Speaking with Photographer, Daniel Wretham

Daniel Wretham captures stunning photographs around the UK, utilising the natural beauty and light available.

In our latest Azutura artist interview, we were lucky enough to catch up with Daniel and discuss how he has mastered his art, how he finds his remote shooting locations, his favourtite places to photograph and much more.

Hi Daniel, thanks for taking the time to speak to us. Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us a little about your life?

Thanks very much for having me. Well, I’m 43 years old, living in the landscape photographers’ playground of Dorset and working as a professional landscape photographer.

I live to chase light and explore the fantastic locations the UK has to offer.

What’s an average day like in the life of Daniel Wretham?

Sadly, not always out with the camera, as there is always a lot on the business side to be dealt with first but when I can, I’m out from dawn till dusk trying to find new places to shoot, chasing the weather and generally loving being outside.

How and when did you become interested in photography?

I've always had a keen interest in photography but I really started taking it seriously in around 2008 and haven't looked back. It's an all-consuming passion.

Where did you learn your amazing photography skills?

All self-taught really. Every time I made a mistake, I tried to find out why it had happened and work out how to correct it. It’s the best way to learn in my opinion.

Above all, just spend time out with the camera enjoying yourself and don't be afraid to experiment.

What kind of kit do you use?

Currently, I have a Canon EOS R camera with a host of lenses. My main use ones are an RF 15-35 mm, RF 24-105 mm and EF 100-400mm.

What kind of post-production do you do? Is it important to your work?

Post-production is an important part of the finished photo but I try and use software as little as possible and instead, I try to get the shot right in camera. I have to use it in order to sharpen pictures etc.

You seem to travel to some pretty remote locations for your images. How do you find these places?

I just walk & walk, no better way to stumble across locations. Nowadays, it's far easier as people use social media to find their locations which, for me is half the fun, but it also leads to a lot of people copying the same shot which is soul-destroying for photographers who put lots of effort into finding new locations and who work hard for it.

Your images have incredible lighting. How do you find the perfect moment to take your photos?

Thank you, I wait and wait for the right light, most days it doesn't come but patience is usually rewarded in the end.

I usually have an idea of the shot in my head so I have it framed up ready and then it’s just a case of waiting for the perfect light to fall on your subject.

Where’s your favourite place in the UK to photograph?

The Dorset coastline is home and a firm favourite. Recently, I’ve been rather taken with Scotland but as I'm sure you will know it’s not somewhere you can just decide to go to. Each trip takes a lot of planning and work.

Is there anywhere on your photography bucket list you haven’t made it to yet?

Several places; Iceland, Norway, Slovenia & the Dolomites would be the areas I really want to explore next but I get so caught up with the wonderful landscapes that the UK has to offer that I rarely get to travel to the bucket list locations.

What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer?

Simply enjoy yourself, don't do it for the likes or the kudos, do it because you love being outside and the thrill of capturing an image. Above all, get out as much as you can to practice and find your own style.

What’s the future looking like? Any big projects coming up?

Always chasing the next shot but I'm hoping to be doing far more writing for magazines and potentially a book. Watch this space!