulls are often overlooked, but against the right light, they become truly mesmerizing.

✨ Mallards in Motion – A flock gliding gracefully across the shimmering water, their silhouettes dancing on the surface. A lone Mallard also made for a stunning image as it soared above the lake, framed by the last rays of sunlight.

The Art of Silhouette Photography

Silhouette photography is all about positioning, timing, and light. I aimed to position myself so that the sun was directly behind my subjects, creating those crisp, well-defined outlines. A slightly underexposed shot helped enhance the contrast, ensuring the golden glow didn’t overpower the dark forms of the birds.

These kinds of shots remind me why I love wildlife photography—not just for capturing details, but for creating atmosphere and emotion.

Which is Your Favourite?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Which silhouette stands out to you the most—the graceful Black-headed Gull, the commanding Herring Gull, or the Mallard in flight? Let me know in the comments!

📍 Captured at: Warnham Local Nature Reserve, UK
📸 Gear Used: Sony A7RIV + Sony 200-600mm

For more wildlife photography, check out my website: www.paulcrossphotography.co.uk