January Photographer Takeover: Helen Black’s Wild Journey

We are happy to share the first Photographer Takeover of 2025 featuring Helen Black, a passionate wildlife photographer based in North Cambridgeshire. Helen has a deep love for nature and a unique eye for capturing the beauty of wildlife, including cheetahs. Let’s take a closer look at Helen’s photography journey, memorable moments, and upcoming adventures.

From Childhood Passion to Wildlife Photography

Helen’s love for photography started early. “I have always loved wildlife and nature and have had a camera since I was very young,” she recalls. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that she began focusing more on photographing wildlife.

“Personal circumstances gave me more me-time,” Helen explains. “It’s not just the process of taking a photograph but the time spent observing behaviour that is so engaging. When I am behind a camera lens, I am totally absorbed, and any worries melt away. It’s my happy place!”

Pairing her curiosity with her love of nature, Helen is constantly seeking to advance her skills and knowledge. Her dedication to learning has helped her capture stunning wildlife images that she shares with the world.

Favourite Locations and Memorable Moments

While Helen’s commitments prevented her from travelling extensively until recently, she has made the most of local opportunities to photograph wildlife. Her favourite locations include Hamerton Zoo Park and Watatunga Wildlife Reserve in Norfolk.

“Hamerton has some unusual and rare animals in their collection, some of which are the only ones in the UK and Europe,” she says. Her close relationship with the zoo has even allowed her to photograph special moments, such as the birth of cheetah cubs.

Another special place for Helen is Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, which focuses on the conservation of endangered deer, antelope, and birds. Since 2023, Helen has been leading photography safaris there, passing on her knowledge to others.

When asked about her most memorable moments, Helen highlights a few standout experiences. “I was lucky to photograph cheetah cubs at Hamerton Zoo in December 2023 and January 2024. I spent hours patiently sitting to capture lovely shots of the family. It was an amazing experience I’ll never forget.”

She also recalls a magical encounter with dolphins during a boat trip in Cornwall. “It was my first encounter with dolphins, and it was so magical to see them up close and at ease in their environment.”

The Beauty of Cheetahs

Helen has a particular fondness for cheetahs. “I love photographing cheetahs. They have such beauty and grace, and the cubs are so comical. How can you not love to record those moments?”

Though her encounters with cheetahs have been limited to zoos so far, Helen has high hopes of seeing them in the wild during her upcoming trip to Botswana. “It’s a trip of a lifetime to the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari, and Chobe. I’ll be photographing elephants, lions, hippos, and maybe even cheetahs in their natural habitat.”

Making a Difference Through Photography

While Helen is not directly involved in conservation work, her photographs have been used worldwide in education and conservation projects. She proudly shares the story of her Corsac Fox photographs being used in Iran for a conservation infographic. “It’s satisfying to know that photos I took in Cambridgeshire can help with saving wild Corsac Foxes in Iran and Turkmenistan,” she says.

Helen hopes her photographs can inspire others to care more about wildlife and conservation. “Having witnessed species that are now declining due to human impact makes conservation ever more important to me. Using my photos to educate people about their plight is very critical for me. I hope, in some small way, it might make a tiny difference.”

Advice for Aspiring Wildlife Photographers

Helen’s advice for anyone aspiring to become a wildlife photographer is simple yet insightful. “It doesn’t matter what camera you have. If you learn how it works so it becomes second nature, you’ll be set up for a better hit rate of keeper photos.”

She also recommends learning animal behaviour to anticipate their movements and improve the quality of photographs. “If you can afford it, take a wildlife photography workshop. If not, there are some great YouTubers who offer valuable lessons.”

What’s Next for Helen?

Helen is excited about her upcoming photo-safari in Africa and is currently working on creating her own website to showcase her work. Her photography can already be seen on her social media channels, which are linked through her Linktree: Helen Black Photography.