Sharing a love and the knowledge for Wildlife Photography

A couple of weeks ago, I received a lovely message through my website from a 17-year-old photography student called Phoebe. She explained that she was eager to learn more about wildlife photography and wondered if she could shadow me for a day.

Before arranging to meet, we had a FaceTime call so I could learn a little more about her, where she was from, and what she hoped to gain from the experience. Phoebe told me that she had mainly been exploring street photography but was becoming increasingly interested in the world of wildlife photography.

We decided to spend a day out in nature together. I packed some of my equipment, including my zoom lens, so she could have a go at photographing wildlife herself and experience what it’s like to work with longer focal lengths.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the wildlife was full of life. What more could we ask for?

Over the next few hours, we wandered through nature, photographing birds, butterflies and bees, chatting as we went. It quickly became clear that Phoebe is still exploring different genres of photography, trying to discover where her true passion lies.

For me, wildlife photography is more than simply taking pictures of animals. It’s healing for the soul. It encourages you to slow down, be present, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day. And once nature captures your heart, it never truly lets go.

One of the most special moments of the day was our encounter with a juvenile robin. It was such a sweet and unforgettable experience, watching this tiny bird so closely and sharing that moment together. I was fortunate enough to capture the scene as Phoebe photographed the little robin herself. A beautiful moment of connection between a young photographer and nature. It’s a memory I hope she will treasure for years to come.

I hope I was able to teach her a few things during our time together, but I also came away from the experience feeling inspired. It’s wonderful to meet young photographers who are curious, enthusiastic and willing to explore the natural world through their lens.

Photography has a beautiful way of connecting people, and this was one of those days that reminded me exactly why I love what I do.