Today’s interview comes from Staffordshire, England, in the UK and features the award-winning and published wildlife Photographer and natural history Photojournalist Scott Latham. Scott finds inspiration for his photography through a close relationship with wildlife and nature. With a unique approach and understanding of the natural world, Scott’s work provides the viewer with an awareness of its fragility.
Thank you, Scott and it’s my pleasure to share your thoughts and experiences with our readers. Your work is brilliant and you are someone who is definitely worth following. Also, congratulations to you on your recent win at the British Photography Awards. What a remarkable achievement!
If you would like to see more of Scott’s work, you can visit his website. You can also follow him on Instagram.
Can you please tell the readers a bit about yourself?
I am a nature photographer, field ecologist, conservationist, and filmmaker. Dedicated to compelling ecology and conservation stories through visual media formats. My aim is to provide factual videos and articles backed by ecological research and stunning photography.
I’m a proud father; an Aston Villa fan and I’m super lucky to be married to my best friend Claire.
Where do you call home?
I live in Staffordshire, England, UK
After browsing through your website, I see that you’re truly immersed in the field of photography. What is it that led you towards photography and how long have you been working in it?
I’ve always had a passion for wildlife and the natural world. My granddad was a Royal Photographic Society member and that led me to first playing with a camera. Naturally, I focused on wildlife after first getting a Sony Bridge camera. Then I purchased a Canon DSLR years ago before full-time in 2014.
Are you satisfied with your choice of getting involved with this industry? Is there anything else you would rather be doing?
100% the best choice ever, I love photography. Everything about it. All genres fascinate me from street images to landscapes. Naturally, for me, I take nature images, but I love the work of so many visual artists. There is something so special about being able to tell a story from 1/2500th of a second in time.
My purpose is to help save endangered species through my images, and tell the story of their struggles, so people can be made more aware and act on saving habitats and wildlife.
If there was one thing you would want prospective clients to know about you, what would it be?
Be ready for a laugh as much as learning and taking great images. Remember the subject comes first not the photo! – That’s a couple of things I know but hey.
What type of photography shoots do you look forward to?
Endangered Primate conservation projects. Nothing beats sitting 4000 feet above sea level in the mountains with gorillas.
When shooting subjects, what do you find most challenging?
Light… Much of the primate work I do, the light is terrible. But it also makes you think out of the box and try different images.
Who or what inspires you in your personal life and work?
My Wife & Kids… I do everything I do because they 100% support what I do.
What’s the best part of being a photographer?
Being with wildlife in their natural habitats.
What is your favorite part of heading out to a new location?
The challenge. The first few days of meeting the local people, children and communities and speaking to them about their heritage and how they find living the subject affects their lives.
What do you hope viewers take away from your images?
I hope it inspires them to realise the state of our natural world and how as humans we’ve been the leading cause to mass extinction. I hope if just 1 person changes how we buy palm oil products, for example, can make a huge difference in saving endangered wildlife.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Let your passion show! Keep working hard, it won’t come overnight, but the rewards are worth every sweat, tear and empty bank account. Never work for free!
What type of camera(s) do you shoot with? What is your favorite lens?
Canon Bodies… I love my 300 f2.8 – it’s my go-to all-rounder.
What is in your camera bag?
At the Moment, hmm… Canon 7Dmkii – 300 2.8, 2x & 1.4x tc, batteries and laptop.
What is your favorite photography accessory?
Bean Bag! I hate tripod so restrictive but couldn’t live without my beanbag.
What piece of equipment would you most like to get but don’t have yet?
Sony A9 body! (yes I know I’m a canon user but still! What an awesome mirrorless camera)
How important is Photoshop or other image editing software in your final images?
A final image is everything. I was a graphic designer for years, so naturally, I love PS!
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?
My first ever trek with mountain gorillas. I instantly fell in love. To be able to document the families daily life was more than special. It was a life changing experience.
Do you have any projects that make you look back and shake your head? What made the experience so unpleasant?
Nothing comes to mind. Every moment out with nature is special. Even on days when you don’t get to take any photographs. Just been there and watching is just as special.
What do you think the future holds for you? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I have just launched a not-for-profit organisation called 98% HUMAN. A photography and artwork movement to help save the world’s remaining primates. It means getting out to document the 4 main species of Great Apes that hold a 98% or higher DNA match to humans. I guess this will take up the majority of my time.
Leave a Reply