Louise Norris
Name: Louise Norris
Camera: Canon R6 Mark II
Favourite type of photography: Wildlife and nature
Location: London, UK
Instagram: @weez84
How did you get into photography?
I’d always been told that I had a good eye when people looked at my holiday snaps, so the thought had been there for a while to learn how to use a camera out of auto mode. It came up on my Facebook newsfeed that a female photographer, Sue Flood, was leading a beginner day workshop on wildlife photography in Chester Zoo and, prior to being a professional wildlife photographer, she’d worked as a producer on The Blue Planet with David Attenborough. That was lots of ticks for me - wildlife, photography, Chester Zoo, Sir Dave and a strong female lead to learn from. I turned the camera dial from auto to manual when I got there and didn't turn it back as I knew if I did I would just go back to taking holiday snaps in auto and forget anything I'd learnt. So, in summary, I’m Sue Flood’s fault! (Thanks Sue!)
Listen to Sue Flood’s SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast
Do you have any photographic qualifications or accolades?
No. I just follow the work of photographers I admire and try to learn from whatever advice they put out there.
What's the first photograph you remember seeing or shooting?
There are definitely some dodgy photos that exist of a toy car, a beaker of juice and a wall that I took when I was about three. Maybe I should look them out and make a through the eyes of a toddler series...
What do you love about photography?
I love that it can be a great solo activity that you can get lost in by yourself, or very social with meet-ups and workshops with like-minded people. I like using the camera to create an image that is uniquely your vision, a moment that others would have seen and captured differently. Being privileged to be in the presence of and observing many types of wildlife and witnessing behaviour you have not seen before. Capturing something you have not captured before, possibly of a moment or using a technique that you previously hadn't mastered. Trying similar again and seeing your images improve. Rousing people's interest in wildlife, conservation and the subjects you have photographed.
Read our Guide to Understanding Camera Sensor Sizes
What do you wish you'd learned about photography earlier?
I wish I'd started learning it all earlier. I wish I’d realised sooner that you learn a lot through failure. Also, it’s important to really think about images, why they work, why you are pleased with them and why you are drawn to the images you like.
Where is your favourite place for photography?
Anywhere away from crowds with an interesting subject or interesting light.
Do you have a favourite photographic technique?
I’m not sure if these are classed as techniques, but I really like shooting super low, backlit and look-throughs. I like playing around on the arty side and being a bit different, or at least trying to be. A lot of the time it doesn't work, but it is great when you do pull it off.
Can you briefly outline your approach to image processing?
I'm approachless! I don't have any pattern to how I organise my files and I bounce around editing parts different shoots. It’s not the most time-effective, but can be fun when I rediscover images I'd forgotten about.
What's your favourite lens?
My Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1L IS USM.
Do you have a favourite accessory?
My SheClicks badge, of course… Oh, do you mean an accessory for a camera? Umm... no.
Read Our Urth Magnetic ND Selects Filter Kit Plus+ Review
Have you found the perfect camera bag yet?
No, but I haven’t been looking. I have always used normal backpacks with equipment in casing or camera wraps, so I can fit a lot more other things into my bag as well.
Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L Review
Which photographers have influenced or inspired you, and how or why?
So many great photographers!
Sue Flood - I wouldn't be on the photography journey that I am on without being inspired by Sue and initially learning from her. The sharpness of her photography and the impact of how she shows a sense of scale in an image, whether it be an intimate close-up or showing a wider scene.
Andy Rouse - His compositional and working with light advice, especially backlight, and all that he gives through his Wildbunch Club that teaches and encourages us to improve in our photography. His passion that comes through in his excellent images.
Richard Peters - I love his style of using strong, powerful light and colour combined with shadows and darkness to create stunning, impactful images.
Drew Buckley - An all-rounder and a big help on the technical side, making me get better use out of my camera (if I hadn't come across Drew I would still be using my camera screen like someone learning to text!) He has substantial knowledge of puffins and how to photograph them and I’m in awe of how he captures the varying landscapes of Wales.
Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier - Their incredible images and how much they give back through their wonderful conservation work.
David Duchemin - An inspiring speaker and writer about the creative life. He’s easy to learn from with awesome and engaging perspectives in his wildlife, and other, photography.
Frans Lanting - Well, he's just Frans Lanting, isn't he? An amazing wildlife photographer spanning decades and decades.
Please recommend 2 or 3 female photographers to follow on Instagram.
Sue Flood @suefloodphotography, Cristina Mittermeier @mitty and Ellie Rothnie @ellierothnie
Is there a camera, lens or accessory that you don't have yet but you'd like to buy at some point?
I’m really happy with the equipment I have, but there’s always going to be a little voice wondering about the next model up. I’m currently coveting a decent wide-angle lens but doubt I'd use it enough to warrant the expense.
Is there a genre of photography that you love but that you haven't tried yet?
I’d like to spend some time on macro and landscape photography, and improve in those areas with the aim of widening my wildlife photography skills.
What's your proudest photographic moment?
My proudest moment whilst out shooting was finding a little owl’s nest. There wasn’t much going on, so I decided to keep myself amused by playing with different features on my camera that I hadn’t used before and I ended up accidentally tracking the male adult on a food drop to the nest. My proudest moment with an image was having a photograph selected to be in the SheClicks exhibition in Covent Garden last year and one selected as part of the SheClicks exhibition at The Photography Show 2025.
If you could have one superpower that could help you with photography, what would it be?
My superpower would have to be to be able to turn into whatever animal, insect, bird etc that I wanted to whenever I wanted. Then I would have all the superpowers as they all exist in nature. I could blend in, co-exist with, hide away and go unseen from and get close and intimate with any species I wanted. I’d have my own means of transport, get interesting and unique camera angles, explore the highest mountains and depths of the ocean and all without having to spend a lot of time and money on accessing remote and hard-to-reach places.
Your favourite baked goods are?
Welsh Cakes and Chocolate Brownies.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm Welsh, Cardiff born and bred, and then moved to London where I've been for a pretty long time now. Beside photography I love traveling, long distance hiking, wildlife, being out in nature, I play rugby and enjoy spending time sitting a pub or bar. Equally happy to be with others or to spend time in my own company as I think you get a lot out of both.
I really like true stories and meaning. I’m currently reading a lot of nature/environmental type books in an attempt to be more knowledgeable about things I care about. (I recently read Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, Wildlife in the Balance by Simon Mustoe and The Reindeer Chronicles by Judith Schwartz. All excellent and very informative reads). The five favourite images I have picked are one image of each of my five favourite subjects I've photographed to date, my lovely niece, my lovely little owls (my favourite photo of whom changes almost daily!), wolves, bears and puffins.
