Popular Photography Magazine, China
This month, it's an honour to have my photography featured in Popular Photography Magazine in China and to be featured on the front cover too.
Using camera traps in wildlife photography
The article is all about the use of camera traps in wildlife photography and is an extensive editorial feature which included many of my images from the EIGHT FEET book.
As suggested by the title, all the images in EIGHT FEET are taken from within eight feet or less of the animals, which are some of the world's most dangerous and elusive.
The article also included an interview about my photography and work using camera traps in wildlife photography.
Interview with Popular Photography Magazine, China
The full interview with Popular Photography Magazine is below:
1 What was your job before you became a wildlife photographer?
After studying at University, I worked as a business consultant in London for almost twenty years. But everything changed when I took a holiday to the Masai Mara, Kenya in 2003. I chose to leave the office desk behind because I love being outside with nature and, on the trip, became instantly hooked on wildlife photography. Wildlife photography combines my love of nature with my love of photography.
2 Tell us about your photography and why black and white photos?
I’m the kind of person who enjoys experimenting. As well as wildlife photography, I have tried many other genres such as sports, travel and landscape. I believe that it’s important to try different things to build new skills, and this can only come from experimenting with different shooting styles.
I’ve not always shot in black and white. But, as I found it to be more creative and artistic than shooting in colour, over the years I’ve enjoyed it more and more. Black and white photography is an art in itself and I relish the challenge.
3 It seems that your photography is influenced by classical photographs. Are there any famous artists in the history of photography who have influenced your work?
It may sound a cliché, but Ansel Adams is a big influence. He was such a pioneer. Driven and relentless in the pursuit of perfection. I’m sure if he was alive today he would relish the wonderful technology now available to photographers.
4 When did you start to take wildlife photos?
Wildlife was one of the first things I photographed. I started very local to my home, and photographed deer in the London Royal Parks as well as humble squirrels at my window. From the start, the challenge presented by wildlife inspired me and motivated me.
5 When did you start to use a remote camera or trap camera to work?
I first started using remote photography seriously about three years ago. At first, I used a lone tripod and let the wildlife interact with it, but I stopped that when lions took my camera! It was never to be seen again!
After that, I migrated to mobile devices that I made and developed myself. I have got a few mini cars that I mount my camera on. They helped me learn and improve my technique. Driving a mini car and firing the camera myself is still my favourite type of shooting.
6 Please tell us about your gear when you go to Africa
My camera grows every year. I even leave my clothes and toiletries in Africa then use my luggage allowance for camera gear!
On my last couple of trips, I had up to four camera bodies, one converted to infra-red. Up to eight lenses, mostly primes, ranging mostly from 24-135mm, plus a tele zoom. I also bring my current remote control car, monopod, six remote shutter releases, underwater housing and many chargers, batteries and cables.
7 Do you live in London? How often do you go to Africa?
Yes. I’m from Northern Ireland but have been in London over 20 years. I do a big trip usually every 2 months, mostly to Africa but recently I’ve travelled to the USA, Canada, Mongolia and Australia. Each trip has its own specific challenges and requires considerable planning.
8 Remote camera and trap cameras bring a new perspective to wildlife photography, but how do you develop this portrait style? Did you move the little vehicle when you find the animal was attracted by it? Or did you just wait and press the button?
It’s very fascinating, as the approach in the field is different by species and also the animal and their mood. Approaching any animal fast or head-on is threatening, and my intentions are always to let the animals stay relaxed rather than annoy or harass them. Some movement helps get their attention though. I’ll compose the image where I’d like to photograph them, but it must always be done on their terms.
Remote photography has the ability to stress animals, flashguns or moving cameras can be disturbing. My advice to other photographers is to always research the species, talk with local guides and start shooting slowly, adapting your technique as you learn how the interactions are going.
9 How do you earn a living with photography?
I have a fine art black and white photography book called ‘Eight Feet’ which features 30 close-encounter images of wildlife captured in the UK, Africa and Uganda. I sell this through my website. I am also represented by galleries in London and New York where I do fine art exhibitions to sell prints. Finally, I guide photographic safaris in the Masai Mara with small groups.