When people think of wildlife photography, they often picture remote forests, dramatic coastlines, or exotic destinations.
The truth is, you don’t have to travel far — sometimes the best shots are waiting just around the corner.

I’m lucky to have accessible woodland right behind my home, and it’s packed with life if you slow down and really look.
Pigeons, often overlooked in the city centre, can be just as fascinating as any rare bird if you take the time to notice their behaviours and personalities.

Wherever you are — there’s wildlife waiting for you.

Discovering Local Gems

One of my closest spots is Brockholes Nature Reserve — just a short trip away. It’s a fantastic place to spot a wide range of species, from water birds to deer.
I’m also only an hour’s drive from the coast, which opens up a completely different set of photography opportunities.

And yet, some of my favourite experiences happen right in the woods behind my house.
No entry fee. No long drive. Just nature doing its thing.

Tip: Don’t overlook what’s on your doorstep. Even a familiar path can reveal new surprises if you change the time of day, the season, or just slow down a little more.

Everyday Wildlife Wonders

One of my most memorable moments came when I was walking up Malham Cove.
I’d had spotted flycatcher on my list for ages — and there it was, doing exactly what its name promised.
The next day? I saw another spotted flycatcher in the woods behind my house. Proof that sometimes, the magic is closer than you think.

I’ve also been lucky with kingfishers. Over the years, I’ve often found them living near the places I’ve called home. Their sudden flashes of electric blue never get old.

Changing How I Explore

I mostly drive to nature spots, which I know is a privilege not everyone has. But more recently, I’ve made a conscious effort to explore the woods on foot, more regularly and more slowly.
Every walk, even just half an hour, reveals something new.

Even in my own garden, I’ve created a rewilded area — and it’s paid off.
Birds, hedgehogs, and even the odd fox have visited, all without me leaving home.

Wildlife photography as a hobby isn’t always about ticking species off a list — it’s about noticing and appreciating what’s already around you.

Seasons Change, So Does Wildlife

In winter, my photography slows down a bit.
Shorter days mean I usually get out on weekends only.
But as the lighter nights of spring and summer return, those quick evening walks turn into brilliant mini-adventures with my camera.

Every season brings something different — and learning to embrace that rhythm has made wildlife photography even more rewarding.

Final Thought

You don’t have to chase the perfect spot or the rarest bird to enjoy wildlife photography.
Sometimes the most beautiful, meaningful moments are waiting right outside your door.

Start where you are.
Notice what’s already living alongside you.
Celebrate the common, the everyday, the overlooked.

Because in the end, it’s not about the distance you travel — it’s about how closely you’re willing to look.

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.