Guild of Photographers Submission
I thought you might like to see the brief that I submitted along with my images in order to obtain my Qualified status with the Guild of Photographers.
As follows:
“One Touch of Nature makes the Whole World Kin”
This quote by William Shakespeare sums up my passion for photography in a simple and succinct way.
It’s why I love it so much. It allows me the opportunity to share with everyone why I feel the natural world is so important.
Photography allows me to bring nature closer to home. To connect with it and perhaps more importantly to connect with each other.
Early Beginnings
Since childhood I’ve always wanted to be outside, getting muddy, playing in the open air or running on sandy beaches.
It’s this love of the outdoors that has followed me throughout my career.
I work in the heart of the South Downs, on a 120-acre Farm. We help disadvantaged young people. Mainly those that are excluded from school, reconnect with themselves, each other and the world around them.
Through simple landbased activities we get them back into school.
I use photography as a tool to help young people “see” what’s around them. To better understand it and feel a connection towards it.
Wild By Nature
Setting up Wild By Nature, my own small photography business, seemed a natural step in broadening this approach. Joining the Guild of Photographers quickly followed!
It allows me to share with others how to get the best from their camera. How to engage with wildlife in such a way as to capture great shots with zero disturbance to the subject.
I hope my submission reflects the opportunities I have to capture wildlife in its natural setting. Many are within the landscape they call home whilst others are very up close and personal.
Behind each photo is considerable amount of work. I need to understand the animal, its habits, its needs and its frequency.
This helps me be prepared, organised and in the right place for the image I have in mind.
The actual shot is quite often the easiest bit – sit and wait!
A high shutter speed to avoid camera shake. A high ISO to help see in the early dawn or late evening dusk is frequently required
But most importantly patience, calm and very steady breathing.
For when you finally see through the viewfinder the one shot you were hoping for it can sometimes take your breath away!
