I am Nick Cantle, I'm 21 years of age and I have a huge passion for the photography of wildlife. I have been seriously photographing nature since the summer of 2006- which is when I received my first digital camera. To me, being out in the wild with my camera is one of the most peaceful and satisfying things I can be doing with my time. Not only do I enjoy the animal life I often encounter in the outdoors, but I enjoy studying the mycological and botanical aspects of it too.

In September 2007, I started a BA(Hons) Degree in Photography at the UCCA, Farnham. Although the course seemed like a good choice at the time, as the year progressed I had become aware that I was learning more through my own endeavours than from university, and so I decided to leave after completing the first year to concentrate on gaining knowledge and skills through experience. I don't think I had learned enough for the time I had been there. Through reading books and being in touch with professional photographers, I have discovered that the best way for me to learn how to take better pictures is to be out there doing it, getting experience and practicing. I have also realised that online forums are an excellent way of acquiring information on certain techniques and processes within your subject.

I take photographs because I like the subject. This might be because of the diversity of the natural world, it might be due to the attitude of the animal in the viewfinder and more often than not, the reason is because I want to capture a moment of time that made me smile. As many other wildlife photographers' galleries show, my work is very seasonal. In the Autumn months, my gallery fills with images of red and orange, fungal discoveries and the end of life cycles. On the contrary, during Spring, images are added that depict new life- New growth, the emerging flora, the crisp and sharp sunshine.

Over the past few months, I have realised that I want to be participating in Wildlife photography not only as a hobby, but as a career. I feel the key to the success of my aspiration will be expanding my CV and local profile as much as possible, and to carry on producing images that I am happy with. In my spare time, my cameras will most certainly be switched on, the Wellington boots will make many an appearance and I will be found sauntering about the countryside, most probably in my home county of Norfolk.