Wildlife Photography

Have you ever found yourself in the perfect moment, with the perfect conditions, and with your subjects performing in the perfect way, and feel yourself fearing that you’ll miss the moment and not take images worthy of the experience? You are not alone. In this episode, Rob and Josh discuss the fear of missing out, or FOMO as it is commonly referred to. Join two friends as they talk candidly about their experiences behind the lens.https://buymeacoffee.com/wildlifephotopodcastAbout the Hosts:Rob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Connect with the Podcast Instagram Account and Facebook Page using the following links:https://www.instagram.com/wildphotopodcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570623586727Get in touch with us directly by sending an email to wildphotopodcast@gmail.comFind out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

In this episode Rob and Josh are joined by Georgina Steytler to talk about the crazy photography stories and her recent Wildlife Photographer of the Year win. In a podcast first, our guest is live with Rob in person, adding a wacky dimension to the recording. Join the three friends as they chat about all things photography - and be prepared for that infamous Aussie laugh!https://buymeacoffee.com/wildlifephotopodcastGeorgina Steytler is a multi-award-winning Australian nature photographer with a passion for birds, ethics, and conservation.Website: https://www.georginasteytler.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgina_steytler/Georgina’s book ‘For the Love of Flora’ can be viewed and purchased through this link - https://www.booktopia.com.au/for-the-love-of-flora-georgina-steytler/book/9781922388957.htmlAbout the Hosts:Rob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Connect with the Podcast Instagram Account and Facebook Page using the following links:https://www.instagram.com/wildphotopodcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570623586727Get in touch with us directly by sending an email to wildphotopodcast@gmail.comFind out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

In this episode, Rob and Josh are joined by wildlife photographer Ray Hennessy, who traded the conventional life for the open road. From his custom camper van, Ray travels across North America photographing birds and teaching others how to capture the wild beauty around them. Tune in for a conversation about freedom, creativity, and what it really takes to live — and photograph — life on your own terms.Ray Hennessy is a full-time wildlife photographer specializing in bird photography, and a passionate educator in the art and craft of capturing nature. For the last few years Ray has lived full time in a van, roaming across North America in search of remarkable wildlife scenes and opportunities to connect with wild places. His photography emphasizes creative lighting, compelling composition, and integrating wildlife within the context of its habitat. Beyond making images, Ray is committed to helping others grow — offering workshops, mentorship, and online courses in photography.https://www.rayhennessy.com/https://www.instagram.com/rayhennessy_wildlife/About the Hosts:Rob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Connect with the Podcast Instagram Account and Facebook Page using the following links:https://www.instagram.com/wildphotopodcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570623586727Get in touch with us directly by sending an email to wildphotopodcast@gmail.comFind out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our listeners for their support and feedback. If you have enjoyed the content and would like to say thank you, then please use the following link to ‘buy us a coffee’. We record the podcasts because we enjoy it and love the freedom it gives us to express our views, and to talk about subjects that are of interest to us, and hopefully to you too. The content will always be free, and there is no pressure at all to donate, unless you really want to say thanks. We will use any money to help cover the production and hosting costs. https://buymeacoffee.com/wildlifephotopodca

With the internet awash with amazing wildlife photography, in this episode Rob and Josh discuss the importance of a backstory to an image. Join the two as they chat candidly about the relevance of adding additional written context to photographic work. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our listeners for their support and feedback. If you have enjoyed the content and would like to say thank you, then please use the following link to ‘buy us a coffee’. We record the podcasts because we enjoy it and love the freedom it gives us to express our views, and to talk about subjects that are of interest to us, and hopefully to you too. The content will always be free, and there is no pressure at all to donate, unless you really want to say thanks. We will use any money to help cover the production and hosting costs. https://buymeacoffee.com/wildlifephotopodcastAbout the Hosts:Rob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Connect with the Podcast Instagram Account and Facebook Page using the following links:https://www.instagram.com/wildphotopodcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570623586727Get in touch with us directly by sending an email to wildphotopodcast@gmail.comFind out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

