AS PUBLISHED BY
Wildlife Photographer, Conservationist, Expedition Leader & Public Speaker
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Rachel Bigsby is a self-taught, self-made wildlife photographer whose artistry, dedication to seabirds, and deep understanding of her subjects define a distinctive and evocative body of work. With no formal training, she has forged her own path—refining her skills and shaping a unique visual narrative through hands-on experience and unwavering passion. At just 28, Rachel has transformed a lifelong fascination with the natural world, nurtured by her late grandfather, into a thriving, purpose-driven career. Her commitment has earned her notable recognition, including the prestigious ‘Natural Artistry’ award in Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the Portfolio Award in Bird Photographer of the Year. She is also a Nikon Creator, RSPB Ambassador, and Badger Trust Ambassador. Her work has been exhibited at leading institutions such as the Natural History Museum, the Royal Geographical Society, 10 Downing Street, and the National Museum of Scotland, and published in esteemed papers including National Geographic, WWF, and New Scientist.
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Rachel works exclusively with species to which she feels a deep, personal connection, engaging not only through the lens, but through scientific study, research, and active conservation. Her immersive approach offers rare insight into biology, ecology, and behaviour, enabling her to anticipate fleeting moments and capture intricate details often overlooked.
This fusion of scientific knowledge and artistic vision infuses her imagery with both emotional depth and ecological significance. Her work is driven not solely by creative expression, but by a profound commitment to the welfare and protection of the species she photographs.
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She actively collaborates with wildlife charities, rescue centres, and conservation initiatives, using her photography and self-shot natural history films to inform, inspire, and empower. Whether documenting seabird colonies affected by avian influenza, participating in hands-on rescues, or advocating for policy change, Rachel’s work serves as both an artistic endeavour and a call to action.
Beyond the field, Rachel is a sought-after speaker, sharing her insights at major venues including the Natural History Museum, the Royal Geographical Society, the National Museum of Scotland, The Photography Show, and Global Bird Fair, extending her reach as far as New Zealand and Australia.
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Her pursuit of knowledge has led her to gain specialist licences and qualifications that allow her to lead photography workshops and expeditions in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments, from the polar extremes of the Arctic and Antarctic to the vibrant seabird colonies of the British Isles. Rachel is an IAATO-certified expedition guide, a licensed powerboat operator, and a qualified emergency first aider; expertise which enables her to safely guide high-end photographic expeditions where her teaching emphasises natural artistry, technical precision and collaborative learning, fostering confidence and creativity in those she mentors.
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A passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion within the creative industries, Rachel is committed to supporting emerging talent. She regularly delivers university career lectures and partners with brands to host free workshops, helping aspiring photographers, particularly those with limited access to equipment and opportunities much like she once was, build portfolios and unlock their artistic potential.
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Rachel’s journey is one of relentless passion, gratitude, and discovery. ​​
A testament to what can be achieved when heart, purpose, and vision come together.
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Awards
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Winner of Natural Artistry
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023
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Portfolio Award Winner
Bird Photographer of the Year 2023
Highly Commended
Bird Photographer of the Year 2022
Highly Commended
British Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2022
Rachel's Early Years
​​​​Rachel’s creative journey began in childhood, shaped by an enduring curiosity and a deep-rooted love of the natural world, gifts passed down from her late grandfather, a devoted naturalist. From an early age, she found solace and inspiration in wild places, and it was through the lens of a camera that her voice as a storyteller first began to emerge. What began with an iPod evolved quickly into a more deliberate pursuit.
At 17, she purchased her first DSLR with savings from her part-time job, an act of quiet ambition that marked a turning point. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to documenting the wildlife on her doorstep: Goslings in spring, Fox dens in high summer, and the fleeting light of winter over the sea. But it was a chance encounter with a Northern Fulmar that truly altered the course of her life. That moment sparked a profound fascination with seabirds; a world she would come to inhabit, study, and photograph with great devotion. With limited financial means but unwavering resolve, Rachel forged her own path into the space.
She volunteered at remote seabird colonies to gain access to the species she longed to understand, immersing herself in their ecology and behavior. Her connection with the natural world grew from firsthand experience and relentless fieldwork, not formal education.​ Bold and resourceful, Rachel took an unconventional route: she quietly slipped into university lectures she wasn’t enrolled in, simply for the chance to absorb knowledge and meet those working in the industry. She wrote hundreds of letters and emails to professionals, and travelled from Sussex to Bristol for interviews, all while holding down a full-time job to support her ambitions.​
By the age of 18, Rachel’s talent had begun to attract wider recognition. She was invited to film for a BBC Earth series, which soon led to further broadcast opportunities including work for BBC One, Channel 4, and appearances on screen for BBC Springwatch and The One Show. Her career in wildlife filmmaking culminated in a deeply personal and professional milestone: filming her cherished European Badger clan for Wild Isles, presented by Sir David Attenborough.​
And yet, amidst the accolades and cinematic storytelling, Rachel found herself drawn back to the still image. For her, there is unmatched power in a single photograph, a frame that captures not only the subject, but its story, its essence, and its place in the world. It is in stillness, not motion, where she finds the greatest creative fulfilment. This return to stills photography has defined Rachel’s work ever since. Today, her images are the product of both instinct and insight—rooted in fieldcraft, ecological knowledge, and emotional connection.
"Rachel’s uniquely creative approach to wildlife photography held us captive from the moment we were first introduced to it. Her technical mastery of exposure and focus empower some truly beautiful compositions, the likes of which are rarely seen from someone so early in their career. She also has an innate and powerful ability to convey the obvious passion she has for her work when she speaks. Beyond her articulate, relatable explanation of her creative process, it is her sensitivity and feeling for her subjects that comes through so clearly in her words. She is a joy to listen to, and an inspiration to many"
- Nikon Europe
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