ELLIE ROTHNIE

Lauren Scott catches up with the awardwinning wildlife pro photographer Ellie Rothnie. She’s now a Canon Ambassador, and creates content while her photography still reveals stunning skill and fieldcraft...

ELLIE ROTHNIE is one of the UK’s most likeable and influential wildlife photographers, but hard work, professionalism and her ability to plan have been the foundations of her career. As a Canon Ambassador, Ellie has been using her Canon gear to capture nature from the beginning, and her journey has taken her from ‘office worker’ to adventures around the world.

Ellie believes that creative style is instinctive and cannot be taught, but it can be encouraged through self-exploration. Her approach is driven by her passion and curiosity for nature and being outdoors. Through her workshops and guidance, she nurtures this passion and inspiration in others, encouraging them to see for themselves rather than follow the rules.

We chatted with her five years after her last interview in PhotoPlus, to find her professional career at new heights, but her warmth and gentleness unchanged. Discover how Ellie prioritizes philanthropy and potential growth, her technical approach – and why the basics of photography are still important – and why having a love for animals will see you through your career.

Hey Ellie. So what’s changed for you since we last spoke?

A lot has changed. In 2019, I felt that I’d been working at everything so hard and been so focused, and then the pandemic was a nightmare for wildlife photography, with everything locked down. I think the past two years have been just crazy busy. As a freelancer my job stopped, so it’s been all about catching up. And of course, I also became a Canon ambassador.

Great news, more on that later… Is work ‘back to normal’ now?

Ah, it’s all getting proactive again, and I feel like I’m advancing again. I’ve been proactive with new projects rather than constantly chasing my tail.

You turned professional in 2016. What was it that made you leap?