Behind the lens: Rachel Bigsby

Laura Ross

Communications Officer, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

When Rachel Bigsby was 14, she picked up a camera for the first time, unaware that a decade later it would have changed her life. Since then, she's scooped prestigious awards, winning both the Wildlife Photographer of the Year’s Natural Artistry award and Bird Photographer of the Year’s Portfolio prize. I caught up with her on her return from the Antarctic where she's been on a wildlife photography expedition getting up close to penguins, whales, and her favourite of them all, seabirds. 

You've fitted a huge amount in to your 27 years - can you give us a whirlwind tour of your life to date?

I picked up my first camera at 14 - an iPod, of all things - and happily photographed the landscapes of Sussex until I turned 16 and received a bridge camera, a major upgrade! My passion for photography deepened, and as soon as I got my first job, I saved every penny to buy a DSLR at 18. That camera became my constant companion, and over the next decade, my dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance turned a passionate hobby into a full-time career. I’m a Nikon Creator, an RSPB Ambassador and a published photographer for National Geographic. I also lead photography expeditions in the UK & polar regions, sharing my love for wildlife with others in some of the most breath-taking places on Earth.

Where has your passion for wildlife come from? 

My late grandfather was a passionate naturalist and avid sea fisherman, and from the moment I was born, he instilled in me a deep love for the natural world. That appreciation has stayed with me every single day. Being in the Scouts for 16 years also played a huge roll - whether it was camping, hiking or just getting muddy, it gave me a real, hands-on connection to nature. But one of the biggest turning points was the first time I saw Northern Fulmars at Birling Gap. I was mesmerised—this ‘albatross’ was soaring over my local cliffs, and I was hooked. I also have fond memories of my first Curlew sighting at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, watching in awe from the hide and capturing those early shots that made me fall in love with bird photography.

Talking birds, do you have a favourite?

Without a doubt, the Terns. Seabirds set my soul alight—I adore them. There’s something so special about watching them fill the sky in their hundreds, calling and diving with such precision. Seeing them thriving at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve each summer is pure magic.

Which person has inspired your journey the most and why?

Honestly? Myself! My journey has been a deeply personal one, and every step has been self-driven. I often think about the 14-year-old girl who picked up a camera for the first time, unaware that a decade later, it would change her life. Being a full-time wildlife photographer isn’t easy - there’s financial instability, personal sacrifices, long hours, and loneliness at times. But in those difficult moments, I find inspiration in how far I’ve come. I remind myself that I’ve built this career from the ground up, and that thought keeps me pushing forward - because if I’ve made it this far, who knows what’s still to come?

If you were in charge of the country for a day, what would you do?

I’d reform the fishing industry to better protect our seabirds. It’s heart-breaking that we deprive them of their primary food sources when we have so many alternatives. Sustainable management is critical, not just for the birds, but for the balance of the entire ecosystem. I’d also work on solutions to tackle bycatch—one of the biggest threats to seabirds globally. Too many species are caught and killed unintentionally, and there’s so much more we can do to prevent it.

What is it that drives you to get the perfect shot after hours of sitting in the same spot?

The "what if?" That, and the simple fact that if I’ve already endured the cold, the wind, and the rain for this long… what's another few minutes? A camera operator once told me: "When you're freezing, your toes are numb, and you’re desperate to go home… give it 10 more minutes." And strangely, it’s always true. All it takes is just a little more patience, and suddenly, the magic moment happens. Even if I don’t get the shot, I never leave empty-handed. I’ve spent time in nature, I’ve listened to the sounds around me, I’ve breathed in fresh air, and I’ve been present. There is always something to take away.

If there was one tip you’d pass on to budding photographers, what would it be?

Do it for you. Forget what others say or think. Photography is entirely subjective - there’s no such thing as a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ photo. As a judge for Bird Photographer of the Year, I see this time and time again. The best images are always the ones that make you happy, not the ones you think will impress someone else. Photography is an investment, not just in money, but in time, passion, and dedication. If it doesn’t bring you joy every time you press the shutter, you’re doing it for the wrong reasons.

Tell us something about you that we might not already know…

I often volunteer on seabird conservation projects, whether for research or hands-on conservation work. I’ve assisted studies on Manx Shearwaters, Razorbills, Puffins, and Gannets, and soon, I’ll be working with Roseate Terns, a project I’m incredibly excited about!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We're lucky enough to have Rachel joining us to give a talk at the Discovery Centre on Saturday 5th April from 2pm - 3.30pm. Join her for a photographic journey of her 'wild life' from pole to pole; her expeditions to remote places, her favourite images and the stories behind them. Book your ticket now here. If you would like to see more of her work, just click here.