Can you tell us the story behind your photo in this exhibition?
I took this image on a trip to Scotland last winter. High up in the western Cairngorms, is one of the best place to witness these hardy creatures going about their business. It was an exceptionally cold and windy day and photographing in these conditions was tough. I started off shooting handheld with a super telephoto with the gusts blowing the lens hood around meaning even photographing a static animal was tricky. Being able to see became an issue too with the powdered snow stinging my face in the wind, not to mention the lens hood was filling up with snow every few minutes and coating the lens which needed wiping. It’s probably one of the harshest weathers I’ve photographed in, however wholly satisfying and totally rewarding.
How did you go about getting that shot?
From being solely focused looking uphill at the hare, after turning around and seeing the vast landscape behind me, I thought I have to include this! First challenge was to change lenses from the 500mm to the 24-70mm without covering the camera internals in snow, then to move around to a position above the Hare so as to shoot back into the mountainous backdrop finding a pleasing composition. With the wind blasting across the hillside, the clouds were really shifting across the scene and I must have shot over 50 images, all slightly different as the sun went in and out of the clouds, finally settling on this one as I prefer the subtle lighting on the hills and colours in the sky.
How long did you have to wait for this shot?
As with any good wildlife photography, you need to be accepted into their world and to get the best shots. Ultimately you want them relaxed and behaving naturally. To gain the animal’s trust you need you need to spend plenty of time with them, for instance I spent around three hours with this individual, gradually moving closer and checking it was content with me before proceeding. Over time the hare completely accepted me and was happy with my presence. Treat them with respect and they will reward you with a great insight into their world.
Did you use any particular equipment or software?
Not really, just lots of layers of clothing, digital SLR and lens.
What are your favourite scenes, species or motivations behind your photographs?
Creating eye-catching imagery but keeping it natural is what makes me tick. In recent years, I’ve definitely started shooting more ‘habitat’ images, where the landscape is as much part of the shot as the subject species is, this example probably one of favourite examples.
What are the difficulties of wildlife and nature photography that you face?
Finding the right setting is always an important aspect as is having a cooperative subject. So in most cases I’ll work with the familiar species such as garden birds or woodland mammals, and of course my favourite seabirds; Puffins, which I spend a lot of time with in the summer months on my local island of Skomer.
What would you like people to think about when they see your work?
I guess the right answer is to ‘be inspired’ but I can’t say that’s my objective from the outset. I’ve always fundamentally photographed for myself and if others like it too or take inspiration from it, then that’s very humbling feeling.
How long have you been a photographer and how did you get started?
I’ve been a full time professional for seven years now, before that I was a very enthusiastic amateur that stemmed from an early age thanks to brotherly influences. Both had SLR cameras and that sowed the seed in the early 90s.
What would you advise someone wanting to start taking photos of wildlife or nature in their local environment?
Definitely start local, think about composition, the light is very important and how you can tie it up in a creative manner. I find these images much more interesting that exotic shots from far flung destinations.
What projects are you working on now or have coming up?
Early in 2018 should see the launch of my third book, ‘Photographing South Wales’ published by FotoVUE. It has been my project now for more than 3 years working on visiting locations and writing all the text to go with each viewpoint. FotoVUE are making some superb photo location and visitor guidebooks for an ever growing list of locations and I was privileged to be asked to cover my ‘patch’ back in 2014. The journey over this time has made me fall even more in love with my home country and showcases the diversity South Wales offers everyone throughout the year. I’ve tried to select a good variety of photographic subjects in this book, so whether you are looking for coast or beach views, river valleys, upland rambles or castles, then the end result, is a book that will hopefully help and inspire others on their photographic journey through South Wales. As well as my South Wales book, I’m also working on many other publications to be released in 2018 and into 2019.
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