Tell us the story behind your photo in the British Wildlife Photography Awards exhibition?
I travelled to England in February 2025 hoping to photograph barn owls and short-eared owls. While exploring, I found an uncultivated field bordered by a traditional dry stone wall, and it seemed like a promising place to wait for an owl at first light.
Instead, I was treated to something completely unexpected. A male pheasant landed on the wall, called loudly and flapped his wings in a spectacular display before disappearing into the field. Knowing that pheasants are creatures of habit during the breeding season, I returned to the exact same spot the following morning. Sure enough, right at sunrise, he climbed onto the wall again and repeated the performance. The frost, the soft morning light and his dramatic display came together for just a few seconds, creating the desired image.
The field belongs to a landowner who deliberately leaves it uncultivated to benefit wildlife. Without that habitat, this moment probably wouldn’t have happened. I hope photographs like this remind people how important sympathetic land management is for the wildlife we enjoy seeing.
Did you use any particular equipment or software?
I photographed the scene with a mirrorless camera (Canon R5) and a telephoto lens (Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM), mounted on a sturdy tripod. The long focal length allowed me to keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the pheasant, while the tripod provided stability during the low light before sunrise and made it easier to wait for the right moment. For post-processing my images I mainly use Adobe Lightroom. My editing is deliberately minimal, focusing on exposure, colour and contrast to recreate the atmosphere of that frosty morning as faithfully as possible.
What would you like people to think about when they see your work?
I hope the image encourages people to appreciate the wildlife that lives alongside us, even species that many people see every day. Given the right light, behaviour and setting, familiar animals can be every bit as captivating as rarer ones. I also hope it highlights the importance of farmland managed with wildlife in mind.
What makes you stop and decide that a scene is worth photographing?
In terms of photographing wildlife, it’s usually a combination of behaviour, light and a sense that something interesting is about to happen. I don’t chase rare species as much as memorable moments. If an animal is behaving naturally in beautiful surroundings, that’s often enough to make me stop and watch.
What has wildlife taught you about paying attention?
Wildlife has taught me patience, respect and appreciation. I’ve learned that the best wildlife photography isn’t about getting as close as possible, it’s about giving animals the space they need to behave naturally. When that happens, the photographs become a genuine record of a wild moment rather than a scene influenced by the photographer. I’ve also learned that I don’t always have to travel to remote places or take on demanding expeditions to experience the beauty of the natural world. More often than not, it’s enough to slow down, observe and appreciate what’s already close to home.
Check out more of Alexander’s photography: