Behind the lens
These personal and special encounters.
Family and friends who know me will also know that I have an absolutely terrible memory. My working life has always been a little hectic, usually with a phone glued to my ear. I never imagined I would find a magical place that could give those memories back to me. Yet I can remember every animal, where we were and exactly what we were doing, because each one chose to share a little of its time with me.
Ever since I was a child, I have dreamt of going on safari. Even then, I could never have imagined these extraordinary experiences in the bush. I found a whole new world and, unexpectedly, a patience and quietness I never knew I had. Both have brought me the most wonderful rewards.
I feel incredibly lucky to have the friends we have in South Africa. They have given me the opportunity and the space to enter the world of these wild animals. The photography only works when both the animal and the moment are right. It works when the animal accepts me, stays entirely of its own accord and allows the encounter to unfold.
At six foot four, I have never been described as small or slight, so disappearing into the background is not easy, even beside a large giraffe and her little one. I do my best, easing myself into a warthog hole, settling behind a large tree and trying to be as unobtrusive as possible. Then I wait for something special to come along.
The larger animals bring a different kind of encounter. Elephants, the big cats, rhino and hippo can be wonderfully inquisitive. They often spend time simply looking at me, realising that I am not a threat. It is an extraordinary privilege, and I cannot wait to return, share their space again and bring home a few more images.
- Camera
- Canon EOS R5
- Based in
- Gloucestershire, UK
- In the field
- Patience, respect & natural light