Sam Rowley’s “Station Squabble”

February 1, 2020

The infamous squabbling mice have taken the internet by storm and we owe our thanks for this fantastic image to Sam Rowley. The image depicts two mice fighting on the London Underground.

Rowley’s image is in the running for the People’s Choice Award in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. He has my vote, and you can cast yours by clicking here. Voting closes on the 4th February at 14:00 UK time, so get your skates on!

It has truly gone viral with even celebrities sharing the image, it has no doubt become one of the most viral wildlife photos to date. In true internet style, we have also seen users create ‘Photoshop Battles’ with their own crazy concepts of Rowley’s image. A particular favourite of mine being shown below!

Sam began following and photographing the underground mice after his friend went on a drunken night out and sent him a video of mice running around her feet on the underground platform. Straight away he knew that he had found a great story to tell.

In my opinion its a great perspective on urban wildlife in London, and offers a fresh new look at the little things that most probably go unnoticed on your daily travels.

Essential Christmas Gifts for the Photographer in your Life

December 14, 2019

Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas always seems to creep up on us every year! So if you’re struggling for ideas then I’ve gone to the trouble of putting together some of the must have gadgets and gifts to buy for the photographer in your life (or to treat yourself!) this year.

1) Camera Coffee Mug

A classic Christmas gift for any photography enthusiast, I mean who doesn’t want to sip their coffee from a camera lens?!

2) Photography Magazine Subscription

A subscription to any prestigious photography publication would make any photographer smile with joy and there are so many to choose from: Digital Camera World, Outdoor Photography, Photo Plus, National Geographic, Amateur Photographer…the list is endless!

3) LEE Filter Starter Kit

Your landscape photography kit wouldn’t be complete without a set of ND filters from LEE. Nobody does it better than them and this is a great starting point for any entry level landscape photographers.

4) Waterproof Camera Cover

This waterproof camera cover from Meersee is an effective way to keep shooting through the rain or snow. As we know British weather is not always on your side so this makes a great buy to keep your camera from falling victim to water damage!

5) Lens Cleaning Kit

It is all too easy for flecks of dust, dirt, mud and water to gather on your camera gear within minutes – unless you have this kit on hand, of course. Its full of nifty little tools to get your camera sparkling again!

6) Manfrotto BeFree Travel Tripod

Manfrotto are the kings of tripods and a very reputable brand to choose. Their Befree Carbon Fibre Travel Tripod equipped with ball head attachment is a sturdy but lightweight piece of kit and ideal if you are after a lighter piece of kit.

7) 2020 Wildlife Calendar

Celebrate 2020 with a new wildlife image to look at each month. Calendars such as: Countryfile, British Wildlife Photography Awards, National Geographic, RSPB, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, etc. all produce outstanding and beautiful calendars.

8) Travel Adapter with USB

Trying to power your gear when travelling the world can cause a whole host of problems. Thankfully, the SZROBOY Worldwide Travel Adapter is compatible with over 200 countries and has 3 USB ports to boot, so you’ll find an easy solution to your charging problems!

9) 360° Timelapse Smartphone Mount

If you have always wanted to shoot a 360° timelapse but not had the budget to stretch then this an affordable solution. The Veho Muvi X-Lapse mount for smartphones, lightweight action cameras, and small cameras, gives you that big budget look without the budget.

10) Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019 Book

This has to be the best inspiration for nature photographers across the world. This year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019 official book has 160-pages of beautiful wildlife imagery and is sure to delight and awe the family this Christmas time.

Comedy Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019 Winners

November 15, 2019

Comedy Wildlife Photography 2019 Winners

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards offers a fresh new take on wildlife photography and brings some light relief in an increasingly threatened natural world. This competition is becoming more and more popular with this year seeing 4,000 entries from 68 different countries. This was whittled down to 40 finalists and the winning image was taken by Sarah Skinner and titled “Grab life by the….”

“I am absolutely delighted to be awarded the title as Overall Winner in the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2019,” says Skinner. “It certainly warms my heart to know that this image will spread some laughter and happiness around the world. I am happy to report that this lioness continues to thrive in the pride, having seen her again in October this year.
“I can only hope and encourage everyone, as a collective to each do our part in the conservation of all wildlife species, so that future generations can enjoy them, in the same way that I have done during my career as a wildlife photographer. Long may lions walk the plains.”