Born and raised in Herefordshire, and spending most of my life between there and the Brecon Beacons National Park, I am no stranger to natural beauty. It is the landscapes – the hills and farmland that first inspired me to pick up a camera over 25 years ago.

I then took a course in horticulture and began photographing the gardens I visited, including documenting plants in close up to increase my knowledge of different species.

When I moved to the South West of England 10 years ago, I was homesick for the hills and found myself escaping the city and seeking out alternative wild places to fill that gap. Sea, river, wetland and lakes became my haunts, with their associated plethora of stunning birdlife.

I began working in wildlife engagement with a strong focus on citizen science – getting people to identify and record the bugs they found in their local green spaces! Through this I gained a new appreciation of insect life – butterflies, bees, beetles and other invertebrates which further developed through macro photography.

When this came to an end after I caught Lyme disease, photography took on a new importance. Capturing beautiful moments when I was actually well enough to be outside offered great comfort during the times I wasn’t. I take my name from the fact that being ill has given me a greater interest in the world I inhabit – an increased awareness if you like. Sometimes my eyes feel like a camera lens as they continually search out the next interesting image. I hope you enjoy my photographic wanderings as much as I have enjoyed going on them. The world can be a beautiful place.

Lucy x