Wildlife and travel photographer Daniel Trim is based in Hitchin near London in the UK and takes advantage of the many photo opportunities close to home as well as through his travels. Nature provides inspiration for his photography with careful observation of wildlife in its natural habitat. Whether close to home or traveling to new destinations, Daniel has the ability to connect with his surroundings and convey his passion for the natural world with his viewers.
Daniel, thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and views of nature through your words and photography and for allowing us to get to know a bit about you. I look forward to viewing your photographs from your future travels.
If you’d like to learn more about Daniel, please visit his website. You can also follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
Can you please tell the readers a bit about yourself?
Sure, I’m not a full-time photographer but actually have a ‘normal’ day job. However, most of my spare time is spent with my camera in hand and I’ve been taking photos since I was out ten.
Where is home?
Home is in Hitchin, just north of London in the UK.
Are you formally taught or self-taught? And what has been the best source of information along this journey (workshop, online forums, classroom, mentor, etc)?
I’m self-taught but over about ~20 years. For me personally, I’ve always found just getting out and taking photos the best way to learn but I do think workshops can be a great way to acquire knowledge quickly from experts. However, by spending time out with your camera you make mistakes and can improve on them every time you go out. Taking photos with other people is always a good idea too as even photographers at a similar level to you will always see a scene with a slightly different eye and ideas can be shared.
In regard to marketing, how much of your time do you dedicate to social media? Do you use any special programs or services?
I don’t really consider myself a great social media person. I only set up a proper Instagram a few weeks back! However, I do probably spend 45-90 minutes a day online looking at responses to my photos as well as looking and being inspired by others. Social media is so important these days, I really should try to improve.
Locations and weather conditions seem to be a crucial aspect of a successful picture. How do you handle these unpredictable factors?
Developing local projects is key here. You can get to them quickly and more often and as a result, you can be there for the most interesting weather. I enjoy trips further afield too but there’s no planning for the weather on such trips. If you’re local and it’s looking like the next morning will be nice you can get up and head out with little/no planning and be taking photos within 30 minutes or less.
How did you develop your style?
I think it comes from where I’m based, in a town near London. I love urban wildlife and therefore using the urban setting has become a real passion of mine.
How do you keep yourself motivated and your photography fresh?
This is actually quite tricky. I have to tell myself that it’s OK to head out and just take nice normal photos sometimes. I remind myself that every time I go out I’m not going to get something really special and it’s important to be content with that. Exploring new locations and not expecting to get a good photo on the first visit keeps things fresh too.
What is your favorite part of heading out to a new location?
Probably the unknown and the anticipation; maybe I’ll find an exciting new opportunity!
Do you have any words of advice or encouragement to someone starting out with or wanting to improve their wildlife photography?
I can’t emphases enough how important it is to just spend time with your camera taking photos. For wildlife, it’s critical to be out at first and last light. Most animals are more active then but the light is also at its best.
What do you hope viewers take away from your images?
I hope it makes them realise that common species in their towns and cities can be beautiful and interesting too. Worthy of pointing a camera at!
What photographic gear do you currently use?
I use Canon, always have as that’s the brand of camera I was first bought.
What type of camera(s) do you shoot with? What is your favorite lens?
My 70-200mm f2.8 is probably my favourite, it’s so versatile for use in dark conditions and is not too obtrusive for an environment with lots of people.
What is in your camera bag?
Canon EOS 5Ds, Canon 500m f4 (mrk1), 70-200mm f2.8, 17-40mm f4, 100mm Macro, Sigma 15m fisheye and Canon 1.4 teleconverter.
What is your favorite photography accessory?
I don’t have many accessories but I do like my Peli case that keeps all my memory cards safe!
What piece of equipment would you most like to get but don’t have yet?
I would like to upgrade my 500mm f4 to the new 400 f2.8 or new 500 f4… they are rather pricey though!
How important is Photoshop or other image editing software in your final images?
Very important, whilst I don’t make any massive changes I strongly believe a combination of small changes can really make an image pop.
Can you tell me about one of your favorite or most memorable photo sessions? What made it so great and why did you like it so much?
One of my most memorable photography sessions was during a snow blizzard near home (rare in the south of the UK). I was photographing brown hare on local farmland and saw several bouts of boxing as well as having one really close encounter, it was excellent!
Was there a point in your journey when you started to feel really good about your work? If so, what did it feel like to get past that “tipping point?”
I’m not really sure to be honest, possibly my first competition place in there British Wildlife Photography Awards though.
What are your upcoming travel plans?
I’m off to Spain, Iceland, and Scotland during the first half of this year. Can’t wait!
What do you think the future holds for you? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I’d like to keep doing what I’m doing and hope to have some more competition success.
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