TECHNIQUES
Pro advice
Sam Hobson on building a relationship with nature to capture urban wildlife shots
Urban wildlife seems to be particularly comfortable in front of your lens. What is your secret?
It’s about respect and cultivating a relationship – understanding that these animals are living beings. My pictures capture the character of the individual and to be able to capture that, I have to get to know them first. I work with them on an individual basis, respect their space and I don’t chase them around. What I try to do is not to hide. I let the animal know that I’m there and that I’m not a threat. Once you start to do that on their terms, they become comfor table. I’ve sat down in their territory regularly for over a week or two, then they start to gain trust. Cubs especially are inquisitive and so they will come and investigate you.