BPOTY 12 Judge Spotlight: Sue Flood
As part of BPOTY 12, we’ve gone behind the scenes with this year’s judging panel to find out more about their passion for nature photography and what led them to where they are today.
Read on to discover more about award-winning photographer, filmmaker and author Sue Flood OBE - including her expert tips for entering the competition!
What inspired you to take up photography, why did you choose to make it your career and what do you love most about it?
That’s easy - David Attenborough! I used to watch him on TV with my family when I was growing up in North Wales and he inspired me to want to follow this career path, first as a wildlife filmmaker and then as a wildlife photographer.
It seemed the perfect career for someone who was interested in wildlife, conservation and photography, and that’s what I love. Particularly being able to use my images to reach out and connect with the viewer, whether it has been with moving images (in the case of The Blue Planet and Planet Earth) or stills images.
Tell us about a highlight and a lowlight of your career
My highlight was definitely being recognized with an OBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours earlier this year. Still pinching myself!
A lowlight would be floating off on a very small piece of ice in the Arctic in 2000 when it broke up while we were camping on it, filming for The Blue Planet in the Canadian High Arctic. I remember thinking that the end had come and that we wouldn’t survive. A very sobering experience, and we were rescued after a (very long) six hour wait.
BPOTY 12 is open for entries!
If you could go back to when you were just starting out, what advice would you give yourself?
I would tell myself to stick at it and dust yourself down and get on with it, so if at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again. That’s what I did – it took me 7 years from writing my first letter to the BBC Natural History Unit to getting in to work with David Attenborough, so I did listen to my own advice!
What is your favorite bird species to photograph and why?
Without doubt, the emperor penguin! This stunningly beautiful bird is able to survive in incredibly demanding conditions, in extremely low temperatures, to raise their single chick.
Show us your favorite photo that you have ever taken - why is it your favourite and what is the story behind it?
I have a soft spot for this image of a great white shark, as it was my first cover shot. I was working on a film about Great White Sharks and took this photo on a very wide angle when it was very close to the cage. It was also shot on film, so I had to wait a while to see the result!
What is the most challenging shot you’ve ever captured - and why?
A few years ago when I was working on Planet Earth, cameraman Doug Allan and I spent 10 weeks filming humpback whales. Long hours, tiring days, but ultimately incredibly rewarding. One day everything came together – good visibility, co-operative whales, and the opportunity to get a good shot. One of my favourite ever experiences in the field.
Which BPOTY category is your favorite and why?
As a biologist AND wildlife photographer, I particularly enjoy the Bird Behaviour category, as I love observing wildlife and trying to capture a special moment.
You can see the full list of BPOTY 12 Categories here.
What are your top tips and advice to entrants - how can they make their images stand out?
Try to find something that stands out from the crowd by observing and taking your time. Perhaps have an idea in your head for what might work – and experiment. But also remember, you don’t have to travel miles to go and photograph your subject. There are great subjects to be had right on your doorstep, and this can often produce great results. I got a lovely photo of a redstart from my bathroom window in North Wales, and a spotted flycatcher by sitting in the car in my garden and using it as a blind so as not to disturb the bird!
Sue will be joining our other wonderful judges on the 12th Bird Photographer of the Year panel.
Entries for this year’s competition are now open!