This month we had the pleasure of interviewing one of the UK’s newest up and coming wildlife photographers, Tesni Ward. Having set up her photography business just one year ago, Tesni’s work is already gaining a strong following worldwide.

We spoke to her to see how she juggles a growing photography business, alongside a full time job - while enduring the cold, shooting in freezing conditions!

How & when did you first become interested in photography?

When I was younger my step dad was very interested in photography, spending a lot of time composing and taking images when we went on our yearly holidays. When they gave me my first point and shoot camera, I was hooked from the start, always out to try and capture pictures of everything and anything.

What was your first camera?

I think I had a small Olympus waterproof camera, which unfortunately managed to drown in the ocean. After that I had a Panasonic Lumix, which was an outstanding point-and-shoot camera in every respect.

What inspired you to set up your photography business?

I think something just popped into my head and made me think why not? I love photography and dream of one day being able to dedicate my time to projects and adventures across the world. I figured I couldn’t achieve my dreams if I don’t take the first steps towards it.

What have been the biggest challenges and how did you overcome them/how are you working on them?

Money and time. Photography is not a cheap pursuit, especially for the subjects I’m so eager to photograph. My full time job pays the way for the most part, but it also gives me time restrictions on how many trips I can make each year and for how long. It can be a frustrating limitation at times, however I’m being patient.

What's the best thing about being a photographer?

The amazing things you get to see that you otherwise wouldn’t. On my recent trip to Alaska, I was blessed to spend two full weeks in close proximity of grizzly bears in the wilderness. Spending this amount of time away from civilisation in nature is a truly unique and amazing experience. This would never have happened if I hadn’t been so passionate about photography.

What's the toughest thing about being a photographer?

Sometimes it’s very glamorous, everything goes your way and you end up with numerous images that you’re over the moon with. In reality, these occasions are few and far between. There are some images I’ve been wanting to capture for years, with no success, but instead have memories of lying down in boggy, freezing conditions waiting for the animal to appear. Cold weather doesn’t agree with me, especially when you need to fingers to take the pictures in the first place!

So far, which of your images are you most proud of, and why?

This is such a difficult question, for so many reasons! I guess my favourite landscape photograph so far is the Old Road at sunrise, with the mist teasing the sides.

In the Peak District it is very difficult these days to find images that haven’t been shot numerous times before, but this is one image I haven’t seen. For wildlife, I would say the Silhouetted Bear image, with water dripping from his beard. I was really chuffed with this image as it was so unexpected after a grey and miserable day. The light burst through a small opening in the clouds, just before it slipped behind the mountains.

Why the passion for wildlife?

Wildlife is so unexpected in so many ways. I love everything about nature, but when you photograph wildlife the personality of individual animals begins to shine through, the more time you spend with them. I love nothing more than trying to capture these small quirks and behaviours that make each animal as unique as you or I.

What's next for you?

I will be having a few more small key trips in the UK in preparation for my next big trip in to the Masi Mara in Africa. I’ve dreamed of going on safari for years, long before I had ever picked up a camera, so this trip will truly be an amazing experience. I hope to bring back some amazing photos!

What’s your 'must have' piece of kit for the trip & why?

You’ll always find these pieces in my wildlife camera bag!

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II

• EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM with Extender EF 1.4x III

• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

• Benro Tripod & Gimbal head

The cropped sensor on the EOS 7D Mark II, paired with either the incredibly sharp Canon EF 500mm or the more flexible Sigma 150-600mm Sport, allows me to get more intimate and up close images of wildlife without the need to disturb or otherwise make them feel uncomfortable. I find this helps to achieve images that bring across their natural behaviours and personality. My Benro tripod, paired with the Gimbal head, works very well when it comes to handling these heavy lenses for extended periods of time.

Follow Tesni’s work and adventure’s at www.tesniward.co.uk or join her on facebook at facebook.com/Tesniphotography