Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Meet the wildlife cameraman with the world's coolest job

Dough Allan has worked on shows such as Planet Earth, Blue Planet, and the Human Planet.

IF THE SCARIEST moment of your working day is opening the office fridge to see if there’s any milk for your morning cuppa, then spare a thought for Doug Allan.

While most of us are fending off calls from clients or co-workers, Scottish-born Allan could be trying to avoid curious polar bears in the Arctic.

But don’t feel too sorry for him – the genial cameraman and photographer has one of the coolest jobs around: he’s a wildlife cameraman and photographer.

(EarthUnplugged/YouTube)

TheJournal.ie caught up with Allan as he prepared for a series of talks around Ireland about his job, and he told us about the highlights of life working on shows such as Planet Earth and Blue Planet with the likes of Sir David Attenborough.

Allan first got interested in underwater activities as a child, after going snorkelling while on a family holiday near the Mediterranean, and reading the Jacques Cousteau book Silent World.

That developed into a full-blown obsession with the sea, leading to him studying marine biology in Stirling University in 1973.

image

Allan on location in Prince Leopold Island, Lancaster Sound, May 1995. Pic: Tartan Dragon Ltd

“The 60s were a pretty interesting decade to grow up in – the sea was like another frontier; there were two frontiers, space and the sea,” said Allan. That thirst for adventure into unknown lands rubbed off on the young Allan, and when he finished university he began to work as a diver, moving to the Antarctic in 1976 to work as a research diver on the British Antarctic Survey station.

“I’ve always enjoyed trying to go to places that are physically difficult,” he said.

(BBCWorldwide/YouTube)

He had a keen interest in photography too, and combined the two while spending time on and off the Antarctic, monitoring the wildlife for work. It must have been a culture shock to go from working in the UK to one of the coldest places in the world, but Allan is a very laidback chap.

“Even now I try to go somewhere with an open mind and try to take whatever’s there,” he said. “I didn’t really know in a way what to expect in the Antarctic. I was a last-minute replacement for someone with a medical problem.”

image

Snorkeller films Humpback whale female (Megaptera novaeangliae), Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific, 2006. Pic: Sue Flood.

It was while living on base on the three miles-by-three miles island, which is visited by 50,000 penguins during the summer, that he first met David Attenborough. The wildlife expert was on the HMS Endurance filming his second show when the navy ship asked to stop at the base where Allan was located.

That was in 1981, when it was incredibly hard to get to the Antarctic. The crew spent a lot of time in the dive store, where Allan was, and so they got to know each other’s work well.

“They were a great bunch and I gave them a hand for the couple of days,” he recalled.

To be quite honest, after talking to them for a couple of days, suddenly I could see that being a wildlife cameraman was a possible job.

The encouraged him, saying that though he had not much filming experience, he took great photographs. “But most importantly, you know the Antarctic and diving in a way that is quite special – this could be your niche.”

(BBCEarth/YouTube)

After this, Allan moved to another part of Antarctica to become a base commander, and used his time there to film the breeding cycle of Emperor penguins. He took the footage to the BBC, who bought it from him and effectively kicked off his broadcasting career.

“We as a species are the biggest influence on the planet so far”

image

Allan with female chimpanzee Billi at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Uganda. Pic: Sue Flood

Since then, he has become a globe-trotting wildlife photographer who has captured a number of firsts, from killer whales washing seals off ice floes to orcas attacking gray whales. He even had to wait 30 years for footage of polar cubs emerging from their den, and put up with a curious – but deadly – polar bear trying to make its way into his own hut.

Allan looks at his stunning photographs as being more functional than artistic, but they do an incredible job of illustrating life on parts of the planet that billions of us will never reach.

image

Allan filming seals with white sail for camouflage on location in Lake Baikal, Siberia. April 1989. Pic: Tartan Dragon

“It’s all happened by chance,” said Allan of his incredible career. “When I say to people, ‘you know I’m not competitive’, they go, ‘rubbish, you’re the most competitive person I know’. But I don’t think I am, but I do like getting my teeth into something, and I do like coming up with the goods. I don’t like being directly in competition.”

Though he has been in some dangerous situations, he takes it all in his stride. He knows where the personal space boundary of a polar bear lies, how best to tell if animals are curious or aggressive, and how best to get an animal on side for filming.

(BBCAMericaTV/YouTube)

“What I like working with are mammals,” he said.

