Freshwater

Freshwater Wildlife Photography

Freshwater biomes are probably one of the more accessible environments to start shooting in. Freshwater is found everywhere we go in different forms, be that dams, lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls, and a lot more. That makes them easy to find. What really makes them great for photography is the variety of life they support and attract. All land life depends on freshwater sources for survival, so where there’s fresh water, there is something to capture on camera. 

Waterfowl are a favourite of mine to shoot. They frequently have eye-catching colours and patterns and make for stunning subjects when the lighting is just right. Think of a swan against a foggy backdrop on a foggy morning, or the reflections of sunlight in the water in the late afternoon, silhouetted by the shape of a diving kingfisher. Other waterfowl found in the UK freshwaters include coots, dippers, and grebes with their incredible courtship dances. 

All mammals eventually make it to freshwater sources. A lot of mammals call them home. If you’re patient and quiet enough, you’ll be able to capture species like the skittish water vole; or mink, an invasive species that made its way here from North America. Also keep your eyes open for larger mammals like badgers, hares, foxes, and deer that have come to the water for a drink. 

If you’re a new or young, aspiring nature photographer, the UK's freshwaters are a good place to practise and hone your skills. Our lands offers a wide range of plants, insects, birds, mammals, and fish to practice everything from long-exposure, macro, and action photography, without having to travel thousands of miles to find it.