MATTHEW WILLIAMS-ELLIS

Animals might be unpredictable, but anticipating their behaviour can help

When I photograph wildlife, I strive to create eye-catching images that cannot be instantly replicated. I do this by looking for emotion in a subject’s face, adding energy by patiently waiting for interesting behaviour, and capturing dramatic light by getting up at 4am. I want people to look at my images and enjoy them for both their aesthetic quality and the effort that has gone into creating them.

While there is an obvious draw to the colourful and cuter members of the animal kingdom, I love the challenge of capturing striking images of less exotic animals too. It doesn’t matter if I am photographing red-eyed tree frogs in Costa Rica or seagulls in Wales, I approach the opportunity with equal effort and enthusiasm.

I find wildlife photography inherently exciting due to the unpredictability of animals, and regardless of the subject I still get that sense of achievement and satisfaction when I capture an image I am proud of.

I find wildlife photography inherently exciting due to the unpredictability of animals