INSPIRED

Hi First name / everyone! This newsletter is all about what inspires me, and I have been meaning to cover this for a long time. In fact in newsletter #32 I eluded to it, so I am sorry it has taken so long to finally get to it. 

 

I often get labelled as a “creative” photographer, and while I certainly feel like there are so many photographers who are far greater than I at being creative, I do acknowledged that what I like to shoot is rarely the iconic images you see coming out of Africa. In fact I think my Best of 2023 blog proves how little I shoot traditional images. 

 

As I get asked quite a lot how I come up with images, I thought it may be helpful to share what inspires me, as well as my approach to photographing subjects. I hope you enjoy, and thanks as always for the support!

 

- William

LIGHT - light is not just the essence of photography, but for wildlife it breathes life into every scene. The way sunlight filters through trees, illuminates a bird's wings, or casts dramatic shadows, profoundly affects how I capture the natural world. It transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. The way light shifts through the day, from the harsh overhead sun to the mellow tones of evening, offers endless opportunities to capture the varied moods of nature, bringing depth and emotion to each image. I am constantly in awe of how light creates form, texture, and most importantly mood. The best thing about it is that every day is different, and by simply looking you can see beauty. 

COMMON SUBJECTS - As a wildlife photographer, I often find the most inspiration in the ordinary, because it challenges me to see beyond the surface. Capturing the subtle details and behaviours of common subjects reveals their hidden beauty. This approach not only enhances my creativity but also fosters a deeper appreciation among viewers for the often-overlooked creatures that play crucial roles in our natural world. It’s about finding the extraordinary in the everyday and I love the challenge that that provides!

BAD CONDITIONS - When I talk about “bad conditions” I often meen the conditions where people often pack up their gear. When it starts to rain, or simply when it is “boring” overcast light. These conditions in my eyes often bring a raw, unfiltered edge to wildlife photography that I find incredibly inspiring. These challenging elements add a layer of drama and intensity to images that sunny days simply cannot match. Stormy skies not only offer dramatic backdrops, but often result in behavioural changes in animals during inclement weather. As a result they provide unique opportunities to capture rare moments. These conditions push my limits and creativity, encouraging me to adapt and innovate with my techniques, ultimately enriching my work with depth and emotion. It is fair to say this doesn't always happen, but you certainly shouldn't shy away from dramatic weather!

COLOUR - For those of you who read my “colour theory” newsletters recently I am sure you know my love for colour and its role in storytelling. If you want to read more on this you can here.

 

Colour breathes life into wildlife photography, transforming scenes into vivid tapestries that hopefully captivate the viewer’s eye. Colour often plays a pivotal role in conveying the mood of an environment and highlighting the unique traits of animals. The brilliant hues of a bird's plumage, the subtle shades of a mammal's coat, or the vibrant backdrop of a landscape. As a wildlife photographer, harnessing the power of colour provides endless ideas both in camera and in post production.

ENVIRONMENTS - Landscapes offer a breathtaking canvas for wildlife photography, each environment rich with unique narratives and dramatic backdrops. Whether it is a vast open plain interrupted by a lone acacia, the rugged beauty of the Kalahari, or the lush, intricate waterways of the Okavango Delta, they provide dynamic scenes that enhance every image. These settings do not merely frame the wildlife; they reveal the harsh beauty of where the subject lives, giving a layer to the image. Capturing the interplay between fauna and these iconic landscapes deepens an appreciation for the ecological diversity and for me tells a far more interesting story! Traveling to new places or simply looking at the bigger picture truly has inspires the way I see, and ultimately capture the world.

Over a year ago I shared my technique of jotting ideas down, either written or drawn in a sketchbook. I had a few responses from people who have seen my art before, saying things along the line of “unfortunately I can't draw, so couldn't do this”. I couldn't help but laugh, as my sketchbooks look like I draw blindfolded. 

 

In the spirit of sharing, I thought it could be entertaining (largely at my own expense) to share what I “sketch”, and ultimately what images came from those ideas. 

 

If you do decide to keep a photography sketch book, please remember; a journal is not meant to be a work of literature, so why should we be so critical about sketches! After all, they are there to remind you of an idea rather than a work of art. My best advice to anyone struggling with creativity, is to jot down ideas and then try and make them come to life!

OTHER ARTISTS

My greatest source of inspiration still lies in following other photographers and artists. Here is a screenshot of some images I have recently saved in a instagram folder “Inspiration”. I am constantly influenced and largely in awe of the amazing artists out there, and while I try never to copy ideas, I love to be influenced creatively through others work!

LATEST IMAGE

I am currently in Wales photographing the amazing Atlantic Puffins. Keep an eye on my social media as I will be sharing more soon! 

Thank you as always for reading and I cannot wait to hear what you think of this months newsletter! The next newsletter is coming soon, so make sure you have signed up!

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