Behind the Lens with Phil Booker

Emma Chaplin
, 08 November 2022
Behind the Lens with Phil Booker
Hummingbird Hawkmoth © Phil Booker

I can trace my passion for wildlife photography to the day I glanced up from the book I was reading in the garden to see a beautiful young Fox sitting a short distance away, watching me, seemingly unperturbed by my presence.

Freddie © PK
Freddie © PK

‘Freddie’ became part of my life for the next six years. The joy of photographing and filming him and his extended family, literally changed my life.

Curiosity aroused; my camera became a constant companion. I quickly learned to observe and absorb, see what was previously unseen and hear what was previously unheard.

The garden was no longer just ‘there’. It was now an almost obsessive wildlife-attracting project. To this day, I spend a ridiculous number of hours scouring every nook and cranny for anything of interest to photograph, film and record.

Garden Cross spider disguised on an old flower head © PK
Garden Cross spider disguised on an old flower head © PK

It’s surprising how much life there is all around us, just waiting to be discovered, if only we make the effort to notice. Several nationally rare and nationally scarce species either live or have passed through my garden. They could be in yours, but have you ever REALLY looked?

I’m still a little ashamed of how little I knew about my home county, which boasts wonderful Sussex Nature Reserves, stunningly diverse chalk downlands, rolling rivers and ancient woodlands.

White-letter Hairstreak Butterfly © PK
White-letter Hairstreak Butterfly © PK

Of course, photos of random birds, bees, beetles or bugs mean relatively little without knowing what they are.

This will undoubtedly involve many hours scouring the internet, consulting reference books, using one of the growing numbers of ‘ID Apps’ or perhaps using social media to talk directly to the ‘experts’ and many others who are generally happy to help.

Female Sparrowhawk © PK
Female Sparrowhawk © PK

This can be frustrating, because many species cannot be identified from photographs alone. However, the frustration is nothing compared to the rewards. With experience and research comes greater knowledge. With greater knowledge comes confidence and better results.

I’ll forever be grateful to ‘Freddie’ for reawakening my love for wildlife and triggering a life-affirming love affair with my camera.

Migrant Hawker © PK
Migrant Hawker © PK

Why not give it a go?

If I can do it, anyone can.

Follow PK on Twitter @PKBook22 or see his videos on YouTube

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