A Focus On Nature

25th November 2012

AFON

A Focus On… James Shooter

A Focus On Nature is committed to finding shiny new talent for nature conservation, specifically young people aged 16 to 30.

Over the past year we have rounded up ten dynamic individuals, all enthusiatic, bright and keen to work in the various fields in nature conservation; so, in no particular order, I’m going to give you a snapshot view of our first members:

#1 James Shooter, MSc Biological Photography & Imaging, Distinction, University of Nottingham

And with a name like that, what else could he be?

www.jamesshooter.com

James was mentored through his MSc by Dr Rob Lambert of the University of Nottingham, who wrote the forward for James’ dissertation. Since joining A Focus On Nature, James has also been mentored by photographer Peter Cairns (Northshots Photography), winning the chance to spend a week next year in the Scottish Highlands, photographing some of Scotland’s most iconic wildlife and scenery, as well as a pair of Discovery binoculars courtesy of Opticron, to help him in his ‘quest for the perfect shot’.

His photography exquisitely captures a sense of time, place and atmosphere, and focuses on a range of subjects, including landscape and wildlife. His home county of Derbyshire offers the tableau for much of his work, and his grounding in modern technique allows him to capture not only an image, but the spirit behind it too.

Top wildlife destination: “The best location has to be the Cairngorms.  I’ve camped there in sunshine and 10 inches of snow, both of which make for a stunning backdrop and the wildlife never fails to disappoint.”

Favourite wildlife book/film/television programme/presenter: “Along with many others, my favourite presenter is the godfather of wildlife documentaries Sir David Attenborough and the Planet Earth Series left me mesmerised. I read many publications but am currently enjoying a book entitled Caledonia – Scotland’s Heart of Pine, which had some stunning photography by Peter Cairns”.

His Entry: “I started photography seriously last year and by the summer I had the opportunity to travel around Scotland documenting its nature for my dissertation. My focus was to depict the impressive, yet fragile world that surrounds us, illustrating the need to protect it. My entry is a selection of photographs, showcasing some of the most threatened species of birds found in Scotland. If my images are able to inspire just one more person’s interest into the natural world around them, then I see that as nothing but a good thing”.