Tesni Ward: Capturing the Beauty of Overlooked Wildlife
In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast we dive into the captivating world of wildlife photography with the talented Tesni Ward. Hosted by Angela Nicholson, the founder of SheClicks, this episode explores Tesni’s unique journey from a casual photographer to a full-time professional capturing stunning images of wildlife across the globe.
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Tesni Ward isn't your typical wildlife photographer. While many chase after the rare and exotic, Tesni finds beauty and significance in the common species that others often overlook. From pigeons to badgers, she believes every creature has its own story and deserves attention. Her passion for wildlife is evident not just in her photography but also in her dedication to conservation and educating others about the importance of respecting nature.
Tesni’s path to becoming a full-time photographer wasn’t a straightforward one. Like many, she started with a simple point-and-shoot camera during family holidays, capturing memories without much thought of turning her hobby into a career. It wasn’t until she was made redundant from her job — a moment she now sees as a blessing in disguise — that she took the plunge into professional photography. With a significant investment in a photography trip and equipment, she decided to give it her all, and the rest, as they say, is history.
One of the pivotal moments in her early career was a solo photography trip to Alaska. Despite facing challenges, including a major lens mishap, the experience solidified her love for wildlife photography and her decision to pursue it full-time. Tesni shares how, without a concrete plan, she simply immersed herself in her craft, exploring the Peak District and honing her skills. Over time, she transitioned from struggling to find her footing to developing a multifaceted career that includes running workshops, tours, and public speaking engagements.
A significant theme in this episode is Tesni’s belief in the value of common species. While many photographers focus on capturing rare or elusive animals, Tesni emphasises the beauty and potential of photographing species that are often ignored. She argues that these creatures, like pigeons and mallards, offer endless opportunities for unique and impactful images. According to Tesni, focusing on common species not only helps develop a photographer’s skills but also shifts public perception, encouraging people to appreciate the wildlife in their own backyards.
Tesni also discusses her experience leading photography workshops and the importance of fostering a connection between people and wildlife. She dreams of offering more workshops focused on badgers, a species close to her heart, and hopes to find a landowner willing to collaborate on creating a safe and sustainable environment for these workshops.
Throughout the conversation, Tesni candidly shares the challenges she’s faced, from the difficulties of making a living as a wildlife photographer to dealing with inappropriate behaviour from others in the field. She offers valuable advice on how to approach such situations with patience and a focus on education, rather than confrontation.
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OM System
This episode is sponsored by OM System. Empowering consumers and professionals alike with innovative digital cameras, lenses, audio recorders, and binoculars, OM System's precision optics and groundbreaking technology open up new possibilities for capturing life's most precious moments.
