ROSIE BROWN DISCUSSES A FEW OF THE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BRAVE THE WILDERNESS MORE OFTEN WITH YOUR CAMERA.

Awhile back, I wrote a piece on why you should go outside without your camera – Leave your camera at home! Everything I stated in that piece I still stand by and agree with wholeheartedly. Yet, if you did not venture outside without your camera – well, there would be no natural history photography, would there? For me, I love venturing outside with my camera. I often feel like I’m an explorer, hunting down hidden treasure – the treasure of which being photographs.

So, for when lockdown has lifted, and we can go on adventures again; here is why you should go outside and take your camera with you.

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This time of year, the shifting of seasons brings an array of new opportunities to experience the natural world. If you are lucky enough to be near the coast, the winter storms are beginning – massive swells crash into the cliffs, roaring and bellowing like an ancient sea beast. The woodlands transform; painted in hues of amber and red that shine golden in the autumn light. Fungi begin to grow, peeking from beneath the leaves and sprouting upon decaying wood; each so colourful and unique.

Autumn is far from dull, it is perhaps for many of the nature-obsessed the best time to get out and explore. There is so much to discover, to see and do, perhaps one of the most notable spectacles of which are the starling murmurations. These flocks gather to roost of the evening during the winter months, with many of the birds having migrated from Europe to escape the colder climate. Up close, starlings are beautiful; streaked in iridescent purples and greens, yet it is when they perform as a flock that they are at their most mesmerising.

A few weeks ago, I set off to photograph this event at a local hotspot. I arrived early to get a good view, among others who clearly had the same idea. I had never been to this location to watch the roost before, so was a bit astounded at the amount of people already there. You could sense the anticipation of the crowd, the buzz of excitement. My eyes kept scanning the horizon for incoming flocks.

Then… there! In the distant fields, what looked like a dark, shifting cloud. It was unmistakeable. The cloud of starlings came closer and was joined by more, and more…and more. I could not tell you the number of birds; I had never seen so many. The birds danced in the sky and I snapped shot after shot, remembering to look up from my viewfinder and simply take in what was happening. It was an extraordinary evening.

The photographs I captured from that session are by no means award-winning, but those few hours – from driving to the destination to arriving back home, snuggling into pyjamas with a hot chocolate – reminded me why I take pictures. The rush you get - it is exhilarating.

This feeling can be very addictive, and for me it is one of the reasons why I go out and photograph wildlife. At times, my camera acts more as a visual diary then as a tool to produce evocative imagery. Yet, there is always a chance of getting the shot. The shot that makes you hold your breath for a minute and utter to yourself, ‘That’s the one. That’s the shot.’ Now that is exciting. The chance of getting that one image pushes me to go and hunt it down. Yet, as many of us know, the natural world is far from predictable. More than likely, you will not get the shot you are after, but you may capture something that you did not expect – which is all part of the excitement.

© Rosie Brown. I was not expecting this roe buck to appear!

Most of the time, for me at least, photography is not about getting the shot; but enjoying being outside. If I happen to get a photograph, it’s a bonus. However, when I am looking for a particular shot, it pays to be observant. Learning to observe comes with exposure to nature and being aware of your surroundings can lead you to an image, whether it be spotting animal tracks or hearing a distinctive birdsong. Through learning the signs of nature, those hidden images can be found. Photography can aid in teaching those hidden signs, as it encourages you to look beyond what is in front of you for the perfect image. You learn to look for things that others may miss.

© Rosie Brown. Through learning the hares routines, I knew where to be for the best photo opportunity.

Perhaps the most important factor of exploring with your camera is that it inspires creativity. You have at your disposal an ‘image-maker’, essentially. With this tool you can produce photographs that capture the world how you see it; how you experience and engage with your surroundings. When confronted with a subject you are made to think; how do I capture this from a new perspective and keep the image compelling? How do I turn this image into something I envision? Staying inspired and creative when it comes to photography can at times be difficult; but sometimes it can be as simple as getting outside with the camera and having a play.

© Rosie Brown. Getting creative with panning techniques.

Cameras – whether it be phone, DSLR, analogue – are powerful tools. As stated in my previous piece, it is important to explore without seeing the world through a viewfinder; you cannot spend your life simply observing. However, venturing outside with a camera by your side can be just as rewarding. Photography is there to encourage exploration and discover new perspectives; it teaches you to push yourself, stay creative, be curious and most importantly, to have fun.

These are just a few reasons as to why photography can be so enjoyable; there are many others which I will let you discover for yourself. So once lockdown is over, pick up that camera – and get outside.

To discover more of Rosie’s work, click here to be taken to her website.

Just get outside - and don't forget your camera!

ROSIE BROWN DISCUSSES A FEW OF THE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BRAVE THE WILDERNESS MORE OFTEN WITH YOUR CAMERA.