Behind the lens of Watatunga – Meet Ewan
Meet Ewan, Watatunga’s Resident Photographer
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve is known for its breathtaking scenery and wildlife, showcased through stunning photography that brings visitors closer to nature. Behind the lens of many of these captivating images is Ewan, a dedicated volunteer and talented photographer. Ewan doesn’t just support Watatunga’s tours as the back buggy operator – he also captures the essence of the reserve, creating moments that tell the story of conservation, wildlife, and adventure. In this blog, we’re diving into Ewan’s journey, his role at Watatunga, and his top tips for aspiring wildlife photographers.
What is Your Role at Watatunga?
Ewan’s role as a volunteer involves supporting guided tours by operating the back buggy and helping visitors get the most out of their time here. This role allows Ewan to interact with guests and share his passion for wildlife, enhancing their experience as they explore Watatunga’s diverse habitats. As a photographer, he captures the beauty and character of Watatunga’s animal residents, producing visuals that raise awareness of the conservation efforts that underpin everything we do.
“After a 10-week work experience placement in December 2023, it made me want to apply to be a volunteer as it is such a unique setting. I realised I could gain lots more experience and learn from the team.”
Ewan’s Path to Wildlife Photography
Ewan’s journey to wildlife photography began with his love for nature, especially birdwatching with his father. Photography, however, took his passion one step further.
“I always wanted more than just a memory—I wanted to capture a moment. Wildlife photography allows me to do that.”
Ewan’s first big photography adventure was on a family trip to Arran, where he snapped photos of Scotland’s “big five”—the golden eagle, red squirrel, common seal, red deer, and otter. This experience fueled his desire to photograph diverse species, which only grew when he joined Watatunga. Surrounded by both native and exotic animals, Ewan has honed his skills and deepened his connection to wildlife.
Capturing Watatunga’s Wildlife
A typical day for Ewan varies from assisting on buggy and trailer tours to managing the visitor center and maintaining bird feeders, his schedule is filled with opportunities to capture wildlife at its best.
When asked about his favorite conditions for photography, Ewan highlights his two top picks:
“Overcast days create flat, soft light with less contrast, perfect for detail. My second condition is after it has rained as it gives the animals more texture.”
Among his favourite species to photograph are the bongos and sitatungas, two incredible species native to Africa. The male bongos’ impressive builds make them captivating subjects, while the sitatunga holds a special place in his heart – linking directly to the reserve’s name and its elusive nature.
The Impact of Ewan’s Work on Conservation and Education
Ewan’s photography plays a critical role in Watatunga’s conservation and education efforts. His images aren’t just for aesthetics; they’re educational tools that enhance our programmes, inspire school children, and engage our online followers. Through his lens, Ewan helps to document the progress of Watatunga’s conservation work, raising awareness of the importance of protecting these remarkable species. His photos bring Watatunga’s mission to life, helping to spread our message of sustainable tourism and conservation across various platforms. Find out more about conservation at Watatunga here.
Ewan’s Top Wildlife Photography Tips
For those inspired to pick up a camera and start photographing wildlife, Ewan has some tried-and-true advice:
“Understanding framing and knowing the animal’s behaviour is just as important so I can capture the best shot.”
Ewan also emphasises the value of practicing basic techniques: framing, lighting, and portrait preparation. He encourages beginners to “focus on transferable skills that can be used irrelevant of the camera you are using”.
Ewan’s Favourite Moments Behind the Camera
One of Ewan’s most memorable shots came during a visit to Chester Zoo in 2018. Armed with just his phone, he captured a tiger which led him to realise his love for photography.
“Good photos are sometimes dependent on good luck too.”
At Watatunga, he has a growing collection of favourite moments, each with a story that resonates with his passion for conservation and wildlife. These photos inspire both himself and Watatunga’s visitors, encouraging them to see the world through a conservationist’s eyes.
How to See Ewan’s Work and Visit Watatunga
Ewan’s incredible wildlife photography can be seen across Watatunga’s social media channels, on our Facebook and Instagram. If you’d like to experience Watatunga firsthand, consider booking a tour and see for yourself what makes this reserve one of a kind. We are also offering our new Dawn Photography Experiences, where you can capture stunning shots of Watatunga’s scenic landscape bathed in golden light and shimmering frost. These are 2.5 hour untutored immersive photography adventures like no other, on the 12th January and 2nd February. Find out more here.