Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I'm interested in exploring this area, just wondering if anyone here shoots from inside a blind? What type of blind? What type of portable seating? Other things to consider when considering a blind? I realize it would have to accomodate tripod area requirement, me, legs of seat and other gear.

Thanks for any feedback.
Alan

There are different kind of blinds...Semi permanent sheds that are allowed to become overgrown through to camo type tents.

Heck if you wanted goto an army surplus store and buy a camo sheet put it over one of those shelters.

Allan, you may want to check some hunting boards regarding this. Perhaps bow hunting ones. They likely have far more experience with blinds than do people here, and you may even find some used ones for sale.

I think instead of a blind I will get myself one of these:


that way I can at least have a nice lie-down while I wait.

If you have time I suggest taking off to the Sportsman Show currently on at at the MCC tomorrow (last day) and checking out the hunting area. There are a number of blinds on display, any that would work for photography.

The Ameristep Doghouse Blind is a common small easy to transport blind available at a number of stores in the GTA and if you want to start simple you might look at the Kwik Camo Photography Blind for sale at Naturescapes.
http://www.naturescapes.net/store/kwik- ... 99.95.html

DG

Blinds are best if you can leave them on location for a time so that the wildlife gets used to it's presence.

Otherwise, in most parks, I find working out of the car works best. Many animals and birds will tolerate you when you're in the vehicle, but not if you step out.

Yes, I do a lot of nature photography in Haliburton Forest Wildlife Reserve, and have used blinds which were setup by the hunters (which are supposed to be removed!), throughout the year. There is one at Archers marsh which is very nicely placed, and I spent an hour there once waiting for something to come along, but all I got were some active beavers from the nearby dam. I am planning to do a lot more nature work this coming season.

Thanks for the feedback all ... I really like the idea of that doghouse blind, I'll have to check to see if I can find some videos on it

Bass Pro in the Vaughan Mills Mall sell the Doghouse blind and often have them on display. I think LeBaron on Dundas in Mississauga may be carrying them as well now.

http://www.lebaron.ca/pdf_files_sp10/hu ... blinds.pdf

A couple of other thoughts on blinds to answer your questions in your original post.

What are you thinking of using the blind to photograph? As Kin Lau mentioned a car can be an effective blind at times. Particularly with birds. And as he mentioned it can be necessary to place the blind for a couple of days so the wildlife accepts it in their environment.

You asked about seating as well. I have a small stool that lives with my blind. It has extend-able legs and is OK, but not super comfortable. The stool was bought at Bass Pro (and is available at LeBaron to). If you will spend a lot of time in a blind consider one of those fold up camp chairs as you will want the back support.

A friend of mine uses one of those white plastic buckets with the lid. He uses the bucket to carry the assorted stuff he needs to his blind and then sits on the bucket with a pad on it.

The Doghouse blind does not have a floor. You may wish to have a groundsheet or something to use inside. This can help if you drop things.

You will need a flashlight to set up the blind.

Keep in mind that you will need to transport anything you will use in your blind, and the blind to where ever you will use it. That can involve a number of trips (or a strong back). Just so you don't get carried away with coolers, furniture and so on.

A blind will conceal your shape and movements, but still be aware that while some new blinds claim to reduce your scent you still should be aware of wind direction and scent discipline. And the material must be thick enough or coated so that you are not silhouetted by back lighting (the Doghouse is lined to prevent this).

DG

PS: You will find a bunch of videos on YouTube