Geophoto


Every month Geophoto explores how to get the most out of photography in different weather conditions, locations and situations.

Written by Keith Wilson, the founder of Outdoor Photography and Black & White Photography magazines, this valuable resource also highlights important ‘dos and don’ts’ of typical travel photography and recommends essential photographic equipment.

See past Geophoto topics below.


The king of fishers

After their eggs have hatched, kingfishers will spend the spring and summer hunting small fish and insects to feed their chicks. If you’re interested in snapping this distinctive bird, now’s the time to hide down to the riverside, says Keith WilsonRead on

March madness

Hares across the UK will emerge this month with their distinctive burst of activity. Many wildlife photographers, too, will head out with long lenses and tripods in hand to snap this early-spring favourite, says Keith WilsonRead on

Salt of the earth

With their flat expanses of bright, white minerals, saltpans are intriguing photographic destinations. But, as they can be some of the hottest places on Earth, winter is a good time to visit them, says Keith WilsonRead on

Freeze frames

With the coldest winter in 100 years forecast, photographers will have a unique opportunity to shoot nature in its frozen state. Keith Wilson highlights the techniques you’ll need to make the most of the icy months ahead Read on

Garden favourite

Robins are particularly conspicuous during winter. In this respect, says Keith Wilson, they provide a great opportunity for wildlife photography at a time when other species might be lying lowRead on

Fragile margins

Keith Wilson offers his tips for photographing saltmarshes, an endangered habitat that acts as a vital natural buffer between the land and the seaRead on

Public enemy?

For centuries, badgers have had a fraught relationship with humans. But that doesn’t stop them making great subjects for photographers, particularly during the autumn, when these  creatures are most active, says Keith WilsonRead on

Chalk lines and views

Southern England’s chalklands are famous for their distinctive white cliffs and gently undulating landscape. Their quiet beauty makes them a popular draw for walkers, naturalists and photographers alike, says Keith WilsonRead on

In-flight entertainment

Small, dark and fast-moving, swifts and swallows make challenging photographic subjects. But with a bit of inside knowledge, capturing these summer migrants becomes distinctly easier, says Keith WilsonRead on

Small is beautiful

In July and August, the UK’s few remaining lowland heaths offer up a wildlife bonanza in miniature and give photographers a fantastic opportunity to document life below knee height with a macro lens, says Keith WilsonRead on

The clowns of the sea

They’re wonderfully photogenic and surprisingly tolerant of people, and their British colonies are easily accessible. No wonder puffins have become a favourite subject for wildlife photographers in the UK, says Keith WilsonRead on

Return of the natives

Since a group of escapee wild boar established a wild population twenty five years ago, increasing numbers of reintroduced animals have been offering fantastic opportunities for photographers, says Keith WilsonRead on

Wild woodland

For a few weeks in April and early May, our broadleaf woods and forests are carpeted with sensational displays wildflowers. But with a little patience you can find a whole range of flora and fauna to photograph, says Keith WilsonRead on

Songs of spring

The return of migratory species in the spring provides photographers with a great range of subject matter. So be prepared to make the most of what nature has to offer, says Keith WilsonRead on

Ghostly hunters

An icon of the British countryside, the barn owl demands a great deal of patience, research and technical skill from photographers looking to capture its ghostly visage and distinctive plumage, says Keith WilsonRead on

The view from the top

An overnight stay at the top of a mountain will enable you to capture an evocative and serene quality of light found nowhere else. However, it’s essential that you plan your trip meticulously to avoid catastropheRead on

Great migrations

The spectacle of animals moving en masse – whether it be wildebeest on the African plains or birds in British skies – presents wildlife photographers with an unrivalled opportunity to ply their craftRead on

Reds on the run

The introduction of grey squirrels into the UK has sent the native red squirrel to the brink of extinction. However, the grey’s ubiquity in British parks and gardens makes it ideal for photographic practice before going in search of the elusive redRead on

Up the country path

The British Isles abound with historically significant thoroughfares. Whether winding through woods or raised up on ridges, these ancient routes offer photographers an added element for their landscape studiesRead on

Golden harvest

With the arrival of autumn, Britain’s rural landscape takes on one of its most recognisable forms, as hay bales begin to populate the fields. Keith Wilson explains how photographers can best capture the countryside at this time of yearRead on

Return of the otter

The resurgence of otter populations across Britain is great news for conservationists and wildlife lovers. Photographers are also among the beneficiaries, as their chances of capturing these creatures on film are now vastly improvedRead on

Colour in flight

Summer’s arrival means the arrival of butterflies – time for nature photographers across the country to grab their macro lenses, tripods and comfy chairs, and set off in pursuit of these reluctant insect celebrities, writes Keith WilsonRead on

Winds of change

In the past decade, wind farms have become fixtures across Britain’s countryside, polarising opinion. But these tall, slender sentinels are here to stay, and can provide an interesting centrepiece to your landscape photographyRead on

Estuary English

As the meeting points of freshwater and marine environments, estuaries often boast a wealth of wildlife, making them ideal photographic destinationsRead on

Trapping for survival

Camera traps are increasingly being used as tools for studying elusive animals living in remote areas. But with the equipment becoming ever cheaper, amateur photographers can now employ it to capture wildlife closer to homeRead on

The perfect storm

Most people see wild winter weather as the perfect excuse to stay indoors, but the season of storms brings with it a wealth of opportunities for intrepid photographers willing to brave the elements. Just make sure to rug upRead on

