“Photography is mindfulness, helping me appreciate the moment”

This week, we’re talking to Kerrie-Ann Ellison, who lives in Latchford.

Kerrie-Ann bought her first camera about 14 years ago to take pictures for her university coursework and has been taking pictures ever since.

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Warrington Guardian Camera Club member Kerrie-Ann Ellison

When and why did you take up photography?

I got my first canon camera around 2010. I originally bought the camera to take better photos for my university course work but I have continued to take photos ever since. I have recently just completed a degree in wildlife conservation and a lecturer has introduced me to drone photography, which I also enjoy as I get to capture images from a different perspective.

What do you love about taking pictures?

I find photography quite relaxing and therapeutic. Focusing on capturing images is a form of mindfulness for me and appreciating the present moment. I can never be bored with photography as there is a large variety of genres I can choose from, which makes it a constant learning curve.

Orb weaver spider

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“I love capturing unexpected moments to keep as memories”

Where is your favourite place to take pictures and why?

Woolston Eyes Nature Reserve as it is right on my doorstep. It is pretty quiet there too, creating a relaxing and therapeutic day for me. With a large variety of wildlife to see, I can make each visit different from the last. I can choose to take my zoom lens and go to one of the hides and photograph the variety of bird species or I can take a macro lens and photograph flora, insects and lichen. They have installed a new platform which I love as it gives you a more of a bird’s eye view of the ponds and lands. I could spend ages there just watching the swifts flying and swooping in all directions around you.

Red deer at Tatton Park

What is your favourite subject matter and why?

My favourite subject is wildlife as it can be challenging and unpredictable but also calming as you sit and wait for the perfect shot, listening to the trees rustling in the wind and the sounds of the birds calling, while trying to figure out which bird species it is.

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“Looking for that one great shot is challenging but hugely enjoyable”

Tapered drone fly at Woolston Eyes Nature Reserve

What do you enjoy about being part of our Camera Club on Facebook?

I find the camera club motivating and inspirational online community, which consists of all ages and abilities. If you need advice regarding cameras settings or feedback, there is always someone that is willing to help.

If you could photograph anyone/any place/anything, who/what would it be?

I would like to photograph bats in my local area, this provides me with a new set of challenges as bats are a protected species so I will have to be careful not to disturb them in anyway. Also, bat season starts from April to November and they hibernate over winter. So far, I have identified there are common pipistrel and a soprano pipistrel in Warrington. I have done this by using a magenta bat detector and all I need to do now is research what camera settings would be best and adjust as appropriate to the nighttime conditions.