Tell us the story behind your photo in the British Wildlife Photography Awards exhibition?
This photo was taken late at night in an urban park in Bristol with a family of foxes that I had followed and photographed extensively for several years while taking photos for my A-level in photography. I have experimented a lot in backlit work as I find it artistically appealing. I looked to explore this further and in different settings. I waited for this fox to pass through the area and waited for my shot as well as I could. You have to be very precise with this technique.
Did you use any particular equipment or software?
I used a simple kit lens (Ef 28-90), a 1200d camera and a Yongnou flash off camera paired with receiver gear that, in the grand scheme of photography, is on the cheaper end but effective. I also used Adobe Lightroom to edit it.
What would you like people to think about when they see your work?
First and foremost it is the animal I am photographing. In this case it is a fox which, in my view, can be unfairly maligned. They are beautiful, fascinating, intelligent mammals. My aim is to try and encourage the viewer to look at them afresh. I have photographed a lot of foxes and each one is a unique character with fascinating behaviour.
What makes you stop and decide that a scene is worth photographing?
Curiosity in composition and an animal or a detail that ignites my fancy and makes me stop to consider working with it for this photo. I knew the foxes well and their habits and the flat paved tiling would make a very interesting setting for backlit lighting and depth of field.
How do you know when you’ve captured “the shot” and can stop shooting?
There would always be two bases, for me. One would be when you have the shot you envisioned (or as close to it as you are likely to manage when working outdoors with wild subjects). The other absolute reason to stop would be if you may be approaching a line where you may risk disturbing the wildlife. The shot should never be achieved at the expense of the creature or its wellbeing.
What has wildlife taught you about paying attention?
It’s all about the details. There’s always an explanation or a reason for an animal’s behaviour and making good observations helps you as a photographer and to understand the world around you. It was an inspiration for me in studying Animal Behabiour at University. The other thing is that is worth paying attention to every little thing as there is wildlife everywhere from caterpillars, snails and hedgehogs in the garden to owls and foxes in the fields. There is always something to find and appreciate, wherever you may be.
What projects are you working on now or have they come up?
I have been working on photographing a great set of local fox cubs since I returned from uni for the summer whilst keeping an eye out for little owlets around the area. I am also photographing my local river, which has been blessed with a beaver family for the last few years. There are some beaver kits I am monitoring and hopefully will document well. I had some footage picked up by the local BBC news recently and I am working on getting some really good photographs.
Check out more of Chris’ photography: