In the press: Feature in Wherever Magazine

It was a pleasure to have been interviewed recently for a three-page feature in the ‘Getaway’ issue of ‘Wherever Magazine’ - an international lifestyle publication for expats.

As an expat from New Zealand myself (now living in London), this was a fitting magazine. I naturally was invited to talk about what prompted my initial relocation to the UK and to discuss my international travel and the work I do as a wildlife photographer.

As I shared in the interview, it may interest you to know that I only intended to stay in the UK for six months when I first visited, but that quickly became six years. Then, I later returned to the UK a second time (some twenty years ago now) and have been here ever since.

Now, I choose to live in London, rather than my home country, simply because London has been kind to me over the years. However, I will always regard myself as a New Zealander.

Adventures in wildlife photography

When asked how I first came to be a wildlife photographer, I answered that the story is quite simple. It came out of three things; my interest in design and art, my interest in nature and wildlife, and my interest in photography from a young age, encouraged by my father.

I also revealed that while being a wildlife photographer, and one who photographs some of the world’s most dangerous animals, may seem like an adventurous life, I wouldn’t say that I am particularly adventurous. I choose not to take risks while photographing. I’d much rather look forward to taking more photos than risking what might be a final one.

Working as a wildlife photographer is certainly more interesting than my old life in an advertising agency in London though!

Stand-out wildlife encounters

Some of my favourite memories that have stood out since starting my career in wildlife photography include being thwacked in the shins by a log-wielding silverback mountain gorilla! There are also a few more similar experiences that spring to mind but, as I shared with the magazine, it is always the people I meet who provide the best memories.

I was also asked about whether I had a favourite destination for wildlife photography, and my answer was no. Kenya is like a second home to me, so if I had to say somewhere, I would have to say Kenya. But truly, no destination is a favourite. I simply feel most at home where little is man-made and much is wild and natural.

The truth is, I’ve outgrown big cities. The crowds, the congestion, the noise, the pace. Luckily though, I can get away when I want. Arriving home after seven weeks of travel though, I do often find it hard to reconcile that less than 24 hours prior I was sitting among a pride of lions or a herd of elephants. It takes some time to adjust.

In terms of where I would like to travel to, I mentioned in the interview that I would like to go anywhere where there are icebergs. Perhaps one day, that will become a reality…

Read the interview online

Should you wish to, you can read the interview in full online via the Wherever Magazine website, on pages 33-35.

My thanks to Rowena Carr-Allinson and the editorial team at Wherever magazine for interviewing me and including my wildlife photography.

David