Brandon Kemp Wildlife Photographer

Hi, I’m Brandon — a wildlife photographer and aspiring filmmaker currently based in the UK. I live the North West of England, close to the border of Lancashire and Cumbria, not far from the Lake District. It gives me a good mix of access from coastal birds and farmland mammals to moorland and woodland species. There’s a surprising amount of variety in the wildlife around here if you spend enough time getting to know the land.I’m still early in my journey, carving out a path in what’s an exciting but often challenging industry to break into.

My work spans a wide range of wildlife — from mammals and birds to marine life — with a particular focus on capturing both intimate portraits and natural behaviours. I’m fascinated by how a single image can convey emotion, character, or a fleeting moment of tension in the wild. While I don’t always set out to tell full stories, I love finding moments that hint at something deeper — a glimpse into the life of the animal. Filmmaking is a growing passion of mine, and I’m actively working towards breaking into the wildlife film industry. Ultimately, I aim to use visual media to bring people closer to the animals I encounter, highlight the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and contribute to the wider conversation around conservation — which has never felt more urgent.

How long have you been a wildlife photographer?

I started shooting wildlife around Leighton Moss about eight years ago, initially just as a personal creative outlet. What began as weekend sessions in local woods gradually grew into something much more serious — not just a passion, but a pursuit. Over time, I realised I didn’t want this to be just a hobby; I wanted to build a career around it. Eight years in, I’m still learning, still grafting, and doing everything I can to move forward in the world of wildlife photography and filmmaking.

I know you use a Canon camera , what’s you current set up ?

I currently shoot with a Canon 1DX Mark II, paired with a Canon 500mm f/4 lens. It gives me the reach and sharpness needed for detailed wildlife work, but it’s also light enough for me to move quickly — which suits my style in the field.

Do you have a go to or favourite location to watch wildlife ?

My local patch, where I spend time photographing and filming foxes. The more time I spend there, the more I learn — not just about the animals, but about the land itself. You begin to anticipate behaviour, recognise individuals, and build a real connection to the space. That kind of familiarity adds depth to the work.

It was a fox that started my wildlife journey and most nights we have three or four visit our garden , you also seem to have a soft spot for the fox ?

Yes, I really do. There’s something incredibly expressive and intelligent about them they’re adaptable, cautious, but also curious. I think people often misunderstand foxes, especially in urban or suburban settings, and they’ve become this unfairly maligned figure. But when you actually spend time observing them, you realise just how complex and beautiful their behaviour is.

They were also one of the first ever species I consistently worked with for months, they taught me patience and fieldcraft early on, and I still get just as excited when I catch sight of one now.  I have been spending most of the summer of 2025 filming and photographing them. I have achieved some really nice images I didn’t have before… it’s been amazing! 

So let’s put you on the spot , if you had to pick one photograph , what would it be ?

This is probably my favourite image so far — a long-eared owl perched perfectly still in soft evening light. It was one of those rare moments where everything just clicked: the composition, the calm, the sheer presence of the bird. Long-eared owls are elusive at the best of times, so to have this one out in the open, completely at ease, was unforgettable. It’s moments like that that keep me going back out.

For me wildlife photography is all about the connection to nature , why do you love wildlife photography ?

The stillness. The patience. The moments you witness that no one else sees. It strips everything back. You lose track of time, you tune in — and that’s where the magic happens. When it comes to wildlife, always expect the unexpected.

I think it’s fair to say we all have that one elusive animal or bird , any location or species you’d love to see and photograph?

I’d love to document Arctic wolves in the wild — not just for the photography, but for the chance to study their social dynamics and connection to such a remote landscape. They’re incredibly elusive animals, and photographing them would be the experience of a lifetime.

Closer to home , top of the list would be Pine Marten, Black Grouse, Capercaillie, Roe Deer, and the Barn Owl which is actually my favourite bird. Barn owls in particular seem to evade me like the plague. I always end up getting ridiculously unlucky with them.

Most of these are pretty tricky to see, apart from Roe Deer and Barn Owls, which are around. Somehow they always slip through the net. I’ve only managed one photo of a Pine Marten, so I’d love the chance to spend more time with them and really build a project them. 

I would say I’m definitely the most technically challenged photographer , how do you evolve and learn?

Trial and error has been a big part of it. I learn best by doing — by being out in the field and reflecting on what works (and what doesn’t). I also study the work of photographers and filmmakers I admire, not to replicate it, but to understand how they approach subjects and storytelling. And editing — whether stills or video — is such an important part of the craft. That’s where you often shape the emotion behind a piece.

