Tell us a bit about yourself
Originally from South London, I have lived in West Sussex with my husband, Chris, for over 20 years. I love taking photos, especially capturing images of birds and wildlife across Sussex and further afield. I really enjoy sharing my work and connecting with others on Instagram.
When did you first develop an interest in wildlife photography?
As a child, I’d spend time in the garden, watching the birds and butterflies. My mum always put out food and water for the birds and she grew the most beautiful flowers that drew the butterflies in. And I was fascinated by my dad’s box camera. I got my own camera which I’d take to gatherings, capturing family and friends in unguarded moments. Those two loves, watching nature quietly and capturing moments on film, grew together, until I found myself out with a digital camera, watching wildlife.
Do you have a particular subject matter you favour?
Birds are my main passion, but I love the incredible variety of wildlife that Sussex, and the wider UK, offer.
What are the biggest challenges?
The ultimate challenge is trying to get close enough for that special image, without causing any disturbance. I often spend time on slow walks or just sitting quietly with my camera, waiting for an experience to unfold. You have to be ready to react in seconds when it finally happens, and equally accept that sometimes, it just doesn’t.
What equipment do you use?
I shoot with a Canon R5 Mark II paired with an RF 100-500mm lens, supported by a Benro monopod with a SpeediGimbal head.
What’s your favourite shot?
My favourite memory comes from an amazing encounter with a beautiful Barn Owl during a trip to Elmley Nature Reserve in Kent. Daytime walks were too hot because of a heatwave, but dawn and dusk were fabulous. This is my favourite owl photo, mainly because the encounter was completely unexpected, and the soft dusk light made it feel magical. I was walking along a pathway, lined on one side with woods, when I saw an owl fly through the trees and land on a nearby branch, though a massive tree trunk blocked my view. What followed was a super stealthy approach around the trunk. My heart was pounding! I willed it not to fly off. It stayed, and I could finally take a proper breath.
Has anything unexpected happened when you’ve been out with your camera?
Some years ago, Chris and I visited RSPB Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire. Just as we arrived, we discovered that a Red-tailed/Turkestan Shrike, spotted over the previous few days, had moved into a farmer’s field right next to the reserve. It was a lucky coincidence and I came away with some wonderful photos. I know it’s rare to see one in the UK, but since a shrike, believed to be an Isabelline Shrike, visited Woods Mill last year, I guess almost anything might be possible in Sussex.
Do you have any tips for other wildlife photographers?
I’m an amateur photographer, so I find it difficult giving others advice, but what works for me is taking the time to let my subject get comfortable with my presence and letting them lead the encounter. Those experiences can feel incredibly rewarding. Oh, and always double-check that your lens cap is off!
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