I’m Sam, A 15 Year Old Wildlife Photographer
I mainly focus on shooting all different species from reptiles to mammals based here in the UK but I am always open to opportunities to shoot any other genre!
My Motive
I wasn’t always interested in wildlife or photography, but that changed when I met my friend Reuben Martin. Reuben, who won the BBC Springwatch Under 18 Wildlife Hero Award, has a real passion for nature, and it inspired me to see the world differently. He started taking me along on reptile surveys, where I learned how to spot and appreciate wildlife I would have completely overlooked before. Those experiences opened my eyes to a whole new world. Now, I find myself drawn to exploring nature and capturing what I see through photography – something I never expected would become such an important part of my life.
These days, I join Reuben on almost all of his surveys, and I’ve even started helping with habitat management projects. While I’ve learned so much about reptiles and other wildlife, my favourite species have always been birds. Spending time out in nature with Reuben gave me the chance to slow down and really notice their behaviour, their calls, and how they fit into the landscape. It also sparked my love for photography, giving me a way to capture those moments and appreciate the details I might have missed before. Now, I enjoy combining what I’ve learned from Reuben with my own passion for birdwatching, photography, and conservation.
What’s Next?
As a young photographer, I’m excited to explore all the opportunities ahead of me. Wildlife photography will always be my main focus because I love capturing the unique moments and details in nature, but I’ve also started branching out into graphic design. I’ve enjoyed creating posters and other designs, which allow me to combine my artistic skills in new and creative ways. Photography has taught me how to see the world differently, and experimenting with graphic design has given me another way to express that perspective.
After my GCSEs, I plan to go to college to study photography, film, and media. I want to build on what I’ve already learned and explore new techniques that will help me grow as a creative person. While I’m excited to take on these new challenges, I’ll always stay connected to wildlife photography. I’ll keep joining Reuben on surveys and hope to go on more exciting trips to discover and photograph even more incredible wildlife. The experiences I’ve had so far have been unforgettable, and I’m looking forward to seeing how my passion continues to evolve in the years to come.
