Seeing double?
Wildlife photography is often seen as a solitary affair, but there are some distinct advantages of heading out into the field with a plus-one…
Joggers, cyclists and commuters are passing by as the gates open and we swing into the car park. A few last sips of coffee and we’re out of the car, bags on, and myself and my good friend Luke set out looking for deer, on our annual pilgrimage to a place I’ve grown to love: Richmond Park. Autumn is my favourite time of year. There is something about pulling on a jumper, the mist rising from the landscape, and that first frost… Along with the pleasure of a ‘lie-in’, whilst still being able to make those dawn shoots! It’s a time of year I’ve always been drawn to, providing me with great motivation to get out with the camera. Maybe it’s because I was born in the third season, but it always feels like the start of my photographic year. Filled with familiar subjects and tones – I can’t wait to get out there, smell the dampness and fend off those morning chills!
As always, it starts with a romp through the wet grass. The darkness is still looming, but we’re making our way, navigating with the gorgeous and unearthly sound of the roaring stags, their bellows like foghorns through the gloom. Chatting as we speed through the undergrowth, we are racing the light.
The mist’s looking good, but the deer are far from being in a favourable position. I’m not too bothered though; while today is, of course, about going after some images, it’s also about the process and the chance to catch up with my good friend. Wildlife photography can so often be such a lonely pursuit.
Flashback 10 years, I first met Luke on a bridge at my local nature reserve, he was visiting for the day and we got chatting whilst on the hunt for water voles. Weeks later, I was up in London with him looking for deer, and what started as a friendly chat on a bridge has now seen us go on some mad adventures in pursuit of perfect pictures; freezing our nether regions off on winter beaches, days crawling around in the undergrowth, and wading around in chilling rivers! So much fun.
Two’s company
As much as wildlife photography can be looked at as a solitary pursuit, having a photo buddy is something that can really enhance the experience. Of course, it can make things harder, when two of you are trying to stalk subjects, but sharing the experience with a good friend really can improve your work. It’s a motivator for a start, to make sure you’re standing on the corner at 3:30am in the summer, as you can’t let your mate down. A chance to discuss images, ideas or new gear, when you’ve already bored your other half to death of it. A great way to pick up a new skill or look at things a little differently, constantly helping to evolve your shooting. It’s safer exploring remote locations together, something I certainly know female photographers will be thankful for, and you’ll have a darn good laugh along the way!
Back in the park, it’s been a rather average morning. The sun came and went, disappearing behind a bank of cloud. The deer have been elusive, deciding to stick to the woodland edges rather than venturing out. As always, I’m soaked, after lying on the ground looking for an angle in the dew. Nothing came of it, but you have to try.
A long morning, we turn in for a coffee, mentioning how we’ll be seeing double in a minute, as we haven’t eaten. The comment lands in our minds, and as we both look at each other, we simultaneously conclude what we’re going to do. An hour later, tummies grumbling, three encounters have provided some wonderful opportunities to work on something different… double exposures! A novel technique not used too often in wildlife photography, but one that can do wonders for adding layer and texture, and making some artistic images. Cards are full with some unique images, and the pilgrimage is certainly paying off. That’s what friends are for!
As much as wildlife photography can be looked at as a solitary pursuit, having a shoot buddy is something that can really enhance the experience