Hello and welcome. I’m Ivor Ottley, a UK-based nature and wildlife photographer. I spend much of my time with wildlife, looking for moments that reveal its beauty, expressive character and often surprising behaviour.

My path into photography began after a career as a professional violinist. When severe tinnitus brought that career to a close, I bought a campervan and a camera and set off around Europe. I learned by trial and error, finding quiet, inspiring places and staying as long as it took to capture the beauty of the landscapes around me.

Since then, wildlife has become my main focus, particularly birds. I enjoy the patience that wildlife photography demands. Time spent quietly observing helps me understand my subjects and prepare for those fleeting moments when everything comes together.

My work has been published in national newspapers and magazines in the UK and internationally. I have also been featured and interviewed on UK television and radio. My photographs have reached the finals of several international competitions, and my work was included in the 2023 British Wildlife Photographer of the Year shortlist book.

I have also worked as a psychotherapist. That experience informs my approach to teaching and judging, helping me respond to each person’s interests, confidence and individual way of learning, whether through photography club talks, judging club competitions or one-to-one tuition in person and online.