Major Wildlife » Norfolk wildlife photographer Major Gilbert

About the photographer

Major Gilbert

Born in Lincolnshire in 1949, I spent much of my childhood days in and around the wildfowling marshes of Kirton and Frampton. It was a good insight into birds and animals which has stuck with me ever since.

In my late teens I began work for what was then a family-run tyre business. This allowed me access to areas that I could never have hoped to gain, particularly on farms. There are not too many roads and tracks I hadn't been down within south and west Lincolnshire. Eventually I was offered through promotion, the opportunity to move to Norfolk. I jumped at the chance. It goes without saying that Norfolk ranks as one of the top areas in the country for birds especially.

I now have my own successful tyre business "Major Tyres" in Fakenham where many of my pictures are on display.

Back in the early 80s, birders very often touted a small SLR complete with 500mm mirror lens. My attempt at photography then was to say poor. I never did get that mirror lens. Later on in the late 90s an introduction to an established bird photographer was to rekindle a small spark that has grown ever since.

I find that my photography gives me the perfect escape from the everyday pressures of running a business and the opportunity to forget about everything else. The thrill of capturing the perfect shot of an elusive subject never loses its appeal.

Favourite subjects

For me I suppose it just has to be birds, but as time goes on my interest has broadened. The challenge of birds however still remains a primary target.

Equipment

Having some of the latest equipment certainly helps, especially with difficult subjects, but is not the be-all and end-all. Getting as close as possible to your subject without causing disturbance and distress is still absolutely vital. Even with a prime 600mm lens, you need to get pretty close to get a decent-sized image of a small bird.