THE AUTUMN RED FOX WORKSHOP
Urban fox photography in autumn is a captivating pursuit that requires skill, patience, and a keen eye. As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, the urban landscape provides a stunning backdrop for capturing these elusive creatures. Skilled photographers must navigate the complexities of the city landscape, learning the habits and patterns of the foxes in order to position themselves for the perfect shot. The resulting images will showcase the beauty of these urban dwellers amidst glorious, golden and soft colours - magnificent for any portfolio.
LONDON'S URBAN WILDLIFE
London, a bustling metropolis known for its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, is also home to a remarkable array of urban wildlife that often goes unnoticed amidst the city's hustle and bustle. From the elegant swans gliding along the Thames to the cheeky foxes prowling in parks and gardens, these creatures adapt remarkably to urban life, showcasing their resilience and tenacity. The city's green spaces, such as Hyde Park and Regent's Park, serve as vital havens for various species, providing essential habitats in an otherwise concrete landscape. Birdwatchers can find delight in spotting everything from majestic peregrine falcons soaring high above skyscrapers to colourful parakeets flitting among the trees. These urban wildlife populations not only enrich London’s biodiversity but also offer residents a unique connection to nature amidst their daily routines. Embracing this coexistence fosters a deeper appreciation for our environment and underscores the importance of preserving these natural habitats within our urban settings. In celebrating London's wildlife, we recognize that even in the heart of one of the world's busiest cities, nature continues to thrive against all odds.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The fox workshops I provide arose from years of photographing urban foxes around the streets and parks of London and Surrey. I have often been asked " where did you take that photo" with the inevitable answer being "in London" or "near home". Alas, I don't think many people believe me. So I use this workshop to show people how to make exceptional photographs 'at home'.
These workshops do not make use of any hides. We will try to locate and photograph the foxes on foot. Usually this means a little bit of walking, but not much. On the odd occasion we may need to walk a little more. We use fieldcraft and knowledge of the foxes to get closer and better photographs. Luckily, the foxes around us are habituated to humans and they tolerate us, unlike wild, countryside foxes. These foxes are also often fed, or they feed off our waste, which makes them more comfortable around humans. We use this to our advantage.
The locations chosen, are public spaces. We may encounter the general public, other photographers or curious onlookers. This is normal and if this is not something you think you can tolerate then please don't book this workshop as you are likely to feel frustrated.
The location will dictate how many foxes there are likely to be, but there can never be any guarantees that we will see and photograph any at all. The foxes we photograph are "wild" urban foxes that are not kept as pets or in any sort of enclosure. Therefore they are free to come and go as they please and this will determine how many foxes we get to see and photograph on the day.
My hope for you, after attending this workshop, is two-fold:
that you gain a deeper appreciation and love for red foxes in our urban environments
that you gain experience and knowledge on the best ways to photograph these foxes in our urban, day-to-day environments and that this gives you confidence in creating glorious images no matter where you are
