Evolving as a photographer

As a wildlife photographer I’ve tried to become more discerning about each photo I take. Rather than the “spray and pray” method of firing the shutter button for a burst of frames in the hope that there’s a good shot among them, I now ask myself questions such as:

“What do I want from this photo? Is it a behaviour sequence?”

“What kind of photo is this? Will it be more impactful as a wide-angle or close-up?”

“How can I make this more creative? Should I move for better light, effect or a different perspective?”

Then I choose my position, lens, framing, settings and focus. And then I fire!

Being so very fortunate to see incredible wildlife regularly, I find myself wanting to show off the vast and complex environment in which they live, and the tiny details of every special component. Sometimes I’ll make a tree the hero of the image, with an animal nearby as almost incidental.

Currently Helitropium steudneri are flowering, commonly known as string of stars because the flowers grow alongside one another in rows, as if tiny silver-white stars have been bound together on a string. I’ve tried to showcase these delicate little beauties against the mite of a powerful animal in these opportunities that presented themselves, when a white rhino was grazing at sunset, and as a lion slept and then woke to groom himself.

I’m hoping to capture moments that feel authentic and immersive. Rather than only photographing an animal, I’d like to tell a story or hint at the bigger picture. My ultimate goal, and it is always a work in progress, is to evoke a sense of place, a connection to the natural world, and a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between wildlife and the wilderness. Through this evolving process I realise how much patience, intentionality, and awareness can elevate a photograph into a strong visual narrative.

I’m constantly inspired by fellow wildlife photographers, videographers and artists, the way light plays, art, design, and other wild places around the world. How lucky we are to live among such wonder, and how very precious and fragile it is, entrusted to us.

Flowers in focus as the sun sets behind the rhino.

Flowers out of focus as the lion sleeps. 2&3. Flowers in focus as the lion washes his face.