It seems like a good time to revisit this post. A sequence @thegavinthurston and I shot with David a few years ago. David seemed genuinely enthralled by this little brown bird. He must have seen pretty much everything, throughout his incredible life, yet he can still find the wonder and beauty in our world, even through these challenging times.
The second image is one of my favourite dipper shots, and I've filmed many. I love the way the bird just hits the light spot on. I had visualised that shot for a good few days, and the moment the birds stage was illuminated didn't last that long. I could see the shot in my minds eye, I framed it up and I waited. I think it was worth the wait.
This wonderful series went on to win a number of awards, including an Emmy for best cinematography 🏆
#sirdavidattenborough100 #emmywinner
The star of the show hitting his marks bang on cue (Sir David wasn't too shabby either 😆).
One of our Wye Valley dippers putting in a wonderful performance as part of @humblebeefilms #secretworldofsound
Available to watch on @skytv
#shotonred #redvraptor #reddigitalcinema #irix #wye #deanwye #wildlifefilmmaking #wildlifecinematography
Inspired by Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday celebrations, we caught up with local wildlife cameraman Robin Smith who was lucky enough to have filmed Sir David right here in Monmouthshire.
Robin talks about his work as a natural history cameraman and his love of the Wye Valley. He shares what drew him to live and work here in Monmouthshire, along with his favourite places to explore, eat, and spend time with his family.
Read the blog on our website - link in bio!
Blog includes: @robinsmithtv@silvercircledistillery@branchandvinetintern@theboatinnpenallt@kingstonebrewery@thepigandapple
Photo credit: @thegavinthurston
Happy Birthday dear David, and thank you.
Thank you for opening our eyes to the world around us.
Thank you for your kindness, humility, and wisdom.
Thank you for the laughs and the stories.
And thank you for inspiring this east end boy, to embark upon a career that he couldn't have imagined without you.
With warmest wishes, on this milestone of birthdays.
Robin
Photo Credit: @thegavinthurston
#sirdavidattenborough #attenboroughat100
Did you catch Monmouthshire on the new BBC David Attenborough series Secret Garden? One episode, “The Wye Valley”, was filmed right here in Monmouthshire, not far from Tintern, in the private garden of local wildlife cinematographer @robinsmithtv
The programme shows just how much amazing wildlife shares the wooded slopes of the Wye Valley with us. Dormice tucked up under leaf litter, tawny owls hunting and raising their young in nest boxes, and badgers coming out at dusk with playful cubs exploring the garden. There’s even a queen buff‑tailed bumblebee setting up home among the wildflowers.
Along the stream, dippers dive for insects, while flycatchers arrive to make the most of the summer insect boom. As autumn arrives, earthworms and other invertebrates get to work recycling nutrients back into the soil — a full year of wildlife, often happening just out of sight.
You can explore this area yourself along the Wye Valley Walk, which runs from Chepstow to Monmouth (via Tintern) and takes in the woodland, meadows and riverbanks of the Wye Valley.
Or you can watch the series at anytime on BBC iplayer. The whole series is worth watch, but this is our favourite of course.
📷Thanks to BBC for the stunning photos.
#secretgarden #WyeValley #lovemonmouthshire #Tintern #Monmouth
Our Secret Garden still has a few more secrets to share, with this visit by a muntjac deer this morning. You can see more, tonight @ 7:00pm BBC1
#secretgarden
There is a great article by producer @alexdanielminton about some of the challenges @benji_cherry and I faced, filming tawny owls for the Wye Valley episode of Secret Garden.
Link to the full article in my bio...
For all those who like to watch their tv as nature intended, one week at a time, our episode of Secret Garden will be on BBC1 this Sunday (26th). Hope you enjoy it.
#wyevalley #wyedean #wyevalleyaonb #reddigitalcinema #irixcine
Wonderful to hear that both Americas and Sea Lions Of The Galapagos have been nominated at the West of England RTS Awards. #rts #bbcstudios #silverbackfilms
Back in my happy place, to christen my new rod. Rather fitting that it's on the same river where its predecessor met its demise ☹️. Fantastic Warranty support from Greys, even covers you for muppetry.
Here's a few BTS shots from the Wye Valley film of David Attenborough's Secret Garden. Coming to BBC1 Easter Sunday. #secretgarden #wyevalley #wyedean #sirdavidattenborough #reddigitalcinema #irixcine
