Marwell, Near Winchester — Working with Animals in a Public Space
In summer 2025, I spent a full working day photographing and filming a wide range of species at Marwell Zoo, near Winchester. The aim of the project was to produce naturalistic imagery and footage in a highly controlled, public-facing environment — focusing on animal behaviour rather than context.
The primary challenge was separation. Large visitor numbers, constant movement, and limited shooting positions required careful planning and adaptability. I worked continuously between different areas, planning multiple subjects in parallel and returning to individuals when conditions briefly aligned. Timing, patience, and restraint were essential — often waiting for moments when background activity fell away and animals settled into calm, self-directed behaviour.
Physical barriers such as glass panels, fencing, and enclosure edges shaped every compositional decision. Rather than forcing images, I focused on angles, focal length, and depth to visually simplify scenes, using compression, reflection control, and selective framing to minimise human-made elements. Much of the work involved positioning and re-positioning repeatedly, responding to subtle shifts in light and movement.
Both video and stills were central to this project. Video allowed behaviour to unfold over time — pacing, resting, interaction — while stills focused on brief moments of clarity and expression. Switching constantly between formats required pre-visualisation and fast decision-making, balancing coverage with observation.
This project reflects my ability to work methodically in complex, unpredictable environments while maintaining a documentary mindset. It required planning, awareness, and an understanding of how to translate animal behaviour into images that feel calm and observational, even when conditions are busy and constrained. The resulting work prioritises behaviour, atmosphere, and respect — regardless of setting.