The twlight zone

The period between sunset and darkness – the so-called golden or magic hour – offers photographers with ideal conditions for practising their art. But it pays to be preparedRead on

River of life

Britain’s rivers are undergoing a renaissance, with animals returning to watercourses that were declared dead just a few decades ago. They present a great opportunity to photograph some of this country’s most celebrated creaturesRead on

Focus on fungi

In autumn forests and fields around the country witness the emergence of nature’s army of recyclers, as mushrooms and toadstools take advantage of cool, moist conditions. Keith Wilson offers his tips for photographing fungiRead on

Monarchs of the wild

Deer are a favourite subject for photography – and they’re usually pretty easy to find, as their numbers are booming across the UK. Keith Wilson offers his tips for photographing our largest land mammalRead on

The urban jungle

The back gardens and parks of Britain teem with animals that provide ideal photographic subjects close to home – literally. Keith Wilson offers some advice on capturing the creatures with which we share the urban environmentRead on

Sun, sand and seals

The British coast offers several ideal locations to see both common and grey seals, particularly during summer and autumn, when these expressive marine mammals come ashore to give birth to pups. Keith Wilson explains how to photograph Britain’s pinnipedsRead on

Shore life

Britain’s craggy shoreline extends to many thousands of kilometres and hosts a treasure trove of life, from majestic cetaceans to tiny crustaceans, and this presents a variety of photo opportunities. Keith Wilson explains how to get the most from a trip to the coastRead on

Secret stones

Britain has a wealth of evocative prehistoric sites, from the well-trodden likes of Stonehenge to the lesser known structures of Dartmoor National Park. Keith Wilson offers his tips for capturing these ancient remnants of humanity’s distant pastRead on

England’s poetic landscape

The Lake District boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the country; it’s also England’s wettest place. Hence it offers both a wealth of opportunities for avid landscape photographers and some potentially vexing challenges, writes Keith WilsonRead on

Britain’s other river system

Established during the Industrial Revolution, Britain’s canal network is enjoying a resurgence. And the combination of narrow boats, aqueducts and wildlife offers photographers a wealth of opportunities, says Keith WilsonRead on

A harmonious landscape

From bleak and windswept to aglow with tiny pink petals, the changing face of Britain’s moors and uplands offers a visual feast for the photographer. The trick is getting their elusive inhabitants into the frame, says Keith WilsonRead on

Where water feeds the land

Once considered wasteland, the UK’s wetlands are now recognised as important refuges for wildlife. And, as many are now set up with hides they’re also great places for photographing birds, says Keith WilsonRead on

Silver linings

Whether diffusing light or adding a focal point or an element of drama to a scene, clouds can be the photographer’s best friend. But it’s all in the timing, says Keith WilsonRead on

Bright lights, big cities

The setting of the sun needn’t bring an end to your photographic exploits. The myriad light sources that illuminate modern metropolises can lend even the most mundane scene a magical quality, says Keith WilsonRead on

Poles apart

The polar regions offer a unique set of challenges for photographers, challenges to which they have been rising since the days of Herbert Ponting and Frank Hurley. Keith Wilson offers his tips on capturing the icy wildernessRead on

Tumble down

The sight of water falling from a great height offers endless fascination, not to mention numerous opportunities and challenges for photographers says Keith WilsonRead on

Building bridges

From simple stone spans to complex constructions of iron and concrete, Britain's abundance of bridges offers endless opportunities for photographic creativity, says Keith Wilson.Read on

Peerless landmarks

From graphic lines to riotous colours, Britain's numerous seaside piers offer a wealth of photographic elements. Keith Wilson gives advice on how best to capture these coastal icons.Read on

Hedgerow havens

Symbols of both the British countryside and its desecration, hedgerows have long offered a refuge for wildlife displaced from felled forests. They also represent a rich hunting ground for photographers, says Keith Wilson.Read on

Seabird cities

Photographic opportunities abound in the numerous seabird colonies dotted around the British Isles, but be sensitive to the feathered inhabitants and watch out for flying guano, says Keith Wilson.Read on

Blue Britain

With more bluebells than any other country, the UK hosts a spectacular wildflower display. Now’s the time to pack your camera bag and head out to see if nature has rolled out the blue carpet in your local wood, says Keith WilsonRead on

Arctic light show

This is one of the best times to see the multi-coloured aerial displays of the aurora borealis. And you don’t need any specialised techniques or equipment to capture it – just make sure you wrap up, says Keith WilsonRead on

Winter warmers

As the world warms, we seem to be seeing less snow each winter, which makes it important for photographers to be prepared for action when it does fall. Keith Wilson offers his tips for getting the most out of a winter wonderlandRead on

Heavens above

The night sky offers boundless opportunities for photographers. You don’t need the earthbound equivalent of the Hubble Space Telescope to take spectacular photos – just clear skies and a bit of patience, says Keith WilsonRead on

Weather report

Don’t let bad weather get you down – grab your camera, get out and photograph it. Meteorological mayhem can make for excellent images, says Keith Wilson. But keep an eye out for lightningRead on

Season of colour

Summer’s end marks the beginning of a fruitful period for photographers, as autumn ushers in an ever-changing tableau of red and gold, lit by warm, low light. But it pays to be prepared, says Keith WilsonRead on

Garden Safari

Wildlife photography doesn’t have to involve trekking off to the Serengeti, the Amazon or the Sahara – there are plenty of suitable subjects lurking in your own backyard in the suburbs, says Keith Wilson