I am based in the North East of England and have had an interest in the outdoors and wildlife all of my life. I did an undergraduate in physics and postgraduate in management science both at Lancaster University and I have been a photographer since leaving university.
Photographers like Theo Allofs and Frans Lanting have inspired me to travel and photograph wildlife and landscapes all over the world. Scandinavian photographers, like Staffan Wildstrand, Eero Kemila and Peter Lilja have influenced my style, not to just photograph the subject but to let the image tell a story of the subjects habitat and behaviour. Click here to see Brian at work.
To read more about Brian have a look at
his myspace page: www.myspace.com/bwmphoto
In the 2008 BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition I came runner up in the Birds Behaviour section with my shot of a Black Vulture eating a Spectacled Caiman taken in Brazil in August 2007. I had entered the competition before but only made it through to the final stages and not into the book. Being in portfolio 18 is to date the biggest accolade for my wildlife photography. You can see my shot on the Natural History Museum website, click here.
I have featured several times in Travel Photographer of the year making it into books Journey 1 and 2.
Badgers and elephants make the almost joint top of my list but I think due to a childhood fascination, badgers just make it to my number one spot. Photographing Tigers on the backs of elephants in Corbett National Park in India is always fun.
Orang-utans in Indonesian Borneo in October 2008 where great to photograph and definitely the most fun of any of the subjects I have photographed.
Being based in the UK, seabirds such as gannets and puffins are local favourites but birds of prey are my favourite avian subject. Over the past few years I have spent a lot of time photographing Owls, Sea Eagles and Ospreys. Click here to see Brian's favourite images.
Some of Brian's favourite photographers and web sites:
Theo Allofs online:
I have been lucky enough to meet Theo a few times in India, great photographer and good stories. His Pantanl book is one of the best books I have seen and read. His new book on Australia is an excellent follow up.
Frans Lanting online:
His book Eye to eye, was one of the book that made me want to become a wildlife photographer. His work continues to feature in National Geographic.
Mike Lane Nature Photographer Online:
Mike is a great photographer and stories teller, very handy when stuck in a hide waiting for Ospreys! A great site where you can get the wildlife photographers essential item the Grippa Bean Bag and also read about all his trips. His book on where to photograph wildlife in the UK should be on everyones self.
Naturephotographers.net:
A community or like minded people who love nature photography and actively exchange information and ideas.
Photo.net:
Gives you an idea of the number of photographers in the world taking high quality shots, though the pictures of birds aren't all of the feathery variety!
Magnus Carlsson Online:
Great young Swedish photographer, also an excellent outdoors man. He is currently organising trips to the wilds of Sweden producing some great shots.
Vincent Munier Online:
Another great inspiration to me, his use of low light conditions and his efforts in low (really low) temperatures produce some incredible shots.
Staffan Widstrand online:
A great friend of mine got me 'The Big Five' a book on Scandinavia's top five predators I was blown away by his style. He is one of the best in world. Staffan is currently working as Director of the Wild Wonders of Europe Project.
Philip Newman Online:
Great shots from all over the world. I was lucky to meet Phil while photographing bears in Finland great company over dinner too.
James Warwick Online:
From Brighton to Kenya (with a bit of Finland and India thrown in). Strong shots, great sense of humour. Likes a challenge as he uses Nikon film camera's!
Finnature:
Jari and Hari make the most of living in Finland, more owls than you can shake a stick at. Great shots and great guides. I have made several successful trips with these guys. More of Jari's work can also be seen at: http://www.birdphoto.fi/
Norway Nature:
Ole Martin (AKA the eagle man), a trip in his boat will never be forgotten. From catching the fish to photographing the eagles. And the waffles. Great opportunities for lots of wildlife photography.
