I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Louise Morris, an extraordinarily talented photographer who resides in the Midlands, located in the UK. With her love of spending time outdoors with her camera, Louise finds inspiration for her work with careful observations of nature and wildlife. Through Louise’s point of view, she allows us to gain an appreciation for the elements of beauty from our natural environment. Thank you, Louise, for spending the time to share your story with us and view of the world through your camera lens. Your body of work is truly inspiring.
If you’d like to learn more about Louise, please visit her website. You can also visit her on Twitter and Instagram.
Can you please tell the readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a female amateur photographer – closer to my 60’s than my 40’s. I am married, have 2 grown-up children, one grandson, and a springer spaniel called Mollie. I work full-time as a General Dogsbody is a small family business – have done this for 21 years this month! Going out taking photos is my bit of me time and relaxation.
Where do you call home?
Home is a village in the Midlands – I was born here so was my mother, my grandfather, and his parents before him……
When did you first become interested in photography and how long have you been involved with it?
Have always liked to take photos but it was only in 2009 that I managed to take it seriously and buy my first DSLR.
Are you formally-taught or self-taught?
All self-taught and very much still learning!!!
What type of photography shoots do you look forward to?
Wildlife/Nature is my passion.
When shooting subjects, what do you find most challenging?
Dragonflies and damselflies!!! They never keep still – neither for that matter do long-tailed tits!
What would you say your most remarkable wildlife encounter has been?
Every encounter is amazing to me but the first time I did some badgers in daylight was just something else.
What is your favorite part of heading out to a new location?
The anticipation of what is – or might be – to come…
How do you keep your photography fresh and how do you stay motivated to keep on learning?
I am never complacent and am always convinced I could do much better!
What’s the best part of being a photographer?
Being out at sunrise on a summer’s morning.
Do you have any tips for new photographers who want to take better wildlife photographs?
I wouldn’t presume to tell anyone how to do it – we all have our own style and I wouldn’t feel qualified to make such a statement! I would just say forge your own path and create your own style!
Share with us your favorite image and why.
The image I titled ‘Through the Mist’ would have to be one of them – I have donated it to a few charity events in various forms and it has raised a nice little sum for them. I have tried to put a little bit back to the Treatment Ward which treats my daughter’s cancer and produced a calendar for the last 3 years so the images on those would have to be part of my favourites too!
What type of camera(s) do you shoot with? What is your favorite lens?
Canon 1Dx Mark ii and Canon 1Dx.
What is your favorite photography accessory?
My Hide Plate – take/go anywhere metal plate to take my gimbal head – works well on shelves or the ground – save carrying a tripod if I can use this instead. See https://www.neilnevillephotography.com/hide-plates – everyone should have one!
What is in your camera bag?
2 x bodies, Sigma f4.5 lens, Canon 100-400 mark ii lens, Canon 100mm Macro lens, cloths, cards, chocolate, my own tea bags (I only drink Rooibos tea if I can), remote, tripod plates, blower, batteries, Canon EX430 iii Flash, Pens, Paper, money (but not much!)
Do you plan on purchasing any new equipment and if so, what are you on the lookout for?
Not at the moment!
How important is Photoshop or other image editing software in your final images?
I only use it for the basics so it is important but it doesn’t rule what I do!
Can you tell me about one of your favorite or most memorable photo shoots? What made it so great and why did you like it so much?
I usually enjoy all of my photo shoots – I just see it as an absolute privilege to see wildlife at close quarters. I recently did a night shoot with a flash set up involved and really enjoyed that – herons mainly which was very very good.
Do you have any projects that make you look back and shake your head? What made the experience so unpleasant?
Sat in a hide all day from Sunrise to Sunset waiting for buzzards – not a jot!!! It was a small hide for the two of us and very cosy but not only were there no buzzards there was nothing else either!!!…..and no toilet…….and it was winter and very cold!!
Are there any areas of photography that you have yet to pick up on that you’d like to learn?
I do have a go now and again at landscape photography but all I seem to manage is akin to a holiday snap from the 70’s.
Do you see yourself as a photographer many years down the road?
I can’t see myself giving it up just yet…
Leave a Reply