Tracey Lund FSINWP Qualifies with Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers
Tracey’s Nature panel was submitted at the Judging School 2022 and was awarded the highest distinction a Fellowship. The panel was Judged via a printed panel at the event.
Statement of Intent
Photography is a very powerful thing. For me, photography saved my life when I was at a time that I thought life was not worth living. Twenty-two years ago, I was suffering from depression after ending a very toxic relationship. In 2002 my nan bought me my first film SLR camera and I packed myself off on my dream trip to Africa. Seeing everything I’d only ever seen on TV for the first time was truly amazing but when I looked through the lens, my world just went away and at that moment I can honestly say, I had a reason to live.
Since then, I have worked hard, saved hard, travelled near and far, photographing all the wildlife the world has to offer, and tried and show the passion I have for wildlife through my images. During those travels I have learned a lot from other photographers both professionals and enthusiasts – picking up a little bit at a time and putting everything into practice as I went along. Over the years this has now turned into me helping others who were in the same position as me back then, which I find very rewarding.
Over the last eight years I have joined a variety of photographic societies to broaden my horizons, learn more skills and meet other fellow photographers. As a wildlife photographer, I never felt that I fitted into some of these associations as they only ever saw wildlife as a fill-in when it came to competitions – I felt I was not taken seriously as a photographer. During these years I started entering my images into the Societies’ monthly competitions to see how I stood against the other photographers and saw this as a way of challenging myself to do better and strive to be the best at what I do. I then got brave and ventured out into the international competition arena and this has been extremely rewarding.
With my panel, I wanted to demonstrate a range of subjects from the vast plains of Africa, through Europe and right up to the Arctic Circle. This panel also reflects different angles of wildlife photography, from close-up portraits to wide-angle shots – trying to capture their personalities but also showing behaviours, some of which are rarely seen. In all of these images, it has taken many hours of patience in a variety of weather conditions from the hottest to the -50 degrees. You have to be prepared for anything mother nature throws at you.
I feel my panel shows diversity across my chosen field showing a variety of skills that covers the elements that assessors are looking for. I pride myself in only doing the basics when it comes to post processing as I feel wildlife images should be left as seen. The most important aspect of my photography is being at their level when shooting and striving for that connection with the subject. There is no better feeling in this world than being accepted into their environment.
Becoming a Fellow would mean the world to me. Gaining qualifications, winning awards and attending judging training will allow me to share all I have learned with others to help them build their skills in their chosen genre. As of the 1 October 2022 I took the big decision to leave full-time work after 27 years to follow my dream of becoming a professional wildlife photographer – I don’t want to live with regrets.
Finally, I would just like to say a big thank you to all judges for taking the time to consider my panel today and for all that you do.
Find out more about nature, wildlife and landscape photography qualifications here: https://sinwp.com/quals.htm