The reason with mammals is we are all mammals  – when I look out at an audience there are as many shades of character in an audience. It’s exactly the same when you meet a pod of whales or a troupe of monkeys… they all have individual characters – some will be curious, some will be friendly, some will be aggressive, some will be very shy and wary.

For Allan, an enjoyable challenge when filming “is that part of the job is to get on the wavelength of the animal, and recognise what character it is and make your approach, and take you how deal with that animal, take their personality into account, because only by doing that will you get the best out of them”.

“So if you meet an animal that’s shy, they need to take their time to get to know you. You meet an animal that’s aggressive, you might want to avoid at all costs. Or maybe a certain way of not looking at it will calm it down.”

With some animals, like chimpanzees, gorillas, dolphins or toothed whales, they have to be treated “more like an 18-20 month old baby where there’s no verbal communication between you but there’s a whole lot of body language, tone of voice, a whole range of subtle things which some people have and some people don’t have and some people have lost”, said Allan.

(PlasticOceans/YouTube)

He didn’t get into the job just because of the love of animals, but that has changed over time. Today, Allan is a fierce advocate for animals, and his talks don’t just cover what he does for his job, but what humans can do to help save the planet.

“We as a species are the biggest influence on the planet so far,” said Allan, who campaigns against plastic pollution and against drilling in the arctic.

“The more that human beings have impacted on the world, the more we’ve lost the knowledge that we’re actually part of it,” he pointed out.

“Very few humans think of themselves as being part of the ecosystem; they always think of humans and the ecosystem and the two are separate. They’re not, they’re all part of the same thing and if they could just establish that connection, think of things in a natural holistic way, we wouldn’t have the problems we’ve got.”

image

Filming under arctic ice. Pic: Doug Allan

He has worked in the Arctic for 25 years, which is the location at the forefront of climate change, and so has seen the visible changes global warming has brought to the planet.

“You think 2 degrees centigrade isn’t much, but it is a lot when it goes from -1 to +1, because that’s the melting / freezing point of water. Everything changes when you start to thaw things out. And the Arctic is on that cusp.”

He has also seen a change in the weather systems there, which he describes as “all over the place, the ice is breaking up, rain is coming early, it’s generally a bit of a mess, things are becoming less predictable”.

image

Allan on location, Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific, during filming for Planet Earth, Sept 2005.

He advises that we should be looking at the Arctic as it will be in 20 years time, examining very carefully the development there and seeing how we can protect it.

“You can’t talk about the poles without talking about climate change,” summarised Allan.

Looking at his photographs and footage, and the incredible animals and lands that are being impacted by the changes caused by humans, it’s clear that work like his is hugely important.

Doug Allan will speak about Life Behind the Lens during 11 dates around Ireland from 19 September to 4 October. For the full line-up, see his website.

Read: 9 reasons why David Attenborough should be reading you a bedtime story>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
9 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute G.W.
    Favourite G.W.
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 5:14 PM

    Monster ones on Burrow Beach, Sutton. One was nearly a metre wide! STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS…………..(hopefully the traffic won’t be so bad now heading home)

    78
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tweety McTweeter
    Favourite Tweety McTweeter
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 6:16 PM

    DO NOT MAKE ANY UNNECESSARY JOURNEYS!!

    85
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Val Rossi
    Favourite Val Rossi
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 6:34 PM

    Bloody foreigner jellyfish coming over here stinging our women.

    74
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute neuromancer
    Favourite neuromancer
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 6:00 PM

    Kill it. Kill it with fire.

    65
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Mc
    Favourite Paul Mc
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 6:20 PM

    Don’t piss down my back and tell me it’s raining.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Helga Pataki
    Favourite Helga Pataki
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 5:29 PM

    These guys coming here to ride our generous welfare system ?

    60
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute tom
    Favourite tom
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 5:39 PM

    will jellyfish live long enough to make it to head of queue

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fergal O'Hagan
    Favourite Fergal O'Hagan
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 5:04 PM

    Lots of them on bettystown beach, counted at least 10 last night on the sand

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Elma Phudd
    Favourite Elma Phudd
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 5:44 PM

    There’s gotta be a gag about drawing a lion in the sand, but it’s just not working for me.

    59
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ricky McCabe
    Favourite Ricky McCabe
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 6:23 PM

    Huge amount of them on the beach between Balbriggan and Gormanstown….have a craving all day for Trifle , no idea why

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute brian boru
    Favourite brian boru
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 5:27 PM

    Come on Darragh these Bad boys turn up every year and give the equivalent of a nettle sting. They are also one of the most beautiful creatures we have around our coastline and are incredibly beautiful under water. I know you know this why all the drama this year?

