I was born in the capital of the Fens, Wisbech, and spent my childhood helping my parents on their arable farm in Outwell, which is where I probably got my love for the great outdoors. Growing up without technology and spending most of my early years outdoors, you learn to respect the environment you live in and the part it plays in providing for those that depend on it.

I discovered an interest in photography quite late on in life really, which started with a digital point and shoot camera and then moved onto to a more ‘serious’ DSLR camera about 5 years ago. Once I’d mastered the basics of photography and how to shoot in ‘manual’, I decided to focus on purely landscape photography as a genre. 

As far as landscapes go, most of the epic scenery that you would have probably seen captured already, was certainly nowhere near the flat Cambridgeshire Fens! I decided therefore to learn and develop my skills in this local area and try to photograph the unseen beauty of the East instead.

It wasn’t long before I extended my photography to videography and in 2018 I started my YouTube channel so I could share the local areas I was capturing on camera with a wider community and try and put the Fens on the map as a place to visit.

One of the places that I have photographed and filmed many times is Holme Fen. I was amazed when I first visited this place - it really is rather special. From a photographer’s view point the shapely silver birches provide excellent subjects to shoot, with the contrast of their silvery-grey trunks against the summer greens or the autumn browns.

This place is huge, and has so much potential to photograph in all seasons and in all conditions. I have been lucky to experience some lovely misty and foggy mornings, which really add to the mood and atmosphere and help create some really special images. More recently, I have been joined by other experienced landscape photographers, who themselves live in areas of natural beauty such as Snowdonia, The Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. Their reactions to the Fen was one of disbelief and they have since vowed to return time and time again…how good is that?!

Holme Fen and nearby Woodwalton Fen, both part of the Great Fen project, not only provide exceptional potential for landscape and woodland photography but also nature and wildlife photography. Particularly Woodwalton, where there is an abundance of wildlife. It is even home to Chinese water deer who, whilst shy in front of the camera, provide a great subject to photograph if you can spot them!

Both of these areas are protected nature reserves and need to be treated with respect while being enjoyed. The fantastic volunteers and staff at the Great Fen do exceptional work to maintain these places for people like myself to experience. The paths that take you through the woodland and around the lakes need constant attention and clearing, especially in the winter months or the summer storms. There are also some amazing biodiversity projects aimed at preserving the wetlands and protecting the peat from releasing carbon.

To offer my support, I have recently become a member of the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, as I know my donations help towards the great work that is needed to preserve this place for me to continue to explore. My view is, by donating, I am helping to protect these places so I can continue to enjoy my hobby, enjoy the natural habitat and more importantly, help protect the wildlife and environment for years to come. I’d encourage you all to do the same, if you can. 

You can follow and share more of Jamie's beautiful work from his website, YouTube channel, Twitter and Facebook.