The idea is to help fund a TV pilot on wildlife photography, which would then be made into a full series. Wildlife photography has never been more popular, with more affordable digital cameras and quality smart phones, it’s easier than ever to take great images yourself. The natural world is full of fantastic opportunities, from the Scottish highlands to your own back garden, this series will help you pick up a few hints and tips, while also highlighting wildlife conservation issues.
Who's Jack then?
I'm a 25 year old professional wildlife photographer and cameraman though I seem to be appearing in front of the lens more often recently! I'm from Nottingham but have had the fortune to travel to most corners of the UK with my job. I'm mostly known for my underwater work, particularly with fish, being dubbed 'The Fish Twitcher' by the BBC (careful searching “fish twitcher” on Google, other things may appear). Although fish are a central interest for me,I'm passionate about all aspects of natural history, getting excited about everything from slime mould to orcas, and everything in-between.
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I use photography as a tool (or excuse) to engage with wildlife and help in my own way with conservation. I also teach photography at Nottingham Trent University & University of Nottingham not to mention my own courses. I see that theres a huge demand for people wanting to learn more about wildlife photography and a TV show seemed like a no brainer to me, hence why your reading this.
Why Wildlife Photography?
There hasn't been a wildlife photography show on TV a while so we are definitely due one, I'm aiming to showcase the brilliant wildlife of the UK for the first season but the format could go much further afield if its a success. I want to show simple techniques and helpful advice that anyone can put to use in there own work no matter what lever they are at. As well as the photographic side I want to show how photography can be used to benefit conservation.
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By donating your helping make this a reality and getting this pilot done professionally and the time and effort it deserves.
The Rewards and who's involved.
We have been quite fortunate that a few groups have stepped forward to donate rewards and help with the campaign including -
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Affinity who are the campaign's principle sponsors who have already funded most of the project. Affinity is a fantastic piece of photographic software ideal for editing, enhancing and organising your workflow. The additional £3000 we are asking for is to help pay for sound recording equipment, travel to Shetland and editing the final film.
- THE FIRST 30 BACKERS OF ANY PERK WILL RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF AFFINITY FOR MAC OR WINDOWS
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Shetland Nature have very kindly agreed to help with finding species when filming in Shetland. They are a premiere tour company on the islands.
The Impact
Wildlife in the UK is in a worrying decline. The 2016 “State of Nature” report says; over the last 50 years 56% of species have declined, while 15% are at risk of disappearing from our shores altogether. If we can generate some interest in people actively searching out more wildlife people may be more likely to care about what happens to it. Wildlife photography is the perfect activity to generate this interest.
I successfully crowdfunded a film in 2013 called 'Beneath the Waterline', raising £3,500 to film a short documentary on freshwater fish.
We are going to be posting on social media regularly from behind the scenes, so do get in touch if you have suggestions, ideas, or want to take part in some way! #wildexpo
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Risks & Challenges
Shetland was always my first choice for a place to film this pilot, as it really is a stunning part of the country, but being so remote it has its challenges, with rough weather, and animals not always playing ball. To minimise the risk I'm spending three weeks on the island of Unst to give me lots of time to allow for bad weather days. As with any wildlife nothing is ever guaranteed so exact content for the show won't be released until we've got some sequences in the bag.
We have put dates for sending out merchandise and prints and while we will try to stick to the dates provided delays may occur though unlikely.
Other Ways You Can Help
I understand that not everyone will have the funds to help financially, but you can share the project around for nothing which would be greatly appreciated! Indiegogo has share tools at the top of the page, and we also have our Twitter and Facebook pages.
