April’s wildlife photographer of the month – Liv Stubbington

Meet Liv Stubbington, a 25-year-old aspiring wildlife photographer and conservationist hailing from the picturesque town of Bournemouth. With an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and currently pursuing a Master’s in Biodiversity and Conservation at the University of Leeds, Liv’s journey intertwines her passion for wildlife and photography in a remarkable narrative.

‘This female was a first-time mother and had not been sighted since before giving birth. It was feared that she may have lost all her cubs or only have one remaining, so everyone was overjoyed when we saw her with three cubs! Game Reserve, South Africa. 2019.’

From her early days exploring farms, nature reserves, and zoos, Liv’s affinity for animals and nature was evident. Inspired by the likes of David Attenborough and Steve Irwin, she embarked on a mission to capture the beauty of wildlife through her lens. In 2018, equipped with her first DSLR camera, Liv transitioned from casual snapshots to a more serious pursuit of photography.

The pivotal moment came in 2019 when Liv volunteered in South Africa, immersing herself in the heart of the wild. Here, she encountered her first wild cheetah, a mesmerising experience that fuelled her passion for wildlife photography. Despite challenges like locating an injured cheetah amidst dense vegetation, Liv’s photographs not only confirmed the cheetah’s identity but also underscored the value of her photography skills in conservation efforts.

‘Cheetah traversing between habitats in search of food. Taken at Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya. December 2022.’

Back in the UK, Liv frequents local nature reserves, capturing the vibrant avian life they host. However, her photography escapades extend far beyond British borders. From photographing macaques in Vietnam to encountering the big five in Kenya, Liv’s lens has traversed continents, immortalising diverse wildlife in their natural habitats.

For Liv, the allure of wildlife photography lies in its unpredictability. Patience becomes her closest companion as she waits for the perfect shot, knowing that each click holds the potential to convey the untamed beauty of nature.

Driven by her passion for wildlife conservation, Liv chose to pursue a Masters degree to deepen her understanding of ecological systems. Her studies have taken her to Kenya, where she delves into African ecology and observes oxpecker behaviour. Additionally, she plans to investigate the crayfish invasion in Kruger National Park, combining her academic pursuits with on-the-ground research.

‘Mbiyo mid yawn whilst resting under an acacia during the hottest part of the day. Taken at Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya. December 2022.’

Looking ahead, Liv aspires to merge her love for photography with a career in wildlife conservation. With her photographs already gracing the pages of conservation publications, she envisions a future where her lens becomes a powerful tool for advocating wildlife preservation.

As Liv embarks on her journey, each photograph captured is a testament to her unwavering dedication to both the art of photography and the cause of wildlife conservation. Through her lens, she captures moments and ignites a passion for protecting the natural world—one click at a time.

‘After enjoying a dik-dik meal, this mother and son took turns grooming one another to clean-up. Taken at Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya. November 2022.’

Liv’s dedication to the cause remains steadfast. Through her photography, she effectively spreads awareness and shares vital information about cheetahs. Amidst the threats of extinction, she stands firm as a symbol of hope, inspiring others to unite with her and play a part in safeguarding these remarkable creatures.

Check out more about her work on her Instagram!

Liv Stubbington is a 25-year-old aspiring wildlife photographer and conservationist. Liv’s journey intertwines her passion for wildlife and photography in a remarkable narrative.