URBAN WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

Discover the wildlife on your doorstep, and learn pro techniques that will help you to capture once in a lifetime shots

Britain’s urban wildlife is even more beautiful and diverse than you might imagine. There are over 400 species of birds in the UK, ranging from the humble sparrow to majestic birds of prey – including peregrine falcons – all of which offer great photographic potential. There are many other types of animals living in urban areas too, including bats, owls, foxes and deer, but perhaps surprisingly, there are also some more exotic species. Who would have thought that rose-ringed parakeets with their bright green feathers can be found in central London, for example?

Despite the industrialisation in the 19th century and the continuous expansion of urban areas, nature still has a place in the heart of metropolitan life. City parks are a base for wildlife that has adapted to urban structures and continues to use our cities as habitats. As photographers, this interplay between wildlife and the urban environment is exciting to observe, and can lead to many curious situations. Imagine a deer suddenly appearing at a bus stop in the middle of a residential street, or a vixen giving birth to her young cubs in a suburban back garden.

Shaped by urban influences, animals behave differently than they do in the countryside. They’re used to the sounds, lights and hustle and bustle of the city, yet they continue to follow certain patterns and routines as if they were in the wild. Once these behaviours are understood, getting animals in front of the lens becomes less of a challenge. Of course, when photographing urban wildlife we must respect the animal, and avoid doing anything to endanger them.

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Learn how to get the most out of your kit with these low-budget tricks and urban wildlife essentials