Warnham Deer Park — First Steps in Wildlife Photography
In 2024, I began my first focused photography project at Warnham Deer Park. This work marked the starting point of my practical engagement with wildlife photography — a space to learn, experiment, and build foundational field habits without pressure for outcomes.
The primary focus was technical understanding. I spent time learning how different camera settings affected motion, depth, and exposure in real-world conditions, and how equipment choices influenced what was realistically possible in the field. Repeated visits allowed me to test focal lengths, observe how animals reacted to distance and movement, and understand when patience mattered more than proximity.
Alongside camera use, I began developing an approach to editing with restraint. Rather than pushing images heavily, I focused on learning how to interpret light accurately, preserve natural colour, and maintain consistency across a small set of images. This stage was less about creating polished results and more about understanding process — from capture to final frame.
Observation played an increasing role as the project progressed. Spending time watching deer behaviour, spacing, and alertness helped me recognise when to slow down, when to wait, and when not to shoot at all. Many sessions produced little usable material, but each visit added to a growing understanding of both animals and workflow.
This project represents the foundation of my practice. It was here that I began to understand the discipline behind wildlife photography — technical control, ethical distance, and patience — and where I first developed a lasting interest in using photography as a way to observe and interpret the natural world.
