At first, when you get into watching wildlife or wildlife photography, you may feel the urge to rush around and try to see everything possible. That was certainly the case for me—I wanted to walk quickly around places like WWT Slimbridge, spending less time in some spots and more in others. This would really annoy my brother, who isn’t interested in getting the perfect photo; for him, simply seeing the wonders of wildlife is enough. He prefers wandering around reserves and just sitting, observing what’s happening both near and far.

After a tough day in 2021, I took a walk to clear my head—and found myself face-to-face with a pair of Peregrine Falcons nesting at Tewkesbury Abbey. That unexpected encounter with wild beauty sparked something in me. With just one photo and a head full of awe, I began a journey that would change my life. This post is the story of how one moment with nature turned into a passion for wildlife photography—and why I believe looking up can sometimes be the best way to move forward.