wildlife photographer and filmmaker
The face behind the frame...
Rachel Bigsby is a twenty-six year old self-taught wildlife photographer and Nikon Creator, best known for her work with seabirds and badgers.
Rachel's work has become internationally recognised as a finalist in the five of the world's leading wildlife photography competitions, and through publications by the prestigious National Geographic Society.
As well as her work as a wildlife photographer, Rachel has featured on screen several times as an emerging natural history broadcaster, with features on BBC Springwatch and BBC's The One Show.
She has also filmed long lens wildlife for BBC Earth, Springwatch, The One Show and Countryfile, and most recently assisted Simon King for 'Wild Isles', a blue chip documentary with Sir David Attenborough.
As a key spokesperson for Nikon Europe, Rachel actively engages in public speaking at a variety of international events, and co-leads a variety of well respected wildlife photography workshops.
Using her skills and platform, it is Rachel’s ambition to inspire others with her career path, to raise awareness of the plight of wildlife and to break down barriers that may prevent young people from flourishing within the bird watching and wildlife photography community.
Where it began
Rachel’s passion for wildlife was instilled by her late grandfather, a keen naturalist. Together they would birdwatch at their local coastal reserve, but when he passed, Rachel followed in his footsteps and continued her ornithological exploration through his very binoculars.
A deep-rooted love of the sea followed Rachel into adulthood and by her mid-teens, she was dabbling in the art of seascape photography. Whilst capturing a coastal sunset, an unfamiliar bird caught her eye. The bird was a Northern Fulmar, the Albatross of the North. Given Rachel’s life-long interest in all things oceanic, it is no wonder that from this day on, her lens turned only to that bird and its pelagic cousins.
The first steps
Unlike so many, Rachel did not attend college or university, and her photography and filmmaking skills are entirely self-taught. She valued practical experience and worked very hard to achieve it.
Her dedication was first rewarded in 2019 when Rachel was approached by BBC Earth to film wildlife for a Youtube series.
This opportunity was an important stepping stone for Rachel, and her newfound experience proved very valuable throughout the next chapter of her career, opening doors to new opportunities and sponsorships.
Finding her feet
2021 to 2022 were significant years of achievement for Rachel, beginning with the opportunity to feature on BBC Springwatch, and ending as a Nikon Creator, published by National Geographic.
During these two years, Rachel had time to develop her relationship with photography and introduce herself within the industry. She also continued to volunteer at Skomer Island and RSPB Bempton Cliffs to broaden her understanding of seabird ecology and behaviour to improve her photography.
Looking ahead
Rachel is now considered to be a well recognised figure within the wildlife photography community.
In 2023, Rachel will be deployed on photography assignments in both the Arctic and Antarctic.
She will also be co-leading a variety of wildlife photography workshops and speaking at many prestigious events around Europe.
Awards &
TV Credits
Photography Awards:
British Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Finalist (2023)
Bird Photographer of the Year:
Highly Commended (2022)
BBC Countryfile Calendar: Finalist (2021)
New Scientist Photography Awards: 2nd Place
Badger Trust Calendar: Finalist (22/23)
Film Credits:
BBC The One Show
Camera Woman and Presenter
2023
Wild Isles, Silverback Films
Camera Assistant to Simon King
2022
BBC Springwatch
Camera Woman and Presenter
2021
BBC Countryfile
Camera Woman
2020
Fantastic Foxes: Their Secret World, Channel 5
Camera Assistant
2020
Science of Cute, BBC Earth Youtube
Camera Woman and Presenter
2019
BBC Autumnwatch, Social Media
Camera Woman
2018