Not Your Samey Wildlife Photos: A Guide to Shooting Distinctively.

Ah, Lancashire! Home to some of Britain’s most beautiful and diverse wildlife. From the bustling Morecambe Bay to the tranquil Forest of Bowland, there’s no shortage of inspiration for a wildlife photographer like me. I’ve spent countless hours with my camera, trying to capture the essence of nature’s most intriguing creatures.

But what really makes a wildlife photograph stand out? Is it a distinctive style or a differentiated approach? Let’s delve into the subtle yet profound differences between these two concepts and understand how they can elevate our photography.

Distinctive Photography: Crafting a Unique Style

In the world of wildlife photography, being distinctive means having a style that sets you apart. It’s about creating an image that’s unmistakably yours. Whether it’s a particular angle, a favourite lens, or a specific post-processing technique, these elements become signatures of your work.

Now, I find myself eager to explore new perspectives and techniques, to evolve beyond my comfort zone, and to breathe fresh life into my wildlife photography. This journey of change promises excitement and creativity, and I’m ready to embrace it.

Living in Lancashire should allow me to develop a distinctive style that mirrors the region’s unique landscape and wildlife. From capturing the ethereal flight of a barn owl to the mischievous glance of a red fox, my surroundings should shape my vision.

Differentiated Photography: Exploring New Perspectives

While a distinctive style can be your signature, differentiated photography is about expanding your horizons and embracing new techniques and subjects. It involves looking at wildlife from a fresh perspective and not being afraid to break the rules.

Differentiation can be as simple as photographing a common species in an unconventional way. For example, instead of the classic shot of a robin perched on a branch, why not try capturing its reflection in a puddle or through a misty window?

Some more random ideas:

Owls: Instead of the common image of an owl perched silently on a tree branch, you might attempt to capture the intense focus in its eyes as it hones in on prey.

Ducks: Rather than the typical shot of ducks gliding peacefully on the water, you could photograph them in the midst of a splash as they dive for food, or perhaps frame a close-up of their colourful plumage, wet from a swim, glistening in the sunlight.

Deer: Beyond the well-known image of a majestic deer standing in a misty field, consider capturing the texture of the antlers, perhaps silhouetting them against a sunrise or sunset for a more abstract perspective.

Garden Birds: Instead of snapping the usual image of garden birds at the feeder, try capturing them in flight, wings spread wide, or perhaps photograph them through foliage, creating a natural frame for the image. Alternatively, a shot focused on a bird’s intricate feather patterns can provide a fresh look at these often-photographed subjects.

These examples emphasize looking at common subjects with a fresh perspective, breaking away from traditional framing, focus, and context to create images that stand out and resonate in new ways. The beauty of wildlife photography is that the opportunities for innovation and creativity are endless, especially with the diverse wildlife found in Lancashire!

Differentiation encourages experimentation, fostering growth and creativity. It is a never-ending journey, especially when living in a place as rich and diverse as Lancashire.


A very important note:

While experimenting with different perspectives and techniques can lead to breathtaking and unique photographs, it is crucial to remember that the protection and well-being of the wildlife we are capturing should always be our top priority.

Whether photographing owls in flight, ducks at play, deer in the wild, or garden birds in their natural habitat, we must approach all our subjects with respect and caution. This means keeping a safe distance, minimizing disturbance, and adhering to ethical guidelines that ensure the creatures’ comfort and safety.

In the pursuit of the perfect shot, we must never lose sight of our responsibility as wildlife photographers to act as stewards of nature. Our love for wildlife should guide our actions, allowing us to create beautiful imagery without compromising the integrity and well-being of the animals we admire so deeply. After all, the true beauty of wildlife photography lies not only in the images we capture but also in the empathy and understanding we bring to the natural world.


Striking the Balance

Balancing a distinctive style with a differentiated approach can be a challenging yet rewarding process. Embracing both aspects allows for a richer and more fulfilling photography experience.

In Lancashire, I’ve found that the beauty of nature and the diversity of wildlife offer endless opportunities to explore both the distinctive and the differentiated. Whether I’m on the shores of Rossal Point or the moorlands of Longridge Fell, there’s always something new to discover and a fresh way to see it.

So there we have it

Both distinctive and differentiated approaches in wildlife photography have their merits. While the distinctive style lets you create a unique identity, the differentiated approach helps you evolve and explore new frontiers.

Living and photographing in Lancashire will provide me with the backdrop to explore these concepts in depth. I hope that this article encourages you to find your distinctive style and differentiated approach, allowing you to capture the wild in a way that’s truly your own.

Twiggy the Hedgehog