In this episode, Rob and Josh discuss the becoming creatively becalmed, the pressure of constantly producing new work, and the need to take a break from photography from time to time. They talk about the various ways they look at photography when things become stale, the ways in which they find renewed enthusiasm and inspiration, and becoming comfortable with taking a break from it all. The conversation takes some interesting philosophical detours, so join the two as they chat candidly about their recent creative droughts.About the Hosts:Rob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Connect with the Podcast Instagram Account and Facebook Page using the following links:https://www.instagram.com/wildphotopodcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570623586727Get in touch with us directly by sending an email to wildphotopodcast@gmail.comFind out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

In this episode, Rob and Josh are joined by guest Caleb Hoover, a young professional wildlife photographer from the United States. With a passion for adventure and the great outdoors, his early interest in art was quickly replaced by photography as he sought to document the landscapes he explored, and the birds and other wildlife he found along the way. With a natural disposition and talent for capturing the wider scene, his work seeks to capture the pure essence of the places he visits and the birds he encounters through a wider perspective. During the conversation, Caleb shares his unique perspective on wildlife photography and his approach to life and adventure.  Caleb’s work can be found by visiting his website and Instagram account, links for which are provided below: https://www.calebghoover.com/https://www.instagram.com/calebg.hoover/About the Hosts:Rob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Connect with the Podcast Instagram Account and Facebook Page using the following links:https://www.instagram.com/wildphotopodcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570623586727Get in touch with us directly by sending an email to wildphotopodcast@gmail.comFind out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

In this episode, Rob and Josh chat about one of their favourite seasons, Spring. The discussion starts with the change of the guard from wintering birds to spring migrants and summer visitors, but the two quickly go off on the usual tangents and discuss what they have been up to, where they have been, and what they have been photographing. Join two friends as they discuss photography and wildlife, and share some hints, tips and insights.About the Hosts:Rob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Connect with the Podcast Instagram Account and Facebook Page using the following links:https://www.instagram.com/wildphotopodcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570623586727Get in touch with us directly by sending an email to wildphotopodcast@gmail.comFind out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

The Shetland Islands, is an archipelago in Scotland and the most northerly point of the United Kingdom lying between Orkney, the Faroe Islands, and Norway. It is also one of the most incredible and important locations for breeding seabirds in the world. In the summer of 2023 both Rob and Josh visited these amazing islands and were captivated by their rugged beauty and the birds that breed there. The pair are joined by wildlife photographer Rebecca Nason who lives on the Islands and runs Shetland Seabird Tours and the Noss Boat with her partner Phil Harris. Rebecca shares her knowledge of the islands and their birds, and Rob and Joss recall their trips and experiences. This is a must listen episode as the three share some valuable insights on the location and its birds. Their love and enthusiasm for the islands makes for a very compelling listen that hopefully will inspire your own adventures.About Rebecca:Rebecca hails from a family of keen naturalists & globe trotters & can’t remember a time when she didn’t have a passion for wildlife & photography. She has an MSc in Conservation Management  & a 2:1 Hons degree in Geography & Environmental Studies. A varied career as a freelance ecologist & completely self-taught wildlife photographer, Rebecca also regularly guided wildlife tours in Shetland & overseas in locations including Sweden, Lesvos & Spitsbergen. Rebecca was Assistant Warden & Seabird Officer on Fair Isle for 2 years & has a passion for seabirds & cetaceans.Rebecca has excellent ornithological & communication skills & has worked in the tourism & conservation sectors throughout the last 20 years. She has been an award winning wildlife photographer for the last 12 years & an acclaimed wildlife photographic judge, for the prestigious Bird Photographer of the Year for 3 years before being a WildArt Photographer of the Year judge. She is keen to share her photographic passion with our passengers on our bespoke tours, so they too can enjoy the numerous photographic opportunities whilst aboard the Noss Boat.Rebecca has worked for several ecological consultancies carrying out bird survey work on both land & sea. She is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management  & a full committee member, treasurer & membership secretary of the Shetland Bird Club. Rebecca is the first woman to be invited to join the Shetland Rarities Committee in Summer 2024.https://www.shetlandseabirdtours.com/https://www.instagram.com/puffinpassion/https://www.instagram.com/shetlandseabirdtours/About the Hosts:Rob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Connect with the Podcast Instagram Account and Facebook Page using the following links:https://www.instagram.com/wildphotopodcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570623586727Get in touch with us directly by sending an email to wildphotopodcast@gmail.comFind out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

