Living in a big city it sometimes feels like I need to travel a long distance to feel like a wildlife photographer. The wilds of the Pantanal, Amazon rain-forest and the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies really make you feel at one with nature. However there are likely to be so many great opportunities on your doorstep that you can easily take off for a days photography. Living in London for example, I have recently discovered Richmond Park during the rutting season. It is amazing to be able to get so close to the deer and take some great photos. Richmond park also has a population of Parakeets that have escaped into the wild and are thriving. Seeing a flock of them dancing through the air makes me feel like I’m back in Brazil or Costa Rica. Then there is the London wetland centre which I last went to years ago, before I was really into photography, set in the middle of London, right near the Thames it is a haven for birdlife and I imagine a haven for photographers as well. I really ought to go and visit there again. Closer to where I live there is Epping Forest a vast area, with various lakes and woodland. It’s nowhere near as good as Brazil or even as good as Richmond park, but it is good to be able to go out and hone your skills. Even if you’re only taking photos of squirrels in the trees rather than monkeys. In addition the RSPB has many reserves just outside London and if you live in the UK there’s bound to be one near you. You can check the locations of their reserves on their website The RSPB I’m betting that in whatever city you live there is some sort of wildlife on your doorstep. So go on get out there and start shooting.
Red Deer, Richmond Park. London
Red Deer, Richmond Park. London
Tags: deer, london, london wetland centre, parakeet, richmond park
