1. John, tell us about a photographer whose work inspires you, what do you like about their work?
I’ve always admired the work of local photographer Jonathon Harold Photography. What stands out to me most is his incredible ability to use directional light in such a captivating way, creating depth and atmosphere in every shot. His mastery of composition is also remarkable, with each image thoughtfully framed to guide the viewer’s eye and tell a story. What I particularly appreciate is how Jonathon captures the natural behaviors of his subjects, using those moments to bring an authentic, dynamic energy to his work. He manages to take something as simple as light and movement and turn it into a powerful visual narrative, all while maintaining a sense of artistry that feels both grounded and imaginative.
2. Whats your vibe? describe your style?
My style for bird photography is all about creating images that are impactful and evoke a sense of wonder. With every shot, I aim to capture a moment that will make people stop, reflect, and ask themselves, "What's the story behind this?" I strive to infuse beauty into every image, whether it’s the delicate details of a bird in flight or the tranquil elegance of a quiet moment in nature. Through my lens, I aim to celebrate Maddox’s beautiful life—each photograph a tribute to his memory and a way to share that beauty with others.
3.Dream camera, unlimited budget what would it be or do you already have it!
My dream camera setup would be the Canon 600mm f/4 paired with the Canon R5 Markii, along with the Canon 100-500mm and another R5 Markii. I don't have them yet, but one day I hope to make that dream a reality. These tools would allow me to capture even more stunning details and push my photography to new heights, helping me continue to create impactful images in the most beautiful way possible.
4. Tell me where it all started, what or who inspired you to want to pick up a camera and get behind it.
I’ve always had a passion for photography and the great outdoors, but it wasn’t until the loss of our son, Maddox, that I truly embraced it. After his death, I found myself turning to my camera, almost as a way to hide and make sense of the overwhelming grief. In that space of sorrow, I discovered a sense of peace through bird photography. Capturing these delicate creatures in their natural environment became a way for me to connect, be present, and heal. It was in those moments behind the lens that I found a sense of solace, and photography became a form of therapy, allowing me to express my emotions and keep Maddox’s memory alive through every shot.
5. Mac or PC and favourite software or app for editing
I’m currently working on an Apple Mac and still using Lightroom 6, which I bought about 8 years ago. Even though I don’t use Photoshop or any denoise software, I find that it really pushes me to improve my skills in the field. Not having those extra tools forces me to be more intentional with my shots, focusing on getting things right in-camera. It challenges me to be more creative with lighting, composition, and techniques to get the best image possible without relying on post-processing fixes. It’s a great way to refine my craft and continually grow as a photographer.
8.Tell us about a recent image you shot that you are really proud off and why?
One of the photos I’m most proud of is the backlit shot of the Royal Spoonbill. It took multiple visits over two years to finally capture that perfect moment, and I can’t describe how rewarding it feels knowing how many elements had to align for it to be successful. The lighting, the timing, the positioning—it all had to come together just right. There were so many near-misses, but each attempt taught me something new. To finally get the shot that captured the bird in such a striking way, with the backlighting highlighting its delicate features, was an incredible achievement. I’m especially proud of it now as it’s in the finals of BPOTY 2025, and while I can’t show the image just yet, it’s a moment I’ll always treasure in my journey as a photographer.