In this episode, Rob and Josh discuss printing. In a digital world, so many of us no longer physically print our photographs, which is such a shame. The friends discuss the advantages and deep satisfaction of creating a physical print from your photography skills. They dive into the options available, the pitfalls, and share their own experiences of creating prints.About the Hosts: Rob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Connect with the Podcast Instagram Account and Facebook Page using the following links:https://www.instagram.com/wildphotopodcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570623586727Get in touch with us directly by sending an email to wildphotopodcast@gmail.comFind out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

Wildlife photography can involve harsh environments, extreme conditions, and lots of stuff that isn’t exactly friendly towards sensitive optical and electronic equipment. In this episode, Rob and Josh talk about how far they push camera gear, some of the equipment they have damaged over the years, and how they see their tools of the trade. Join the two friends as they chat about the subject in their usual candid style.About the Hosts: Rob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Connect with the Podcast Instagram Account and Facebook Page using the following links:https://www.instagram.com/wildphotopodcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570623586727Get in touch with us directly by sending an email to wildphotopodcast@gmail.comFind out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

About the HostsRob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Connect with the Podcast Instagram Account and Facebook Page using the following links:https://www.instagram.com/wildphotopodcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570623586727Get in touch with us directly by sending an email to wildphotopodcast@gmail.comFind out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

Wildlife photography can often be a rather solitary business and most of us tend to shoot alone most of the time, but sometimes nothing quite beats teaming up with good friends for a few sessions. In this episode, Rob and Josh talk about the differences between shooting alone or with friends and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both. Join two friends as they chat candidly about their own experiences, share stories, opinions and advice.About the HostsRob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Find out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

About the HostsRob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Find out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

In this episode, Rob and Josh discuss photography competitions from the perspective of an organiser and a judge. The two address many of the topics that are raised by competition entrants and chat candidly about the dynamics of running a competition from the other side of the fence. Listen in if you’d like to know more about how competitions are put together and how the judging process works.About the HostsRob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Find out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

In this episode Rob and Josh are joined by Matthew Sullivan, a wildlife photographer based in Florida, USA with a passion for reptiles and amphibians, and underwater photography. The discussion revolves around those things that Matt loves the best and, in the spirit of the podcast tradition, hosts and guest dive down all sorts of rabbit holes. Enjoy a relaxed discussion between three people who share a passion for wildlife and photography.To find out more about Matthew and his work, visit his website and Instagram feed by using the links below:https://www.9milesnorth.com/https://www.instagram.com/formerlyhomelessphotographer/About the HostsRob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Find out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

To learn more about Jay visit his website: https://www.jayflemingphotography.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayflemingphotography/About the HostsRob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Find out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

When we travel to photograph wildlife, the one thing we can never control is the weather. In this episode, Rob and Josh talk about shooting in unfavourable conditions, and discuss how your experience can lead to experimentation and surprisingly pleasing results. Join two friends as they chat about wildlife and photography, and share their experiences.About the HostsRob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Find out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

About the HostsRob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Find out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

Wildlife photography can be a very expensive interest to have, often necessitating the features that the latest top end camera bodies offer, and the longest focal length and best glass available. The costs can spiral in to tens of thousands of pounds/dollars, but can we be guilty of ‘shiny new object syndrome’ at times, and is all this expensive kit really necessary? Rob and Josh discuss our preoccupation with new kit, and more modest ways to get great results and enjoy your wildlife photography without breaking the bank. If you are looking to get into wildlife photography but are daunted by the cost, or are looking to upgrade your existing set up in a cost effective way, then don’t miss this episode. Delivered in the usual conversational manner between two friends obsessed with photography, we hope you’ll find it both informative and entertaining.About the HostsRob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Find out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/