Honestly, I’ve learnt the most just by being out there watching, waiting, making mistakes, and figuring things out as I go. Studying my subjects I want to focus on is 80% of the work. There’s no substitute for time in the field. I also take a lot from studying the work of photographers and filmmakers I admire.

So who have you taken inspiration from and why ?

Someone who’s had a real influence on me is Michelle Bavassano. His wildlife portraits are beautiful, really intimate, often emotional, and they capture a kind of softness that you don’t always see in wildlife photography. That’s something I’ve tried to take on board  by slowing down, being more patient, and thinking not just about what I’m photographing, but the way I’m portraying the animal.

On the filmmaking side, I really look up to Bertie Gregory. He makes wildlife feel exciting and accessible, especially to younger audiences, but never loses the integrity of the message. He’s also a great example of someone who’s used modern platforms to reach people in a way that feels natural, and that’s something I’d love to build towards.

For me, learning is ongoing it’s part doing, part observing, and part reflecting. I’m always trying to improve my technical ability, but also how I see and think in the field. The more time I spend out there, the more I realise how much I still have to learn and I love that.

What does the future look like and where do you want photography to take you?

I’d love to reach a point where photography and filmmaking can sustain me full-time — ideally through a mix of conservation work, commissions, and documentary projects. I’m not looking for quick success. I’m in this for the long game, and I’m happy to put in the work to get there.

If you could pass one wildlife-related law, what would it be?

I’d introduce far tougher enforcement and penalties around the illegal shooting of foxes — especially when it’s carried out under the guise of pest control. Foxes are often demonised and persecuted unfairly, and the lack of accountability is unacceptable.

I’d also push for a complete ban on badger culling. The science doesn’t back it, and it causes needless suffering. We should be investing in vaccination, education, and proper habitat management — not outdated and ineffective population control.

Apart from your camera , what’s the one gadget you always take with you ?

A simple groundsheet or camo tarp — nothing fancy, but essential. I shoot low to the ground a lot, and staying dry and comfortable makes a huge difference.

In winter, my go-to is a hot water bottle tucked in the bottom of my rucksack. When I’m sat in a freezing hide for hours, I slip my feet into the bag — it’s like a portable heated footwell. Might not be high-tech, but it’s kept me going more times than I can count.

What annoys you?

Disrespect — both towards wildlife and the craft of wildlife photography. Disturbing animals for the sake of a shot, getting too close, or misrepresenting reality for clicks — it all undermines the integrity of what we do.

Wildlife photography demands many different skills , what advice would you give to someone new and just starting out?

Be patient — with the wildlife, the process, and yourself. Focus on learning your subject, not just your settings. Research can make all the difference. Gear is secondary — the connection and understanding you bring to your work matter far more.

What would help your journey?

More opportunities to shadow or collaborate with others in the field. It can be a solitary path, especially when you’re just starting out, so having a community or mentors to learn from makes a big difference.

Do you have a mission statement

My goal is simple: to create honest, quiet work that connects people with the natural world. There’s so much beauty right on our doorstep, but we move too fast to notice it.

I’m not chasing perfect images — I’m chasing meaningful ones. I want my work to feel grounded and real, because that’s how I feel when I’m out there. If one of my photos or films makes someone pause, look a little closer, or care just a bit more — then I’ve done something worthwhile.

What does success look like for you?

Success for me would be working as a filmmaker and photographer on meaningful projects — ideally with organisations like Silverback Films, National Geographic, or the BBC. I want to tell wildlife stories that reach wide audiences and actually make a difference.

I’d love to see my work featured in major publications or documentaries, not just for the exposure, but because it means the stories I care about are being shared. That’s the dream — to make a living doing what I love, while helping people see the natural world with curiosity, wonder, and a sense of responsibility.

Lastly and for me most importantly, we have just started to follow a young photographer Thomas Orrin who is new to wildlife photography , how do we engage the next generation and encourage a love of nature ?

I think it starts with getting kids to feel something about nature, not just learn facts. Wonder, excitement, connection and that’s what sticks. Sometimes it’s as simple as giving them time outside to notice things. A hedgehog in the garden or a fox in the school field can be a real moment for them.

Social media plays a big part too. As much as people roll their eyes at TikTok, that’s where younger audiences are. Attention spans are short now, and short-form videos are a great way to share quick, powerful wildlife moments. YouTube too, it’s a chance to tell slightly longer stories in a way that’s still engaging. It’s just about meeting them where they are and making wildlife feel relevant.

Click here to visit Brandon’s site , well worth an explore

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Website: Brandonkempwildlifephotography.com

©️ All photo credits courtesy of Brandon Kemp , all rights reserved