THE NATURAL WORLD

The UK Landscape Photographer of the Year 2022, Will Davies, on the process of shooting dramatic landscapes and the role of photography in helping preserve them

- Kim Bunermann

Photography does so much more than just capture a moment in time. It also conveys moods, allows you to explore distant lands and inspires people all over the world. For Will Davies, photography is an outlet that helps him unwind, providing a source of motivation and raising awareness of causes close to his heart.

Davies discovered his passion for photography around 15 years ago when he lived in eastern Africa. With the region’s breathtaking photographic opportunities on his doorstep, he soon became obsessed with landscape photography. Though he has taken a few photography courses, he is otherwise self-taught, acquiring his technical skills mostly through books, trial-and-error and taking inspiration from other photographers.

There aren’t many other reasons to willingly get up at 4am other than to go searching for that perfect natural lighting, but you can often find Davies photographing from the top of a mountain at sunrise or waiting for the winter light to magically envelop the coast.

After learning his skills in Africa, Davies now focuses on capturing the beauty of nature in his adopted home of the USA and native country of Wales. Having travelled a lot at a younger age, he believes that this has allowed him to see his homeland in a new light and with a renewed appreciation.

What appeals to you about landscape photography and how did you get into it?