Samantha Miller
Name: Samantha Miller
Camera: Nikon D7500 and Z8
Favourite type of photography: Wildife
Location: Isle of Wight, UK
Instagram: @sammiller70
How did you get into photography?
After a very challenging divorce, I returned to my childhood home in the Falkland Islands. My cousin recognised that I was struggling with depression and suggested we took a few hours exploring York Bay Pond (a small pond just 10 minutes outside Stanley). My cousin set up his camera and encouraged me to take a look. I found while I was behind the camera, I could focus and life didn’t seem quite so dark. I soon found myself with a camera of my own, a few lenses and a passion for wildlife photography.
Do you have any photographic qualifications or accolades?
In 2023, I entered a competition and won the Cornwall Photographic Alliance overall image of the year, taking home the Geoff Marshall Cup for best digital image and Len Collins Trophy for the overall winner.
What's the first photograph you remember seeing or shooting?
I remember using my phone and taking a photo of my horse within minutes of his birth.
What do you love about photography?
I love how being behind the lens allows me to silence the world.
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What do you wish you'd learned about photography earlier?
To get down lower.
Where is your favourite place for photography?
Anywhere outdoors, however, back home in the Falklands will always be a favourite location.
Do you have a favourite photographic technique?
I really like a back-lit photo, but I don’t have a favourite technique.
Can you briefly outline your approach to image processing?
Image processing is new to me and I try to keep it to a tweak of the sliders. I have recently purchased Adobe Photoshop and I’m currently teaching myself some basic post-processing.
What's your favourite lens?
My Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR.
Do you have a favourite accessory?
My binoculars - they help me spot the wildlife I want to photograph.
Have you found the perfect camera bag yet?
No, I’m still searching.
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Which photographers have influenced or inspired you, and how or why?
I enjoy watching Morten Hilmer, I like his enthusiastic approach to wildlife photography regardless of the subject. Also, Courtney Victoria for her playful approach to photography. I like how both of these photographers share their camera settings and composition ideas.
Please recommend 2 or 3 female photographers to follow on Instagram.
Courtney Victoria @courtney_victoriaphotography
Is there a camera, lens or accessory that you don't have yet but you'd like to buy at some point?
I’d like to upgrade to a Nikon Z8 and Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lens.
Is there a genre of photography that you love but that you haven't tried yet?
Underwater photography.
What's your proudest photographic moment?
Capturing an image I was told was impossible at my level of photography.
If you could have one superpower that could help you with photography, what would it be?
Invisibility.
Your favourite baked goods are?
A Greggs’ sausage roll.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was adopted by a Falkland Islander just after the Falklands War and relocated to the Falklands. I had the chance to experience farm life, horses and the rustic life the Island offered. I continued my education in the UK and chose to stay, only to return home after my marriage broke down. As well as having a degree in psychology and sociology, I’m a qualified beautician. I recognise now that I struggle with my mental health and use photography as a way to ground me and help silence my demons.
