One of the key speakers at our upcoming Festival of Outdoor Photography is renowned wildlife photographer and OM System ambassador, Andrew Fusek Peters.
A former successful children’s author, Andrew has established a notable career as a nature and wildlife photographer, with his images frequently featured in national media. Few wildlife photographers achieve this level of visibility in the press.
Keep reading to discover more about Andrew’s newest book, Garden Safari, and why those keen on wildlife photography shouldn’t miss his engaging talk at the Festival of Outdoor Photography (grab your discounted tickets here).
Garden Safari
“Garden Safari launches on May 8th and is my eighth photography book; it follows the successful Butterfly Safari,” Andrew shares from his home in rural Shropshire. “During a conversation with my wife, we realized that no one had created a book like Garden Safari—specifically, a compilation of wildlife photos taken in one’s backyard. When I pitched the idea to the publisher, they immediately agreed and commissioned me without needing a detailed proposal.”
Why does Andrew believe this localized viewpoint in wildlife photography hasn’t been explored before? “Many wildlife photographers seem to think they must photograph the ‘big five’ animals in Africa or visit faraway exotic locations,” he reflects.
“There’s a bit of elitism regarding the wildlife we have right here in the UK. Garden Safari showcases ten years of work, reminding us that the fascinating wildlife existing in our gardens, nearby parks, and local natural areas deserves recognition and celebration.”
Including Parks in Wildlife Photography
Andrew is also eager to encompass images taken in local parks and scenic spots, recognizing that not everyone has a garden today.
“I spent time photographing in Bushy Park, London, for example, and including that chapter in the book was essential. My friend and SheClicks ambassador Sarah Longes referred to parks as ‘the people’s gardens,’ which I think is a fantastic description.”
Selecting images for the book from a decade of work presented a challenge for Andrew, but it was also a passion project. “I have 110,000 images in my Lightroom Catalog, from which I needed to choose 250! I aimed to cover a diverse range of species.”
“I realized I wasn’t well-versed in capturing mammals, so I went out to photograph foxes in Clapham, South London, and hares in a friend’s garden in Wales. I even managed to capture a picture of an otter in a garden stream using camera traps. I wanted to choose images that truly resonated with the reader and showcased a variety of species.”
Andrew has a special affinity for birds, especially capturing them in motion. “I seem to have a knack for connecting with birds! However, it does require a lot of time and patience.”
Don’t Miss Andrew’s Talk at Our Festival
Andrew’s upcoming talk at the Festival of Outdoor Photography is definitely worth attending. He will share tips on capturing successful bird images in your backyard and recommend camera gear suited for wildlife photography.
Additionally, he’ll discuss how he’s achieved some unique bird photographs that haven’t been captured before. The festival will also feature other incredible wildlife photographers, such as Tesni Ward and animal portrait specialist Tim Flach.
Andrew’s Tips for Enhanced Wildlife Photography
While attending Andrew’s talk at the Festival of Outdoor Photography will provide the most insights, here are some quick tips he offers for better bird photography:
- Winter is great for bird photography, but you can photograph birds year-round since they require food and it supports conservation.
- Set up your bird area properly in your garden. If using feeders, hang them on attractive branches or twigs in local parks or woods to attract birds.
- Consider both the foreground and background elements, especially if you want a beautifully blurred backdrop.
- Choose your shooting position wisely to avoid disturbing the birds. Understanding bird behaviors and being patient is key. A good supply of sunflower seeds also helps!
- Invest in solid equipment; though longer lenses can be pricey, you can find good second-hand deals. A lens with a focal length of 100-400mm is a good starting point; normal 70-200mm or 300mm zooms may prove too short or slow.
- Utilize advanced photography features on your camera designed for bird photography. For instance, OM System/Olympus offers Pro Capture, which is excellent for capturing birds in flight.
- Make the most of subject-detection autofocus available in your camera for birds and other animals. As long as you’ve mastered fieldcraft, the tracking capabilities of modern camera bodies can yield impressive results.