About the HostsRob Read has spent many years as a photography competition organiser; firstly as a founding director of, and primary organiser of Bird Photographer of the Year for the first five years of the competition, and more recently as founder, owner, and organiser of WildArt Photographer of the Year. Josh Galicki has been entering competitions for many years and has had significant success in many, including Bird Photographer of the Year. He is now part of the judging team for WildArt Photographer of the Year.Find out more about your host’s and view their work on their Instagram profiles:Rob - https://www.instagram.com/robreadphotos/Josh - https://www.instagram.com/galicki_photography/The WildArt Photographer of the Year competition website can be found here - https://www.wildartpoty.com/ About Our Guest:Jake Willers was born in the beautiful city of Cambridge in the UK, in 1971. Although surrounded by family pets from day one, his relationship truly blossomed with animals from 1979 when his father bought a piece of land in the village of Shepreth, just outside Cambridge, where he built his dream home. At this time he began to take in wildlife to rehabilitate and this was the beginning of Shepreth Wildlife Park.Jake spent the weekdays of his childhood living with his mother and sister in Cambridge and his weekends working at the wildlife park with his father. Alongside his affection for mammals Jake began nurturing a fascination for reptiles and invertebrates. At the age of 9 he was asked to care for a friend's corn snake for a few months; on one occasion it escaped and slept with him curled up under his sheets. By the age of 11 years Jake had a pet Imperial scorpion. Keen to learn more about nature in general, at 16 Jake got certified as a scuba diver and became fascinated with the underwater world. At the age of 22 he became desperate to see more of the world and so travelled and worked in Australia for a year; this was partly to quench his desire of diving on the Great Barrier Reef. During this time he worked as a builder's labourer, a hostel manager and Harley Davidson chauffeur to fund the trip. (Oh, and had great fun surfing!)On his return to England Jake decided to train for a career that would give him the option of emigrating to Australia in the future. He chose to train as a chef for two years. Having had a long-term fascination with flying and dangerous activities he also took up skydiving. In 1995, Jake returned to western Australia to fulfill a burning ambition to snorkel with the whale shark on the Ningaloo Reef. While there he spent three months scuba diving and skydiving.It was during this second visit to Australia while swimming with the whale shark that Jake's path became clear to him and he returned to Shepreth Wildlife Park to make a serious commitment to furthering its work. It wasn't long before he stamped his own identity on the place by creating a new exhibit, Waterworld and Bug City, dedicated to the creepy crawlies and underwater life of the wild. This was to be a turning point in his career as it was this feature which propelled Jake into the world of TV as presenter on National Geographic Channel's 'Insects From Hell' series. Having spent so many years surrounded by wildlife, Jake found himself in some pretty tricky situations. When he was five he was bitten on the knee by a lion cub. At 13 he was attacked during the night by a kinkajou (honey bear). He was been bitten numerous times by snakes (once in the face by a 6ft boa constrictor), on the hand by an alligator, and on the foot by a huntsman spider.Jake's TV shows have gone from strength to strength and are still hugely popular with audiences over the world. His shows include; 'Insects From Hell' series I & II (13 episodes, National Geographic Channel), 'Mosquito Hell' (60 min, NGC), 'Pests From Hell' (60 min, NGC), 'Rogue Raiders' (6 episodes Five UK/Nat Geo Wild) and 'Wild Events' (7 episodes, Five UK).In 2007 Jake moved from Cambridge, England to the US and formed NineCaribou Productions, LLC, a production company dedicated to expanding peoples' knowledge of wildlife and the world around us.Jake currently resides with his wife, children and many pets near Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA.Find out more about Jake by visiting his website - https://www.jakewillers.com/And be sure to listen to his podcast Behind the Wild Lens Podcast which is available on all the major podcast platforms.Instagram - https://www.jakewillers.com/