Behind the Lens with John Lauper

When and why did you develop an interest in wildlife photography?

I’ve always been interested in nature since I was young and developed an interest in photography in my early twenties, but it wasn’t until I retired from the Civil Service in 2016 after 36 years that I was able to combine my two interests more seriously. I feel lucky living in a bungalow on the beach in Pevensey Bay not far from the South Downs, as this has given me access to a lot of nature-rich areas such as the Cuckmere and Seaford Head, with lots of different wildlife subjects to photograph.

Do you have a particular subject matter you favour, and why?

While I love taking photographs of any type of wildlife my favourite subject has always been birds. I became a member of YOC (Young Ornithologists Club) when I was around 10 years old and have retained a love of birds since then. I still get a thrill seeing a bird I’ve never seen before such as the Waxwing, which I saw for the first time last month. Even better now I get to take decent photos of them as well….hopefully!

What are the biggest challenges?

Trying to get as close as possible to the subject of the photograph without disturbing it. The welfare of the subject always comes before trying to take a photograph of it.

What equipment do you use, in brief?

I’ve always been a Canon user and now use a mirrorless Canon R5 primarily with a Canon 100-500mm zoom lens but also on occasion with a Sigma 105mm macro lens for close-up work.

What’s your favourite shot ?

Not easy to choose but I think my favourite would be the one of the European Hornet taken in the garden at Herstmonceux Castle. I happened to notice the hornet enter a gap in a brick wall and quickly swapped to my macro lens to grab a couple of shots before it flew away. I like the dramatic lighting on the hornet’s head and eyes which makes it look really sinister.

What are you trying to communicate with your photographs?

My love of nature in all its forms and the local landscape.

Any tips?

My biggest tip is to always check the background behind the subject to see if there’s anything distracting. Sometimes just moving a small distance left or right can make a big difference to a photograph. Secondly, you don’t have to travel far to take great photos. Some of my best photos have been taken either in my garden or at my local park, for me Hampden Park in Eastbourne.