Hi, I'm Lou!
In my early twenties, I bought an SLR at a car boot sale, thinking that, like most other hobbies, I'd try it for a few months and then get bored. I didn't get bored!
Straight away, I leaned towards photographing animals, and spent many happy hours in parks and zoos, enjoying watching them, and waiting for an opportunity to capture their character on film.
During a visit to Knowsley Safari Park in those early days, I took this photo of a lion, and it became a pivotal moment in my photography journey. I loved the lighting contrast, along with the intimacy of the image, and it was the first photograph that I printed out large and had framed. I think there's still a copy at my parents' house, and it’s the shot that turned my low-key hobby into a lifelong passion for animal portraiture.
In my early twenties, I bought an SLR at a car boot sale, thinking that, like most other hobbies, I'd try it for a few months and then get bored. I didn't get bored!
Straight away, I leaned towards photographing animals, and spent many happy hours in parks and zoos, enjoying watching them, and waiting for an opportunity to capture their character on film.
During a visit to Knowsley Safari Park in those early days, I took this photo of a lion, and it became a pivotal moment in my photography journey. I loved the lighting contrast, along with the intimacy of the image, and it was the first photograph that I printed out large and had framed. I think there's still a copy at my parents' house, and it’s the shot that turned my low-key hobby into a lifelong passion for animal portraiture.
The photo that got me hooked!
Life has changed a bit since then...my camera equipment has evolved and expanded (significantly!), and I'm now a mum to two lovely teenagers. I've tried many different genres of photography over the years, but I always end up focusing (pun totally intended!) on animals and the natural world.
A few years ago, I received diagnoses of autism and ADHD, both of which have helped me gain a better understanding of myself, and especially my lifelong affinity with animals. The human world can often feel loud, complicated, and overwhelming, but with animals, I feel like there are no expectations, no social masks to negotiate, and no judgement from them (well...except maybe from the gannets!).
The mutual curiosity, connection and acceptance I experience when I'm sharing their space makes my heart happy!
A few years ago, I received diagnoses of autism and ADHD, both of which have helped me gain a better understanding of myself, and especially my lifelong affinity with animals. The human world can often feel loud, complicated, and overwhelming, but with animals, I feel like there are no expectations, no social masks to negotiate, and no judgement from them (well...except maybe from the gannets!).
The mutual curiosity, connection and acceptance I experience when I'm sharing their space makes my heart happy!
Alongside the calmness I feel around animals, I find the parallels between species fascinating. So many of their expressions and rituals echo our own mannerisms, and I often aim to capture that moment where an expression looks familiar, evoking a natural feeling of connection.
I also have a special love for capturing the bond between animal parents and their offspring. The affection, patience (sometimes!), and the playful mischief of the young remind me so much of my own family life. Photographing the quiet, shared moments of care and protection always feels like a privilege.
I currently use a Sony mirrorless camera body and a variety of telephoto lenses, usually shooting between 400 & 600mm. This setup allows me to give animals plenty of space, while still capturing intimate portraits.
For the smaller creatures, I sometimes opt for a dedicated macro lens to show off their intricate, close-up details.
For the smaller creatures, I sometimes opt for a dedicated macro lens to show off their intricate, close-up details.
When photographing wildlife, I use a combination of fieldcraft and hides (frequently using a car as a mobile hide). I visit various nature reserves when I can, and I also occasionally book onto organised trips or events, where wild animals are offered supplemental food.
These different approaches all lead to a similar outcome...spending time with some amazing creatures in their own environment.
These different approaches all lead to a similar outcome...spending time with some amazing creatures in their own environment.
I still love visiting zoos, wildlife parks, and other dedicated animal centres when I'm able to, and I'm fortunate that my two main local ones (Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Chester Zoo) are recognised for their fantastic conservation work and high welfare standards.
These environments offer an incredible opportunity to spend time with species I might otherwise never encounter or get close to. Because the animals are calm and accustomed to a human presence, it allows for a different kind of photography, where I can get closer and see details and expressions that I might miss at a distance, or with wild animals who may be more wary of humans.
These environments offer an incredible opportunity to spend time with species I might otherwise never encounter or get close to. Because the animals are calm and accustomed to a human presence, it allows for a different kind of photography, where I can get closer and see details and expressions that I might miss at a distance, or with wild animals who may be more wary of humans.
I sort and edit most of my images using Photo Mechanic, Adobe Bridge and Photoshop, usually making minor changes to things such as exposure & contrast, as well as cropping in to focus on the animal. I also sometimes reduce or remove things I find distracting, such as small objects in the foreground or background, or minor blemishes. I used to get quite caught up in having to have it 'perfect' in camera (which makes sense coming from using film), but due to various disabilities and limitations, and the flexibility of modern technology, I now mostly shoot with tweaking and cropping in mind.
While I usually prefer to capture what actually happens in front of the camera, especially with wildlife, there are odd occasions where I combine different images to create a vision, or to be able to have multiple animals in focus when conditions weren't favourable for being able to manage it at the time of shooting.
While I usually prefer to capture what actually happens in front of the camera, especially with wildlife, there are odd occasions where I combine different images to create a vision, or to be able to have multiple animals in focus when conditions weren't favourable for being able to manage it at the time of shooting.
A combination of two photos, taken seconds apart, because no matter how much I asked nicely, they would not keep their heads up at the same time!
Living with various health challenges means I can’t get out as often as I’d like, which makes the time I do get to spend with animals feel all the more special.
I quite often use a mobility scooter these days, which allows me to still be able to spend time in nature, doing what I love, which I'm very thankful for.
I quite often use a mobility scooter these days, which allows me to still be able to spend time in nature, doing what I love, which I'm very thankful for.
Zooming around Tophill Low with my dad!
(Disclaimer...zooming at 4mph tops!)
Although pet photography has taken a back seat for the last few years, I miss the creativity and absolute chaos that comes with capturing people's beloved animals (plus, of course, the cuddles!), and I'd love to do more of it again one day, should the stars align.
I'm forever grateful for all the support I've had along the way and the help I've had in capturing all the animals you'll see in the galleries section.
