Simon Evans – Still Outdoors

Wood mouse peeking out from a snow‑dusted burrow with a wide‑eyed, surprised expression.

A Rare Winter Encounter with Wood Mice: Why Patience Pays in Wildlife Photography

by Simon EvansField Notes 13/02/202613/02/2026No Comments

We rarely seem to experience dramatic wintry conditions in the North West of England. Most winters, we live our lives under endless stretches of dull grey skies and flat light, leaving you reaching for those vitamin D supplements. It’s a frustrating season for landscape and wildlife photography when the conditions don’t match your expectations. But …

A quartering barn owl close-up after sunset, captured with the Canon R5 at ISO 12,800.

A Close Encounter with a Barn Owl at Dusk

by Simon EvansField Notes 09/02/202606/07/2026No Comments

A quiet dusk encounter with a barn owl, shaped by patience, concealment, and a deep respect for nature. A reminder that fieldcraft matters more than gear.

A carpet of flowering Bluebells along a path through a woodland at sunset

Progress Update on My New Photography Book: WILD RAINFORD

by Simon EvansBlog 27/01/202616/05/2026No Comments

Wild Rainford is a project spanning all four seasons, dedicated to capturing the resilience and beauty of our local natural world. As the project slowly draws to a close, take a brief look at the behind-the-scenes of the making of Wild Rainford.

An intimate close-up of a wood mouse popping up from its burrow, surrounded by snow.

Is the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Still Relevant for Wildlife Photography?

by Simon EvansBlog 11/01/202606/07/2026No Comments

Somehow, the legendary Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is eleven years old, but is it still relevant for wildlife photography in today’s era of mirrorless cameras? This post reveals all: the lens’s performance, image quality, and suitability for wildlife photography. Many beginner wildlife photographers fall into the trap of believing that to be …

Close-up of a barn owl in flight, representing the patience and observation behind seasonal nature and landscape photography.

Special Moments from 2025, a Year of Wildlife Photography

by Simon EvansBlog 31/12/202519/05/2026No Comments

Looking back, 2025 was the year of wildlife photography. I’ve always had a passion for wildlife, but until recently, I only ever photographed landscapes. For some reason, I resisted the urge to invest my efforts into wildlife photography. By doing so, I overlooked just how addictive, enjoyable, and truly rewarding wildlife photography could be. My …

A monochrome image of a Little Egret searching shallow water for food at Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve.

The Magic of Winter at Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve

by Simon EvansBlog 09/12/202520/02/2026No Comments

Lunt Meadows is an iconic wetland nature reserve located in Merseyside. The site itself is a prime example of the value of rewilding. Just over a decade ago, Lunt Meadows as we know it today didn’t exist. Instead, it was heavily farmed arable land, void of life. Now, it is a haven for countless species, …

A Lake District autumnal landscape covered in mist during sunrise on Loughrigg Fell.

Capturing the Beauty of Loughrigg Fell During Autumn in the Lake District

by Simon EvansBlog 05/11/202520/02/2026No Comments

A rare moment of calm after a washout autumn could only mean one thing: a trip to the Lake District to photograph the beauty of Loughrigg Fell. Honestly, the way the weather played out, I didn’t think I would get the opportunity to capture autumn in 2025. That was until a glimmer of hope opened …

A beautiful female common Kingfisher photographed on a birch tree branch during the early hours of the morning.

Introducing an Exciting new Brand Refresh for STILL OUTDOORS

by Simon EvansBlog 30/10/202509/03/2026No Comments

Ever since its inception, I’ve always been quietly proud of the original STILL OUTDOORS branding. It’s a special moment when something you have invested so much time and effort into finally comes into fruition. However, it was high time for a brand refresh. Nature is Struggling: A Driver for Change Over the past few weeks, …

A Cormorant pops up majestically after diving underwater to catch fish. Photographed with the Canon R5 and 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II

Wildlife of Rainford, My New Book Coming Soon

by Simon EvansBlog 06/10/202511/02/2026No Comments

One of my most demanding projects is finally beginning to take shape: Wildlife of Rainford. For a long time, I have wanted to produce a creative piece that allows me to showcase my photography in a way that is both informative and inspiring. Anyone who knows me knows I am a big outdoors person. I …

A female Kingfisher returns to her perch after successfully catching a roach from a local pond.

How to Photograph Kingfishers in Their Natural Environment

by Simon EvansBlog 08/09/202519/05/2026No Comments

This guide aims to provide an insight into how to photograph Kingfishers in their natural environment. Kingfishers are phenomenal hunters, but they are notoriously shy, making them tricky to photograph. However, with the correct knowledge, planning, and preparation, you can dramatically increase your chances of capturing these beautiful birds in their natural environment. If you …