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Louis Jacob
    Favourite Louis Jacob
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 5:35 PM

    I saw that lady on Sherkin Island last week and she was in a terrible state… She was very lucky to make it. I’ve lived down here all my life, nearly 40 years, and I have never seen anything like it.

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Louis Jacob
    Favourite Louis Jacob
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 5:36 PM

    And btw I’ve also seen people stung by nettle stings…

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Mulligan
    Favourite John Mulligan
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 5:26 PM

    A few on Skerries beach right now

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Poole Hyde
    Favourite Poole Hyde
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 5:50 PM

    Used to spend summers there with my aunt in the 80′s and depending on the conditions the beach would be covered with thousands of the jellyfish. Not sure if they were these guys though. The gulls usually made short work of them.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Sheridan
    Favourite Tom Sheridan
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 5:30 PM

    “The increase coincides with a rise in temperatures this week….Our waters are much too warm for the larger versions. ” !!!! Might this imply that when the weather and waters cool we will get the larger ones?

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colette Kearns
    Favourite Colette Kearns
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 5:35 PM

    So Joey & Monica shouldn’t have bothered going through all that embarrassment! !

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Charles Coughlan
    Favourite Charles Coughlan
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 6:27 PM

    They have been all over South West Ireland for the past two months, nobody notices :-)

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bríd Uí Mhaoluala
    Favourite Bríd Uí Mhaoluala
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 11:32 PM

    None in West Kerry 3 weeks ago

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Delaney
    Favourite James Delaney
    Report
    Aug 30th 2016, 1:01 AM

    I heard there was many of them in Tralee last week.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Winston Smith
    Favourite Winston Smith
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 8:20 PM

    I fear someone at the Joural is suffering from a sever case of Cnidophobia because this is at least the third if not more articles on the subject of Jellyfish epidemics!…I only hope you find a cure fast but in the meatime this may help.
    http://common-phobias.com/Cnido/phobia.htm

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Amy Smith
    Favourite Amy Smith
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 7:56 PM

    Jellyfish stings are so painful!

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Trisec Training
    Favourite Trisec Training
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 6:51 PM

    Was watching jellies swimming last Sunday. Lovely creatures.
    They move slowly, so can be easily observed. Watch out for little fish living within the jellies.
    Hope to see them again on Thursday

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Science of beer
    Favourite Science of beer
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 7:35 PM

    What a load of toss. I spent 7 hours surfing yesterday on the SE coast and the water was full of jellies. Not one sting. This article is crap and just scaremongering.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute brian magee
    Favourite brian magee
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 10:02 PM

    I Persume that you were in a wetsuit. Was the ride on its way in or out ?

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Delaney
    Favourite James Delaney
    Report
    Aug 30th 2016, 1:06 AM

    Please clarify – The RIDE or the TIDE ?

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Micheal OLainn
    Favourite Micheal OLainn
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 6:59 PM

    I just avoid the jellyfish and the jellyfish don’t attack me.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Henry Howard
    Favourite Henry Howard
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 10:41 PM

    Comparing the sting to a nettle sting is ludicrous. I was stung by one in Howth a few years ago and it was the worst experience ever. Multiple spasms and no sleep for over 24 hours. All the piss/vinegar in Dublin wouldn’t have helped!

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Delaney
    Favourite James Delaney
    Report
    Aug 30th 2016, 1:04 AM

    @henry howard – And what were the effects of the jellyfish sting ?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Delaney
    Favourite James Delaney
    Report
    Aug 30th 2016, 12:59 AM

    That Red jellyfish is the Labour party jellyfish – If you get stung by one, U’ll be Howlin for at least 5 yrs after. They make ya moan & do worse damage than ya’d ever think.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Abinger Gregorious Hammer
    Favourite Abinger Gregorious Hammer
    Report
    Aug 30th 2016, 8:46 AM

    There’s a famous seafood restaurant in Bangkok that advertises,’ If it swims we serve it’. I was less than impressed as I ordered steamed jellyfish only to be politely informed that they didn’t cook jellyfish. I pointed out that their advertising campaign was false.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Soft Wind Roses
    Favourite Soft Wind Roses
    Report
    Aug 29th 2016, 7:38 PM

    Had to get out of the sea in Hole in the Wall in Sutton yesterday after warning from lifeguard :(
    About 40 on the beach that day …

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds