You don’t need professional gear or awards to enjoy wildlife photography.

I’m a passionate wildlife enthusiast and hobbyist photographer, balancing my 9–5 coding job with weekends outdoors.
First came my love of photography (I studied it at university); later came my fascination with wildlife.

If I can capture great images with limited time, mixed gear, and British weather, you absolutely can too.

Start Where You Are

You don’t need a national park to find great wildlife photography opportunities.
Some of my favourite images have come from local woods, Lancashire coasts, and nearby fells.
When you slow down and start looking, nature reveals itself — even in the most unexpected places.

Wildlife photography as a hobby teaches you that beautiful moments are everywhere.

Tip: Visit familiar spots regularly. You’ll start seeing patterns and behaviours that others miss.

My Wildlife Photography Gear Setup

I shoot Nikon — mainly the Z50 II, Z50, and occasionally the D3300.
For wildlife work, I lean heavily on the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens. It’s versatile, relatively lightweight, and sharp enough for birds and mammals alike.

Choosing my support setup is always a battle: bean bag, monopod, lightweight tripod, or heavy-duty video tripod — it all depends on the shoot.

No matter the kit, what matters most is knowing it inside out.

Shooting Manual for Full Creative Control

Thanks to my background studying photography, I stick to manual mode for almost every wildlife shoot.
Manual settings let me react quickly to changes in light, subject movement, and background.

Top Settings for Wildlife Photography:

• Shutter speed: 1/1000s+ for birds
• Aperture: Wide open when possible for background blur
• ISO: Flexible with Auto-ISO adjustments

Wildlife photography as a hobby is about balancing technical control with natural unpredictability — and that’s where the fun lives.

Chase the Light (But Shoot Anyway)

Golden hour is pure magic — soft light, rich tones, and more animal activity.
If I can plan a shoot, early morning or late evening is ideal.

But life doesn’t always allow for perfect conditions. I’ve learned that it’s better to get out in “okay” light than to miss opportunities waiting for perfect skies.

Patience Over Equipment

Some of my best wildlife shots happened after an hour or more of sitting still.
Gear matters, but patience matters more. Animals feel your energy.
Move slowly. Blend in. Let nature come to you.

My Editing Workflow (and Ethics)

I use Lightroom, Photoshop, and some AI tools to refine my images.
But I have a simple rule: I edit backgrounds to remove distractions, but I never fake the subject. If the bird wasn’t there, it doesn’t appear in my work.

Nature is amazing enough without needing tricks.

Why Wildlife Photography Still Matters to Me

Wildlife photography has become part of how I breathe — it’s “stress-relaxing.”
It pushes me to notice the details, slow down, and appreciate small wins.

I used to shoot for social media validation. Now, I shoot because it makes me feel connected — and that’s all the reason I need.

Wildlife photography as a hobby isn’t about impressing others — it’s about appreciating the wild world, one moment at a time.

Final Thought

You don’t need fancy gear, endless free time, or professional ambitions.
You need curiosity, patience, and the courage to get out there.

Wildlife photography as a hobby has given me more peace, perspective, and beautiful moments than I ever expected.

It’s a hobby I’d recommend to anyone — no matter where you’re starting from.