Guest BLOG By Rob Read*
All images, videos and text by Rob Read unless otherwise indicated.
When it comes to photographing nature, I tend to be a loner most of the time and, for a lot of the photographers I know, this seems to the same for them too. I guess it has something to do with that need for the peace and solitude that nature invites, and the tendency for it to favour life’s introverts. And when we are on our own, we are free to follow our own agenda without the need for compromise or distraction. However, there is a danger that extended periods of isolation from others can lead to the suffocation of our creativity and a pause in its development. I go through times when I think my photography is becoming stuck in a rut and I need to change something to take my journey on to the next station.
Visiting new locations and concentrating on new species can sometimes be the answer to unlocking the next door of creativity, but often spending time with other photographers is not only enjoyable but can also be inspiring and motivational. Experiencing somebody else’s perspective and approach can provide endless new ideas that we can expand upon and incorporate into our own work. And, apart from anything else, sharing time with a good friend is such a boost for our mental wellbeing.
At the beginning of October, Georgina came to stay with me for a few days as she travelled over to attend the awards presentation for Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum in London. Being one of the most consistently creative wildlife photographers in the world, Georgina has had a huge influence on how I approach my own photography and has become a close friend. We spent three solid days in the field together, visiting a variety of habitats and photographed numerous species in differing weather conditions. We went out, not with the intention of taking award-winning images, but to enjoy our time together and simply have fun taking photographs of whatever presented itself.
Amid the endless conversation, joking, leg-pulling and tears of laughter, I watched closely as my friend worked the locations and species I know intimately. These were places that had become somewhat stale for me over time, and locations I was concerned would not provide opportunities worthy of my friend’s abilities. I needn’t have worried, her excitement never wavered, pointing her lens at subject after subject, regardless of the light conditions, how common the subject was, or how many images of it she already had. For her, the subject was irrelevant, it was the search for the uniqueness of every frame that drove the constant filling of the memory cards, which she did with obvious delight.
Georgina’s approach was a reminder that good photography is never simply a product of the latest and most expensive kit. The best photographers always think differently to the majority, and this is what makes their photography stand out. I was in the presence of someone who consistently delivers fresh and innovative photography and is regularly awarded in international competitions. There was much to take away from our time together. Most obviously, while I was prepared to compromise on some things to make my photography more comfortable, she was not. It struck me that this was one of the things that separated her from the mainstream.
To illustrate this point, in one location we shot from a wooden fishing platform at the edge of a lake I photograph at regularly. This platform sits 18 inches above the lake’s surface, and I have always been satisfied that the angle to my subjects was low enough to shoot with my camera resting on the decking. My companion took a different view, leaning over the edge and holding the camera just above the surface, using the flip-out screen to compose her images. At the end of the session, she had water in the lens from a few unplanned dunkings (thankfully fixed later with the aid of a hairdryer), sore arms from the strain of holding the camera for extended periods, and bruises across her chest from leaning over the platform edge. In other words, she was prepared to get uncomfortable and do what was necessary to get the best results she could manage. At times, we ended up taking near-identical shots using similar camera settings, but her low angle was that little extra ingredient that turned a good image into an exceptional one.
I am a bit impatient in life, and this is the same in my photography. I am always quick to move on if I don’t find what I want, thinking that there may be something better around the corner. My photo buddy was different, remaining in one place when she had subjects in front of her and focused solely on getting the best out of what she had until she was satisfied the opportunities had been exhausted. My restless trait was quickly identified and targeted with constant friendly jibes and barbed comments, causing me to curb my wanderlust and helping me to concentrate on the here and now.
Restless Legs Syndrome - it's a common problem among bird photographers. You are better off staying in one place if you have action, a good position and subjects, rather than constantly looking for something 'new' or better [Georgina].
Another assessment of my approach was quickly vocalised in response to my obvious frustrations at the dawn light as it came and went behind broken cloud. I was reminded that we can never control the light we have available at any one time if we choose to work with natural light [My exact words were "Oh for Christ's sake stop whinging Rob - light changes so work with it - just take the bloody photos!": Georgina] . Accept what you have and use it to the best of your ability. See it as an opportunity to create something different, rather than bemoaning the lack of the conditions that you would prefer. As the light danced in and out of the clouds, I took some of my best images of the year and loved the different feel and mood I could generate in photographs taken only seconds apart.
Over our sessions we pushed each other creatively, both learning new things from each other and wanting to get the best shots we could. High key, low key, back lighting, panning, intentional camera movement were all things we tried, often in far from ideal conditions. I am positive that I would not have bothered to try many of these things on my own given the same circumstances – and that truly would have been a waste. Not only were the results outstanding, but the positivity generated in both of us will act as fuel for the weeks ahead when we will both be back to shooting on our own. When things get tough, I shall look back on these sessions to provide the motivation and inspiration to get the best out of my photography in any given moment.
On our last day together, I took Georgina to meet Victoria Hillman, another amazingly creative photographer who has had a huge impact on my own photography. A couple of hours later I found myself crouched over a group of fungi in the dark of a woodland with water streaming down my neck from the torrential rain. I was wet, cold and uncomfortable. I had no light, the camera was getting soaked, but I was taking pictures with two good friends. I was inspired, I was happy, and I made the most of the moment.
"No decorum- people from the colonies..."
(Click on photo to see video)
As we drove home, the car’s heater on full blast, and steam rising from our sodden clothes, we laughed like drains. One of photography’s superpowers is its ability to bring people together who share a passion and, even for an introvert like me, there is nothing better than spending time with close, like-minded friends.
*Rob is a photographer and author, with an interest in wildlife across all the taxa groups and the habitats in which they are found, although he holds a special passion for birds. His images have been used in countless newspapers, magazines, books and websites across the world. He has written numerous magazine articles including a regular photography feature in the UK’s Bird Watching Magazine. He has authored, co-authored and collaborated on many books on natural history including Life-Size Birds published by HarperCollins, Collins Complete Guide to Butterflies and Moths published by HarperCollins, and a Naturalist’s Guide Insects of Britain & Northern Europe published by John Beaufoy Publishing.
He is perhaps best known as one of the founding directors, competition co-ordinator and former face of Bird Photographer of the Year, having helped to take the competition from conception through to the major international brand it has become. Rob oversaw the first five competition cycles and was instrumental in the production of the five competition books published by HarperCollins. Rob resigned from BPOTY in 2020 and founded WildArt Photographer of the Year, a competition which concentrates on creative wildlife photography and that has completed three annual contest cycles.
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