Jo lives in Oxfordshire with her cat, Bubbles. She has a day job as a research scientist, building tiny organs in the lab. In her free time, she is a keen wildlife photographer and dreams of photographing wild red pandas in Nepal one day. I spoke with Jo to find out more about her photography journey and her beautiful images.
What got you into photography?
When I was in sixth form, a friend of mine let me borrow their DSLR and I was instantly obsessed! I got my own Nikon D5000 that year for my birthday and started learning how to use it. I spent a lot of time photographing everything I could find, including my friends and the bumblebees in the garden.
Over the next few years I tried out a few different photography styles, learned some basic editing, and completed an online photography course. Eventually, I found that I got the most enjoyment from photographing animals, both for the challenge of capturing a subject who absolutely will not pose on command, and for the cobweb-clearing effect of a walk in the fresh air.
Do you have a favourite genre of photography and why? I can see from your Instagram that you shoot a lot of birds (beautiful images by the way!) – are they your favourite thing to photograph? And what else do you enjoy shooting?
Wildlife photography is my absolute favourite. The aspect I enjoy the most is trying to capture a glimpse of personality or connection with the audience. Something as simple as a curious tilt of the head or a grumpy expression in the rain really brings the animal’s experience to life.
I do enjoy shooting birds, but I probably prefer mammals! I am a sucker for mustelids: otters, weasels, badgers etc. Within the UK though, birds are usually a lot easier to find, and the more time I spend photographing them, the more interested I get. I’ve become particularly fascinated by red kites since moving to the south east back in 2019. I don’t think I’d ever seen one before that.
What kind of influences do you draw inspiration from?
I have always been the most impressed by art which seems to capture the feeling of a moment in time, and I try to build this into my work. If it’s a bright, cold spring morning, I want this to come through in the shot. I’m mostly inspired by other photographers and artists though.
Do you have any favourite photographers or creative influences that have informed your photographic style, and why?
I love to see art from lots of different creators. I follow a lot of other wildlife photographers, some who I’ve had the joy of meeting personally, and many that I’ve found through Instagram or exhibitions. I also like to follow photographers in other genres, such as street photography and architecture. I’m fascinated by how someone else’s photographic eye views those settings, and I hope that by experiencing more of their work, I can think more about the wider environmental factors in my own shots. I also really enjoy following artists who work in different mediums, especially when they have a recognisable, specific style.
Some recommendations (Instagram accounts):
@ee.photog
@weez84
@zeitweise.art
@stevendbenton
@alaiganuza
@amber_tyldesley_art
@poppy.levine.art
@tapokam_photos
@jasper.fforde
@splodgeblossom_illustration
What kit do you shoot with and what’s your favourite bit of kit?
Nikon Z6iii, usually with my NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens or otherwise with my NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S or NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S.
What are you working on at the moment?
Mostly filtering through my lightroom. I’ve had a wonderful year for photography, but very little downtime to actually process the shots! I hope to start planning my Wildlife Photographer of the Year entries soon.
I am also hoping to use the shorter winter days to try some more golden hour photography while exploring local reserves with my partner. We get such wonderful over-wintering birds here, and I want to try and capture some I haven’t photographed before.
What would you say is your goal with your photography?
I really just want people to enjoy my photos! I hope that my shots might entice someone to learn or care a little more about a particular species, but if they just like the image for what it is, that’s plenty for me. For my absolute favourite photos, it’s that difficult-to-describe feeling of being pulled back to the shot time and again.
As a female photographer, do you feel that you face any particular challenges? Do you feel that the industry is favourable towards women, or would you like to see any changes?
One of my biggest frustrations as a female photographer is feeling unsafe in the field. The best situations for wildlife are usually when an area is quiet and isolated, often first thing in the morning or late in the evening. This is pretty much the opposite when it comes to feeling safe. I am fortunate enough to be able to drive, so I’m not reliant on public transport or long walks alone, but I have repeatedly found myself sat in a hide with a stranger with no-one else for miles around. The local birders are usually very friendly, but I am always aware of the risks in that situation, and it does detract from my enjoyment of both the wildlife and the photography. Since my partner (who also loves photographing wildlife) and I have been taking trips together, I have noticed I’m significantly less anxious when he’s there with me. It’s frustrating that men do not usually have to worry about this and therefore can access spaces and opportunities for wildlife that female photographers cannot as easily. The differences in these opportunities are doubtless affecting the recognition and compensation photographers receive at more advanced and professional levels.
What advice would you give to budding photographers?
Follow other photographers, and try and note what factors you like about their work – is it the composition, the lighting, the angles? Find an easy subject (even your cat!) and try different techniques out. See what speaks to you and start building your own style. It’s easy to compare your work to others’, especially when you’re starting out, but what matters is taking your version of the shot, not anyone else’s. Also, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with another photographer or artist. I’ve met some really lovely people through this hobby. I learn so much from working alongside them, and I have much more fun while I’m doing it.
