One of the judges for the 2025 Wilderness Photographer of the Year, Julie Fletcher, takes five with Great Walks.
What are you looking for in an award-winning photo?
When I’m judging, I’m looking for something that stops me mid-scroll. It needs to have impact — whether that’s through light, composition, story, or all three. Technical skill is important, but emotion is what really seals the deal. If it makes me feel something or tells a story in a single frame, it’s in the running. If I find myself wishing I’d taken it, even better.
What’s your favourite time of the day to shoot and why?
The hour before sunrise wins every time. As a photographer (and a judge), I know that kind of light can turn a good shot into something magical. It’s soft, layered, and often completely unique to that day. Plus, fewer distractions — no tourists, no crowds — just you, the light, and maybe a few other bleary-eyed photographers wondering why they do this to themselves.
What’s the best advice for photographing in the rain?
Lean into it. Rain can turn a scene into something cinematic — reflections, mist, mood, texture. Just be prepared: keep your gear dry (I’ve judged incredible shots taken under nothing more than a $2 shower cap). Dress for comfort, bring spare wipes, and don’t be afraid to shoot through the drizzle. Sometimes the “imperfect” weather is what makes a winning image stand out.
What’s the biggest challenge in photographing wildlife and how do you overcome it?
Wildlife has no interest in helping you win a prize. They move, they hide, they look the wrong way. The challenge is patience — and a lot of it. Learn your subject’s behaviour so you can anticipate rather than chase. Move slowly, watch the wind, and give them space. The best wildlife images I’ve judged weren’t the result of luck — they were the result of hours (or days) of quiet persistence and the spray and pray method works a treat too.
If you could take just one camera and one lens on an outdoor shoot, what would they be and why?
My full-frame body with my 16-35mm F4 lens, my workhorse for landscapes. But as a general rule for me I would take my 24 to 120 F4 mm lens also as I know versatility matters — this setup handles most landscape scenarios, It keeps me ready for anything without lugging half a camera store around. And yes, it means a lot less weight when it matters.
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